1. Hall School of Journalism and Communication
JRN 2201 Reporting
Dr. Steven Padgett
Hall School of Journalism and Communication
Troy University
Class Notes III

2. Covering events . . .
Many news stores covered by newspapers and the electronic/digital media center around events.
While these types of stories may be “routine” to reporters, they are important to the audience.

3. Meeting Madness

4. Meetings
By now, you should know that reporters don’t hand around the newsroom all day waiting for someone to phone in a big tip.
Lots of news is planned, such as covering meetings and speeches.

5. Meetings
Keep in mind that sometimes important decisions are made at meetings and important information is given at speeches.

6. Coverage vs. Advances
Advances alert your readers, viewers and listeners to coming events.
Advances let the audience know:
What will happen
When it will happen
Where it will happen
Who will be involved
The Daybook in the Trop is one form of an advance.

7. Coverage vs. Advances Covering the actual speech or meeting Needed:
Advanced preparation
Sound news judgment
Accuracy
An ear for interesting quotes
An eye for compelling details

8. Issues: You may be covering a topic that you are unfamiliar with
Meeting may cover complicated issues
Some topics may be confusing
Strong personalities may be involved
You don’t want to misunderstand what is being decided or the importance of these decisions

9. Planning to cover meetings
Try to learn about the meeting and the participants before attending
Try to learn about the agenda before the meeting
Many organizations release the agenda prior to their meetings
Think about what may be newsworthy at this meeting

10. Covering the Meeting Arrive early, find a good seat
Introduce yourself to the speaker/participants
Take detailed notes
Talk to the speaker/participants after the meeting
Talk to groups/individuals who might have different points of view or who may be affected by the actions taken to help you provide a story as complete possible

11. Remember your readers
Clarify issues so that your readers will understand
Clarify jargon
Check facts
Check controversial statements
Talk to as many different people as practical

12. Writing your story . . . Quotes add color – use them!
Describe what you see
Good quotes should be up high in your story
Human interest should be up high in your story

13. Writing your story . . .
Accuracy

14. About choosing your words
We’ve talked about this before in your previous assignments
Stay away from “editorial” words in your copy.
For example, you don’t want to call an event “remarkable.” But, you can write your story so that the reader will say “That’s remarkable.”

15. Closing thoughts
Your lede should focus on the most important point from the meeting
You cannot pack all of the points into your lede
If you need to list the less-important actions in your story, these may be placed near the end of it or in a sidebar.

16. Are there any questions?
Additional questions?
Are there any questions?

17. There will be more next time!
The End