1. Beat Reporting

2. Many New Yorkers have fallen victim to the latest booming business of petty car towing across the five boroughs. In what seems to be a growing field on the streets of New York, many locals are worried their car will be the next target of this frivolous operation. Keith Kaplan, a Long Island native, has been one of the many New Yorkers who have been victimized by these petty tows. “One-second my car was there, and the next it was gone!”, said Kaplan.

3. Opinion

5. Steps to starting a new beat Yes, this is like a college degree

6. Steps to starting a new beat Yes, this is like a college degree Get to know contacts

7. Steps to starting a new beat Yes, this is like a college degree Get to know contacts Understand editorial expectations

8. Steps to starting a new beat Yes, this is like a college degree Get to know contacts Understand editorial expectations Remember your readers‘ needs and interests

9. Lots of different beats City Government Education Police Religion Science Sports Business Media

10. Types of stories Regular daily coverage Enterprise - in-depth

11. Reporting tips Beat reporting is like gardening. You need to cultivate news.

12. Reporting tips Beat reporting is like gardening. You need to cultivate news. Follow up on stories.

13. Reporting tips Beat reporting is like gardening. You need to cultivate news. Follow up on stories. Be present. Go to events.

14. Reporting tips Beat reporting is like gardening. You need to cultivate news. Follow up on stories. Be present. Go to events. Build relationships. Remember to use sources smartly.

15. Writing on a beat Make things clear. Don't overuse technical jargon.

16. Writing on a beat Make things clear. Don't overuse technical jargon. Make it human. Show how it impacts people's lives.

17. Writing on a beat Make things clear. Don't overuse technical jargon. Make it human. Show how it impacts people's lives. Money is always interesting. How much is public paying.

18. Writing on a beat Make things clear. Don't overuse technical jargon. Make it human. Show how it impacts people's lives. Money is always interesting. How much is public paying. Ask questions like you represent the readers.

20. Assignment Find a local angle for your beat Write a 400 word story Inside Reporting, p. 52-63