Election coverage: Introducing the Candidates

Transcript

1. Election Central 2016 Introducing and Covering the Candidates Jim Pumarlo
2. Element: Introducing candidates The YOYO factor  Rookie reporter  Alone in newsroom  First impressions to electorate mean everything  Clearinghouse of information
3. Our agenda  Introducing the candidates  Interviewing the candidates  The questions  Continuing coverage  Identify, evaluate elements  Explain your coverage
4. Put yourselves in their shoes  Applying for a job  The electorate is your audience  Newspapers in best position to present information in clear, meaningful manner
5. Prepare a checklist  Know the issues  Prepare the questions  Assign reporters to races  Decide on format  Prep advertising department  Scrutinize press releases
6. The questions  Be ready for scripted answers to usual questions  Brainstorm unorthodox questions  Why are you running?  Anything you’d like to add?
7. Continuing coverage  Candidate profiles  Candidate Q&As  Press releases  Candidate forums  Position papers  Photo requests  Use the Web
8. Explain: Setting ground rules ‘Our goal is to keep readers abreast of as many campaigns as possible through Associated Press and staff reports. The greatest attention will naturally be given to local candidates and local races.’
9. 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