Dateline
A dateline is a key element in news writing that shows where and when a story was written or filed. It appears at the beginning of news articles and helps readers understand the location and timing of news events. For example, "NEW YORK (AP) — " is a dateline. In modern journalism, being able to properly use and understand datelines is important because they provide context and credibility to news stories. This is especially relevant for journalists who work across different locations or cover multiple geographic areas.
Examples in Resumes
Wrote over 200 news articles with proper Dateline formatting for international coverage
Managed Dateline standards across multiple regional editions
Trained junior reporters on proper Dateline usage and Associated Press style guidelines
Typical job title: "News Reporters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find News Reporters
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where a reporter consistently makes dateline errors in international coverage?
Expected Answer: A senior journalist should discuss creating style guides, implementing review processes, and developing training programs to ensure consistency across the newsroom while maintaining quick turnaround times.
Q: How do you adapt dateline policies for digital-first publishing?
Expected Answer: Should explain balancing traditional dateline standards with digital needs, including time zone considerations, update timestamps, and maintaining clarity for online readers across different platforms.
Mid Level Questions
Q: When would you use or omit a dateline in a news story?
Expected Answer: Should explain standard practices for using datelines in local vs. international coverage, wire service requirements, and exceptions to usual dateline rules.
Q: How do you verify location information for accurate datelines?
Expected Answer: Should discuss fact-checking processes, working with correspondents, and using reliable sources to confirm story locations and timing.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a proper dateline?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic format: city (in capitals), state/country, and date, following Associated Press or house style guidelines.
Q: Why are datelines important in news writing?
Expected Answer: Should explain how datelines provide context, credibility, and geographic information to readers, helping them understand where news events took place.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic dateline formatting
- Understanding of AP Style
- Local news coverage
- Basic fact-checking
Mid (2-5 years)
- International dateline standards
- Multiple edition management
- Style guide implementation
- Editorial review processes
Senior (5+ years)
- Policy development
- Staff training
- Digital adaptation strategies
- Quality control systems
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with Associated Press style guidelines
- Inability to explain basic dateline format
- Poor geographic knowledge
- Lack of attention to detail in location verification
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