xm decay. DVDs of nt weekend nt types of Newsgathering he secret of good journalism is in newsgathering. You may be a very good ‘writer but if your facts are all wrong, then you are not a journalist—you are fiction writer. “The amount of data you will need to write your story depends on the type of news article you are planning to write. If you are writing & straight news story, then you must begin newsgathering by getting the 5 15 (who, what, where, when, and ‘vhy) and H (how) from the witnesses of the event. The more in-depth the ston the vive time should be spent on gathering data. In fact, as a rule of thumb, reporters Tllect more data than they need for a story. This way, they can be certain that chey can explain and expound well on the idea, ssue, or event. “The secret to finding a story is having what journalists call a “nose for news’, which is the ability to recognize the news value of an idea, event, oF issue. A person is, vid to have a nose for news when he/she can recognize something that he/she sees or hears as something that would interest alot of other people or is something that people need to know about. For example, ifthe mayor is seen talking fo the principal pete school, this can mean many things: the mayor will sponsor a school event; he is planning to give funds for a new building; his daughrer will be enrolling in the School; or he is simply visiting all the schools in his municipality ‘A person is sid to have a nose for news when he/she has the ability t recognize luce which may be very casual but may lead to the discovery of important news, For sample, ia teacher is seen packing up his things ftom his office and loading these boxes of his personal stuff in a ca, it could mean that he has been fired from his job and will not be returning. [Also, a person is said to have a nose for news when he/she has the ability to recognize the connection or impact of some other news on his/her own coverage tes For example, after a typhoon that hits a certain provinee or municipality, a relared "story could be the number of people in your school who come from those places and who were badly affected by it. News Sources A news source is traditionally defined as a person, publication, or document that contributes to the information needed in reporting an idea, issue, or event. But these sources do not drop out of the sky into the reporter’ lap. Journalists have to diligently seek them out. To ensure that all events are covered by a newspaper, journalists are usually assigned to news beats, which represent areas of coverage wherein reporters are expected to gather news of the day’s events. The term is actually borrowed from a US. police terminology. In the early nineteenth century, police patrols were given “beats,” or areas which the police officers had to patrol to ensure the safety of that part of the community. Beats are part of the newspaper’ structure to ensure that all important events are covered. Major beats are identified as: police, city hall, the Congress, justice, and Malacafang (Office of the President). Other minor beats include: education, agriculture, environment, and health. On the other hand, general-assignment reporters are those who do not have a specific beat but cover breaking news stories assigned to them on a daily basis by the paper's editors A beat reporter is expected to know the persons who wield power and influence in a specific area. For example, a police beat reporter should know the heads of the Philippine National Police and the various police precinct chief’, A justice beat reporter should know the officials of the Department of Justice and the justices of the Supreme Court; while the city hall beat means familiarity with the mayor and other local government officials. Knowing the names of your potential sources and their responsibilities can save you from going on a wild goose chase when going after a story. For example, in doing a story on crime statistics in Manila, the reporter can go directly to the Western Police District headquarters, which is responsible for the city of Manila, rather than going to the Eastern Police District headquarters, which is responsible for the Pasig City area. Apart from high-ranking officials, news sources can include the people who work under them. These people, while they may not be direct sources of news, can give the reporter tips or valuable information that can lead to a news story. ‘Tips for effective beat coverage 1. Get to know the organizational structure of the government offices under your beat. For example, if you are assigned to the police beat, you should know the organizational chart of the Philippine National Police, the heads of the various divisions, such as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Police Community Relations, 12 Courus Joursaustose places and document that gent. But these veto diligently sts are usually reporters are ed from aUS. : given “beats,” at part of the portant events gress, justice, ide: education, cal-assignment 1g news stories ¢ and influence je heads of the A justice beat s justices of the yor and other jes can save you ple, in doing a Western Police than going to ig City area. sople who work ws, can give the st offices under eat, you should plice, the heads ‘and Detection WIM sss LIBRARY 2, Make a courtesy call to the heads of each division or department in your beat “This is one way of familiarizing yourself with your sources and getting them to know you. 3. Keep a litle black book of your sources’ direct landlines and cell phone numbers. 4, Get to know the stakeholders in the private sector or affiliated non- government organizations. These can be sources for public eactions on new Policies and the ik. They can also be sources for hot issues in the beat 5. Get to know your colleagues in the beat. In certain situations, it is better to cover an event as a group than to go and cover an event by yourself For a high school paper, beats could actually correspond to sections of the paper For example, ifthe paper has a science section, then there could be a science feat reporting on the school’ science fair. Other beats could include school administration, student affairs, and sports. Newsgathering Methods ‘There are three basic methods of newsgathering: observing, interviewing, and researching, Obeservation “The best and primary method of newsgathering is by observation. Journalists are expected to be eyewitnesses of the event, tasked with recording that parcel of history: 'A journalist would have to be in Mendiola to report about rally being staged there. Apart from observing the placards and banners of the sllysts and listening to their chants, the journalist can do on-the-spot interviews with the rally’s leaders and participants to