How do journalists know where the news is happening?

Question

Like if there is a fire somewhere how do the journo's know this in time to get there while its still burning? Or if there is a robbery how did they find out about it so quickly? I know the police dont tell them, so who is letting them know, how do they find out ?

Not everyone will call the media, if your house was on fire would you call the fire bridgade and then think, oh I must call my local news station now? You would be to busy freaking out to even find the number.

Answer 1

The police do tell the media. They send out press releases or give a call to a newsroom. They want to promo the fact that they ARE doing work. Same thing with fire departments. The fire cheifs in my area all have my cell number and if something big is going on the call me on the way to the scene. It's free publicity for them. Other times people who know someone involved or saw it happen on the street call the media. Reporters are also constantly checking for things online so if one finds out, we all find out. PR firms send press releases on all different things as well to get word out about something.

Answer 2

In that case, the fire department alerts a list of news outlets in the area (via telephone or E-mail, depending.) And yes, the police actually DO tell us. They send either press releases, other info or quick E-mails/phone calls.

Some media outlets have scanners, but that's fast dying in the age of E-mail.

Answer 3

If your house was on fire people walking or driving past would pick up the phone and call the media. We are fast to spread negative stuff before we spread something positive. A person would tell there friends that John just got the crap beat out of him before that person say that he just got an A on their math test.

Answer 4

I might be wrong, but I think local stations also often have fire and police scanners so they can hear the calls coming in.

Answer 5

well, after ppl have called the fire brigade, they will alert the media =D