Develop business angles on any beat

Business journalism

Chad Graham and Robin J PhillipsReynolds Center for Business Journalismwww.businessjournalism.org

(when you’re not a business reporter)

Many reporters will do anything to avoid business reporting, but it’s getting more difficult to do that – no matter what your beat. Blame the recession. We’re all impacted by money.

Here are 5 tips on how to be successful when covering business when you have a non-business perspective.

You will make your grouchy editor happy. We promise.

Business reporting tip No. 1Don’t run away from the business angle because of the company’s jargon or promotional style.

Example from a real press releaseCompany X, a pioneering figure in product identification solutions and user interface component manufacturing, today announced it has furthered its commitment to delivering the industry's fastest turnaround time on prototypes with the introduction of Two-day Graphic Overlays.  The quick-turn prototype program combines Miller Dial's signature quality and design innovation with low-cost production to offer customers up to 10 plastic overlays, nameplates or labels just two days after the final lay-out is approved.

Business reporting tip No. 2Don’t fall for the excuse of ‘this is the way it’s always been done.’ A fresh perspective is your asset.

Subjects for story

Business reporting tip No. 3Don’t do a company’s marketing for them.

Business reporting tip No. 4Don’t be afraid to look stupid… really, don’t.

Channel Columbo.

Ask why. And don’t talk

too much.

Let them fill the silence.

Business reporting tip No. 5Look for the business angle in every story. Consider these examples from television and news.

Wall Street story

Border business

Consider the lesson of supply and demand from the ‘Worldwide deficit of chemicals for road paint imperils Valley upkeep’ story from azcentral.com.

(See the handout provided)

Questions?