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Story ideas2015
The document discusses how to find story ideas for a small town newspaper that seems to have run out of ideas. It suggests asking yourself questions about what makes you angry, curious, or worried to generate ideas. It also lists types of experts and everyday people that could serve as sources and provides reactive sources that have experienced an event or situation firsthand. The overall message is that the writer should look inward for story ideas and outward to sources within the community.
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Story ideas2015
- 1. Nothing ever happenshere…
- 2. AND WHERE TOFIND THEM Story ideas Candace Perkins Bowen ASNE-Reynolds Institute Kent State 2015
- 3. Nothing is going on here… •Nobody has any ideas • We’ve covered all of this before. • Our town is so boring. • Students don’t read the paper anyway. • Yadda yadda yadda
- 4. • What hasmade me angry lately? • What have I been curious about? • What am I planning to buy? • What did my best friend just ask? • What am I worried about? Why not ask yourself some questions?
- 5. Experts Spokespersons Doctors County health officials Lawyers Police officers College profs Auto mechanics Store employees Company representatives Red Cross volunteer Even a school public relations person And where are the sources you need?
- 6. Reactive But not… Ones who attended an event Ones who have used a product Ones who have experienced a situation The first five clueless kids in the hall. And where are the sources you need?
- 7. The answers areyour stories!
Editor's Notes
- #5 Angry: “My sister wore my sweater, and I was really mad! But that’s not news!” But is it? How about siblings getting along, with quotes from family counselors plus “real” people. Angry: “I had to pay adult price at the movie but I still can’t see shows rated R.” How ARE movie ratings assigned? What does your local theater choose and why? Or can they? Curious: New construction in town, and does that equal more jobs or more traffic or….? Curious: Don’t report rumors but do check them out. Raising the cost to park on campus? Yes, but the whole lot is being resurfaced and what does that cost? Consumer reporting: computers (don’t get stuck with the wrong one for your major in college!), iPad, new iPhone, Kindle, used cars, etc. Conduct a consumer survey, a good way to see how readers spend money, a great article with infographics plus something to use to attract advertisers. But don’t just ask kids what they think. Get the facts from mechanics, colleges and what they tell students for computers, etc. Best friend: “What are you wearing to Prom?” That could be an article on the cost of Prom dresses compared to last year, the possibility of vintage dresses or a nearby resale shop that specializes in formal wear or a non-profit that runs a special “low cost” Prom dress sale. Worried about: college costs (Are they really higher? What did the change in college loans REALLY mean? What are the advantages of going to a community college for two years? Then what does it take to transfer?); car insurance (Is there a way to avoid paying SUPER high rates, especially if you are a teen male? How can you cut costs based on the type of car you drive? What companies give breaks to those with high grades?)
- #7 Tanning. Flu Student rights,