(10 Interviewing Tips for Journalists.)

It’s not that we don’t like people, quite the contrary, observing and writing about humanity is our job. Once the ice is broken some of us magically transform into extroverts. But we may experience an initial blast of anxiety when yanked out of our comfort zone.

Despite having interviewed hundreds of people during my career I was extremely anxious at the prospect of conducting cold interviews (essentially vox pops, or person on the street interviews) for some recent assignments. This was surprising since I presented at a conference a few months ago and was not at all nervous. And I did vox pops all the time as a newspaper reporter, television journalist, and producer. So, what happened?

After some quick self-analysis, I realized I’m simply out of practice, and it’s circumstantial. I’m experiencing what many long-term remote workers go through—a sense of isolation. This not only affects confidence and self-esteem, it can also induce a touch of professional shyness.

Presenting at an event is also vastly different to interviewing random people as a roving reporter. Just as the dynamic between a journalist and an interviewee is different to simply chatting with strangers at the grocery store. And again, conducting a scheduled in-depth interview with one person, who you’ve already connected with, is much easier than approaching strangers and asking a question when they’re not expecting it.

If you’re with a camera person or videographer, vox pops are fun, but it can be daunting out in the field alone. This is almost as bad as cold calling someone about a controversial topic.

However, the stress quickly dissipated after the first few interviews, and I ‘found’ my old self again. I felt exhilarated and very much alive afterwards. While it should be par for the course for a journalist, this is how years of remote work has affected me. And I know I’m not alone.

If you haven’t conducted an in-person interview for a while and are thrown to the wolves with an assignment involving approaching random strangers for comments, these tips are for you!

‘Vox Pops’ or ‘Person on the Street’ Interviews

The phrase “vox pop” comes from the Latin vox populi and simply means “voice of the people.” So, you’re giving the public a platform to share their opinion on a subject—somewhere other than the comments section on social media posts. YouTube and TikTok are littered with video vox pops, and they’ve become hugely popular (and slanted) click bait.

But in ‘real’ journalism, (and yes there’s a difference), these types of interviews are very important and when done properly, with integrity and balance, they offer a glimpse into the genuine feelings of the public, at least in one area of the country. 

So here are 5 tips for conducting person on the street interviews aka vox pops.

5 Tips for Conducting Vox Pops

1. Take a deep breath and remind yourself of your role as a journalist and the purpose of the assignment.

This will help put things in perspective and give you inner strength and a much-needed confidence boost.

The main issue for most of us is the discomfort of asking complete strangers for their thoughts, coupled with the fear of rejection or receiving a rude response. And let’s face it, these are legitimate concerns. It’s human nature. But as a journalist you’re out in the field, boots on the ground, to gather the voice of the people. That’s an important purpose and a significant privilege.

Keep in mind also that while some may not want to talk, many people are more than happy to share their views and opinions. This is quite evident on social media where people are desperate to be heard. How much better is it to share these thoughts in real-life? Some people may never have been asked their opinion before, so giving them a voice could make their day.

2. Spend a few moments observing the scene wherever that may be, a city street, small town, a college campus, or at a protest.

If you’re attending a protest, always make sure the situation is safe for both you and the interviewee. Keep in mind that if you’re at a march you may have to walk and talk.

But let’s use an airport (one of my scenarios) as an example. The story here is disruption to air travel, so the first task is a general observation of the scene: ticket desks, schedule boards, and TSA lines. How many cancellations are there? Are there long lines? Do people look harried and hurried?

Instead of jumping right in, grab a seat at a coffee shop or in the waiting area, jot down notes describing the scene, and casually watch people, listen to conversations, and plan your approach. This will be different for each venue of course. A protest or a march is fast moving and so there will be less time to observe, so no coffee for you!

3. Use your ‘Spidey Senses.’

Who seems most approachable? Who looks stressed and is most likely to have experienced flight delays and/or cancellations? Is it that man slumped in his seat? The lady holding a sleepy baby? The young couple deep in conversation?

Next comes the hard part, approaching total strangers to ask for comments.

To break the ice, I strike up a conversation with a friendly looking older lady sitting nearby, just casually asking if she’s experienced any delays that day. We speak for several minutes chatting about her visit and where she’s from. She’s had no delays, and I mention what I’m doing, and she wishes me luck. So, this was my practice, my litmus test. I enjoyed the interaction with a lovely person who was more than happy to converse. So now I feel ready to speak with more people.

4. Be respectful.

Be aware that you’re approaching people without their permission, in a public place, and essentially entering their personal space. It’s quite natural for someone to be on the defensive. Imagine how you would react if a stranger approached you out of the blue while doing errands in town?

I always approach with a smile, and just to get a general sense of the situation, in this instance, I start with a simple question, as if I’m also a traveler, “Hey there, have you guys had any flight delays or cancellations today?” If they say no, I decide on the spot whether to pursue the conversation further.

But I spend most time trying to spot those who have experienced delays and by now my ‘spidey senses’ are working overtime. I overhear a lady asking someone, ‘did you get on another flight?’ So, naturally I approach them both for an interview, identifying who I am and who I’m reporting for, and the nature of the story.

When you do get an interview, ask for the following information: full name, ensuring it’s spelled correctly, age, occupation, their backstory, where they’re from, why they’re traveling, and any other details the story or publication requires. It’s also good to get contact information just in case you need verification later.

