Archive for June, 2009

Notes on covering breaking news

June 24, 2009

Anytime breaking news comes my first reaction is, “Can I just half ass this? It’s so inconvenient for me.”

Reporters who deliver good breaking news coverage are always ready to stop everything they’re doing and immerse themselves in what’s going on with a burning building, a nearby gunshot, or whatever.

Today I made the mistake of not asking good questions. Maybe I was lazy? Either way, I’ll lay them down here and explain my rationale behind them.

Asking the neighboring store owner of a burnt down business if he’s concerned that his neighbors are overloading their power strips.

The obvious question I failed to ask tonight is what the owners first reaction was to see his building engulfed in flames.

DOH!!!


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