NewsBeat is a newsaper industry publication by the NY Press Association.
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/653607
March 2016 NewsBeat 13 Solutions journalism in every newsroom S olutions journalism offers rigorous and compelling coverage about responses to social problems — not simply reporting about a problem. One way to start with this approach is knowing where to look for solutions. Peer-reviewed academic papers: Randomized controlled trials, case studies and literature reviews can help you uncover what is working in different spheres. Try Google Scholar or the PLoS One library. Academic experts: Once you've identified key studies of the issues, contact the authors of relevant academic papers. Find out what events define their fields, what cutting-edge research papers to explore and which academic stars to follow. Large data sets: Data sets (for example, the Global Burden of Disease report) can help pinpoint the places and institutions that are having the most success with common problems. Is something happening there that could be replicated elsewhere? People involved in implementation: One distinction between solutions journalism and traditional journalism is the emphasis on the how. Talk to the people who know not only what is happening but the nitty-gritty details of how it's done. Keep in mind that your sources have an interest in claiming success, so tune your skepticism radar. Your own expertise: If you have a beat or are drawn to a specific topic, build a network of contacts. They can tell you about innovative responses under way and introduce you to the people behind them. Your own life: If you are having trouble vetting after-school options in your town, it's likely that others are struggling as well. Are there cities that have responded to this issue? Solutions journalism isn't just about responses to problems that other people face. Some of the most successful solutions-oriented stories are grounded in personal experiences. — Reprinted from Poynter.org By VICKI KRUEGER Language of the image: Ethics for visual media P hotographs and visual images tend to generate heated debates in media organizations. Is the photograph or the video image too graphic to publish? Will it bring a public outcry if it is used on the evening news, a website, mobile device or the front page of the newspaper? The Poynter Institute has devised this checklist for ethical decision-making in photojournalism. Questions to ask before you take a photo or record or videotape: • Am I invading someone's privacy? If so, is it for an appropriate reason? • Is this a private moment of pain and suffering that needs to be seen by our readers/viewers? • Am I shooting at a distance that is not obtrusive or potentially revictimizing individuals? • Am I acting with compassion and sensitivity? Questions to ask before publication/broadcast: • Do I need more information about facts or context? • What is the news value of the photograph? • What is the motivation for publishing the photograph or using video image? • What are the ethical and legal concerns? • Who will be offended? Does such offense outweigh the value of presenting the image? • What are the possible consequences of using the photograph? • How would I react if I were in the photograph? • Are there any alternative ways to present the information to minimize harm while still telling the story in a clear way? • Will we be able to justify our actions? — Reprinted from Poynter.org