Formulas In Journalism???

Well this isn't your math class formula. We're not trying to find the value of 'x' here! But the Wall Street Journal Formula is definitely a helpful calculation for journalist.

So, if the Wall Street Journal Formula were actually a mathematical equation, it would look something like x+y=z.

x= A feature lede, which is usually speaking of a real person. An anecdote is a creative way to open a story. The nut graph acts as a bridge linking the lede with the rest of the story. This is also used to give the reader insight on why this story is being told.

y= Support. After the nut graph, the story is open to more quotes from secondary sources along with facts and figures.

z= The end! But you want to loop 'z' back to the beginning of the article, to give the story a sense of finality.

I'm pretty sure that this equation is mathematically incorrect! This is the very reason I'm a journalism major!