Journalistic question - how to be a news hound?

Question

This probably sounds idiotic, but here goes. I'm a post-grad journalsim student, and tomorrow we have a 'live session', ie, they throw us onto the street and tell us to come back in an hour with a scoop. I've done it once before and it went horribly - I'm quite shy and more of a features writer, so this doesn't come naturally to me.

Just wondered if any journalists or clever people had any ideas/advice on how to go about this - who to approach, what to ask, where to go, etc. There only seems to be endless cafes and bars in the area.

Any help appreciated!

Thanks a lot for the help so far! Perhaps I should clarify though - it has to be a story based in the immediate area of the college and we have to find it in the space of an hour that afternoon - we're not allowed to chase things in advance.

Answer 1

There are a couple avenues you can follow to get a lead. The first thing I would do is work the phones. Get in contact with all of your local, county, and state police stations. You can say you are calling from a news service and would like to know if they have any current stories brewing. They will usually be rather cooperative in giving you what ever is going on. Next, pick up every newspaper you can get your hands on. Don't forget to pick up the little local "city-paper" type of publications. they also can be a source of a story before the "big-boys" pick up on it. listen to local news radio, or even local talk radio programs. See what the local people are all complaining about, and perhaps you can get a story out of that.

I hope I was able to help you out a little. No matter of what people may think the news media is still a noble profession to get into. Sure, there are always a few slime-bags that give us all a bad name, but as long as your facts are correct, and you verify all of those facts before printing, or airing a story, you will do just fine.

If you have any other questions, you can feel free to e mail me. I have 20 yrs experience in radio. A number of those years were spent in the news room.

Good luck.... Now go hit those streets, and find that story.

Answer 2

I would invest in a scanner or CB radio where you can hear calls and go to the sites where the news is happening to get a story. They aren't very expensive.

Also, you could go to a mall and ask a few prepared political questions about the upcoming elections regarding issues or candidates.

Or, you can call your local newspaper in advance and ask if you can shadow a reporter and interview them for scoops.

The whole thing is about being creative and using your imagination, as well as asking questions from a point of view that others would like to know the answers to.

Good Luck !