It’s based on the article ‘Story development‘ which we recommend trainers read before adapting this lesson outline for your own purposes.

Learning objective

Students will identify and analyse multiple news angles for a breaking story, focusing on the complexity and interconnections of the issue. They will evaluate the significance of each angle to enhance public understanding and debate.

• Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson, I’ll be able to find and assess different angles of a breaking news story in order to help the audience understand its importance to their lives.
• Standards: Students will be able to find multiple related and informative news angles to follow when covering a breaking news story.

Learning activities

Warm-up

Show students a recent news headline about a natural disaster. Ask them to jot down answers to the following questions:

• What happened?
• Why is it important?
• Who is affected?

Have students share their responses with a partner. Then, select a few students to share their thoughts with the class. This will activate their understanding of basic journalistic questions and prepare them to explore multiple angles in news story development.

Direct instruction

• Introduce the story development model: Explain the concept of story development using the flooding in Vietnam as a case study. Highlight the importance of asking the basic journalistic questions: What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who. Emphasise that these questions form the foundation of the main story and headline.
• Expand with facts and data: Discuss how to expand the story by piecing together facts and verifying them with at least two independent sources. Use the flooding example to illustrate how to gather a fact file, maps, and profiles. Introduce the role of data in supporting evidence, and demonstrate how to verify data reliability by consulting officials, NGOs, and academics.
• Explore angles and consequences: Guide students in identifying new story angles by examining the impact and consequences of the flooding. Discuss potential angles such as the economic impact, infrastructure damage, and community effects. Encourage students to think critically about accountability and future prevention plans, using the flooding scenario to explore these aspects.

Guided practice

Think, Pair, Share: Guide students through a structured activity to practice identifying and analysing news angles.

• Think: Present students with a brief news article about a recent flooding event. Ask them to individually identify potential news angles beyond the main story. Encourage them to consider angles related to impact, responsibility, and future prevention.
• Pair: Have students pair up to discuss their identified angles. Instruct them to compare their ideas and refine their angles by considering additional perspectives or missing information.
• Share: Facilitate a class discussion where pairs share their refined angles. Encourage students to explain the significance of each angle and how it contributes to a deeper understanding of the story.
• Collect and display: As students share, scribe their angles on the board, organising them into categories such as impact, responsibility, and future plans. This visual display will serve as a reference for the class.
• Reflect: Conclude the activity by asking students to reflect on how identifying multiple angles enhances the depth and quality of news reporting. Encourage them to consider how this practice can be applied to other news stories.

Independent practice

• Research and analyse: Assign students to independently research a recent news story about a natural disaster. Instruct them to identify at least three different angles related to the story, focusing on impact, responsibility, and future prevention. Encourage them to use credible sources and verify information.
• Write a brief: Have students write a brief summary for each angle they identified, explaining its significance and how it contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the story. Remind them to consider the audience’s perspective and the importance of each angle in public debate.
• Peer review: Pair students to exchange their briefs. Instruct them to provide constructive feedback on clarity, depth, and the relevance of the angles. Encourage them to suggest additional angles or perspectives that may have been overlooked.
• Revise and submit: Allow students time to revise their briefs based on peer feedback. Collect the final versions for assessment, ensuring they demonstrate a clear understanding of news story development and the ability to identify and analyse multiple angles.

Assignment

Ask students these questions:

1. What is one new angle you identified in today’s lesson that you hadn’t considered before?
2. How does exploring multiple angles change your understanding of a news story?
3. What’s one question you still have from today’s lesson?

Some suggested answers:

• Suggested answer to Question 1: An angle related to the long-term economic impact of the flooding.
• Suggested answer to Question 2: It provides a more comprehensive view and highlights interconnected issues.

Teacher resources

Differentiation guide

• Advanced learners: Encourage them to explore additional angles, such as international aid dynamics or climate change implications. Suggest they analyse the effectiveness of past interventions and propose innovative solutions. Challenge them to create a multimedia presentation to convey their findings.
• Striving learners: Provide structured graphic organisers to help them categorise angles. Offer sentence starters to guide their analysis. Pair them with peers for collaborative research and discussion. Use simplified articles to ensure comprehension and build confidence in identifying angles.
• Recommended reading: This lesson plan is  based on the article ‘Story development‘ which we recommend trainers read before adapting this lesson outline for your own purposes.

