The document outlines various strategies for journalists to effectively use social media in their reporting. Key suggestions include engaging with sources, utilizing platforms for breaking news, and leveraging crowdsourcing to gather information and content. It emphasizes the importance of connecting with officials, agencies, and the public to enhance storytelling and reporting efforts.

1. Using social media
on your beat
Steve Buttry
New Haven Register
sbuttry@journalregister.com
June 8, 2011

2. Read more about it
• stevebuttry.wordpress.com
• slideshare.net/stevebuttry
• @stevebuttry
• zombiejournalism.com

3. What’s your social media strategy?

4. Ways to use social media
• Daily routine
• Find sources
• Breaking news
• Crowdsourcing
• Investigative reporting
• Distribute content

5. • Follow officials & agencies on beat
• Twitter Search (advanced)
• Hashtags (regular & spontaneous)
• NearbyTweets
• Breaking news
• Crowdsourcing

6. • Connect w/ sources (balance,
disclosure?)
• Check pages of agencies, people on beat
• Crowdsourcing
• Look for people in the news
• Ask for permission to use photos

7. • Do agencies on beat post photos?
• Search for keywords, photos
• Invite people to contribute photos on
news stories
• Connect w/ people posting photos
• Seek permission (check conditions)
• Give credit

8. • Do agencies, people on beat use?
• Watch for public videos getting attention
(will often see links, mentions on Twitter)
• Embed in stories, blogs

9. • “Mayor” is great source about a business
or venue (employee or customer)
• See who has checked in for breaking
news story
• Tips might provide questions for stories
• Break story w/ Foursquare “shout”

10. • Connect with sources
• Find new sources through connections,
groups
• Discussions help find experts
• Check updates, slides, travel

11. Read more about it
• stevebuttry.wordpress.com
• slideshare.net/stevebuttry
• @stevebuttry
• zombiejournalism.com