Summary of Summer Journalism Bootcampt Day 1 — Instructional Session

Summary of "Summer Journalism Bootcamp Day 1 — Instructional Session"

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Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Introduction and Background

• The session begins with introductions of the speakers, all affiliated with The Daily Free Press (a student newspaper at Boston University), highlighting their roles such as editor-in-chief, managing editor, city editor, and features editor.
• The Daily Free Press is an independent student newspaper, financially supported by advertisers and donors, not by the university, allowing editorial freedom.
• The newspaper celebrated its 50th anniversary, emphasizing its longstanding tradition of covering campus issues, including crises like campus closures.

2. Overview of the Workshop

• Topics covered include:
  • Ethics of reporting
  • Determining newsworthiness
  • Finding story ideas
  • The reporting process

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3. Ethics of Reporting

Based on the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, focusing on four key principles:

• Seek Truth and Report It
  • Always prioritize accuracy and honesty.
  • Fact-check all information; do not sacrifice truth for speed.
  • Present full context and fairness by including multiple perspectives.
  • Contact all relevant parties, especially those criticized, to get their side.
• Minimize Harm
  • Be cautious about the impact of reporting on individuals, especially private individuals.
  • Public figures are held to a higher standard of accountability.
  • Avoid unnecessary harm, such as revealing identities of vulnerable protesters.
  • Consult editors when in doubt about potential harm.
• Act Independently
  • Avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., don’t report on organizations or people you are affiliated with).
  • Decline gifts or payments from sources.
  • Never allow sources editorial control over your story.
  • Do not share drafts with sources, but fact verification is allowed.
• Be Accountable and Transparent
  • Correct mistakes visibly and promptly.
  • Identify yourself as a journalist.
  • Attribute information clearly to sources.
  • Engage openly with readers, especially about controversial stories.
  • Journalism serves democracy and public trust is essential.

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4. Fact-Checking Process

• The Daily Free Press uses a rigorous multi-round fact-checking system including:
  • Requiring recorded interviews with transcriptions.
  • Checking quotes and proper nouns.
  • Multiple editors review facts.
• No universal online fact checker exists; reporters must verify facts individually using directories, social media, white pages, LinkedIn, etc.
• Anonymous sources are used only when necessary for protection; otherwise, named sources are preferred.
• Opinion pieces must also adhere to factual accuracy and ethical guidelines.

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5. Newsworthiness

• Factors to consider when choosing stories:
  • Timeliness: Recent or breaking news, often sourced from press releases or official announcements.
  • Proximity: Relevance to the local community or campus.
  • Impact: Number of people affected or significance of the issue.
  • Human Interest: Stories that evoke emotion or provide insight into people’s lives.
• Localize national stories by focusing on how they affect your campus or community.
• Avoid simply repeating press releases; add depth and new angles.

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6. Finding Story Ideas

• Use press releases and get added to press lists.
• Follow social media, local news, and other college newspapers for inspiration.
• Look for unanswered questions or gaps in coverage.
• Investigative stories often arise from listening to community complaints or analyzing data trends.
• Ask sources for referrals to other relevant contacts.

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7. Reporting and Interviewing

Finding Sources:

• Identify all parties involved or affected.
• Reach out to government officials, advocacy groups, experts, and local organizations.
• Be creative and persistent in contacting sources.
• Email professionally and follow up with calls.
• If sources don’t respond, note their refusal to comment.

Interview Preparation:

• Research the topic and source background.
• Prepare questions but be flexible to follow interesting leads.
• Ask open-ended questions that evoke emotion or unique insights.
• Clarify jargon and technical terms for reader understanding.

Interview Ethics and Techniques:

• Always identify yourself as a reporter.
• Obtain permission before recording (legal requirements vary by state).
• Use recording devices/apps (e.g., TapeACall, Otter.ai) and take notes.
• Let interviewees speak without interruption; use silence strategically.
• Avoid sharing drafts with sources; verify facts only.
• Phone interviews preferred over email for authenticity and timeliness.
• Handle follow-up questions carefully and don’t fear asking for clarification multiple times.

Handling Difficult Situations:

• If sources feel misrepresented, review with editors and consider corrections.
• Don’t let sources control the narrative.
• If interviews conflict with class times, seek accommodations.

Notable Quotes

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Educational

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