If you’re asking about a specific topic or an issue a good approach is, “Hi I’m Alison, and I’m with (state your publication) and I’m out today asking young people about the election, so what’s your view on what’s going on right now?” When you give the whole spiel and tag a direct question—what do you think about?—at the end, I’ve found people are more likely to respond automatically.

At the airport I wrote down quotes old school style, but in other situations recording the conversation might be easier. Always ask permission to record and be aware that this can put people off. Try and gauge someone’s possible reaction to such a request.

If a person is rude, and it happens often, just respond politely, saying, “okay, I understand, but thank you.” Then brush it off and carry on. They might be busy, shy, in a bad mood, don’t like speaking to strangers or simply dislike journalists. It could be anything. Don’t take it personally.

5. Seek out a variety of viewpoints.

For balance, try and gather a variety of different viewpoints, especially if it’s a political topic or a controversial issue. You also need to approach and include a diverse group of interviewees, in gender, race/ethnicity, and age. Remember when reporting, we want to represent all people in our society.

Good luck out there, believe in yourself, and remember, this is important work and you’re giving a voice to ordinary people.

*****

The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is a practical, informative, and well-researched introduction to journalism and its best practices, with actionable advice, tips, techniques, explanations, and anecdotes straight from the field. In this digital guide, writers will learn how to write an effective news piece, skills need to be an effective journalist, outlets for publishing journalism, journalism associations, and so much more. Both inspirational and pragmatic, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is packed with valuable resources for aspiring journalists.

Click to continue.

The post 5 Tips for Conducting Vox Pops (or on the Street Interviews) When You Don’t Feel Like Talking (IRL) appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(5 Journalism-Related Movies Based on Real Events.)

So here are five powerful TED talks by media professionals in various fields. We kick off with a fascinating talk on the Panama Papers, the biggest data leak in history, followed by talks on international journalism and war reporting, two fields I haven’t yet tackled. And finally…we close with some positive news—an interesting dive into solutions journalism.

How the Panama Papers journalists broke the biggest leak in history. Gerard Ryle, TED Summit, (June 2016)

Gerard Ryle is the director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in Washington, DC. In this TED talk he shares the story behind the biggest journalism collaboration in history, which offered an unprecedented look into the secretive world of offshore finance. Ryle led a worldwide team of journalists working on the Panama Papers, the 11.5 million documents leaked from the database of Mossack Fonseca, the world’s fourth biggest offshore law firm, based in Panama. The documents reveal how the rich and famous hide their money offshore and exploit tax havens. The 2016 release of the Panama Papers led to resignations of government leaders, several arrests, and regulatory reforms.

Full profile.

You can search and browse the Panama files: offshoreleaks.icij.org.

3 Ways to Fix a Broken News Industry, Lara Setrakian, TEDNYC, (January 2017)

Journalist Lara Setrakian, co-founder and CEO of News Deeply, shares three ways we can ‘fix the news industry’ to better inform the public about the biggest issues of our time and ensure important stories are never ‘left behind.’ She states the need for specialized and beat journalism, forming partnerships with local journalists in different countries, news industry accountability, resisting the temptation to use fear for ratings, and the embracing of complexity. She gently reminds us that the news is “adult education.” 

Before starting News Deeply, Setrakian, a self-described ‘industrious optimist,’ was Middle East correspondent for ABC News and Bloomberg Television. 

Full profile.

War Journalism should be rooted in empathy — not violence. Bel Trew, TEDx Berlin, (February 2024)

“Subconsciously we’d realized that the most impactful way to show the devastation of war, was in the image of a teenage boy, his hedgehog, and his heartbreak.”

These are the compelling words of Bel Trew, an international correspondent, photographer, and documentary filmmaker, who since 2011 has reported on uprisings, disasters, and wars from Ukraine to Gaza. Trew is calling for war reporting to be rooted in compassion and truth, moving beyond the constant focus on violence and including more stories highlighting the human toll of war.

“As a journalist, I’m among the few people who really can and should talk to all sides,” states Trew. “We live in a world where there are 1,001 ways to communicate and yet we’ve completely forgotten how to speak to each other.” 

Full profile.

Life on the frontlines of war reporting. Jane Ferguson, TEDWomen 2023, (October 2023)

Journalist Jane Ferguson has covered almost every major conflict in the 21^st century, and after two decades in the war reporting trenches, has observed the profession shifting from a male dominated space to majority female. The nature of war reporting today and therefore how wars are perceived by the public, has been changed by women taking the lead, according to Ferguson. She adds that the “types of stories that are covered, the angles that are taken, have been shaped by the fact more and more women are reporting them.”

Originally from Northern Ireland, Jane Ferguson is a war reporter and foreign correspondent for PBS and The New Yorker.

Full profile.

Is This the Time of Monsters — or Miracles? Angus Hervey, TED 2025, (April 2025)

The Good News You Might Have Missed. Angus Hervey, TED 2024, (April 2024)

Okay, it’s technically a total of 6 TED Talks, but I thought I’d include two talks by solutions journalist Angus Hervey. They’re both so compelling, I couldn’t choose. Plus, good news is refreshing, don’t you think?

Angus Hervey reveals the ‘hidden progress’ and the overlooked triumphs and accomplishments that persevere while it seems like the world is collapsing. If you watch the mainstream news, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all over. But did you know that in 2023 almost one in five children got fed in school? Sea turtle populations are increasing worldwide. And in 2024 fewer people died of natural disasters than almost any year in history? These are just a few of the underreported global wins Hervey shares in these podcasts.

