Category Archives: Finding Stories

Jul 15

Celebrate the FOIA Anniversary by Sending One

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act, which gives citizens, as well as journalists, insights into the workings of their government. Under this law, citizens can ask for any records kept by the government.  They … Read More

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Jul 05

Eid al-Fitr Is Likely an Underreported Story

Today is Eid al-Fitr, one of the holiest days for Muslims. It’s the end of Ramadan, the season of fasting and prayer  (see previous post or read more here).   I haven’t seen many stories in local or national media about … Read More

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Jun 29

Use Social Media to Find Locals Involved in Breaking News Stories Happening Outside Your Area

So a big national or international story occurs. Your news director wants some  local connection. Social media can help you find someone related to the story. For example, let’s think about the recent explosions in Turkey. You can search on … Read More

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Jul 28

Public Records Requests Lead Reporters To Good Stories

WHTM-TV’s Amanda St. Hilaire says her trick for finding good stories is to file public records requests every week.  A general assignment reporter,  3.5  years out of college and at her second station, St. Hilaire says these requests net a … Read More

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Sep 11

Apps Journalists Need: Federal Government

You’re out in the field and you need some quick information about the federal government. Don’t hop on Google.  You can go right to many federal agencies directly. No need to page through that long Google list nor risk getting … Read More

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Aug 11

Check What Corporations Get Government Subsidies

I continue to be amazed at the online resources that I didn’t know about. I just learned about a website that allows you to look at what corporate tax breaks and subsidies are handed out by city and county governments. … Read More

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Aug 01

Learn Your Market By Reviewing Census Stats

It’s the time of year when there’s some movement on the broadcast side of the business.  This is the time of year when college graduates get jobs and thus contracts are up, two years later. If you’re new to a … Read More

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Jun 03

Killer App for Searching the Web is MindMeld

So how great would it be if you would just talk about what you need to know and immediately your hand-held device would interpret what you say and send you relevant information about places, subjects and facts that you’re talking … Read More

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May 29

Foursquare Splits in Two. Less Helpful for Sources.

I loved the technique I discovered of how journalists could find a good source for a story that related to a particular location.  The person who checked in at a venue the most — and thus might be a good … Read More

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Apr 30

Get Inspired: Storytellers Showcases Stories and Tips

It’s going to rain all week where I live in Syracuse:  Spring blahs with summer not quite here. It’s a  time for inspiration and we all need inspiration in our work. I found it at the TV Storytellers facebook page … Read More

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