Exploring new angles on a news story is essential for making sure that no important facts are missed and keeping the audience fully informed.
Journalists have a responsibility to think through and explain how news developments affect the lives of their audience.
This process often takes place in news meetings where editorial staff discuss the implications of events in order to decide which deserve further investigation.
However, a journalist working alone will often have to work out the most important angles for themselves.
How a story develops
News stories break in many ways. Sometimes the first we hear of a story is on the news wires or via a news (press) release.
At other times, a journalist will have been digging around a topic and will have come up with information that deserves further investigation.
At this stage, we often have just one or two facts. Our job is to find out more. As we do, the story develops.
Eventually, we would hope to publish a comprehensive and informative report with all angles covered. So, let’s see how this works.
Digging deeper
This is important for unearthing and following up on important news angles.
Part of the job of a journalist is not just reporting the news, but also digging deeper to uncover the stories behind the headlines.
Finding and following up on important news angles is crucial for impactful journalism that informs the public and holds power accountable.
Cultivate curiosity
Finding compelling angles lies in genuine curiosity. Journalists should constantly ask “why?” and “what if?”
Develop a habit of reading widely, not just mainstream news, but also blogs, news influencers, and community forums.
Pay attention to whispers and rumours – particularly on social media – sometimes they point to bigger stories.
Go beyond the news release
Too often, journalists rely solely on press releases and official statements.
These are starting points, but they are not the whole story. Treat them with healthy scepticism.
Always ask who is benefiting from this being shared? and what information is missing?
Develop sources and cultivate relationships
Build relationships with people in positions of power, as well as those affected by their decisions. Attend community events, network, and demonstrate genuine interest in their stories.
Follow the money
Financial trails often lead to corruption, hidden agendas, and community issues that need to be highlighted and explained.
Embrace data journalism
Learn basic data analysis skills and explore publicly available datasets. Visualising data can make complex issues easier to understand for the public It can also reveal stories that might otherwise remain hidden.
Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions
Don’t shy away from asking tough questions, even of powerful individuals or institutions. Be persistent, but also respectful. Prepare thoroughly for interviews and anticipate resistance to you questioning.
Collaborate and share information
Journalism is not a solitary pursuit. Collaborate with other journalists, both within your organisation and beyond. Sharing information and expertise can lead to bigger and more impactful stories.
Stay persistent and patient
Investigative journalism takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if your initial leads don’t deliver. Be prepared to spend weeks, months, or even years pursuing a story.
Think long-term and consider the bigger picture
Don’t just focus on the immediate news. Think about the long-term implications of events and decisions. By considering the bigger picture, you can uncover stories that have lasting significance.
Be ethical and transparent
Integrity is essential. Apply the highest ethical standards in your reporting. Be transparent about your methods and sources. Correct any errors promptly and acknowledge any conflicts of interest. And build trust with the public.
Finding and following up on important news angles is challenging but rewarding. By cultivating curiosity, developing sources, and asking difficult questions, journalists can play a vital role in informing the public and holding power accountable.