“If we want more people to devote themselves to the task of making progress, then maybe we should be telling more people that it’s possible to make progress,” says Hervey.

Angus Hervey is the founding editor of Fix The News, an independent media company that shares stories of human progress.

Full profile.

The post 5 Powerful TED Talks on Journalism by Journalists appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(What Are Listicles?)

In broadcast journalism these stories are called a ‘kicker’ and are designed to counterbalance (or soften) the inevitable negativity and harshness of hard news pieces that make up most newscasts. They can be about anything positive, from cute animals (baby pandas) to an unusual lottery winning story.

Many local news stations still use variations of this format, and national newsrooms often dedicate specific segments to uplifting stories. Regional and local newspapers are renowned for their ‘local kid does good’ features. Magazines, especially women’s and lifestyle publications, were built on these types of stories. And of course, in the digital age, we can now find soft news on countless websites.

‘Soft news’ refers to lighthearted human interest and inspirational stories, including lifestyle, entertainment, and fashion. Sports journalism and many features also fall into this category, as do listicles, service pieces, and how-to articles. It can also include less positive stories, such as celebrity scandals and general sensationalist ‘tabloid’ fodder. These stories appeal to our emotions, curiosity, and a desire to learn. In journalistic circles they’re often referred to as fluff pieces.

Hard news is urgent and immediate, with reporters informing the public about important and serious current and ongoing events. Soft news is evergreen, the tone is lighter, and stories can entertain and inform, (although some would argue hard news has also become a form of entertainment).

While hard news is obviously important and needed, the constant barrage of bad news is becoming problematic, especially since it can pop up uninvited on social media sites and during online searches, in addition to the existing 24/7 news cycle.

Social media algorithms amplify negative and emotive stories to ensure engagement and this overexposure is having a detrimental effect on mental health, according to the American Psychological Association, leading to “media saturation overload.” Being subjected to a constant stream of negative news stories can’t be good for anyone’s health, but it’s especially harmful to young people. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Soft news items not only counterbalance hard news, but in my opinion, they enhance and add to the ‘hard’ reporting, offering value and relevance. For example, while covering Hurricane Helene I researched the extent of storm damage, the death toll, and how flooding decimated entire communities. But among all the bad news were stories on the good work being done by ordinary people. My favorite story was about the Mountain Mule Packers; a team of mules that helped deliver disaster relief to stranded flood victims in North Carolina’s remote mountain communities. This is a heartwarming story, offering hope and joy amidst heartache and pain. It was also informative and useful if you knew of people who needed help at the time. Read the story here.

Some journalists thrive on the excitement and challenge of covering hard news exclusively. Although I like tackling topical issues and enjoy the immediacy of occasionally covering news, I’ve always preferred feature writing and investigative journalism. The best parts of the journalistic process are in-depth research and engaging with people—hearing about incredible personal stories, exploring different angles, and digging deeper into the heart of an issue. I’m not just referring to formal interviews here but just talking to people on their home turf and listening to what they have to say.

There are many layers and angles to each story. Hard news skims the surface and the reporter’s job is getting out facts quickly and efficiently, the who, what, where, and when. Again, a very important job. Features take a little more time and a lot more patience, and they can also tackle some of the ‘whys’ of a story. ‘Fluff’ pieces like listicles can offer quick, useful information about all kinds of things, like the best places to eat pizza in Nashville or the safest car for teen drivers. This ‘soft’ information is just as important and, in some instances, more relevant to people’s everyday lives.

7 Reasons Why “Soft News” Is Important

Here are a few more reasons why soft news is important:

1. We could argue that soft news is a lot more fun, especially when covering lighter topics. You can write about anything—Bigfoot, haunted cities in America, Mid Century Modern furniture, architecture, art history, you name it.
2. While the content of women’s magazines is primarily seen as soft (or fluff pieces), they do tackle politics and social issues but approach it differently. They humanize the stories, taking a deeper dive into the personalities involved, rather than giving a general, but detached overview. They also provide important information and advice on health issues, finances, parenting, and relationships.
3. Stories focusing on ‘soft’ topics can offer valuable and practical information and advice. It could be a feature on an artist, therapeutic horse riding, how knitting can help anxiety, and how to beat the winter blues. The topics are endless.
4. Soft news is evergreen; these stories have a long shelf life and can be enjoyed for years. Hard news is immediate but quickly forgotten, becoming outdated or ‘yesterday’s news.’
5. Writers can tackle interesting stories and meet/interview fascinating people. Researching and writing soft stories is just as educational for the journalist as it is for the audience.
6. Feel-good and inspirational stories really do make us feel better, by boosting mood, reducing stress levels, and inspiring hope.
7. People are starting to seek more positive, solutions based and constructive journalism. They want to know that there’s a possible solution to all the problems being highlighted. What is being done? Who’s offering help? How are they implementing changes?

Well-written and thoughtful soft news stories are important, because we need to feel hopeful, inspired, and reassured that people still care about each other. We are social creatures and naturally curious. If we must be bombarded with divisive, bad news all day, every day, then we also need access to positive, feel-good stories as an antidote. Otherwise, the public might just switch off altogether and go fully off-grid in protest.

And finally, soft pieces are predominantly nonpartisan, attract a broader audience, and many of the topics are universally appealing and relevant, bridging social, racial, and political divides. They foster community spirit and wellbeing. What’s not to love.

So, go forth and write some fluff pieces for goodness’ sake!

