Sunday, October 14, 2007

Consumer Journalism:&Environment: Government Beats reporting

Consumer reporting is popular today. Lot of consumer information is available in newspapers, TV & Internet.

In consumer reporting, curiosity and a common sense approach is more important than any sort of specialized expertise. Reporters should read as much about consumer affairs as possible.

Technology reporting is also popular and newspapers have started devoting a page or section each week to the specialized field. Reporters must learn about technology- it is important to have a thorough understanding and be aware of every minute detail to cover it.

Environmental

issues are important all over the world and we see it every time in the newspapers and TV. Environmental reporting requires expertise in complicated & highly technical areas. It also requires a reporter who can communicate with sources in areas ranging from all levels of Govt. to the sciences. Reporters must get all details. Must be able to pick up the lingo of environmental matters. Good writing essential to compel a reader to read the story. Reporter must be interested in the subject and must have an understanding of the technical and fancy terms of environmental matters. Reporter must be fair and balanced.

Government Beats: Learn the system thoroughly. Familiarize with the Govt. structure. Learn about the personalities in the Govt. Develop reliable sources. Be honest with your sources. Check the newspaper morgues to see if stories about the hierarchy of the Govt. have been done. Should provide good background.

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