BEAT REPORTING

Divides coverage into logical areas that produce newsReporters divided into groups to cover a certain beat.

Investigate potential sources & collect contact information. Make regular contact with the sources of possible news to find

out what’s worth writing about. Check additional sources (calendars, website, meeting notes,

etc.) For school stories, mix of adult & student sources when possible.

Fill out beat report sheets regularly. Keep a general beat report sheet in classroom binder. Keep your own beat report sheet in your notebook (more

detailed information for each issue). Write a brief description of the news item & fill out a story

planner. Submit to appropriate editor. Provide fair and even coverage. Consider your angle!

WHAT IS THE BEAT SYSTEM? WHAT IS THE REPORTER’S ROLE?

PROS CONS• Provide routine news efficiently • Source may not have news (or

know that they have news)

• Divide and conquer; allows for specialized knowledge

• Focused on one specific beat; less variety for reporter

• Even coverage, less repetition • Your beat may not have a lot going on or have too much going on

• Place to start for story ideas • Can get stuck in a rut – story styles & topics

• Variety of opinions & angles

• More representative of all readers – not just newspaper staff

PROS & CONS OF A BEAT SYSTEM

1. Identify your sources & gather contact information2. Fill out a “beat sheet” on Google Docs3. Print a copy for the class binder (school events or

community events)4. Print a copy for your own notebook5. Add important events to Google calendar for staff

HOW TO COVER A BEAT

School Administration (1) Academics (2) Sports (3) Clubs & Organizations (4) Student Life (5)

Community (1 each, 5 total) Laws/Community concerns LCPS News Events & Entertainment Job & Volunteer

opportunities New businesses/Reviews

WHAT ARE OUR BEATS?

National & International (2 each)

Hard news stories Local impact Entertainment Environment Politics

WHAT SOURCES SHOULD I CONSULT?

School Calendar (HHS) Activities page (HHS) Announcements

Community LCPS calendar LCPS homepage Loudoun County website Town of Leesburg website Teen Advisory Council

website Loudoun Times-Mirror Leesburg Today

National & International Washington Post New York Times USA Today BBC CNN