Notable definitions

• News angle: A specific perspective or approach to a news story that highlights particular aspects or issues, providing depth and context to the main event.
• Investigative journalism: A form of journalism that involves in-depth research and analysis to uncover facts, often focusing on issues of public interest, accountability, and transparency.
• Accountability: The obligation of individuals or organisations to explain their actions and decisions, often scrutinised in journalism to ensure responsibility and transparency in public affairs.

Required materials

• Recent news articles about natural disasters
• Whiteboard and markers
• Access to computers or tablets for research
• Graphic organisers for angle categorisation
• Peer review checklists
• Access to credible news sources and databases

Lesson summary

• Warm-up
• Direct instruction
• Guided practice
• Independent practice
• Assignment

The free teaching tools at the Khan Academy were used in the production of this lesson plan.

Related article

Story development techniques

The post Lesson: Story Development first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Imagine the scene. You are a journalist covering a story on your own. You need someone to bounce ideas off in order to make sure you cover all angles. But nobody is available. So you turn to AI.

Would the results be any good? Would AI come up with the quality of editorial brainstorming that colleagues back in the newsroom could offer? Media Helping Media (MHM) put Gemini, Google’s AI conversation tool, to the test.

Gemini’s responses, and my follow-up questions (in large bold headings) are reproduced below. After each answer from Gemini I asked it to expand on points it had made in the previous answer. The conversation took place in September 2024.

I started by creating a fictitious scenario. I told Gemini AI that I am a journalist covering a protest at a refugee camp where asylum seekers are demonstrating about delays in their claims being processed.

I then asked AI the following questions. The answers were immediate. Gemini’s responses are unedited other than to change them from American English to English English  (MHM’s preferred house style).

MHM: Apart from reporting on the demonstration, what other related news angles should I cover?

Gemini AI: Here are some additional news angles you could consider covering, beyond the immediate demonstration:

Human Interest Stories:

• Individual Refugee Stories: Interview refugees about their personal journeys, hardships, and hopes.
• Community Impact: Explore how the refugee camp is affecting the local community, including potential tensions or positive interactions.

Policy and Government Response:

• Processing Delays: Investigate the reasons for the delays in processing asylum claims, including any bureaucratic hurdles or political pressures.
• Government Response: Examine the government’s response to the protest and any potential changes to asylum policies or procedures.
• International Comparisons: Compare the situation in the UK with other countries that have similar refugee populations.

Living Conditions in the Camp:

• Basic Needs: Assess whether refugees have access to adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
• Security Concerns: Report on any safety issues or concerns within the camp, such as crime or violence.

Legal and Ethical Issues:

• Human Rights: Examine whether the treatment of refugees aligns with international human rights standards.
• Legal Challenges: Explore any legal challenges refugees or their representatives are pursuing to expedite the processing of their claims.

Economic Impact:

• Job Market: Investigate the potential economic impact of refugees on the local job market, both positive and negative.
• Integration Efforts: Report on government or NGO initiatives to help refugees integrate into the local community.

By exploring these additional angles, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the situation at the refugee camp and its broader implications.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Human Interest Stories’ angle please?

Gemini AI: Human interest stories can provide a powerful and personal lens through which to understand the experiences of refugees. Here are some specific avenues you could explore:

Individual Refugee Narratives:

• Personal Journeys: Delve into the individual experiences of refugees, from their home countries to their escape and arrival at the camp.
• Challenges and Hopes: Focus on the specific challenges refugees face, such as language barriers, cultural differences, or separation from loved ones. Also, explore their hopes and dreams for the future.
• Coping Mechanisms: Understand how refugees are coping with the stress and trauma of their experiences.

Community Building:

• Social Networks: Explore how refugees are forming social networks and communities within the camp.
• Cultural Exchange: Highlight instances of cultural exchange or collaboration between refugees from different backgrounds.
• Support Systems: Identify any support systems or networks that are helping refugees to navigate their new environment.

Children and Families:

• Education: Focus on the educational needs of refugee children and any challenges they may face in accessing education.
• Family Dynamics: Explore how families are coping with the challenges of displacement and the uncertainty of their future.
• Child Protection: Address any concerns related to child protection or exploitation within the refugee camp.

Inspiring Stories:

• Overcoming Adversity: Share stories of refugees who have overcome significant challenges and achieved positive outcomes.
• Acts of Kindness: Highlight instances of kindness, compassion, or resilience within the refugee community.

