Category Archives: Finding Sources

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 →

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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 →

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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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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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Aug 06

Rating The Expert Finders

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Barbara Fought

After seeing a Poynter article about a new expert service for journalists, Expertise Finder, I thought I’d put it through some paces. The site sounded great.  A former Canadian TV journalist, frustrated with trying to find experts on deadline, helped … Read More →

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Jul 14

Wayback Machine Helps Reporters Sleuth Out Information

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Barbara Fought

Last week when federal authorities raided the Indianapolis-area home of Jared Fogle, WFYI-FM’s reporter Ryan Delaney immediately scrambled to get reaction. Fogel, the spokesperson for Subway, gained fame for losing more than 200 pounds by eating the chain’s low-fat sandwiches. While Ryan knew … Read More →

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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 →

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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 →

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