I often talk to journalism students about the under-appreciated joys of great news in brief writing. So I wanted to share this one, that I ripped from the bottom right hand corner of a page of Friday’s London Metro newspaper. It’s a model of economy, including a right of reply. All in just over 80 words:
Councillor told to apologise for her Muslim rant
A Conservative councillor has been reprimanded for saying “all Muslims are terrorists” during an equality and diversity course. Marjorie Snowden also asked why colleagues would be interested in Black History Month. Mrs Snowden, who is in her 70s, was told by West Dorset district council to write a letter of apology to the complainant and retake the training. Replying to the complaints, she said: “I am afraid the truth does hurt on occasion. My comments at all times were true and personal to me.”
