Chapter 52. NEWS ARTICLE OR NEWS RELEASE Student Sample of a News Article or News Release --- Introduction All samples in WritingforCollege.org's chapters are by students, unless otherwise noted.  They are examples of "A" level undergraduate writing or entry-level graduate or professional work.  If more than one sample is provided, be sure to read all samples.  Then compare each to what the "Basics" section says for this type of paper.  Unless otherwise noted, sample papers do not necessarily meet all requirements an individual instructor or professional supervisor may have: ask your instructor or supervisor.  In addition, the samples are single spaced to save room.  However, a proper manuscript given to an instructor or supervisor normally should be double spaced with margins set at or close to 1" unless another format has been requested. The authors of all sample student papers in this Web site have given their permission in writing to have their work included in WritingforCollege.org.  All samples remain copyrighted by their original authors.  Other than showing it on this website, none should be used without the explicit permission of the author. --- SPECIAL NOTES: Here is a very brief, tongue-in-cheek news article or news release.  It may help you to know that "Goldy Gopher"--the subject of this news release--is the mascot of the University of Minnesota sports teams.  (Note that a normal news article or news release would not have subtitles.) Rough-Draft News Article University of Minnesota Copyright by Jennifer Serber Goldy Gopher Found Dead at the River Flats by Jennifer Serber Introduction         At four am on Sunday, October 1, 2000, the Twin Cities University of Minnesota’s own mascot, Goldy Gopher, was found dead at the river flats after the Fighting Illini lost the football game to the Gophers the day before. Who: Goldy Gopher         Goldy Gopher had been the mascot at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for the past 150 years.  His duties as mascot included performing at athletic events, new student convocation and other various university sponsored programs. What and Where: Dead at 4 am on October 1, 2000         Goldy was found dead on October 1, 2000 almost twelve hours after the conclusion of the Gopher/Illini football game.  His large head had been removed and thrown 10 feet from the rest of his body.  Joe Schmo, the passer-by who found Goldy stated, "The whole situation is sad, really. He [Goldy] brought so much love to this university.  I don’t know what we are going to do without him." Why: Illini fans upset about the outcome of the football game         Authorities suggest foul play was involved and have taken three Irate Illini fans into custody for questioning. The three men were seen earlier tipping over trash cans by the super block and expressing their disappointment in the games final score.  "We had that game, man! If it weren’t for that stupid gopher running around, the Minnesota fans would have been cheering for us," one of the men said who was later taken in by the police. Where: At the river flats         The river flats are a secluded area on campus near the Mississippi River.  They are an area where most students go to study or play sports on nice days.  "I loved going down to the river flats on sunny afternoons," exclaimed Sally Smith, "but after what happened to Goldy, I just won’t feel safe there anymore." Conclusion         The University Police Department is working along with the Minneapolis Police Department in trying to put an end to this case.  The river flats at the University will be closed until further notice.  A funeral for Goldy will be held at noon on Wednesday, October 4 at Berman Field to commemorate the many years Goldy gave of his life to support the University of Minnesota. --- Return to top.