This how-to guide sets out a checklist of the main considerations for helping journalists spot a news story.
It’s based on the MHM article ‘Spotting a news story‘ by Jaldeep Katwala. We suggest you read Jaldeep’s article before using the checklist
As a new journalist, you need to develop a nose for news. Not every event is a story, and not every story is worth telling. This guide will help you identify the best material to pursue.
Checklist for finding great stories
- [ ] Ask if it is interesting
If a story does not make you want to tell someone else about it, it might not be news. Test your idea by asking so what? If you cannot answer, the story may be too weak. - [ ] Check for originality
Consume as much news as possible so you know what has already been reported. If you have not heard the story before, and your experienced colleagues have not either, you might have found something fresh. - [ ] Look for silence
If a person involved in a story refuses to talk or avoids your calls, they might have something to hide. This is a sign that it might be worth investigating further. - [ ] Measure the impact
Think about how many people the story affects. Usually, the more people involved, the more important the story is. Even if it affects only one person, look for a wider meaning that others can relate to. - [ ] Value the difficulty
If a story is hard to tell or people are making it difficult for you to get the facts, it is often a sign of a story worth chasing. Do not give up just because it is a challenge. - [ ] Check the logic
Does the story make sense? If it sounds too strange to be true, it might be false. Always verify your facts, especially when a story seems unbelievable. - [ ] Predict the competition
A good story is one that other news outlets will want to follow once you publish it. If your rivals are likely to copy your story, you know you have found something valuable. - [ ] Plan for follow-ups
A strong news story should lead to at least three more related stories. Always think about what will happen next and who else you can talk to. - [ ] Consider the change
Ask yourself if anything will change because of your report. Will it improve lives or highlight a problem? This helps you decide if the story is in the public interest. - [ ] Protect your reputation
Ensure you are fair, impartical, and accurate. If you tell a difficult story well, you will earn the respect of your sources and your audience.
Finding news is a skill that you will improve every day. Stay curious, ask lots of questions, and keep hunting for facts.
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