gain a better understanding of their cause. The reporter can also observe and gather information regarding the response of government or whatever entity the rally is being directed against. Tn covering a sports event for a high school paper, the reporter should actually attend the intramurals in order to be able to highlight the interesting and/or ‘unusual aspects of the tournament instead of merely reporting about who won the games. Interview “When doing a story on an issue rather than an event, the best newsgathering method is the interview. Interviews provide a quick source of expertise regarding an ieoue as well a8 provide insight into an event. Interviews also add prominence and/or color to a news story or feature. However, the usefulness of an interview depends on the ability of the journalist to ask questions and note the respondent's answers. Failure on either point means the ‘failure of the interview in generating a good story. A formal or one-on-one interview is B 19-19856 CAMARCHILES, MITANAD.DVGalways the best option because it allows both the reporter and the source to delve into a specific topic with more calm and greater reflection. It is also more respectfll than the ambush interview method, which often means barging into a source's work ot home environment without prior warning, Tips for effective interviewing Before the interview 1. Even before setting up an interview, the journalist should do some background research on the issue or topic of the story to determine: (a) what has already been published, and (b) who are the most knowledgeable sources on the topic. 2. Once the sources have been determined, set appointments. Ideally, an appointment should be set at a time when the source is not rushing for a deadline or some other urgent business. It is customary to give the source an idea of what the interview will be about to allow him to also prepare for it. However, the journalist should try to avoid giving the source a set of questions in advance. 3. A set of questions should be drafted before going to the interview. Ideally, these are open-ended questions to allow the source to expound on the topic. Closed questions, which are answerable by yes or no, should be avoided. For ' example, you are interviewing the school principal on a story on a new policy f for school uniforms she had recently announced: Closed question: Do you think there is @ need for a new policy for school uniforms? Open-ended: Wy is there a need for a new policy for school uniforms? On the day of the interview 1. Dress appropriately. If you are interviewing a school official, then it is bést to be dressed in your school uniform, if you have one. If not, dress alittle better than you would normally do for school. For example, instead of wearing a faded T-shirt, try to dress smart by opting for a shirt with a collar. Wear Pants, not shorts or miniskirt. Make sure you have a working ballpoint pen, small notebook, and a digital voice recorder. 2. Be on time. Its the first impression you will make on the source. When you meet the source for the first time, make sure to introduce Yourself properly and state the purpose of your interview before proceeding b with the interview. Albvays ask the source's permission before recording the f conversation, tl t 14 Ciurus Jouruaucnve into a 4. Before ending the interview, atk for a moment to review your notes: Check [than the yout list of questions to make sure you ave not forgotten to as anything, ‘Also, check your notes for points of clarification. sor home 5. Listen carefilly to what the source says and look out for nonverbal cues. This will help you determine if you need to make a follow-up question that is not qh your orginal lst, Do not be overly dependent on your recorder: If for some reaton technology fails you, you should have enough notes to be able to write your story. do some 6. Even ifthe source is dull, try to look interested in what he/she is saying: A a what aaee may become unwilling to answer your questions if you look bored or eenrces. in a hurry (e.g. you keep checking your watch or: looking at your cell phone). 3 1. Do not antagonize the source. Always ask questions courteously and never eet argue with the source even if you disagree with his/her opinion. Remember hing for a ‘that you are there to get his/her side ‘of the issue and not debate with him/her. the source So prepare However you may try to get his/her reaction to counterarguments, Going ce a set of tack to the school uniform example, the reporter can ask, “What can you si about the negative reaction of some parents as regards the new policy” mv. Ideally, Instead of a question, you can also see how the source will react 10 Tnstw\ene. For example, sy, “Some people say that changing che uniform wil a tan additional burden to parents with younger children, since they will no pempolicy Ionger be able to pass the elder childs uniform to his younges siblings.” 8, If the source cites a document, such as a statistical study or « policy Paper request for a copy of the document. pe? 4, Bnd the interview by asking for the persons direct landline/esll phone and permission to cal in case you have additional questions. Make sure ro thank the source for the time he/she has allotted to see you. Afier the interviews it is best to bite better 1. Try to tamsribe the interview on the same day so that i stl fesh in your F wearing & memory. a Weer 2, deally the story is also waiten on the same day ot atleast a few days after ipoint pen, want che interview would also be fresh in the source's memory and he/she wat be mow willing t entertain your call should you have farther questions Seperate: Most stories are better written if they do not depend on a single interview. A aad balanced story tiesto get both sides of the story for instance, those who SuPpOr § gording the proposal and those who are aginst. However the reporter should Keen mind eer he/she is after the truth. So, if he/she realizes that one side is citing false claims to support their argument, then this should also be “uncovered” inthe story Curren 2:Newscaneme 15Journalists usually resort to ambush interviews when a source is elusive. Journalists often do a stakeout of the source in his/her office or home to get a quote for two, since no appointment could be made and the interview is essential to the story. Ambush interviews are also common in particular beats in order to meet daily deadlines. Oftentimes, cabinet secretaries are rarely able to predict their availability for a sit-down, one-on-one interview. However, a journalist should be able to zero in on important questions since sources will rarely take the time to go into a lengthy discussion on the issues being asked during an ambush. Similarly, phone and e-mail