This guide is for journalists who want to look past the surface of a story in order to explore important news angles.
Seeking out new angles on a breaking, developing or running news story is an important part of the editorial process. Journalists have a responsibility to think through and explain how news developments affect the lives of their audience.
This guide is based on the article Developing important news angles, which we recommend you read before using the checklist below.
- [ ] Cultivate your curiosity: Always ask why and what if when you hear a piece of news. Do not just look at the main headlines; read local blogs, community forums, and academic papers to find smaller details that others might miss.
- [ ] Look past the press release: Official statements from companies or governments are only a starting point. Think about who is telling the story and what they might be hiding. Always check the facts for yourself rather than trusting the official version.
- [ ] Build strong relationships with sources: Spend time talking to people in power and those affected by their choices. Attend local events and listen to what people are saying. A good relationship with a source can give you information that no one else has.
- [ ] Follow the money: Look at how money moves between organisations or people. Financial records and public disclosures often reveal hidden reasons for why decisions are made or why certain events happen. See: The investigative journalist mindset.
- [ ] Use data to find patterns: Learn how to use simple spreadsheets and public data sets. Sometimes a story is hidden in numbers that show a trend, such as rising costs or falling school grades, which you can then explain to your readers. See: What is data journalism?
- [ ] Ask the difficult questions: Do not be afraid to challenge powerful people. Prepare your questions carefully before an interview and be persistent if they try to avoid giving you a straight answer. See: An introduction to Interviewing and The questions every journalist should ask.
- [ ] Work with other journalists: Journalism is often better when people work together. Share your knowledge with colleagues and consider joining networks of journalists to help you investigate complex topics more effectively. See: Collaborative journalism explained
- [ ] Be patient and keep trying: The best news angles are not always easy to find. Some stories take weeks or even months of research. Do not give up if your first lead does not work out immediately.
- [ ] Consider the bigger picture: Think about the long-term effect of a story. Ask yourself how a decision made today will change the lives of people in your community in five or ten years. See: Story development techniques
- [ ] Stay ethical and honest: Your reputation is your most important tool. Always be honest about where you got your information, correct your mistakes quickly, and follow professional rules to maintain the trust of your audience. See: Why editorial ethics are important.
Finding a unique angle is what separates a great journalist from the rest. Keep digging, keep asking questions, and you will soon find the stories that truly matter to your readers.
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