The post What Is ‘Soft News’ in Journalism? Why Are These Stories Important? appeared first on Writer's Digest.

My answer usually goes something like this, “I’m a freelance journalist, writer, content creator, videographer, editor, producer, radio commentator, content and course creator, author … and oh yes, I often sell stuff on Facebook Marketplace—just you know, as a hobby.”

“So, you’re a jack of all trades then?”

I didn’t have a quick response to this recently asked question. I needed to ponder. I dislike that term. It sounds flighty. In the future, I’ll shake my head and answer, “No, I’m a journalist of all trades…”

Freelance work involves a lot of different ‘doing,’ things that can fit under one umbrella. From now on I will simply incorporate all my work under the journalism umbrella and be done. Here’s why I can do this:

1. I’m a professional freelance journalist. I write all types of nonfiction articles and dabble in fiction, but I will always identify as a journalist first. My whole career has revolved around journalism in various forms and mediums.
2. The courses and sessions I have created (and intend to create), and the nonfiction books I’ve written, are either about journalism or draw from and reference my almost three decades-long journalism journey.
3. Even when my writing (or content) is not technically journalism (for example, a sponsored content piece), I still use my journalism skills, so the process is identical.
4. Depending on the content, videography is a strong form of journalism and editing is a valuable multimedia skill.
5. I can easily turn my Marketplace selling exploits into a service piece, blog, or personal essay, especially if I actually make a profit one day!
6. The main characters in my (unpublished) novels are journalists.

I should also add marketing and accounting to the “what I do” list above, because, if you’ve ever freelanced you know that it’s “all of this.”

We wear many hats as freelance journalists; it just comes with the territory. By necessity, we’re negotiators, communicators, organizers, hagglers (you should see me at the flea market!), investigators, and creators.

So having been asked “what I do,” I’d like to break down what it takes to be a freelance journalist, one “thing” and one “job” at a time. Here it goes.

Research and Consistency

The ability to find regular gigs and keep generating good ideas.

As a freelance journalist it’s important to find ‘bread and butter clients’—regular gigs, such as a column, blog, or a regional magazine beat to guarantee at least a base weekly or monthly income.

To attract new assignments, freelancers must also excel at finding and developing story ideas; ones that sell. This must be an ongoing process and ideally as a freelancer, you should have a file brimming with ideas, source names, and notes. These may be useful in the future when an issue becomes topical, or an editor puts out a pitch call that fits your idea.

You must also pitch consistently.

Pitching

If you master the art of pitching, then success is almost guaranteed. This is where many of us falter. Pitching is a number’s game, we’ve been told this countless times, and it’s true. If you don’t pitch well and often, then assignments will be few and far between.

Study successful pitches written by professional writers. How long was the pitch? How much detail did the writer include? How did they present (and sell) the story? How did the story gel with the publication? What tone did they use?

I must confess that this is my weakest spot and I’ve written in more depth on how to pitch (when you don’t want to), here.

Flexibility

This is where ‘journalism of all trades’ comes into effect, and you can use your skills to pitch and write all types of content, from features and essays to news articles and solutions pieces. Generalists can write about anything and even if you stay within one niche, such as tourism, you can always write different types of pieces within that genre. You can also use your skills and earn more income by expanding your reach to other forms of writing, such as video scripts.

Flexibility also extends to the processes of journalism, including interviewing. Be flexible and offer different options and times—in-person, phone, Zoom, and so on, to accommodate the interviewee as much as possible. After all, they’re not getting paid for their time.

Organization Skills

Freelance journalism involves so much, from generating ideas, research, pitching and writing, to poring over contracts, creating invoices, and communicating with editors.

Time management—it’s important to devote a few hours each month to deal with the business and administrative side of your work, including invoices, tracking expenses, budgeting, following up on late payments, and so on.

It’s a good idea to pitch in batches and again devote a time specifically for generating ideas, finding publications, editor information, and writing awesome pitches.

If we flitter from one thing to another like an overenthusiastic butterfly in the flower garden, we end up with half-written articles and underdeveloped pitches littering our desktop. Each aspect of our work demands complete focus, especially pitching. It’s easy to become flustered and distracted when we do too much at once. Divide time accordingly and accomplish more.

Patience

As freelancers, we’re always waiting. Waiting for an editor to reply to a pitch. Waiting for an article we wrote months ago to be published. Waiting for a source to answer an interview request. Waiting to get paid.

Without the gift of patience, we wouldn’t last a month in this game.

Curiosity

Curiosity is essential in journalism, especially when you’re a freelancer. Stories and ideas are everywhere, and our job is to spot them, note them, pursue, and dig, it if looks promising.

Everyone we meet could be a possible source and so we must remain vigilant, curious, ask questions, and listen carefully to people’s stories (and gossip!)

Thick Skin

A thick skin is essential in any form of journalism, but especially so when you’re constantly pitching and inevitably being rejected by editors. Although it’s hard not to take it personally, it’s vital that we shake it off and remember it’s the idea that’s being rejected, not us as people or our writing. The story may not be a good fit, the timing is wrong, or a similar article has just been commissioned. Maybe the pitch itself is too wordy, or the email may never have been opened because of a weak subject line. It could be any number of reasons.

Our articles may also attract negative comments online (which is never much fun), or a source may suddenly refuse to be interviewed after previously agreeing. As journalists we’re always vulnerable to criticism and negativity; it comes with the job. The best thing is to protect ourselves emotionally and psychologically and take these things in our stride. It’s often not our writing or stories that are triggering people, but something deep in their own psyches making them want to lash out. But sometimes it is the story or something we wrote. Either way, note it, deal with it if needed, then move on to the next story.

