Reporting on health is a major responsibility. To succeed, journalists must blend core reporting skills with a sharp understanding of science and data.
Health is a subject of interest to everyone – their own health and that of their family, friends and community.
So when you are a health journalist, people want to read your stories. You are in a privileged position: if they trust you, they might take life-changing decisions on the basis of your reporting.
This short how-to checklist is based on the article ‘Health reporting for beginners‘ by Bob Eggington, which we suggest you read before using the checklist below.
Here is your checklist for health reporting:
- [ ] Check multiple sources of information: Look at scientific research, government reports, and news from international health organisations to find your stories.
- [ ] Be 100% accurate: In health journalism, every detail must be correct. Check your facts several times before you publish. Accuracy is essential.
- [ ] Build a network of experts: Find doctors and scientists you can call to help you explain complex topics. See our article ‘Developing and handling news sources‘.
- [ ] Use simple language: Avoid using difficult medical words. If you must use them, explain what they mean so everyone can understand. See our article ‘In journalism, good writing is plain writing‘.
- [ ] Be careful with your words: Never use phrases like miracle cure. Avoid exaggerating or making people feel unnecessarily afraid. See our article ‘Adjectives and adverbs in journalism’.
- [ ] Stay impartial and independent: Do not take sides in health debates. If a story involves your own health or a family member, let another journalist write it. See our article ‘Impartiality in journalism‘ and also take a look at our ‘Impartiality scenario‘ which is about covering a health story.
- [ ] Watch out for scams: Always look for evidence. Do not report on health claims that are not backed up by real science. See ‘Facts, context, and perspectives‘.
- [ ] Know your limits: If you do not understand a scientific point, do not guess. Ask an expert to explain it to you again.
- [ ] Be honest about mistakes: If you get something wrong, admit it immediately and correct the information for your audience.
Following these steps will help you build trust with your readers and become a reliable voice in health journalism.
