Election Coverage: A Potpourri of Ideas

Transcript

1. Election Central 2016
   An Election Potpourri
   Jim Pumarlo
   

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2. Our agenda
    Editorial pages
    Endorsements
    Letters to the editor
    Covering results
    Election night
    Post-election analysis
    Unorthodox stories
   

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3. Endorsements
    True calling of newspapers
    Publish explanatory column
    Identify issues, criteria
    Solicit other opinions
    Allow opportunity
   for feedback
    Let readers connect dots
   

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4. Explain: Why we endorse
   ‘For the past several weeks individuals and
   organizations have been lining up behind
   candidates. They’ve outlined their support – or
   nonsupport – for candidates based on their
   specific interests. … Our special interest is the
   livelihood of the broader communities.’
   

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5. Editorial: Choices for council
   ‘Increasing pressures from Twin Cities sprawl,
   coupled with financial stress in light of a
   looming state budget deficit, mean leaders in
   both the public and private sectors must work
   doubly hard to strengthen Red Wing as a
   regional trade center.’
   

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6. Editorial: For sheriff, a draw
   ‘We spent considerable time examining this race.
   We’ve observed both candidates over the years.
   We attended candidate forums. We talked to
   people who have worked with both men. We
   asked people at random whom they support.’
   

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7. Letters to the editor
    Lifeblood of editorial page
    Be wary of orchestrated
   campaigns
    Decide criteria
    Ads vs. letters
    Stories vs. letters
    Address 11th-hour
   exchanges
   

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8. Explain: Nice try, but …
   ‘Letter-writing campaigns are very much part of
   campaign strategies today. Candidates see it as a
   way to supplement paid advertising.’
   

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9. Reporting/analyzing the results
    Be organized
    Use entire staff, all departments
    More than votes and quotes
    Do your research
    Use graphics
    Be ready for surprises
   

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10. Editorial: What did they say?
    ‘On the surface, many may see these races as
    separate outcomes. But upon closer review, one
    factor likely rang true in all three races: Voters
    sent a message that they want tighter reins on
    public spending.’
    

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11. Unorthodox stories
     Pre-election stories
     Change of pace for staff, readers
     Have some fun
     Election Day/post-election stories
     Provide analysis
    

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12. Community Newsroom Success Strategies
    “Bad News and Good Judgment:
    A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small-
    Town Newspaper"
    "Votes and Quotes:
    A Guide to Outstanding Election Campaign Coverage"
    "Journalism Primer:
    A Guide to Community News Coverage for Beginning
    and Veteran Journalists in the Age of New Media"
    Jim Pumarlo
    Newspaper Consultant
    Red Wing MN
    (651) 380-4295
    jim@pumarlo.com
    www.pumarlo.com
    

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