By focusing on these human interest angles, you can help to humanise the refugee experience and foster empathy and understanding among your audience.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Policy and Government Response’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the policy and government response angle, consider these key areas:

Asylum Policy:

• Current Regulations: Examine the specific regulations governing asylum claims in the UK, including eligibility criteria, processing procedures, and potential grounds for refusal.
• Policy Changes: Investigate any recent or proposed changes to asylum policy, and their potential impact on refugees.
• International Comparisons: Compare UK asylum policies with those of other European countries or countries with similar refugee populations.

Government Response to the Protest:

• Official Statements: Analyse official statements from government officials regarding the protest and their commitment to addressing the concerns of refugees.
• Actions Taken: Evaluate any specific actions taken by the government in response to the protest, such as increased staffing for asylum processing or improved living conditions in refugee camps.
• Public Perception: Assess public opinion on the government’s response to the protest and any potential political pressure.

Bureaucratic Hurdles:

• Processing Delays: Investigate the specific reasons for delays in processing asylum claims, including any bureaucratic bottlenecks or administrative inefficiencies.
• Backlogs: Assess the extent of any backlogs in the asylum system and the government’s efforts to address them.
• Resource Allocation: Examine the allocation of resources to asylum processing and whether there is sufficient funding to meet the demand.

Ethical Considerations:

• Human Rights Standards: Evaluate whether the government’s response to the protest and its asylum policies align with international human rights standards.
• Compassionate Treatment: Consider whether the government is demonstrating compassion and respect for the rights of refugees.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the government’s role in shaping the experiences of refugees and the effectiveness of its policies in addressing their needs.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Living Conditions in the Camp’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the living conditions in the refugee camp, consider these key areas:

Basic Needs:

• Shelter: Assess the quality and adequacy of the housing provided to refugees, including any issues with sanitation, safety, or privacy.
• Food: Evaluate the availability, quality, and quantity of food provided to refugees, and any concerns about nutritional deficiencies.
• Healthcare: Examine the accessibility, quality, and adequacy of healthcare services within the camp, including mental health support.
• Education: Assess the availability and quality of educational opportunities for refugee children and adults, including language classes and vocational training.

Safety and Security:

• Crime: Investigate any incidents of crime or violence within the camp, including theft, assault, or sexual harassment.
• Security Measures: Evaluate the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect refugees, such as fencing, surveillance, and patrolling.
• Vulnerable Groups: Identify any particularly vulnerable groups within the camp, such as women, children, or individuals with disabilities, and assess their specific needs and challenges.

Sanitation and Hygiene:

• Waste Management: Examine the systems in place for waste management and disposal, and any concerns about sanitation or hygiene.
• Water Supply: Assess the quality and availability of potable water, and any issues with water scarcity or contamination.
• Hygiene Facilities: Evaluate the adequacy of sanitation facilities, such as toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.

Community Infrastructure:

• Recreational Facilities: Explore the availability of recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, sports fields, or community centres.
• Community Spaces: Assess the availability of community spaces for refugees to gather, socialise, and participate in cultural activities.
• Services: Identify any essential services available within the camp, such as shops, post offices, or transportation options.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive picture of the living conditions faced by refugees within the camp and identify any areas where improvements are needed.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Legal and Ethical Issues’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the legal and ethical issues surrounding refugee camps, consider these key areas:

Human Rights:

• International Law: Examine how the treatment of refugees aligns with international human rights law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention.
• Fundamental Rights: Assess whether refugees are enjoying their fundamental rights, including the rights to life, liberty, security of person, and freedom from discrimination.
• Detention: If refugees are detained, examine the legality and conditions of their detention, ensuring they comply with international standards.

Legal Challenges:

• Asylum Claims: Investigate any legal challenges refugees or their representatives are pursuing to expedite the processing of their asylum claims or to challenge denials.
• Access to Justice: Assess whether refugees have adequate access to legal assistance and representation in pursuing their rights.
• Due Process: Ensure that refugees are afforded due process in all legal proceedings, including the right to a fair hearing and the right to appeal decisions.

Ethical Considerations:

• Compassion and Respect: Evaluate whether refugees are being treated with compassion and respect, regardless of their circumstances.
• Vulnerable Groups: Identify any particularly vulnerable groups within the camp, such as women, children, or individuals with disabilities, and assess whether their specific needs and rights are being adequately protected.
• Accountability: Examine the mechanisms in place for ensuring accountability for any human rights violations or abuses that may occur within the camp.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal and ethical framework governing the treatment of refugees and identify any areas where improvements are needed.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Economic Impact’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the economic impact of refugee camps, consider these key areas:

Local Economy:

• Job Market: Analyse the potential impact of refugees on the local job market, both positive and negative. This may include their potential to fill labour shortages or compete for jobs with local residents.
• Consumer Spending: Assess the potential economic benefits of refugees as consumers, including their spending on goods and services within the local community.
• Entrepreneurship: Identify any entrepreneurial activities or businesses launched by refugees within the camp or the surrounding area.

