Assignment #2

Components of the Basic News Story

1. HEADLINE: Thousands gather on Capitol steps for animal rights

2. SUMMARY LEAD: WASHINGTON-Thousand of animals rights activists rallied in the nation’s capital yesterday. Seeking to promote the humane treatment of animals in the wild, on farms and in research laboratories.

3. BACKUP: U.S. Capitol Police said an estimated 24,000 people attended a rally on the steps of the Capitol after a one-mile march down Pennsylvania Avenue under sunny skies. Organizers said more than 50,000 people from around the country showed up.
The LEAD QUOTE: “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”

4. IMPACT: Peter Linck, coordinator of the march, said the ultimate goal of the animal rights activists was to stop the use of animals in scientific research. However, he conceded it was unlikely the public would adopt the stance. “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”

5. ATTRIBUTION: (backup with attribution) U.S. Capitol Police said an estimated 24,000 people attended a rally on the steps of the Capitol after a one-mile march down Pennsylvania Avenue under sunny skies. Organizers said more than 50,000 people from around the country showed up…Marchers chanted, “Animal rights now.” …Peter Linck, coordinator of the march, said the ultimate goal of the animal rights activists was to stop the use of animals in scientific research. However, he conceded it was unlikely the public would adopt the stance. “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”…Health and Human Services Secretary Louis W. Sullivan has criticized the animal-rights advocates who use violence and intimidation to block testing of animals…Sullivan said some of the greatest advances in medicine, such as the cure for polio, never would have been achieved had animals not been used in tests.

6. BACKGROUND: Organizers said “March for Animals”--the first events of its kind--was a milestone in a movement they said was once viewed as outside the mainstream. Among the groups participating were the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, the U.S. Humane Society and the Doris Day Animal League.

7. ELABORATION: Marchers chanted, “Animal rights--now.” Many carried banners and placards with pictures and slogans saying things such as “Fur id Dead” and “Animals Have Rights, Too.” Some brought their dogs…
The event attracted a wide variety of animal supporters, Linck said. They ranged from those who want protection of species, such as elephants, to those seeking to end medical testing on animals. Many were seeking changes in the way animals are raised for slaughter, as well as a band on fur clothes.

8. ENDING (FUTURE ACTION): Participants in yesterday’s march planned to lobby Congress today in support of bills that deal with animal issues.