Analysis: Attributions in Pig Theft Article

by: Megan Gosch
When analyzing the article "As hog prices soar, thieves act," reported by the Star Tribune, three sources are used to explain the story. The sources named are Ryan Bode, a pig farmer, Kent Bauman, a local detective, and Rick Grommersch, a pork board member.
The sources used are scattered throughout the story and made very clear who they are. The sources are also introduced very clearly so that the reader knows who is speaking and how they relate to the story. The information in this story is mostly from the people involved in the story.
The reporter has set up the attribution to the story clearly by stating their first and last name, then explaining their title or who they are (occupation or otherwise). The attributions are effective because they clearly state who the person being introduced is without interrupting the story or blurring them with the facts.
The attributions in this story were very clear and effective, and helped to create a cohesive and interesting article.