By Xie Yifan

Thursday, October 24, 2008

Two seasoned journalists of Xin Min Weekly, a local news magazine with a large circulation, talked with SISU students from the U.S. Presidential election reporting team Thursday afternoon and provided advice on producing in-depth feature stories, which are scheduled to be published in the weekly's early November issue.

"Keen observation, comprehensive analysis and insightful comments are the very reasons why readers trust a weekly's coverage on major events," said Su Qingxian, the executive editor of Xin Min Weekly, "exclusive research and interviews are also among our biggest assets."

On writing skills, Su recommended the 'Wall Street Style', which usually begins a lengthy feature story with an anecdote or a snippet of detailed description.

"A unique angle makes your story stand out, and you need to work hard on gleaning insights," said Su.

Another challenge facing these six students as they travel from State to State while trying to dig out news every day is to meet the deadline of each story.

Xie Qinchuan, the junior journalism major, said it would be a "demanding task" as he just started the year-long feature writing course this semester, yet he didn't get daunted at all.

“Journalists have to keep the deadlines in mind even if the work is tough,” said Xie.

Cao Jingxing, a commentator of HK-based Pheonix TV and the supervisor of the team, previously worked for Asiaweek for eight years.

"The minute you step onto the plane, the interview begins," said Cao.

This afternoon meeting concludes the month-long training session starting from September. Anchors of ICS (one of the only two English language TV channels in China), former chief editor of Jie Fang Daily and professors of Kent State University had shared with the reporting team the background on American social, economical and political issues to provide insights and their experience as journalists as well.

Six students of the team will head for the U.S. next Monday for two weeks to observe and report the historical presidential election from in swing states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.