What is media writing style? Why do professional media writers in all sectors put so much time and effort into using it? Media writing style provides a set of conventions that dictate how you approach and execute your writing. Media professionals employ style because their audiences expect it, and because it helps them work together effectively and efficiently. Style conventions dictate the way that you write material for the media, whether you are a journalist, a public relations practitioner, or working in a related occupation. Your writing must be brief, concise, and aimed at a high school reading level. Above all, it must be factual and accurate. Professional media writers use style conventions for consistent application of language on many critical items including spelling, grammar and punctuation, abbreviations, job titles, numbers, and sports and weather terms, to name a few.
The Associated Press, Reuters, and other major media organizations have produced style manuals that have been used for decades in newsrooms across the world. Media writers also rely upon style conventions because their use and practice represent professionalism. Journalists, public relations practitioners, and advertising professionals all rely upon each other’s skill with style to produce high-quality writing under deadline pressure. Over the course of their careers, media professionals internalize style conventions and use them automatically.
This knowledge helps them to quickly and effectively write
any type of piece for the media. In order to advance in your media career, you will need to
learn professional style and build it into your writing.