2. Using second-hand sources
You must go to the scene, and talk
to the one who saw such as
fireman or bystander.
Raise the question: How do you
know it?
Spend times and make efforts if
you value accuracy.
Do with at least two independent
sources.
Listen and take notes.
Do not write or present what you
do not understand.
3. How to verify
Direct observation.
Use reliable and knowledgeable
sources.
Use reliable documents. (For instance,
diary or letter of the deceased.)
4. Making Contacts with Sources
Choose key people in your
round/beat. (e,g. look up directory)
Begin with a telephone call.
(Explain – who you are, what to do,
need their help for reporting)
Set out what help you need. (Ask if
you visit or telephone from time to
time to have talks)
5. Contacts (contd)
Encourage your contacts to ring you,
too. (Ask them to telephone you
whenever something important happen,
before they give it to others.)
You work for readers or audience,
neither for sources nor contacts.
(E.g. restaurant review, and to keep
mistake or conspiracy secret. – a bridge
building)
6. Contacts (contd)
Keep in touch --
Call in and see them as soon as possible.
Build trust in you and respect for you.
Not be ashamed to admit you do not
understand.
Better to admit in private, than to write
silly story.
Let contacts know who else to talk to,
when away.
7. Contact (final)
Respect your source’s confidentiality.
A simple rule to follow always:
1. On-the-record to report.
2. Off-the-record not to report.