Government Services:

• Cost of Services: Evaluate the costs to the government of providing services to refugees, such as housing, healthcare, and education.
• Resource Allocation: Assess whether the government is allocating sufficient resources to support refugees and mitigate any negative economic impacts.
• Long-Term Costs: Consider the potential long-term economic costs associated with refugee resettlement, including the costs of integration and social services.

Integration Efforts:

• Language Training: Examine the availability and effectiveness of language training programs to help refugees learn the local language and improve their employability.
• Vocational Training: Assess the availability and quality of vocational training programs to equip refugees with the skills needed to find employment.
• Integration Initiatives: Evaluate the effectiveness of government or NGO initiatives to help refugees integrate into the local community and participate fully in economic life.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic implications of refugee camps and identify any potential opportunities or challenges associated with refugee resettlement.

MHM: Are there any other related news angles that you have not mentioned that would add value to the story and better inform the audience?

Gemini AI: Here are some more potential news angles that could add value to your story:

Health and Well-being:

• Mental Health: Explore the mental health challenges faced by refugees, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
• Physical Health: Assess the physical health of refugees, including any common illnesses or health conditions.
• Access to Healthcare: Examine the availability and quality of healthcare services within the camp, and any barriers to access.

Education and Skills Development:

• Educational Opportunities: Investigate the educational opportunities available to refugee children and adults, including formal schooling and vocational training.
• Language Barriers: Explore the challenges faced by refugees in learning the local language and accessing education.
• Skills Development: Identify any programs or initiatives aimed at developing the skills and employability of refugees.

Cultural and Social Integration:

• Cultural Preservation: Explore how refugees are preserving their cultural heritage and traditions within the camp.
• Intercultural Dialogue: Examine opportunities for intercultural dialogue and exchange between refugees and the local community.
• Social Integration: Assess the challenges and opportunities for refugees to integrate into the local society and build social connections.

Media Representation:

• Media Portrayal: Examine how refugees are portrayed in the media, and any stereotypes or misconceptions that may exist.
• Media Access: Assess the access of refugees to information and media outlets, and any challenges they may face in accessing accurate and unbiased information.

Future Prospects:

• Resettlement: Explore the prospects for refugees to be resettled to a third country and the challenges associated with this process.
• Self-Reliance: Examine any initiatives or programs aimed at empowering refugees to become self-reliant and contribute to their own well-being.
• Long-Term Goals: Explore the long-term goals and aspirations of refugees for their future, including their hopes for their children and their communities.

By exploring these additional angles, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the situation at the refugee camp and its broader implications.

MHM’s conclusion

AI can offer real-time editorial brainstorming for the solo journalist who needs to bounce ideas around in order to explore all possible story angles. It does this in an instant, enabling the journalist to focus their news-gathering efforts on areas that will enhance their news reporting.

The post Using AI for story development first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Seeking out new angles on a breaking, developing or running news story is an important part of the editorial process.Journalists have a responsibility to think through and explain how news developments affect the lives of their audience.

This process often takes place in news meetings where editorial staff discuss the implications of events in order to decide which deserve further investigation.

However, a journalist working alone will often have to work out the most important angles for themselves.

How a story develops

News stories break in many ways. Sometimes the first we hear of a story is on the news wires or via a news (press) release.

At other times a journalist will have been digging around a topic and will have come up with information that deserves further investigation.

At this stage, we often have just one or two facts. Our job is to find out more. As we do, the story develops.

Eventually, we would hope to publish a comprehensive and informative report with all angles covered. So, let’s see how this works.

Digging deeper

This is important for unearthing and following up on important news angles.

In today’s fast-paced news cycle, journalists face the constant challenge of not just reporting the news, but also digging deeper to uncover the stories behind the headlines.

Finding and following up on important news angles is crucial for impactful journalism that informs the public and holds power accountable.

1. Cultivate curiosity and a nose for news

• The foundation of finding compelling angles lies in genuine curiosity. Journalists should constantly ask “why?” and “what if?“
• Develop a habit of reading widely, not just mainstream news, but also academic journals, local blogs, and community forums.
• Pay attention to whispers and rumours – sometimes they point to bigger stories. A keen observation of your community and its dynamics is essential.

