Whether it’s local news stories about high-school graduations or national news coverage of the latest terrorist attack, people watch and read to keep themselves informed. As such, journalists are always looking for compelling stories.
The speed of new media has increased the urgency of delivering timely and interesting news. Many journalists feel this pressure and may not have time for in-depth research or for carefully editing their work before publication. This quick-turn journalism has been criticized by some for sacrificing important details and analysis in the name of immediacy.
In addition, it has been argued that news reporting is often biased and uninformed. The way a story is presented, who is interviewed and what is given prominence in the story are all influential. Likewise, the use of certain vocabulary and phrases can give credibility to an argument or opinion. For example, “research shows” is an effective way to add credibility to a statistic.
Journalists also need to consider the impact of their choices on the public. For example, if an article includes an interview with someone who has been involved in a lawsuit or a criminal case, that person’s image is likely to be permanently marred. This is an important consideration because it can affect the public’s trust in journalists and in the media as a whole.
If a journalist asks to talk with you, be prepared for the conversation to be brief. Most journalists have limited office hours, and they will often work at night to meet news deadlines. Be sure to let them know if you have any specific questions or concerns.
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