Sidebar
A sidebar is a shorter, complementary article that appears alongside a main news story in newspapers, magazines, or digital publications. It provides additional information, background details, or related facts that enhance the reader's understanding of the main story but can be read independently. Think of it like a helpful box of extra information that makes the main story more complete and interesting. This format is commonly used across all types of publications, from local newspapers to online news websites.
Examples in Resumes
Created engaging Sidebar content for major feature stories that increased reader engagement by 25%
Developed award-winning Sidebars and Side Panels for investigative journalism series
Managed weekly production of news Sidebar elements for front-page stories
Typical job title: "News Writers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find News Writers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you decide when a story needs a sidebar and what elements should it include?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate strong editorial judgment, explaining how sidebars can enhance complex stories by breaking down statistics, providing historical context, or highlighting key points without disrupting the main narrative flow.
Q: How do you adapt sidebar content for different platforms (print vs. digital)?
Expected Answer: Should show understanding of how sidebar content can be reformatted for different media, such as expandable boxes online or interactive elements for digital platforms, while maintaining clarity and relevance.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What makes an effective sidebar different from just breaking up the main story?
Expected Answer: Should explain how sidebars should stand alone while complementing the main story, providing additional value through examples, statistics, or background information not crucial to the main narrative.
Q: How do you research and fact-check information for sidebars?
Expected Answer: Should describe their process for gathering accurate supplementary information, verifying sources, and ensuring sidebar content meets journalistic standards.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What elements typically go into a sidebar?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list common sidebar components like statistics, definitions, timelines, or biographical information that support the main story.
Q: How long should a sidebar typically be?
Expected Answer: Should understand that sidebars are usually brief (100-300 words) and focused on specific aspects that complement the main story without overshadowing it.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic news writing and reporting
- Understanding of story structure
- Basic fact-checking
- Writing clear, concise summaries
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent story development
- Advanced research skills
- Digital content adaptation
- Editorial judgment
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex story planning
- Editorial decision-making
- Content strategy development
- Team leadership and mentoring
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor writing samples or inability to write concisely
- Lack of fact-checking experience
- No understanding of journalistic ethics
- Unable to meet deadlines
- Poor research skills
Related Terms
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