Finding and Developing Ideas for News Stories and Articles

For a reporter, it's not hard to find things to write about when a big news story is breaking. But what about those slow news days when there are no fires, homicides or press conferences to cover? Those are the days when reporters must dig up stories on their own, stories not based on press releases but on a reporter's own observation and investigation. This ability to find and develop seemingly hidden news stories is called "enterprise reporting," and the articles found here will help you learn to develop your own ideas for stories.

Finding Ideas for News Articles

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Are you looking for newsworthy stories to cover but don’t know where to start? Here are some places you can dig up ideas for news articles worth writing about right in your own hometown. Once you’re written your article, see if you can get it published in the local community paper, or put it on your blog. 

Enterprise Reporting

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Enterprise reporting is all about the stories a reporter digs up on his or her own, what many people call “scoops.” Enterprise reporting goes beyond merely covering events. It explores the forces shaping those events. In this article, you can find out all about the importance of asking "why, " looking at "changes" in trends and more. 

Find The Local Angle

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So you've combed the local police precinct, city hall and the courthouse for stories, but you're looking for something more. National and international news typically fills the pages of big metropolitan papers, and many beginning reporters want to try their hand at covering these bigger-picture stories. In this article, you'll learn how to "localize the story," looking at how you can connect international news to your local community. 

Developing Ideas For Follow-up Stories

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While covering breaking news is straightforward – simply go to the event and write about it – developing follow-up stories can be more challenging. Here we discuss ways you can develop ideas for follow-up.

Finding Ideas for Feature Stories

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So you're interested in writing feature stories but are stumped for ideas? Here are five easy feature stories that you can do in your hometown.

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Your Citation
Rogers, Tony. "Finding and Developing Ideas for News Stories and Articles." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/developing-ideas-for-stories-2073903. Rogers, Tony. (2020, August 27). Finding and Developing Ideas for News Stories and Articles. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/developing-ideas-for-stories-2073903 Rogers, Tony. "Finding and Developing Ideas for News Stories and Articles." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/developing-ideas-for-stories-2073903 (accessed March 19, 2024).