Journalism Archive

When researching a story, academic research can provide you with data and findings that can help you with a story.   The helpful  folks at Journalist’s Resource have a list of seven ways to get your eyes on research that is sometimes behind a paywall.

As the they mention,  More  

Associated Press Political Writer John O’Connor is an expert at using FOIA to obtain documents for scoops and added depth to his reporting.  He spoke to the Illinois News Broadcasters Association convention over the weekend.    He has advice for those who would like to do more of this type of reporting.   More  

Harvard’s Shorenstein Center released a good tip sheet on covering issues of poverty.   The recent edition of Journalist’s Resource featured both tips on getting it right and what to avoid.

We are about two months away from election day.   A resource available with a couple of clicks will let you keep track on spending in your area State legislative races. Donations of $1,000 or more are required to be reported within five days.

Keep tabs on the spending.  More  

When Illinois’ high court releases opinions, you have as quick of access to them as anyone else.    The Court last week released more than 15 opinions.   Usually there are fewer releases at one time.   If you take the time to review these, you can find stories than can be of either regional or statewide interest.   More  

Ask yourself five questions about the most obvious, dull and well worn story and see if something is being overlooked because it’s in plain sight.   Just because everyone knows about an issue or the “way it is” in politics,  doesn’t mean there’s not a fresh angle, or a follow-up or unasked question.  More  

This week’s tip actually isn’t about an interviewing skill. It is about asking people who are likely in the know what is under-reported.

Next time you are chatting with the secretary at the school board office or a mid-level administrator in the courthouse, tell them you are doing an informal survey.   More  

When you hit the summer news doldrums its an opportunity to look back in time to get some fresh news.  One of those basic principles that many of us never have time to do is the “followup!”

Pick a random week from a year ago and look through the stories your newsroom covered at the time.     More  

This week’s tip might seem basic, but it’s always important, as someone once said, “to be brilliant on the basics.” A good infielder takes a lot of ground balls in practice.

When you are wrapping up an interview or background conversation with someone, always remember to ask them “Is there anything else you would like to add?”.   More