2. Go beyond the news release

Too often, journalists rely solely on news (press) releases and official statements. These are starting points, but they are not the whole story. Treat them with healthy skepticism. Ask:

• Who is benefiting from this narrative?
• What information is missing?

Always seek independent verification and diverse perspectives.

3. Develop sources and cultivate relationships

• Reliable sources are an important part of all journalism. Build relationships with people in positions of power, as well as those affected by their decisions. This takes time and effort.
• Attend community events, network, and demonstrate genuine interest in their stories.
• Always protect your sources’ anonymity when necessary. A well-placed source can provide invaluable insights and tip you off to hidden stories.

4. Follow the money

• “Follow the money” is a classic journalistic adage for a reason.
• Financial trails often lead to corruption, hidden agendas, and systemic problems.
• Learn how to access and analyse public records, campaign finance disclosures, and corporate filings. Understanding financial flows can illuminate the motivations behind events and decisions.

5. Embrace data journalism

• Data is a powerful tool for uncovering trends and patterns.
• Learn basic data analysis skills and explore publicly available datasets.
• Visualising data can make complex issues more accessible to the public and reveal compelling stories that might otherwise remain hidden.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions

• Holding power accountable requires courage.
• Don’t shy away from asking tough questions, even to powerful individuals or institutions.
• Be persistent, but also respectful.
• Prepare thoroughly for interviews and anticipate potential pushback.
• The public deserves to know the truth, and it’s your job to seek it out.

7. Collaborate and share information

• Journalism is not a solitary pursuit. Collaborate with other journalists, both within your organisation and beyond.
• Sharing information and expertise can lead to bigger and more impactful stories.
• Consider joining investigative journalism networks and attending workshops to learn new skills and connect with colleagues.

8. Stay persistent and patient

• Investigative journalism takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if your initial leads don’t pan out.
• Be prepared to spend weeks, months, or even years pursuing a story. Persistence and patience are vital if you are to uncover important news angles.

9. Think long-term and consider the bigger picture

• Don’t just focus on the immediate news. Think about the long-term implications of events and decisions.
  • How will they affect the community?
  • What are the systemic issues at play?
• By considering the bigger picture, you can uncover stories that have lasting significance.

10. Be ethical and transparent

• Integrity is paramount. Adhere to the highest ethical standards in your reporting.
• Be transparent about your methods and sources.
• Correct any errors promptly and acknowledge any conflicts of interest.
• Building trust with the public is essential for the credibility of your work.

Finding and following up on important news angles is challenging but rewarding. By cultivating curiosity, developing sources, embracing data, and asking difficult questions, journalists can play a vital role in informing the public and holding power accountable.

Questions

• What is the primary responsibility of journalists when reporting on news developments
• How do news stories typically break, and what role do news wires and news (press) releases play in this process?
• Why is cultivating curiosity important for journalists seeking compelling news angles?
• What are some strategies journalists can use to go beyond the information provided in news releases?
• How can developing sources and cultivating relationships benefit journalists in their reporting?
• Explain the significance of the phrase “follow the money” in journalism.
• What role does data journalism play in uncovering news stories, and what skills are essential for it?
• Why is it important for journalists to ask difficult questions, and how should they prepare for potential pushback?
• How can collaboration among journalists lead to more impactful stories?
• Discuss the importance of ethics and transparency in journalism and how they contribute to building public trust.

Answers

• Journalists are responsible for explaining how news developments affect the lives of their audience.
• News stories often break through news wires or press releases, serving as initial sources of information.
• Curiosity drives journalists to ask questions and explore deeper stories beyond surface-level information.
• Journalists should treat news releases with skepticism, seek independent verification, and explore diverse perspectives.
• Building relationships with sources can provide journalists with valuable insights and access to hidden stories.
• “Follow the money” suggests that financial investigations can reveal corruption and hidden agendas.
• Data journalism uses data analysis to uncover trends and patterns, requiring skills in data analysis and visualisation.
• Asking difficult questions holds power accountable; journalists should prepare thoroughly and anticipate resistance.
• Collaboration allows journalists to share information and expertise, leading to more comprehensive and impactful stories.
• Ethics and transparency ensure credibility and trust, as they involve adhering to standards and being open about methods.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: News angles which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

The post Developing important news angles first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Journalists need to look for related stories, angles, or missing pieces of a story in order to help the audience understand the importance of the issue being covered.

