Work from a checklist: Video
“You can check that off the list.” We say that all the time. Intuitively, we recognize that making a list, and following it, ensures that the job gets done. That it is complete — and done right. But when it comes to journalism, we are often suspicious of anything that sounds like a “formula.” It [...]
Take 10 steps to better enterprise ideas
In thinking about enterprise story ideas — as master’s students are doing now in their six-week news writing boot camp at the Newhouse School — I am reminded how difficult it is sometimes to develop, as some say, “a story from nothing.” Or so it may seem. But, in fact, the beauty of enterprise ideas [...]
Avoid the “I” word: Video
Last week we talked about a “shared language” for content and conversations, and this week we continue the “words matter” theme. If you think about it, you realize how often in story conversations — or in conversations generally — you or someone else says, “I like it.” Or, “I don’t.” In the newsroom, these words [...]
Letting things go: Video
Letting things go. Perhaps someone at some time has gently advised you to “let it go.” Maybe you have told someone else — or yourself — this same thing. In interpersonal relationships in the workplace or when handling a story, you’ll be in situations in which you must know when to “let it go.” When [...]
Saving a Story: Video
Saving a story requires good judgment and the ability to think clearly and objectively on deadline. The credibility of everyone — reporter, editor, news organization — is at risk when a problematic story is published. That’s why editors must recognize when a story needs attention, and they must know how to react. In our book, [...]
Data can’t rule every decision
A tweet from a Paley Center event Friday in New York got me going a bit. The venue was The Future of Journalism Education summit. And the Tweet read something like this: “Just stumped panel with question about who’s following them on Twitter. No one has data.” Ah. Data. Data is great. We find out [...]
