In order to relate an in-depth piece on invasion of privacy back to the school, seniors Maggie Klaers and Hill interview the robotics coach about how small cameras work and how they can be used. Klaers and Hill had researched some details about how the cameras worked, but wanted to get his perspective to round out the story.
The most important part of a cycle are the days devoted to story ideas and story selection. The quality of our story ideas directly correlates to how good or bad the cycle goes. The content has to be there before we can even contemplate the design of the print edition or the posting schedule for the website.
Story generating |
We start by having all staff members generate story ideas in a particular content area. In previous years we had each student responsible for three story ideas in each category, and while we had a lot of ideas, they weren’t very good. We consciously made the choice to change the model this year to focus on quality over quantity. We also strive to make it clear that if anyone in the school has a story idea, we are always open to ideas.
While the staffers are generating ideas, I bounce from group to group asking questions, giving guidance and pushing them to find more stories. Frequently I help groups find new research that could lead to a center spread story, or local events we could cover in the entertainment category. Throughout the cycle I listen to school announcements, check school club's social medias for posts and generally keep an eye out for content. You never know what will pop up on your Instagram feed, or be off-hand mentioned in a class — sometimes those ideas are the best pieces. On top of the stories generated as a staff, each person is on a team. Teams are there to make sure every club and activity gets covered. Everytime teams change, I make sure that all the official clubs are covered, that very active clubs are distributed across teams, and that we have a plan to cover any big events in any given cycle. |
The first story I wrote for Echo required an interview with the assistant principal about upcoming renovations. I was terrified. But now, I can walk into the main office on any given day and have a thorough and well thought out interview on any number of topics — including attendance levels, controversial pass practices and vandalism — without getting nervous.
Going to the top to figure out a story is something I do regularly. The assistant principal jokes that we “kindly harass” them on a weekly basis. For my team content I cover the administration, school board and city council, which means I frequently interview the superintendent, principal, mayor and other important officials. My most recent story was about the resignation of our principal. Not only was that interview the deepest conversation I have ever had with our principal, but it reminded me why I love journalism — sharing that story was powerful. |
Interviewing |