Recent Writing

Spend any time in a newsroom and numbers readily become a fact of everyday reporting. Reporters’ eyes can easily become glazed by the stream of statistics.

Newspapers frequently ask how they can promote a lively exchange of ideas in their communities.
There’s no silver bullet, but one premise is fundamental: Letters are the lifeblood of an editorial page. Take steps to ensure substantive letters, and you’re well on your way to making your editorial page a must-read. My apologies in advance to anyone who takes offense, but thank-you letters should be at the bottom of the pile – if they ever are published.

When is the last time a reader challenged the accuracy of a story? Or complained that a headline was misleading and sensational? Or charged that a major advertiser was given preferential treatment in a story? Or said a video posted on the website was selectively and unfairly edited?

Nothing is more important to establishing a community newspaper as the premier source for local information than being the first with the news. Hand in hand, however, is being responsible in your coverage.

A newspaper praises the selection of the new city council president as the best person to lead the community through the year’s challenges. An editorial looks skeptical upon the school district’s choice to close and reconfigure school buildings as detrimental to student and family interests. An editor’s commentary applauds the compromise reached by all stakeholders on the proposal to develop valuable riverfront property in the downtown.

Coverage of cops and courts is among the staples of community news. Though reports are vitally important to readers, the coverage by its nature is almost always done in piecemeal. Attention is typically given to the initial incident and charges, and possibly the first court appearance, yet it may be weeks or months later until a case is fully resolved.

Individuals arrive unannounced to launch their candidacy for an elective office. On another front, have you ever had candidates say the stories profiling their campaigns are biased? Or how do you evaluate the barrage of photo requests during election season?

Quiz a roomful of editors and reporters about their most memorable editorials. Ask them which have generated the greatest reaction.
The noteworthy commentaries invariably delivered messages targeted at specific decision-makers who were in position to advance specific policies.

U.S. federal elections are a year away. Numerous other jurisdictions will conduct elections between now and then. It’s not too early to begin outlining your election coverage.

How many editors have faced reporting bad news – or, put another way – making an uncomfortable news decision? Pressed by a reader for the rationale, you’ve replied, “That’s our policy,” or “It doesn’t meet our guidelines.” Yet, in the calm and privacy of your office, you reflect, “We could have done a better job.”