Networking

Networking with industry professionals can help advance a journalist’s career, offer support during difficult times, and help develop skills and craft. This includes fellow journalists, editors, nonfiction writers, and others in the media.

Target the publications or websites you want to write for and find the editors in your chosen sections. Follow them on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, or wherever they live online. Editors often put out calls for pitches in specific areas, so keep checking. If a writer you admire posts something you genuinely like, leave a heartfelt comment. Just don’t be too persistent or try too hard to gain attention. Sincerity goes a very long way, especially in the times we live in.

Socializing

Journalists are sociable creatures, whether in person or virtually. We’re a good combination of joiners, talkers, and listeners. And if you want to find more opportunities to grow as a professional, I highly recommend joining a writing group or a journalism organization and attending events and conferences. Talk to people, explain (briefly) who you are and what you do, then listen to them, ask questions, and be attentive when they speak. If you meet someone in person, remember to grab their business card and follow up.

Click here for an article on journalism organizations you can join as a student or a professional journalist.

Whether it’s a local, national, or an international group, it’s helpful to find a space full of people with similar professional and journalistic goals, that can help you improve your craft and advance your career. Spending time with other writers and journalists often leads to strong relationships and lifelong friendships.

You can also Subscribe to newsletters that offer industry tips, lists of publications, pitch calls from editors, grant information, competitions, workshops, classes, and much more.

Here are some newsletters to get you started:

• TheWordling.com
• FreedomWithWriting.com
• WOW-WomenOnWriting.com

*****

The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is a practical, informative, and well-researched introduction to journalism and its best practices, with actionable advice, tips, techniques, explanations, and anecdotes straight from the field. In this digital guide, writers will learn how to write an effective news piece, skills need to be an effective journalist, outlets for publishing journalism, journalism associations, and so much more. Both inspirational and pragmatic, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is packed with valuable resources for aspiring journalists.

Click to continue.

The post What It Takes to Be a Freelance Journalist appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(How Does Clickbait Affect Online Journalism?)

While often disparaged as ‘lazy journalism,’ when done well the listicle format is nevertheless a useful tool for conveying interesting and important information. I would place listicles in the same category as light features or call it soft journalism, but again, it depends on the content and subject matter. Some listicles do tackle serious and heavy topics.

So, What Is a Listicle?

A listicle is simply an article structured as a list of tips, facts, or examples, based on a particular theme, such as, “The 10 Best Christmas Movies of All Time” or “Top Summer Beach Reads.” They always have a catchy headline to lure you in and the format is straightforward—a short introductory paragraph explaining the reason for the article, followed by the list, either numbered or bulleted, with a sub-heading and a brief explanation for each example. Listicle is a ‘portmanteau,’ or a blend of the words list and article.

Although there’s been a proliferation of listicles online, it’s nothing new, as any serious women’s magazine readers well know. Publications like Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and others have been using this format for decades. How many times have you seen lists on magazine covers that caught your eye? Even men’s print publications like Men’s Health have been using this format effectively.

One of my first regular online freelance gigs was writing for a listicle site. I wrote politics and entertainment pieces, with topics ranging from “How to Stay Married” and “Top 10 Best Zombie Movies” to “The 10 Poorest Countries in the World” and “10 Facts about Human Trafficking.”

The above examples prove that you can use this format to tackle serious issues as well as the lighter subjects. As freelancers we often lack the budget and resource for an in-depth piece requiring months of research, interviews, and possibly travel expenses, unless our pitch is accepted by a major publication. But with a listicle we can offer the very basic facts and statistics by researching freely available online resources such as the US State Department trafficking in Persons Report or the US Census Bureau.

We could call it a gateway article, to give the reader an easy-to-read summary of, or an introduction to, a topic that may compel them to explore further. It also gives writers a chance to experiment with more serious topics and turn them into content.

Listicles can also provide useful advice and tips on anything from dating to cooking a turkey.

5 Tips for Writing Better Listicles!

While relatively easy to write, listicles do require research, most of which can be conducted online. They also demand accuracy and proofreading (by a human). The beauty of listicles is that they can cover just about any topic, and they’re a great way to break into online or print publications as a freelancer. I’ve written two pieces for Scout Life magazine (previously Boys’ Life) and both were listicles. My second piece for WritersDigest.com was a listicle and I often use the format for this monthly column.

That being said, here are 5 tips for writing better listicles!

*****

The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is a practical, informative, and well-researched introduction to journalism and its best practices, with actionable advice, tips, techniques, explanations, and anecdotes straight from the field. In this digital guide, writers will learn how to write an effective news piece, skills need to be an effective journalist, outlets for publishing journalism, journalism associations, and so much more. Both inspirational and pragmatic, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is packed with valuable resources for aspiring journalists.

Click to continue.

*****

Check your facts and avoid using AI to write your piece! Here’s why …

In 2023 Microsoft allegedly published, and then retracted an AI-generated article, “Headed to Ottawa? Here’s what you shouldn’t miss!” which among other attractions, recommended tourists visit an Ottawa food bank on “an empty stomach.” Click here for the story.

The Chicago Sun-Times experienced an equally embarrassing AI gaffe when they published a summer reading list produced by a third-party company, including books that don’t exist. They were made up by AI. The writer admitted he used AI for the piece and that he failed to fact check. Click here for more information.

