backgrounder
Preparatory information packet
A backgrounder is a briefing or document providing context on a topic, typically prepared for journalists or officials before a meeting, interview, or event.
It supplies essential facts without being the story itself: The press office distributed a backgrounder on the new policy.
In journalism, backgrounder also describes an in-depth article explaining the history or context behind current news.
Concise information session
- debriefPost-mission questioning session
- summaryCondensed account of essentials
- overviewBroad general summary
- reportFormal written findings
update · dossier · memo · intelligence · primer · orientation · rundown · synopsis
Not for attribution
- leakEscape through a breach
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- reporterOne who gathers news
- correspondentJournalist covering distant events
spokesperson · communications · newsroom · beat · embargo · attribution · press-conference
Context of events
- backdropRear stage scenery
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- circumstancesConditions affecting an event
- situationState of affairs
history · prelude · lead-up · antecedents · precedents · origins · foundations · underpinnings
briefing
Concise information session
- debriefPost-mission questioning session
- summaryCondensed account of essentials
- overviewBroad general summary
report · update · dossier · memo · intelligence · primer · orientation · rundown · synopsis · talking-points
off-the-record
Not for attribution
correspondent · spokesperson · communications · newsroom · beat · embargo · attribution · press-conference
setting
Context of events
- backdropRear stage scenery
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- circumstancesConditions affecting an event
situation · history · prelude · lead-up · antecedents · precedents · origins · foundations · underpinnings · preamble
- overviewsoverview, summary, synopsis, outline, snapshot
- leatherworkleather, tanning, carving, tanner, saddler
- PRpublic relations, press release, PR agency, media kit, PR campaign
- PR tacticspress release, press conference, media kit, spokesperson, talking points
- press materialspress release, press kit, media kit, press photo, press pass
- documentsdocument, news, email, report, letter
backgrounderbreaking news
Newly unfolding events reported
headline · lead story · scoop · exclusive · top story
backgroundernews brief
Concise news summary
summary · sound bite · blurb · snippet · capsule
- background musicAudio meant to accompany
- background noiseIncidental surrounding sounds
- background checkInvestigation of someone's history
- background radiationResidual energy from early universe
- in the background