Chapter 8 "Small Path, Big Story"

1/ In truth I would probably prefer to write the story without having to leave the office if at all possible, however in order to gather the best information and consequently the best story primary sources should be sought. Staying in the office 'cocoons' a reporter from the public and the real world. It confines their working life to very few events. Getting out there and talking to real people enhances the scope of your story, introduces new angles and keeps you in touch with the public. The most important resources are human, meaning that although it may be more time consuming, the story will be superior using human sources than one that goes without.

2/ I would pursue this type of story only if there was extreme public interest or necessity that these facts be brought to light. Certainly it is important to uncover these stories but unless there is an overwhelming reason to do so reporters should avoid putting themselves in jeopardy.

3/ As a reporter your primary goal is to pursue the best story. If this means working with other journalists for the sake of your own angle then so be it. This being said, if you were able to secure an interview of your own after the conference where you would ask these questions privately, this is preferable to 'journalistic incest'. Sometimes, if this is not possible, journalists may need to work together to elicit the best information. An example of this is Nixon's refusal to answer a question about Watergate, the next question from a different journalist was 'Would you please answer the previous question?'

4/ The information is technically owned by the government, however this information can become available to the public if one procures the right steps. Obtaining government information, public records, electoral rolls etc, involves varying degrees of difficulty depending on what state you are in. The information is often available to the public if the correct measures are taken.

5/ A good reporter will always research the issue and event beforehand, gaining relevant information about the topic and the conference sessions. Using this data, reporters should have an idea of which session would be most beneficial to them based on their angle and existing information. The angle the reporter is taking is integral to this decision. If researched properly there should be no conjecture as to which session would be most beneficial.