1. Chap 11

2. “The reporting, through one’s own initiative and work product, of matters of importance to readers, viewers or listeners. In many cases, the subjects of the reporting wish the matters under scrutiny to remain undisclosed.”  According to Investigative reporters and editors Inc.

3.  Not always on bad things  Can be to ▪ Provide depth on an issue ▪ Inform people ▪ Bring awareness  One thing to ask  “What’s not working?”

4.  Investigation into inadequate laws ▪ Underage drinking ▪ Cell phone laws ▪ Smoking laws  What are other laws that can be investigated?

5.  Thorough reporting requires ▪ Lots of time ▪ Digging and research  Is what you are being told true? ▪ Look for supporting documents (pg 139) ▪ Health dept. records (restaurants, cafeterias, etc.) ▪ Lawsuits against the school ▪ School budgets ▪ Salary data ▪ Accreditation ▪ Crime

6.  Different than public schools  Look for the info that is public ▪ Public contracts ▪ Financial aid info ▪ IRS Form 990 – (Pg 141)

7.  Very helpful in investigative work  Excel/Google docs ▪ Help filter info  For data driven stories ▪ Find stats online ▪ Get budgets ▪ Look for trends  Explain trends ▪ Find key people ▪ Use numbers sparingly

8.  This can be the lead in to great stories  If you have a hunch ▪ Follow up, see if there’s something there ▪ Campus emails ▪ Anonymous tips ▪ Things that seem weird ▪ Rules that don’t seem procedural ▪ Things people are objectionable about

9.  Know it in and out  Know it better than your administrators ▪ Resources ▪ States open record laws ▪ SPLC ▪ What is the Brown Act? ▪ How does it apply to journalism?

10.  Human sources ▪ Make stories come alive  Sometimes people don’t want to talk ▪ Develop relationships ▪ Work on interviewing/People skills ▪ Build your up source book