1. Best Practices for Professional Journalists

2. 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?
them now to Jim Timm    

3. 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

4. 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?

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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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”)

9. …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”)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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