Whether you want to break into a newspaper, TV broadcast, radio show, or an online publication (like Her Campus, for instance!), starting out in journalism can be fun but also a little intimidating. Without a doubt, you’ll run into your fair share of challenges, ranging from sources not getting back to you to your recorder running out of battery during a pivotal moment. Sometimes it really does come down to the wire!
When I started reporting in my first year of journalism school, I had to learn about these ups and downs the hard way, just like any new reporter. Now that I’m in my third year, I definitely still have a lot to learn, but I’ve been fortunate enough to gather a few little tips here and there to help your story chasing go as smoothly as possible.
1. Keep track of every source you talk to
Yes, I mean every source. Keeping record of every source you’ve talked to is not only beneficial for organizational purposes, but it gives you a list of people who might be willing to talk to you or your colleagues for a future story!
I recommend using a spreadsheet or a dedicated notebook to write down the source’s name, contact info, and the context in which you spoke to them. This is also super helpful in case your editor asks for this information to help you with your story or in the case that you need to verify something a source said. No more sorting through crumpled sticky notes or scrolling endlessly through your phone contacts and old text messages!
2. Don’t be afraid to cold call!
This is probably one of the most nerve-wracking necessities of a young journalist’s career. So, you’ve expertly found the contact info of the person you’re trying to reach. If your deadline is a little further into the future and you can afford to wait a couple of days to interview them, it’s likely okay to email first. But, one thing you can expect in any newsroom is that you’ll undoubtedly be tasked with chasing a same-day story, which means you need to find and talk to sources ASAP.
In this case, you most likely need to cold call – AKA call someone without first letting them know you’ll be calling them. Yes, this can definitely be anxiety-inducing, but remember this: if the source’s phone number is publicly available, it’s there for a reason! So don’t hesitate to leave a voicemail if they don’t pick up right away. But, as always, exercise politeness and respect. Try not to call during leisure hours (like 10pm on a Saturday, for instance), and always identify who you are and what you’re hoping to talk to them about.
Being a kind and respectful journalist can get you further than you expect!
3. Wear something colourful
Hear me out –– this is a little-known tip that I always recommend! When you’re meeting a source in public, wear something that makes you stand out. For example, I always wear something like a red sweater. That way, when I’m initially arranging the meeting, I can let them know that I’ll be the one wearing the red sweater at the far corner of the coffee shop. No more wandering around and hoping to find them because it’ll be so much easier for them to find you! This simple action can help save time and lessen confusion, helping your interview go smoothly right out of the gate.
4. When in doubt, stick to the past, present, and future structure
Say you’re in a situation where you unexpectedly have the opportunity to talk to a source but you haven’t prepared for the interview. No need to panic! For example, if you’re speaking to a source about a specific issue, it’s always helpful to ask them about the past, present, and the future: have them talk about the context behind the issue/how it started, what it looks like now and how it’s being addressed, and what it might look like in the future.
Of course, tailor the questions to be as specific as possible and always leave them open-ended. Be sure to ask about the names of the people involved and the impacts and goals they’re trying to achieve!
Also, timestamps, timestamps, timestamps! When in the middle of recording an interview, you’ll most likely hear quotes that make you go “Wow, I think that’d be a great quote to use!” So, write down the timestamp from your recorder when this quote occurred. That way, when you’re reviewing your material, you know where in the recording you can go when looking for a specific quote.
5. Always ask for more people to talk to
This is key! If a source is willing to talk to you and help you develop your story, chances are they know someone else who would be willing to talk to you as well. But you won’t know unless you ask, so always note down the names of people they mention and ask for their contact info if possible, and always finish your interviews by asking them who else you could speak to. Again, being respectful here can get you sources you might not expect!
Chasing sources and story ideas can definitely prove to have its obstacles, but that’s where the fun in reporting comes in! Being a journalist can be a gratifying role, and it’s what you decide to make of it. The more stories you write and people you talk to, the more likely it is that you’ll become a natural at it, so don’t give up.
Do you have a tip for the young reporter? Let me know, because I need as much help as I can get!