1. BEAT REPORTING

2.  Divides coverage into logical areas that produce news  Reporters divided into groups to cover a certain beat.  Investigate potential sources & collect contact information.  Make regular contact with the sources of possible news to find out what’s worth writing about.  Check additional sources (calendars, website, meeting notes, etc.)  For school stories, mix of adult & student sources when possible.  Fill out beat report sheets regularly.  Keep a general beat report sheet in classroom binder.  Keep your own beat report sheet in your notebook (more detailed information for each issue).  Write a brief description of the news item & fill out a story planner.  Submit to appropriate editor.  Provide fair and even coverage.  Consider your angle! WHAT IS THE BEAT SYSTEM? WHAT IS THE REPORTER’S ROLE?

3. PROSCONS Provide routine news efficiently Source may not have news (or know that they have news) Divide and conquer; allows for specialized knowledge Focused on one specific beat; less variety for reporter Even coverage, less repetition Your beat may not have a lot going on or have too much going on Place to start for story ideas Can get stuck in a rut – story styles & topics Variety of opinions & angles More representative of all readers – not just newspaper staff PROS & CONS OF A BEAT SYSTEM

4. 1.Identify your sources & gather contact information 2.Fill out a “beat sheet” on Google Docs 3.Print a copy for the class binder (school events or community events) 4.Print a copy for your own notebook 5.Add important events to Google calendar for staff HOW TO COVER A BEAT

5.  School  Administration (1)  Academics (2)  Sports (3)  Clubs & Organizations (4)  Student Life (5)  Community (1 each, 5 total)  Laws/Community concerns  LCPS News  Events & Entertainment  Job & Volunteer opportunities  New businesses/Reviews WHAT ARE OUR BEATS?  National & International (2 each)  Hard news stories  Local impact  Entertainment  Environment  Politics

6. WHAT SOURCES SHOULD I CONSULT?  School  Calendar (HHS)  Activities page (HHS)  Announcements  Community  LCPS calendar  LCPS homepage  Loudoun County website  Town of Leesburg website  Teen Advisory Council website  Loudoun Times-Mirror  Leesburg Today  National & International  Washington Post  New York Times  USA Today  BBC  CNN