Tool: News story checklist

The following is a structured checklist tool for journalists to consider in order to ensure they produce strong news stories.

It’s been created by bringing together suggestions from professional journalists in the Media Helping Media network. Feel free to use this checklist to ensure your story is well-researched, compelling, and impactful.

Journalist’s news story checklist

1. Research & preparation
   • Identify the news angle – Why is this story important?
     • Read: How to develop important news angles
   • Verify all facts, names, dates, and locations.
     • Read: Fact-checking and adding context
   • Gather background information and context.
     • Read: Story development making sure all angles are covered
   • Consult multiple credible sources for diversity of perspectives.
     • Read: News sources and the ‘so what factor’
2. Interviews & sources
   • Identify key sources (experts, eyewitnesses, officials, etc.).
     • Read: News sources and the ‘so what factor’
   • Prepare thoughtful, open-ended questions.
     • Read: Preparing for an interview
   • Record and take notes accurately.
     • Read: The importance of keeping records
   • Fact-check and confirm quotes.
     • Read: Beyond basic fact-checking
   • Maintain ethical sourcing and attribution.
     • Read: Referencing, attribution and plagiarism
3. Writing & structure
   • Craft a compelling lead (who, what, when, where, why, how).
     • Read: The essential questions all journalists should ask
   • Organise information in an inverted pyramid format (most important details first).
     • Read: The essential elements of a news story
   • Ensure clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.
     • Read: Accuracy in journalism
     • Read: Clarity is as important at accuracy
     • Read: Language and style – the basics
     • Read: Clichés, journalese, and jargon
   • Provide context and background without overwhelming the reader.
     • Read: Proactive journalism making sure all angles are covered
   • Use active voice and strong verbs.
     • Read: The active and passive voices in news
   • Avoid adjectives and adverbs.
     • Read: The use of adjectives and adverbs in journalism
4. Editorial ethics
   • Avoid bias and present all relevant viewpoints.
     • Read: Why editorial ethics are important
     • Read: Unconscious bias and its impact on journalism
   • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
     • Read: Integrity in journalism
   • Protect confidential sources when necessary.
     • Read: Respecting privacy as a journalist
   • Ensure quotes and data are not taken out of context.
     • Read: Fairness in journalism
5. Multimedia & presentation
   • Include relevant photos, videos, audio, infographics, or charts.
     • Read: Constructing a news package for TV
     • Read: Constructing a news package for radio
   • Verify image sources and obtain proper permissions.
     • Read: Letting the pictures tell the story
   • Write clear, engaging captions.
     • Read: The power of words
6. Editing & accuracy check
   • Proofread for grammar, spelling, and typos.
     • Read: Grammar for journalists
     • Read: How to spot your own mistakes
   • Verify all facts, names, and figures again.
   • Cross-check sources and citations.
   • Ensure hyperlinks (if applicable) are correct.
   • Get feedback from an editor or colleague.
7. Publishing & distribution
   • Select the right platform (print, online, TV, radio, social media).
   • Optimise for SEO (search engine optimisation) and social sharing (if digital).
   • Add relevant tags, categories, and metadata.
   • Monitor audience engagement and be ready to update or correct if needed.

This checklist helps ensure a well-rounded, ethical, and impactful news story.