Category Archives: Backgrounding for News Stories

Nov 25

Beef Up Your Storytelling with a Statistic Here or There

I’m always encouraging reporters to find a new nugget of news, or a statistic or some context for their story to add value. So here’s a way to find some statistics if you’re reporting on a particular industry. Thanks to … Read More

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Nov 04

Great Aid for Tracking Newsmakers

My colleague, Jon Glass, sent me a note last week that one of our alums had just gotten a big new job.  I congratulated the alum, via email, and he emailed back that  we were among the first to know. … Read More

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Oct 10

Get Stats On Google Databoard or Create Infographics

If you are looking for some research about mobile and media, check out Google’s new databoard. It currently offers research on how consumers: search with a mobile device navigate multiple screens shop in stores with a smartphone, and use online … Read More

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Sep 17

HistoryPin Offers Historical Photos and Information

Here’s a quirky website that I just came across.  It might be an interesting place for new reporters to go to learn a bit about history in their new area. Or by looking at the photos there,  a daily reporter … Read More

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Aug 29

Quick Source for Data on Metro Areas

Checking out a new city for a job?  Or need some quick stats for a story where you are working?  The Data Dashboard, part of the Urban Institute‘s Metro Trends is a helpful resource. You will find 366 metro areas … Read More

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May 02

Five Best Websites for Agriculture Stats and Reports

Spring has finally come to Central New York. One of my friends said driving around this week was like living in time lapse, with one day first bare tree limbs, the next a green haze on the branches, and then … Read More

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Dec 24

Quick primer on guns

I’ve been looking for more than a week for a good site to recommend to all of you, like me, who may not be familiar with guns.  I just found one. Here is a primer from Mother Jones, the investigative … Read More

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Dec 12

Reporting Produce and Food

My mother loved to tell the story of getting an orange on Christmas in her stocking and what a big deal it was to her as a child. That was 70 years ago.  Today I have a choice of many … Read More

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Dec 05

Use this Site for Drunken Driving Statistics

What happens every 48 seconds, 30 times a day? The headline probably gave away the answer: Someone is killed in an alcohol-related transportation accident. That’s according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, republished by the Centers for Disease Control … Read More

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Nov 30

Here’s a Primer on December Holidays

The neighbors have outlined their home in lights, the city’s done its annual Christmas tree celebration and the sound of ringing bells echoes around the Salvation Army kettle.  We’re hardly through Thanksgiving but it’s holiday time. Here’s a primer on … Read More

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