Sources (2)
- 1. Sources of Sources Advanced Newswriting JMC 2601 Fall, 2012
- 2. Why use Sources? Contribute info gathered over a long period Add a new (human) level of information Lead the reader into each aspect of the topic (and help structure the story) Add expert insights To confirm controversial statements Provide contrasting perspectives Satisfy reader’s… Expectations of a range of information and Need for info to base their conclusions on
- 3. The Importance of Sources Primary origin of credibility Reporters fill in gaps, select and organize information, “connect the dots”, etc. Instant expertise is crucial but weaker Reports mix information and analysis The best of both often come from sources Help readers reach their own conclusions Gives the reporter “cover” defensibility
- 4. Why Care about Sources? Credibility with readers Industry respect Self-satisfaction Curiosity Social benefit Professional “investment”
- 5. Relating to Sources Cynicism: only believe/defend under pressure Source information is guilty until proven… Think of them as your ally or antagonist Consider the implications of using any source Who might complain, disagree, contradict Imagine being challenged on every source Careers can be won and lost through sources
- 6. Thinking about Stories Topic (abstract, shallow fact) Angle (includes perspective and point) Levels Themes (main elements within the story) Sub-themes (varied aspects of elements) Support for subthemes (information) Conclusions make sense of three levels
- 7. Opinion and Analysis Opinions are quick, shallow, and weak Reflects personal views and biases Good for savor, personal connection, etc. We are all experts for ourselves and our mothers Analyses are studied, substantive, and strong Reflects some kind of expertise Allows real insight into the topic In reporting, analysis must rule opinion Reporters can become sources of analysis
- 8. Kinds of Sources Human Personal experience or perspective Reporter Journalistic observation Raw information Initial data Interpreted information (direct/indirect) Expert analysis and conclusions
- 9. Humanity Add a human dimension Identifying sources: Past reports/files Recommendation from contact Referral from a previous source Observation “Digging” at the edges of the scene (hunches, etc.) Working along the chain if talk to President, seek out the messenger Credibility is essential
- 10. Group Representatives Some sources represent categories Assumption is that their views are general Ex: minorities, women, workers, students... Useful for elaboration An extension of personal experience Problems: How representative? Stereotypes? How to attribute?
- 11. Anonymous Sources Increasingly, sources don’t want to go on the record… and news organs are unwilling to use anonymous The tradeoff is info vs. credibility Public mistrust of journalists hurts The information should be critical Identify them as fully as possible Legal, ethical and professional issue
- 12. Kinds of Attribution On the record: full and open quotes Unattributed: quoted but not cited “not for attribution” Off the record: general, uncited; AKA Background or “experts say”, etc. Deep background: only context for sensitive topics
- 13. Documentary Sources General RoT: a document is as good as its source Major secondary skills are identifying, Accessing, Representing/quoting sources
- 14. Documentary Sources Direct access: Published Unpublished Online Data Graphics/photographic Public records Databases Organizations
- 15. Online Easy to get, easy to dismiss Attitudes are changing with familiarity Best to confirm with secondary check Especially with controversial topic Consider mainstream Web as a huge set of leads more than useful sources
- 16. Data Sets of raw information from experts Researchers, historians, etc. Usually needs help to interpret Getting that creates a second chore Local historians, amateurs, etc.
- 17. Public Records Lots are online Credible/defensible Freedom of Information Act Institutional Archivists Reference Librarians/stacks
- 18. Graphics/Photographics Non-verbal data are a kind of source If it directly relates to your point Works with increasingly visual culture Lots of archives (most charge, like Bettman Archives) Many locals have good visuals Always ask
- 19. Organizations Associations, etc. “Encyclopedia of Associations” “Ask” other sources who to contact Information is available but purposive Seek opposing organizations
- 20. Databases Commercial (including CD-ROMs) “Public Information Utilities” (web engines) Academic Professional Governmental Personal Special-Interest
- 21. Document Pre-Sources Advertisements Local News Briefs Neighbors Blogs, chatrooms, etc.
- 22. Mental Games How to identify sources Logic/intuition/curiosity “What if”? “On the other hand” “Who cares? Who knows?” Something that isn’t said/written Connecting the dots and finding patterns beyond them
- 23. Guidelines for Using Sources Wonder what reader wants to know, who they would ask List themes within story Ask “who would know/care about this?” Assess experience, knowledge, etc. Consider in mini-context How fits other info on the theme Decide themes early to ID sources early
- 24. Relating to a source Always ask a source… Who else should I talk to? What is a opposing viewpoint? Do you know of any documents on this topic? What is a good source of context/background? People rarely volunteer other sources Suspect those who do We always pay a price for convenience Look hard for new sources in printed ones References, mentions, ideas to follow up