In a previous article we looked at the topic of proactive journalism, where journalists are encouraged to observe, learn, reflect, analyse, and add context when producing news stories. In this piece we look at story development.

For this exercise we consider a recurring story in Vietnam – flooding – and we look at the various angles that could be followed up. First we have the main story.

1: The story

This is fairly straightforward. We just need to ask the basic journalistic questions of what, why, when, how, where and who. So, in creating the main story we need to ask:

• What has happened?
• Why did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• How did it happen?
• Where did it happen?
• Who does it affect?

Asking these question should give us the main story and headline.

But responsible reporting that aims to inform the public debate with robust investigative journalism needs to go further. Let’s look at what we have to work on from the main story.

2: The facts

Now we can start to expand the story using the story development model. We need to start to piece together the facts, or the evidence. And these so-called ‘facts’ need to be examined, tested and proven to be accurate by confirming with at least two independent sources.

• What do we know?
• Is our information accurate?
• What is the source?
• Why are they sharing?
• What facts could be missing?
• What don’t we know?
• Who should we talk to?
• Why are they important?
• What could be hidden?
• Who is doing the hiding?

By this stage we will have built up a story plan which, when we discuss with our news team, will produce several ideas for follow up angles (related stories).

What we are able to piece together at this point are the following:

• Flooding fact file – a list of bullet points.
• Flooding maps – where the flooding happened.
• Flooding profiles – background information on the area most affected.

Having gathered some facts we now need to look at the data used to support the evidence.

3: The data

• What is the source of the data?
• Is it reliable?
• Can you verify?
• Check with officials, NGOs, campaigners, academics.
• Seek out regional comparisons regarding flooding in other provinces, regions, neighbouring countries.
• Find out what is the history of flooding in the area?
• Check whether any projections were made in the past that could have reduced the impact?

At this stage something interesting is starting to happen. As we dig deeper, new story angles are emerging.

Let’s consider just a few that might be inspired by point three.

• The flooding: campaigners warn that it could happen again.
• The flooding: comparisons between regions – how others are coping.
• The flooding: officials say relief and aid will arrive in time.

Now we need to get first-hand experiences to illustrate the story.

Of course we will have some personal experiences in the main story, but once we establish what has happened, and understand the scale compared to previous floods, we can now ask more intelligent questions when talking to the victims.

4: Who is affected?

• What is their story?
• Before the incident, during the incident, after the incident.
• Who do they care for and who still needs help?
• Who can’t get help?
• What help is offered?

At this point we will have a series of personal accounts of the flooding.

• The flooding: the victims tell their stories.
• The flooding: the annual disaster that has become a way of life.
• The flooding: the communities still stranded and in need of help.

Having spoken to people affected by the flooding we can now look at who is responsible, and what was the cause.

5: Responsibility

• Who or what was responsible?
• What went wrong?
• Why did it go wrong?
• Were all possible preventative measures taken?
• What are the authorities doing?
• Will it happen again?
• If not, why not?
• If it will, what can be done?

This should produce some fairly straightforward angles for story follow up, including:

• The flooding: Who was to blame? Officials, NGOs and campaigners point the finger.
• The flooding: Authorities say preventative measures planned.
• The flooding: Did local communities ignore warnings?

Having attempted to establish responsibility, we can also look at promises made in the past.

6: The promises

• In the present and in the past.
• Preventative measures promised.
• Local authority plans.
• Aid and relief offered.
• Infrastructure changes suggested after the last floods.
• Tackling the causes, deforestation, dams etc.
• Compensation offered to those affected last time.
• What fact-finding was carried out and what was done with the information.

Suggested follow up angles from the above include:

• The flooding: learning from the lessons of the past.
• The flooding: why preventative measures failed.
• The flooding: did the aid get through to those in need?

This is the stage where our archive becomes valuable.

We will have material from previous coverage of the flooding. We need to include this in order to provide context. Please refer to the other training module in this series about “Proactive journalism”.

All the above helps us assess the scale of the problem and try to establish an accurate view of the impact.

7: The impact

• Now and in the future.
• On crops and the general economy.
• The environment and whether it can recover.
• Health issues related to contaminated water, lack of medicine etc.
• Infrastructure, roads, railways, communications.
• Communities cut off.
• Families separated, unable to contact one another.
• Individuals missing, injured, bereaved.

Some story ideas resulting from the above considerations could include:

• The flooding: the economic impact on the environment.
• The flooding: the cost of repairing the infrastructure.
• The flooding: the impact on remote rural communities.

