1.3 Getting to know the news outlet

Even an excellent story is no good if it does not suit your news outlet. Many novice science journalists suggest topics to editors that are just not relevant to that publication or broadcast outlet. In most cases, one could have known that through careful scrutiny of what the outlet has already published or aired.

So find out what a particular news outlet has published so far on this or related topics. How do they deal with them? What angle do they take? Do they present topics just as news or also as debate?

You should also consider what type of article to write or what type of broadcast to present. If you simply wish to present news or put a story into context, a short news story is often the best format. If you have a longer story to tell that requires more information and background, a feature may be better. Or if yours is a subjective opinion, present it as a commentary piece. Radio and TV provide many different formats: interviews, reports with interview clips, documentaries. To ensure that your outline fits the news outlet, find and read/watch/listen to a published story in your chosen format. Try to get familiar with as many formats as possible.


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