Tips on how to write and report

Five news writing tips for all

1. The latest development on a story is not always the lead-point. Often it's best to stay with the original 'peg' but update the story to insert later news high up. For instance, BBC radio reported that two dogs had killed a baby, but very soon it was leading on the fact that "two dogs have been destroyed after killing a baby..." Wrong; the baby's death should still have been the lead point as its was more important than the dogs' destruction. Another example: an explosion and fire at an oil refinery killed dozens of workers. Within the same news cycle, another broadcaster moved on too soon to report that "An inquiry has been launched into a major explosion which..." Again, the later development (the inquiry) was not the most important angle at that stage - that remained the explosion and casualties.

2. Louis Heren, a legendary correspondent for The Times of London, said when asked his advice to young political reporters: “Find out why the lying b*****ds are lying.” It may sound extreme and over-cynical in these days of touchy-feely politics. But there is good reason why reporters should keep an adversarial relationship with politicians and not cosy-up to them. Heren’s advice was simple: assume that the politician is concealing the truth, and then look for the reason why. If you can find neither lie nor reason, it may be that the truth actually is being spoken – at least you have tried to test it.

3. Many readers and listeners to the news are natural sceptics and don't want to believe anything you write. It’s your task to convince them of your veracity and fairness. If you believe what you are writing, make them believe you!

4. Be a talker as well as a listener. Good reporters talk to just about everyone. Most folk want to talk with a reporter and tell them what they think, and often you can learn something useful. The best interviews can happen when you find something your subject really wants to talk about

5. Honesty breeds trust, and trust often leads to good stories. Don’t try to be too clever. Tell it like it is, as they say.


From: http://www.reuterslink.org/tips/index.htm