Don't be afraid to open
your eyes to see stories.
How to
Develop Story Ideas
At some newspapers, editors tell reporters what stories to cover.
The problem with this is that editors - for the most part - don't have the eyes or the ears of their reporters. They aren't out talking to people and hearing about news.
Reporters are the best sources of story ideas.
Some stories are obvious like a murder at a Taco Bell or a bank robbery. Without question, these are breaking news and must be covered.
There are times, however, when reporters will hit dry spells of no breaking news. This is when reporters need an understanding of their readers. They need to know what will be of use to them or of interest to them. They need to know what will entertain them and what may make them read all of the way to the end.
Reporters need to work their sources. Call them just to
chat. "Hey, what's going on? Have you heard of anything interesting that's
been happening?" It is often amazing how sources or public officials will
begin talking about the weather and then drop a great story right in a reporters
lap.
Don't forget your own newspaper as a source for story ideas. Read notices about
upcoming events. Also, check out the classified section. Sometimes, there are
leads on fascinating features there. A reporter once got a lead on a
long-dormant murder case from a classified ad.
Attend public events and parties. (Be careful not to eat the food unless you
pay your own way - we'll cover this in ethics.) But listen to what is being
talked about. Ask people in a position to know what is going on in your
community.