As the picture builds we are in a better position to view the consequences.

8: The consequences

• A complete solution, part solution, or no solution.
• Aid gets though, part aid gets through, or no aid gets through.
• Changes in lifestyle for some and what happens to those who can’t change.
• The economic future for all.

Such considerations could mean related stories being produced about:

• The flooding: prevention plans for future years.
• The flooding: the true cost of getting aid to those in need.
• The flooding: lifestyle changes required to cope with annual disaster.

As we continue to develop angles, dig deep and explore the topic we will start to develop some ideas of who might be accountable.

9: Accountability

• Who knew?
• What action was taken?
• Was it too early or late?
• Who is to blame?
• What local authority action was taken?
• Were there warnings given?
• Did the warnings reach those in danger?
• Were the warnings heeded?
• If not, why not?
• Is there any suspicion of any corruption?

The considerations above could lead to more related stories such as:

• The flooding: was enough done to prepare communities?
• The flooding: were warnings ignored and, if so, why?
• The flooding: the hidden factors that increased the likelihood of a disaster.

The question of corruption will come up as we start to assess accountability. We then need to look to the future.

10: The future

• What is the plan?
• What are the options?
• Who will it involve?
• What are the changes?
• Will they be phased?
• Is any adjustment needed?
• Is any training needed?
• What are the contingency plans?
• Is any education needed?
• What are the community plans?

This list provides us with several related story ideas, including:

• The flooding: future plans to prevent another disaster.
• The flooding: campaign to educate those living under the risk of floods.
• The flooding: community relocation plans to rehouse those at most risk.

Already we will probably have thought up 10 different angles on the flooding story with at least three related stories for each angle.

At this stage we should have at least 30 original story ideas that attempt to explain the complexity of the issue we are covering on behalf of our audience.

This is story development. This is in-depth, robust, responsible journalism aimed at fully informing the public debate. But all this material needs managing.

This task might be taken on by the planning editor. In an earlier module we discussed the role of the planning editor and his/her team. They will need to ensure the story is followed up.

11: The follow up

• Set a follow up date.
• Three or six months.
• List questions to ask.
• Note promises/targets.
• Check timetables.
• Keep archive.
• Revisit victims.
• Check with authorities.
• Interview experts.
• Arrange studio debates.

Of course the planning role will also produce new story opportunities, such as:

• The flooding: six months / a year on – what has changed?
• The flooding: from our archive – a special report on communities under water.
• The flooding: studio debate – the experts meet the public face-to-face.

And while all this is going on there will be a need to engage the audience in debate via the social media platforms used by victims, aid agencies, authorities, concerned relatives, and general public.

12: Engaging the audience

• Discuss on Facebook.
• Use other social media.
• Ask for experiences.
• Interview people.
• Stimulate debate.
• Ask questions.
• Offer answers.
• Publish fact files.
• Publish maps.
• Offer help and support.

And this part will also produce related stories, including:

• The flooding: How social media responded.
• The flooding: Your pictures of the disaster.
• The flooding: Interactive maps and timelines for you to share.

An example to apply to all big stories

The methods outlined above can’t be applied to every story; newsrooms don’t have the resources for that. However, such treatment should be considered for big, recurring stories or events where there is significant local impact, and where there is likely to be a growing archive of previously-prepared material.

To help us decide what stories deserve such detailed story development we can use two tools that are shared on this site. One is the content value matrix, and the other is the story weighting system.

Both are designed to help media managers and journalists focus resources on the stories that are of most value to the target audience.

Questions

1. What are the basic journalistic questions that need to be asked to create the main story about flooding in Vietnam?
2. Why is it important for journalists to confirm facts with at least two independent sources when developing a story?
3. How can journalists use data to support the evidence in their reporting on flooding?
4. What are some potential new story angles that can emerge from analysing data related to flooding?
5. How do personal accounts contribute to the depth and understanding of a flooding story?
6. What are some of the key questions journalists should ask to determine responsibility for the flooding?
7. How can past promises and preventative measures be evaluated in the context of current flooding events?
8. What are the potential impacts of flooding on the economy and environment?
9. How can journalists assess the consequences of flooding in terms of aid distribution and lifestyle changes?
10. What role does audience engagement play in the development and dissemination of a flooding story?

