Author Archives: Barbara Fought

Aug 09

Find Sources By Using “If This, Then That”

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Barbara Fought

I love it when I can get software to do work for me. Quicker, better,  smarter reporting– that’s the goal of this blog. So  here’s one new tool that saves me so much time and does something I would never … Read More →

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Jul 15

Celebrate the FOIA Anniversary by Sending One

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Barbara Fought

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 →

Posted in Databases, Finding Sources, Finding Stories | Leave a comment
Jul 05

Eid al-Fitr Is Likely an Underreported Story

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Barbara Fought

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 →

Posted in Backgrounding for News Stories, Finding Sources, Finding Stories | Leave a comment
Jun 29

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

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Barbara Fought

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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Jun 13

Learn More About Guns in Light of #Orlando

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Barbara Fought

I am not very familiar with guns and think I should be. I think all journalists should be.  In light of the shootings in Orlando, some of the resources I mentioned in a previous post are still valid: a primer … Read More →

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Jun 06

Helping Your Audience in Hurricane Season

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Barbara Fought

With Florida under a Tropical Storm Watch, I thought it time to update and repost some resources for both journalists and citizens related to hurricanes. FEMA advice on what to do before, during and after a hurricane Apps for readers, … Read More →

Posted in Continuing Coverage, Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Jun 06

How to Report on Ramadan

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Barbara Fought

Last night began Ramadan, the holiest month for the world’s 1.3 billion. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, and most of its followers are not in the Middle East. Here are some resources for covering Ramadan in the next … Read More →

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Sep 01

Ready Rep on Sabbatical

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Barbara Fought

I’m taking a break from the blog to work on a new online media law class. Hope to return soon. –Barbara Fought 

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Aug 25

Several Services Offer Ways to Track Bankruptcies

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Barbara Fought

updated 9-3 to correct information about PacerMonitor “Every reporter is going to have to cover a bankruptcy case that means something to their local community,” says Wall Street Journal reporter Katy Stech, who covers bankruptcy exclusively. The traditional way, the … Read More →

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Aug 13

Alert Services Helped Producer During Breaking News

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Barbara Fought

If you tuned into WXII-TV at 11 p.m. on June 17, you’d have heard live phone interviews with two people in Charleston, S.C., explaining the chaos following a shooting at a local church. The story, as you know now, captivated … Read More →

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