While humorous, these are embarrassing mistakes with severe consequences for the writers and publications involved.  

Pick a number!

If you’re going to use numbered lists, the best performing numbers are 5, 7, and 10. 15 and 29 are also great for more in-depth pieces. Major publications like “Rolling Stone” can get away with using 100 examples, such as The 100 Best Albums of 2024.

As for word count, it can vary with each piece, but the range is usually 800 to 1,500 words. A listicle can essentially be as long as you like, but whether readers will get to number 72 on your list of 150 is anyone’s guess. The introduction should be concise and can be as short as 60 words if strongly written but can also sit comfortably around 100-150 words. Each numbered example requires a strong paragraph or two, again around 100-150 words, depending on the complexity of the topic.

Write what you love.

Pick topics that you either love or want to explore, as this makes the process easier and much more fun. After watching my friends get on the fastest zip line in the world in my home country Wales, I was compelled to research zip lines. I had the fastest, so where was the highest, the longest, and scariest zip line? It quickly morphed into a lucrative, easy-to-write listicle for a national magazine that paid well.

Offer value to your readers.

Don’t shortchange readers with huge promises in your headline. Provide valuable and useful information they can and will use. If you live in a touristy spot why not write some listicles about the best things to do and see in your area? These don’t have to be restaurants and museums. Think outside the box about people’s needs. How about best walks? Best places to fish? Best spots to see wildlife? 7 places to sleep in your car for free along the Pacific Coast Highway, you get the gist.

The beauty of listicles is that they can be about practically any subject matter and topic, and again they’re easy to produce. They just need to be useful. As journalists, we’re providing a service, sharing facts we’ve researched and verified, that will help others make informed decisions.

Use an image for each item on the list.

These can be public domain or Creative Commons photos, and you can even use your own as I often do. You can also use Canva, Unsplash, or any number of sites, just search for royalty free images. I would suggest crediting each photo and/or citing the source even if they’re free, just for courtesy.

If your list is about movies or best songs, you can include a link or embed the movie trailer or song in your piece from sites like YouTube. This is great if you’re writing on Medium in particular. In fact, most of my Medium articles are listicles!

Just one more thing…

Listicles are being overused and it’s undeniable that many are AI written and churned out by content creators trying to make easy money. As we saw in the examples above, journalists are also using AI without fact-checking, and the results can be disastrous.

*****

However as professional writers we can save the reputation of this very useful article format by ensuring all our work is of the highest quality, while we endeavor to inform, educate, delight, and entertain our readers. We also have the knowledge, skills, and experience to engage our audience and provide real value, through integrity, accuracy, and diligence, which are some of the principles of ethical journalism.

And to answer the initial question, are listicles considered ‘real’ journalism? Yes, when done well and responsibly. Clickbait listicles are not journalism and it’s easy to differentiate between the two.

Listicles are a form of journalism just as much as opinion pieces, personal essays and features. It’s just a different presentation of facts. Readers, especially online, appreciate well presented, actionable information that’s easy to skim and digest, with quick answers to their questions and needs, whether health related or for entertainment. The structure of listicles is logical, formulaic, and simple, helping our brains to easily organize, evaluate and process the information. These are just some reasons why listicles continue to succeed, especially online.

The post What Are Listicles, and Are They Considered “Real” Journalism? appeared first on Writer's Digest.

Do generalists have more fun with their writing? Maybe. We certainly enjoy more story variety. Our topics can range anywhere from discussing ChatGPT to exploring why people love Bigfoot.

(Does Good News Sell?)

But are generalist writers in high demand? Probably not as much as experts or niche writers in this increasingly over saturated market.

So, what do I mean by generalist?

I’m referring to a writer or journalist who will cover just about any topic rather than focusing on or specializing in one genre or niche, or in journalistic terms, a beat, such as the environment, tech, science, opinion, health, or politics. A generalist may of course also cover these areas but will be competing with those with expertise and/or more experience and clips.

Most reporters with a geographical beat, freelancers, bloggers, and content creators, can claim the title “generalist.” I’ve always considered myself a generalist. I can’t imagine staying in just one lane for long. There are just too many interesting and diverse stories and formats to explore for me to narrow my scope. And maybe you feel the same way?

But in the past few years, with all the challenges facing the industry, there’s been a push in writing circles, for freelancers especially, to choose a niche or specialty to stay afloat. With AI-generated content and click bait flooding the market, as well as thousands of media job losses, now more than ever we need to find new ways to stand out.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of generalist journalism and nonfiction writing. Is there a middle ground? Can we continue pursuing the stories and topics we love and stick to our preferred formats and genres, while still creating a niche? Maybe you have an unrealized or unrecognized expertise that you can use? You may be a historian, a teacher, a parent. These can all be foundations for a niche that you can build upon (or rebuild).

What does a generalist have to offer?

Generalists must be skillful storytellers, keen observers, and possess the ability to quickly learn and understand the basics of a subject, enough to explain the story to readers, and to seek the right experts and ask them the right questions. They must also be highly adaptable and able to easily shift their focus between vastly different topics.

And it’s not just the topics that define generalists, it’s also the writing genres, style, and formats. Some freelancers tackle all types of writing—features, news, essays, listicles, and Q&A’s, which means they have multiple talents and a variety of clips and bylines.

