News and information to help journalists serve the public and stay safe.
July 8, 2020
“Journalists: what is the best reporting advice you've gotten during your career?”

Seeing a need for greater guidance to emerging journalists, Rolling Stone culture reporter EJ Dickson posed that question on Twitter and within 24 hours, the thread was shared more than 1,000 times . We asked her by email about the idea for the thread, the reaction, and the best advice she’s received. 

What prompted you to start this Twitter thread?

Dickson : I was thinking about how so much of what I've learned as a journalist that I apply in my everyday life I learned on the job, not in J-school or any formal courses. I wondered why there weren't more resources for aspiring or new journalists to learn more about the field and how to be good at their jobs. So I created the thread with the intention of creating something that I would've loved to have seen as a resource when I was just starting out in the industry. 

There are 636 comments and retweets as of Wednesday morning, offering advice and sharing the wisdom. What reaction did you expect and why do you think this is resonating so powerfully right now?  

Dickson : I definitely didn't expect it to blow up as much as it has, but I sort of anticipated it may do well, just because journalists LOVE to talk about journalism. I also think the fact that there really are so few resources for journalists just starting out played a role in how successful it was. 

What's the best reporting advice you've received, and what prompted it?  

Dickson : I think it was something that's come up multiple times in the thread: "always record with a backup device." Unfortunately I've learned the importance of doing that firsthand on a number of occasions. I also had a coworker whose editor once told her never to end a story on a quote, because that's a cop-out and there should always be an organic takeaway that you can craft for any story if your angle is strong. I don't necessarily always abide by that — I'm a fan of ending on a good quote — but it's something that I think about with pretty much every story I do. 
 
The pandemic, economic struggles, and demands for social justice are forcing newsrooms to account for their own failures at diversity, inclusion and representative coverage. Those failures have led to resignations of top leaders at The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and many other publications.
 
In a conversation  co-hosted by the News Leaders Association  and the National Press Club Journalism Institute and moderated by Gannett executive  Mizell Stewart III ,  executive editors  Katrice Hardy  of the Indianapolis Star and  Mary Irby-Jones   of The (Jackson) Clarion-Ledger will discuss how they are leading their newsrooms when issues of race and class are at the forefront.

Stephanie Bates is a multimedia journalist.
Tom Rinaldi is a reporter for ESPN.
The National Press Club Journalism Institute is spotlighting the next generation of journalists , students who graduated from college or Master’s programs this spring into a challenging job market . We hope they’ll meet future bosses and colleagues here, who will reach out and support them in building journalism’s future together. 

School : Arizona State University
Location : Tempe, AZ
Internship : KPNX Phoenix
Journalism hero : Tom Rinaldi

What's been your best moment in journalism?

Bates : My best moment in journalism has been covering the 2019 Fiesta Bowl . It was the semi final playoff game between Clemson and Ohio State. During post-game celebrations, I hunted down Clemson safety Nolan Turner on the field for a one-on-one interview. He had just made the game-winning interception in the end zone to secure a Clemson win. My heart was pumping harder than it ever had before. This rush of adrenaline was confirmation that I am pursuing the right career.

If you could meet any journalist and ask for her/his advice, who would it be and why?

Bates : Tom Rinaldi . In my opinion, Tom is the best storyteller in the business and that's what journalism is all about. Your ability to tell a story is what will set you apart from others.

Tom Rinaldi responds : As you take the next steps in your journey, I trust your passion will be ignited by the adventure of not knowing where it will lead you. That’s the power and wonder of the story.
 
While I am in no position to offer definitive career advice, I can suggest a simple set of words it has taken me years to land on, words I try to keep in sight, three ideas it has I try to set my compass by.  
 
Accuracy.
Empathy.
Curiosity.
 
Here’s hoping they can guide you and serve you in the stories you’ll be telling, and the ones I’ll be eager to see land in the world.


If you’re a recent graduate who studied journalism, or know one, we’re accepting information here for members of the Class of 2020 to feature in the future. If you’re a supporter, you can contribute here to scholarships for journalism students .
The coronavirus pandemic has forced journalists to collect their stories from afar. Conducting an in-person interview is near impossible. On the telephone or on a video call, the ability to pay attention is crucial. Do you listen, or do you wait to ask? The National Press Club Journalism Institute has invited two of the best interviewers in journalism —  Terry Gross   and   Michael Barbaro   — for a discussion about the challenges and opportunities of interviewing now.

If there are four magic words in leadership, they are “I believe in you.” That sentence conveys confidence, commitment, and trust. It signals to people that you are invested in their success, and ready to coach as they learn. Use those words sincerely, backed up with support, and they are the seeds that will help your team flourish. 

Advice from  Jill Geisler , Bill Plante Chair in Leadership & Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago, Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership
Yes, yes. We know: Exercise is good for you in so many ways , from physical and mental health to stress management to sleep assistance. 

If you’re finding new motivation to get moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some things to keep in mind as you start - or restart - an exercise routine. 

  • Yoga? Running? Weights? What may work for others may not work for you. Select something you think you’ll stick to, and try something different if you find yourself waning. 
  • Start slowly and listen to your body. Pushing yourself to start at levels prior to the pandemic or beyond a beginner level could cause injuries.
  • Pencil in a paced walking workout. Experts recommend 45 minutes daily, which you can break into 10- to 15-minute chunks. 
  • After establishing your workout, increase pace or weight intensity conservatively, about 5 percent at a time.   
  • If heading to a gym, ensure you know local rules for safe reopening and follow safety protocols including masks and social distancing. 

Want more direction? Check out this Well Summer Workout Challenge from The New York Times. Or share how you are restarting your workouts .

Read on for more self-care tips, or share your own .
Upcoming Journalism Conventions
This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, Jim Kuhnhenn, and Julie Moos. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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