Answers

1. The basic journalistic questions are: What has happened? Why did it happen? When did it happen? How did it happen? Where did it happen? Who does it affect?
2. Confirming facts with multiple sources ensures accuracy and credibility, preventing the spread of misinformation.
3. Journalists can use data to verify facts, compare regional flooding patterns, and analyse historical trends to provide context and depth to their reporting.
4. New story angles can include warnings about future flooding, regional comparisons, and official responses to relief efforts.
5. Personal accounts provide firsthand experiences and emotional depth, helping to humanise the story and illustrate its impact on individuals and communities.
6. Key questions include: Who or what was responsible? What went wrong? Were all preventative measures taken? What are the authorities doing?
7. Past promises and measures can be evaluated by examining their implementation, effectiveness, and any changes made since previous flooding events.
8. Flooding can impact the economy by damaging crops and infrastructure, and it can harm the environment by affecting ecosystems and water quality.
9. Journalists can assess consequences by examining the effectiveness of aid distribution, changes in community lifestyles, and the economic future of affected areas.
10. Audience engagement helps gather diverse perspectives, stimulate public debate, and increase awareness and understanding of the flooding story.

We asked Google Gemini AI to examine the text above and give its assessment of the points made. AI’s response is as follows.

This text outlines a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to news story development, particularly focusing on recurring, impactful events like flooding. Here’s a breakdown of the key points, enriched with added context and depth:

1. Beyond the surface: Investigative depth is paramount.
   • The core message emphasises moving beyond the basic “who, what, when, where, why” framework.
   • It’s about proactive, investigative journalism that seeks to understand the underlying causes, systemic failures, and long-term consequences of an event.
   • This goes beyond simply reporting what happened to explaining why it matters and what can be done.
2. Fact-checking and source verification: The foundation of credibility.
   • The text stresses the importance of rigorous fact-checking, demanding confirmation from multiple independent sources. This is crucial in an era of misinformation.
   • It highlights the need to scrutinise the motivations of sources, questioning why they are sharing information. This adds a layer of critical analysis.
   • Identifying what is missing is a crucial part of the factual investigation.
3. Data-driven reporting: Context and validation.
   • The text advocates for using data to support evidence, but with a critical eye.
   • It emphasises the need to verify the reliability of data sources and seek out comparisons and historical context.
   • This approach allows journalists to move beyond anecdotal evidence and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
   • Finding regional comparisons allow for the audience to better understand the scale and severity of the event.
4. Humanising the story: Giving voice to the affected.
   • The focus on personal experiences is vital for connecting with the audience and illustrating the human impact of the event.
   • It encourages journalists to go beyond superficial interviews and delve into the lived experiences of those affected, capturing the “before, during, and after” of the disaster.
   • This also allows for the reporting of those that are unable to receive aid.
5. Accountability and responsibility: Seeking answers.
   • The text stresses the importance of holding those responsible accountable, whether it be government officials, corporations, or individuals.
   • It encourages journalists to investigate potential failures in preventative measures and explore questions of negligence or corruption.
   • This section also highlights the importance of reporting on promises made, and if they were upheld.
6. Long-term impact and future planning: Beyond the immediate crisis.
   • The text emphasises the need to examine the long-term consequences of the event, including economic, environmental, and social impacts.
   • It encourages journalists to explore future plans and solutions, holding authorities accountable for their promises and actions.
   • This part of the strategy helps to prevent the story from falling out of the public eye.
7. Audience engagement and social media: Fostering dialogue.
   • The text recognises the importance of engaging the audience through social media and other platforms, fostering dialogue and providing support.
   • This approach allows for the collection of firsthand accounts, the dissemination of information, and the mobilisation of community action.
   • Social media also provides a platform to share important resources, such as maps and fact files.
8. Strategic resource allocation: Prioritising impactful stories.
   • The text acknowledges that not every story can receive this level of in-depth coverage.
   • It suggests using tools like the “content value matrix” and “story weighting system” to prioritise stories that are of most value to the target audience.
   • This allows for the most important stories to be fully investigated.

Added value and context:

• In today’s media landscape, where information is abundant but often unreliable, this framework provides a roadmap for responsible and impactful journalism.
• The emphasis on data-driven reporting and source verification is particularly relevant in combating misinformation.
• The focus on humanising the story and engaging the audience highlights the importance of connecting with communities and fostering dialogue.
• The inclusion of future planning and accountability underscores the role of journalism in driving positive change.
• The use of archival materials is vital to add context, and show the progression, or regression of the situation over time.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: ‘Story development‘ which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

Related articles

Tool: The Content Value Matrix

Tool: Story Weighting System

The post Story development techniques first appeared on Media Helping Media.