WA5: Write a Basic News Story with an Expert Source and Data Source Find an expert source to interview for a news story you find interesting. For instance, you might interview a personal trainer on the benefits of exercise, a sports writer on covering the Grizzlies, or an emergency room nurse on what it takes to work a busy Saturday night during the COVID pandemic. Do not interview a family member or personal friend. However, a family member or friend can recommend a source for your story. Four: Find a data source that supports your story topic. For instance, if you interview a health professional about COVID, your data might be current statistics on the number of COVID cases and deaths, locally and nationally.   The purpose of this assignment is two-fold. First, media writers must learn how to quote sources accurately, along with the mechanics of news writing style, such as correct punctuation and attribution. Second, deciding when to use a direct quote and when to paraphrase a quote is an important skill for media writers. Typically, writers can paraphrase information more clearly and concisely than sources, so don’t hesitate to do so. Here are more assignment specifics: Length: Write a 350-word story based on your interview. Be sure to include your byline  Quotes: Include at least four direct quotes. Writing tips: Never use direct quotes to introduce new information. Instead, paraphrase new information and follow the paraphrased quote with a direct quote that adds color or detail. Don’t let direct quotes go on and on. Think of a direct quote as the sound bite or icing on the cake. And finally, do not interview family members or close friends. One of skills this assignment starts to develop is how to interview sources you don’t know personally.