Sources or information are divided into two sections:
Primary source - an eye witness, someone who has revealed something to you first.
Secondary Source - Everything else, so information that has already been published, like books, the internet, newspapers, magazines.
Primary sources for example an interview from an eye witness is good as it will be a main factor that makes a difference to a news report, and can express opinions.
With secondary sources there are limitations and also dangers of plagiarism. However when using secondary sources make sure that they are true sources like BBC, Times, Oxfam. Use Press Cuttings libraries, Reference books.
Finding, networking and sources.
A contact book - which I have on my emails, on my laptop I have a contact list of professionals and journalist I have connections with. It's always a good Idea to email these people every once in a while to keep that connection. Social media is also a big contributor to my connections and networking, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn I am always trying to expand my connection to people in the industry.
Finding News.
- Developing a local 'patch'
- News Diary
- Police
- Courts
- Blogs
- Social Media
- Newspapers
- Radio
- TV
- News Websites
- Web
- Ring Arounds
- Press Releases
Things to bare in ming when researching a news story.
-Credible evidence
-Check it's true.
-Documentary evidence
-Primary Sources
-Press Officers
-Campaigns, Pressure Groups, Activist
-Experts
-Secondary Sources.
"News has a social role because of it's ability to inform" (Tuchman, Herman & Chomsky)
News does rely on the council and the police, so it's important to build up your network and have good reppor with people like this.
Things have to double check when using secondary sources are
- Full Names (spellings)
-Background and Facts
-Company Info
-Political Info
-Team details, past record of mangers etc.
-Chart hits and background to bands
