Best Practices for Professional Journalists

Email them now to Jim Timm Who are we? Bill Kelly, Senior Producer, NET News Carrie Murphy, Office of the Mayor, City of Omaha Chris Allen, Professor of Communications, UNO Television Have questions? Email them now to Jim Timm   jim@ne-ba.org   

Why professionalism matters You will get more cooperation from your sources Better stories Increased credibility with your sources and the community It keeps you out of trouble with your bosses

Plan Ahead + Research Ahead Learn the basics about the people and the institutions in your story. What’s the organization and its purpose? Who are the members? What type of hearing has been scheduled? What action will or can be taken?

What To Wear? To be treated like a professional, dress like a professional. Versatile Appropriate to setting (Photo: UNMC)

Public Meetings & News Conferences Be on time if possible. Know the rules for cameras & microphones. Respect the rules of the body being covered. Take your interviews outside the chambers.

Going to Court IMPORTANT: supremecourt.nebraska.gov The Judge is in charge of the courtroom Review Nebraska’s procedures and rules No recording or photos without permission Judges and staff can not comment on cases IMPORTANT: supremecourt.nebraska.gov

Meeting with sources and interviews Arrive early. Use titles of authority. (e.g. Governor, Judge) Don’t arrive with food or drink. No texting, social media, or phone calls during the interview. Explain what your story intends to cover. Keep the interview as short as possible. (Source: Columbia U/”Interview Principles”)

…and for better interviews… Ask questions the source is competent to answer. Ask for clarification of complex or vague answers. Avoid lecturing, arguing or debating. Give the source ample time to reply. LISTEN to answers. (Source: Columbia U/”Interview Principles”)

Free Advice from the Columbia University J-School “Reporters who habitually violate these rules risk losing their sources. Few sources will talk to an incompetent or an exploitative reporter.” From the “Interviewing Principles” course notes

Respect for your sources “Everyone affected by our journalism deserves to be treated with decency and compassion. We listen to others. When we ask tough questions, we do so to seek answers — not confrontations. We are sensitive to differences in attitudes and culture. We minimize undue harm and take special care with those who are vulnerable or suffering. And with all subjects of our coverage, we are mindful of their privacy as we fulfill our journalistic obligations.” --from the NPR Code of Ethics

WAIT! I have more questions! Bill Kelly, Senior Producer, NET News Carrie Murphy, Office of the Mayor, City of Omaha Chris Allen, Professor of Communications, UNO Television