For instance, in one month, I wrote commerce roundups about telescopes and air conditioning units, researched television veterinarians for a trade magazine feature, and conducted an in-depth interview with a romance writer for a sponsored content piece.  

And generalist journalism is an umbrella term. My full-time journalism and producing roles in both print and television, were “generalist” in different ways. As a weekly newspaper reporter my beat was a geographical area, a rural, coastal, part of Wales, heavily agricultural and famous for its sailing. So, my stories covered these area-specific economies as well as local news in general. In my television roles there were different purviews for my field investigative work and the studio-based discussion shows I produced, although they both came under the banner of current affairs and the stories and topics were bountiful.

But advertising ourselves as just generalists doesn’t always work in our favor. Editors tend to prefer some kind of specialty, whether in a subject area, field, or writing type.

Different types of experts and niches.

Some writers thrive in one area where they can utilize different writing styles and explore several topics, for instance travel writers. Travel writers can tackle different aspects of the industry, such as budget or luxury travel, or the industry itself, looking at the hotel business, the economy, flights, and so on. They can focus on one type of vacation, such as cruises, or stick to a handful of destinations. They can also write different types of articles, features, listicles, and Q&A’s all under their “travel expert” title. This could also apply to lifestyle writers and other niches.

Other writers stick to and develop one journalistic type, such as opinion, essays, or features. This then becomes their niche, but the scope of their topics can still be general.

So, how can we as generalists, balance our need for variety and narrow down our specific skill sets, so we look more desirable?

Even as generalists we also naturally gravitate to certain stories and topics, so there’s a good chance you already have a niche and just don’t realize it. I know writers who love writing about comics, and others who write about health and wellness. These are possible niches.

When I look at my work history, I’ve covered American politics extensively, in the UK and US media and this is a niche I can easily claim, if I wanted to. My other niche is journalism. My whole career revolves around journalism, I’ve worked in several mediums on two continents, have 25+ years in the industry, and I’m now in my fourth year writing a column about journalism. I can safely advertise my expertise in this field, although for some reason it’s taken years for me to fully claim this title.

As writers we all suffer from imposter syndrome to some degree, especially those from older generations, and we must shake off this attitude for good. Claim your niche. It doesn’t have to be through writing, it can come from life experience, a job, career, or hobby. My brother is an expert at designing and building model railways and is sought out by specialty magazines to write articles for them—they pay him well and he’s not even a professional writer.

Maybe you’re an expert knitter, speak seven languages, have lived on five continents, or conversely, lived in the same house and small town all your life and watched the world change from your kitchen window. Whatever it is, find it and use it. Or maybe it’s the type of articles you excel at. Are you good at features? Then claim that as your expertise, while emphasizing that you love tackling a variety of topics.

So, dig into your portfolio and background, see where your writing strengths lie, and what kind of stories you’ve written in the past. Is there some way you can build on this? You may not be an expert yet, but you have a base from which to grow.

Choose what you love to write about the most and do more of that, and soon you’ll have created a niche and you’ll have the clips to prove your expertise.

*****

The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is a practical, informative, and well-researched introduction to journalism and its best practices, with actionable advice, tips, techniques, explanations, and anecdotes straight from the field. In this digital guide, writers will learn how to write an effective news piece, skills need to be an effective journalist, outlets for publishing journalism, journalism associations, and so much more. Both inspirational and pragmatic, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is packed with valuable resources for aspiring journalists.

Click to continue.

The post Creating a Niche as a Generalist Journalist appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(Writing Small Stories With a Big Impact.)

Those who spend considerable time online are familiar with clickbait yet fall for it consistently. (Guilty!) It’s a technique that works very well as it triggers emotional reactions and arouses our natural curiosity. Many of us click before thinking, then kick ourselves when we realize it’s junk. Cha-ching. The website just made money and too bad if it wasted your time. Sucker.

While we’ve come to expect such a gimmick from content marketers, unfortunately clickbait tactics are also commonly used in online journalism, especially digital first outlets.

So, what exactly is clickbait and why is it so prevalent?

“Clickbait” is a term used to describe online content—a headline, title, or thumbnail, that persuades or rather tricks readers into clicking through to the full article or video. These headlines are designed to evoke an emotional reaction or appeal to our curiosity. They often make sensational claims or controversial statements, using hyperbolic language and various gimmicks to lure readers in. Common clickbait phrases include, “You won’t believe…”, “You Need to See This…”, “What happened next will shock you…”, “The Real Reason why….”

You can find clickbait on websites, social media, and video platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. It’s always accompanied by an eye-catching photo and a juicy headline.

The actual content is often mediocre and misleading, sometimes having very little to do with the title or headline. It’s used to increase advertising revenue through boosting engagement metrics—page views, likes, comments, clicks, and shares. But when promising headlines fail to deliver in this way it leaves the reader feeling used, irritated, and distrustful of any future content.

Clickbait has one clear goal, to make easy money. In this sense it’s not meant for true engagement, to share vital information, advance a promising writing career, or practice thoughtful, ethical journalism. Quantity in this scenario is more important than quality.

Why does clickbait exist?

The concept behind clickbait is nothing new and it mimics the yellow journalism tactics of the past—catchy, sensationalist tabloid headlines and television infomercials. However, the digital landscape is vastly different to legacy media and always evolving. There are no clear standards online when it comes to content creators. The only purpose of clickbait is to get people to click that link and all they get for their time is a lackluster article or video.

