There’s news right under your nose!
 Feb. 2, 2009
Holly A. Heyser, Professional Journalist in Residence, Sacramento State

Questions that help you find news

• Do you see a problem that needs to be solved?
• Is something happening that changes how you and your neighbors function?
• Did you see an unusual event or happening
• Can you see a new trend? (Magic Number: 3)
• Is there an interesting new business or person in your neighborhood? (Or has one left the neighborhood?)
• How are national trends (e.g., the economy) affecting you and your neighbors?
• Do you know about something being planned?

So, what’s interesting? The test is this: Will you mention it to a friend or family member? If it’s worth mentioning to someone you care about, then it’s probably interesting.

What takes this from idle chatter to journalism?
FACTS. You have to know what you’re writing is true. This means you:

• Observed it yourself
• Were told about it in an interview with someone credible
• Verified it with other sources
• Found it in official documents

Two rules:

• If you don’t know or can’t prove it, leave it out.
• Even if you’re writing opinion, you must avoid presenting opinion as fact.

Writing
Getting ready:

• Decide what you’re writing about.
• Gather and make note of all facts that are immediately available. You’re looking for who, what, when, where, why, how.
• Determine what you don’t know. If you can fill in the blanks quickly, great.
• Think about how you would share this story with a friend or family member. What are the most interesting parts? They should be your focal point.

Writing

• The lead of your story – the first paragraph – should provide key information to the reader. If s/he stops reading there, will s/he at least know what happened?
• Write the rest of what you know in a logical order, which may be chronological or in order of importance.
• Write what you don’t know. This can be a foundation for further research – or it can invite reader input that answers questions.