Author Archives: Barbara Fought

Nov 26

Website To Get Background on Controversial Issues

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Barbara Fought

I have to credit National Public Radio for tipping me off to a website that I didn’t know about and should have.  It’s been around 10 years. So I want to make share it with you.   ProCon.org  includes various … Read More →

Posted in Backgrounding for News Stories | Leave a comment
Nov 07

Help For Students (and Professionals) on the Job Hunt

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Barbara Fought

I just talked with a student who is being graduated in December about how to look for jobs. So it’s that time again. Earlier I posted a list of six free job sites for those interested in jobs in radio, … Read More →

Posted in Databases, Searching | Leave a comment
Oct 17

Where Do Most Muslims Live?

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Barbara Fought

After 9/11 I got involved in an interfaith women’s group and met, for the first time, some Muslim women. I’m pleased to say several have become friends. I’ve learned a lot from them. One thing is about where Muslims live. … Read More →

Posted in Databases, Verifying Information | Leave a comment
Sep 26

Quick Trick to Find Candidate’s Supporters

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Barbara Fought

It’s political season. Perhaps you want to find a good source who is supporting Candidate X.  You want something better than person-on-the-street interviews. One underused source for who is supporting a certain candidate is your state or federal elections website. … Read More →

Posted in Databases, Searching | Leave a comment
Sep 11

Apps Journalists Need: Federal Government

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Barbara Fought

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 →

Posted in Backgrounding for News Stories, Databases, Finding Stories | Leave a comment
Aug 27

School Bell Calling? Go Back to School with BBC

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Barbara Fought

It’s about time for students to be going back to school.  And maybe you are thinking fondly about that. Are you ready for some new learning as well? Now’s a good time to add to your skills and refresh yourself. … Read More →

Posted in Finding Sources | Leave a comment
Aug 11

Check What Corporations Get Government Subsidies

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Barbara Fought

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 →

Posted in Databases, Finding Stories, Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Aug 01

Learn Your Market By Reviewing Census Stats

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Barbara Fought

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 →

Posted in Finding Stories | Leave a comment
Jul 23

People Finders: Backgrounding People

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Barbara Fought

At #IRE14 I picked up some great tips for how to background people, or confirm they are who they say they are (or whom you think they are).  Here are 5 good ones: LICENSING: Many professions are licensed. BRB Publications … Read More →

Posted in Finding Sources, Searching, Verifying Information | Leave a comment
Jul 15

Get Ready To Cover Politics and Ad Spending

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Barbara Fought

We have a highly contested Congressional seat here in New York’s 24th District and pundits are predicting the ad spending might top the record $9 million spent two years ago.  You can trace some of this TV spending.  Here is one … Read More →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment