Recent Writing

When is the last time readers said they were misquoted in a story? Or called to say they’re pleased with a story but irritated by a headline? Or took issue with how their ideas and statements were presented in a story?

What’s the impact of a legislative budget-balancing bill on local schools? How will a proposed change in the market value of commercial/industrial property affect city taxes on residential parcels? Will a proposed constitutional amendment on transportation funding pit metro vs. rural interests?

The race among states to be first in selecting presidential candidates guarantees that holiday gatherings are likely to be interrupted by political telemarketers. The accelerated election season also means that newspapers must be prepared for all candidate announcements.

A regional arts council distributes funds to local artists, courtesy of a grant from the state arts board. A start-up company gets a boost from a venture capital fund. A local bike trail will finally connect two cities, thanks to support from a new state trails program.

This even-numbered year launches another election cycle. Some newspapers are well into the mode with spring elections. It’s not too early for everyone to convene a brainstorming session for the general elections this fall. In all cases, it’s essential to pay attention to the central figures: the candidates.

Another election season is under way, and newsrooms are gearing up for campaigns that last weeks and even months. Coverage will consume the news pages from candidate profiles and community forums to photo requests and letters to the editor. And don’t forget the steady barrage of press releases.

Nearly every editor can likely relate to this phone call: “Hi, I’m in charge of publicity for the Lions Club. I’ve been asked to contact you about a story to promote our upcoming rib fest.” You insert the organization and the event.

A reader complained about a published letter that supported teachers in their contract dispute: Did the editor know the writer was the spouse of a teacher? Why wasn’t that noted since the writer has a self-interest in the outcome of negotiations?

A family’s farm is devastated by a tornado. A reporter is on the scene moments afterward to record the events, including talking with family members.
A student commits suicide and, understandably, it’s a shock to many people. A story documents the community’s response; the family relives the episode, blow by blow.

A reader denounces the newspaper for shortchanging the “honest comments of a longtime local resident” by publishing a rebuttal from an out-of-state resident – “a professional who has a vested interest, a doubtful local connection to the Red Wing community.”