interviews should ideally be limited to follow-up questions. A journalist can never be certain of the veracity of information from this type of interview because of the absence of nonverbal cues. In an e-mail interview, we are not even sure if it is the person him-/herself who answered the e-mail or his/her staff Nonetheless, phone and e-mail interviews are useful if the journalist is merely looking for background information, taking an informal survey regarding an issue, or seeking additional opinions for a story. Research Documents as Source ‘Documents, with or without an interview to accompany it, can be news sources. Many documents are available to the public and are easily accessible. For example, Supreme Court decisions are released by the high court’: Public Information Office and this will give a reporter his/her story for the day. Business stories can also be written from the quarterly release of the National Income Accounts fiom the National Statisties Office. Basic documents in the police beat could range from a copy of the blotter entry to the investigator's report on the crime. In school, policy statement or copy of memorandum to faculty or students can be the source of news. The annual report of the school administration, especially for private schools, is also a possible source for news, ‘While the document can stand on its own, it is always better to get an expert source to comment on it.In this way, we do not run the danger of misinterpreting the document and also, we can put greater context to the data obtained. An eyewitness or an expert viewpoint can always help us understand the data better. Moreover, it is also not possible to record every detail of an event. Even something as important as the Gospel, we have St. John admitting, “But there are also many other things which Jesus did which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written.” (John 21:25) 16 Cvrus Journausnis. elusive get a quote ntial to the y meet daily availability stions since ssues being > follow-up a from this iterview, we J or his/her t is merely an issue, or Ws sources. x example, sion Office ran also be “from the fer entry to dents can pecially for Fan expert preting the d the data pent. Even re are also the world en.” (John Anonymous Sources ‘Many news articles rely on the so-called anonymous source, or a source who is not named but tagged as a “source who requested anonymity” or ‘an unnamed source,” or a “government source.” As much as possible, the journalist should strive to look for sources who can be named and quoted. The problem with anonymous sources is that they lack credibility. What assurance does the reader have that the source is a true person and not the figment of the writer's imagination? Anonymous sources should only be used when the revelation of the source's identity could mean a threat to his/her well-being, ranging from the loss of a job to the loss of his/her life. Speaking off the record implies that the source is willing to share the information to give the journalist a lead as to what is happening. If the source asks the journalist to keep everything he/she says off the record, it means that the journalist cannot use this information in his/her story but must seek other more official sources. ‘The journalist should also realize the gravity of agreeing to protect the identity of his/her source. Once promised, the journalist should be ready to go to the extreme situation of spending time in jail for refusing to reveal the source's identity when summoned to reveal it by a court order. Internet Sourcing In this day and age, the first place anyone goes for information is the Internet. It hhas become a global source of information from the weather to medical diagnosis to every student’s homework. Unfortunately, not everything on the Internet is factual. Keep in mind that the low cost of publication on the World Wide Web has brought about a large number of dubious websites that appear to be informative but aze realy just falsehood or, worse, malicious pranks. So as not to get duped, efforts should be made to ensure that the information you have accessed from the Internet is legitimate data. To assess the credibility of the Internet source, here are some things anyone researching on the Internet should look out for: 1. Authorship ~ For ideas and issues, check if the author is an academic, an expert in the field, or just a random blogger. For events, check if the author is the organizer, an eyewitness, or a a random storyteller. 2. Publisher - Who published the material? Was it a news site, an online academic journal, a nongovernmental organization, a personal blog? Checking the “About Us” page will also help you assess the credibility of the website. (Gurren 2: Nenssn‘The domain of the site can also help identify its publisher. For example, the library of the University of the Philippines (UP) is , the domain “.edu” immediately tells you that the site is indeed an educational institution, the address “ilib.upd” tells you that this is the Internet Library of UP Diliman. In any case, a basic knowledge of domains is always useful. What do domains mean? ‘© edu = educational institution ‘© com, -biz, and .net = commercial site ‘© gov = government institution or agency © .ong = nonprofit organization Philippine government offices always have the “gov.ph” domain. Another way of checking a website is by visiting the website called Who Is Hosting This, at . If the ‘website claims to be in the Philippines but is hosted by an unknown company in California, then you need to double-check the authenticity of the site. Date - Is the website current? Is the date of publication indicated? If this is not identifiable, the information may be false or, at best, outdated. Writing style ~ Is the writing style journalistic or academic? Is it written in good Filipino or English? Bad grammar is almost always an indicator of a non-credible website. . Tone - What is the tone of the websites language? For example, the site US Press News looks very much like an authentic news site, but the sarcastic or witty tone of the articles should give the viewer a clear signal that it is not to be believed. ‘Viewpoint ~ Is there any sort of bias evident in the website? Is the online article published in a well-known publication or organization of is it on an e-zine (ie., an online magazine) from an unknown source? If the article is published in an online version of a well-known publication, then one can judge the article’s credibility based on the reputation of that organization or publication. Web sites are created for a reason. Most Web sites are upfront about their raison détre and the Web researcher should keep this in mind when using information from these sites. 18 Cenrus Journauisu