Journalism Inspiration from a ‘Faulty’ Building A Lesson Learned from my Vacation
By Joanne Stevens
Looking at the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the chilly, damp October
evening- with unexpected intrusions of: journalism!
There
I was- standing among strangers- staring at a smaller-sized,
faulty-looking building that was stimulating emotions ranging from mirth
to empathy. There was a pulse in the air different from many other
places I’d visited. Who knows what was making these visitors’ react!
Was it the history of the building? Was it about people never
giving up? Was it because this building appeared to be flawed- but
it was still strong? Was it about the unanticipated gifts that it
has provided to so many generations of people in the neighborhood- and
from around the world? If your reporting is awesome- it will move
us.
You’re sent to cover a story. Initially it proves to
not be a story.. or you’ve learned that you’re too late for the real
deal. STOP! Can the tale be told through a few local people?
Remember: good journalism is most often defined by the process- and not
by an anticipated ‘goal’.
Before you return to the newsroom:
you’re in a new place or a new neighborhood. Poke around for new
stories or new story ideas. Get to know the locals.. enjoy your
chats with them.. hand out your cards.
Never trust just one
source- and as Helen Thomas said “I never trust anyone who wants to talk
to me”. Look for official documents. Laws, ordinances and changes
in rules- check the dates. Speak with people working in the town’s
municipal building- they can be a treasure trove.
Reporting in
a small city can be as stimulating and fascinating as you make it.
And if you love your work- it will follow you on vacation. Thank
you Italy.. Hello again RTDNA. Your News Coach is back for Round
2- with a grin.
Joanne Stevens
Previously featured on
the Radio Television Digital News Association
as the News Coach blog series.