When you bought a newspaper, you got the package deal: all the other articles, sports section, classified ads, and obituaries, not to mention a crossword, comic strip, horoscopes, and coupons on Sunday. The articles were typically well researched and written, and most importantly, edited. And you could also use old newspapers to pack the china inherited from grandma when you moved.

But anything goes online. Never has it been so easy to ‘write’ and create content, with no editor or gatekeeper in sight. Regardless of talent and skill, anyone can simply slap something together and toss it out there. All they need is a gimmicky headline and they can make money. And as humans, we’ve never been inundated with so much information and choices in one space.

Online creators are jostling for attention and in the process dumping more piles of content onto the growing digital scrap heap. AI-generated articles and videos just compound the problems, creating more distrust and frustration.  

The practice reduces content creation to a hustle to make money, gain clicks and attention, rather than providing a public service to disseminate important information through articles of value and integrity.

*****

The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is a practical, informative, and well-researched introduction to journalism and its best practices, with actionable advice, tips, techniques, explanations, and anecdotes straight from the field. In this digital guide, writers will learn how to write an effective news piece, skills need to be an effective journalist, outlets for publishing journalism, journalism associations, and so much more. Both inspirational and pragmatic, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is packed with valuable resources for aspiring journalists.

Click to continue.

*****

Where does clickbait exist?

Clickbait is prevalent on most social media sites, like Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube. Even sites like Medium have been accused of degenerating into clickbait. Unfortunately, to compete with all the other online content, news outlets also use some of the same tactics. It can add to problems such as the spreading of disinformation and fake news stories.

It’s common on social media sites like Facebook for people to just share the article link without even reading the piece. The headline alone can create havoc in the comments section, facts and nuance be damned.

A 2024 study exploring the features of clickbait journalism and its effectiveness in driving online engagement, revealed that digital-native news outlets like Buzzfeed and Huffington Post were much more likely to use clickbait tactics than legacy outlets. The study, co-authored by UC Davis communication graduate student Salman Khawar, identifies 10 key features of clickbait journalism on social media. It concludes that clickbait does drive engagement in the form of likes and shares on social media.

“Prior research has shown that forms of sensationalism, like clickbait, and a perception of fake news and media mistrust are interconnected, and this has societal relevance,” said Khawar.

Could clickbait be used for good?

But since it’s proven to work very well in gaining attention, can the tactic also be used for good? If the content lives up to the expectations of the title, and the writer truly wants to share an important and relevant message and presents well-researched information, wider readership would be beneficial. The key is to build trust with your readers and viewers, so they’re more likely to keep clicking on posts. A good reputation can go a very long way, especially if clickbait runs its course.

Thankfully traditional media news sites are still bound by journalism ethics and must adhere to established standards. Despite criticisms of bias and lack of objectivity (which are often warranted) at least legacy media journalists are trained professionals, schooled in the principles of journalism.

If there’s no going back to print and broadcast business models, news outlets must somehow learn to survive and thrive online. To compete in the increasingly oversaturated digital space, where attention spans continuously shrink, and in a world where digital natives dominate, is the use of some clickbait a necessary ‘evil’ to get the public’s attention? Can it be used to get people in the door, so you can then surprise them with some real, homecooked, good old-fashioned journalism? Would this work? Is clickbait just yellow journalism on a larger scale?

Maybe the price we pay for online ‘free news’ is clickbait. The key is learning how to spot the worst culprits, ignore their junk, and not feed the beast, then maybe it will starve and fade away. That would make room for some quality, ethical journalism. We can only hope.

Click here for the 10 Features of Clickbait.

The post How Does Clickbait Affect Online Journalism? appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(Writing Small Stories With a Big Impact.)

Stories involving any kind of crime, violence, scandal, or disaster, always get the breaking coverage and become front-page news. You could argue that the online news space is just one big money-spinning tabloid at this point. And as consumers, we tend to be drawn into all this by our innate curiosity and yes, our penchant for the scandalous and macabre.

A few of these stories a week is palatable, but we’re now inundated with an enormous daily dose of negativity. From wildfires to mass shootings, the news seems to offer an endless diet of disaster. These events need to be covered of course, but there’s a better way to do so. And it’s not just the legacy and independent/citizen journalist news sources, worse still is all the trash online content, disguised as news, that thrives off clickbait.

What kind of effect does this perpetual bad news cycle have on our mental and physical health? And can we as journalists tip the balance by pursuing more positive, or at the very least, less negative stories? Or maybe tackle them in a different way, sans sensationalism? Would anyone read them if we did?

Let’s dig in.

The Power of Sensational Journalism

There is nothing new under the sun, and news outlets have always peddled sensationalist news. The tabloids have thrived on it. “Read all about it,” newsboys would shout, “Headless Body Found in Topless Bar.” Now click bait has taken over the reins and the effect of online fodder is arguably worse. And yes, go right ahead, click on the link there, it was an actual headline in 1983. We’ll wait…

At least back in pre-internet times, when newspapers were the norm, we’d read an article, shake our heads, flip to the comic strip, chuckle, maybe take a go at the crossword, check our horoscopes, then fold up the paper, and get on with our day. No comments section to scroll through, no rabbit holes to tumble down, and no Facebook bickering back then. You’d save that for the pub. The paper would eventually end up lining the parakeet cage anyway, or in 80s Britain, used to wrap your Friday night fish and chips. Yesterday’s news and all that.

And with television nightly news at least, we know the drill by now. It’s all bad news up front, often just one stretched out story if there’s a hurricane. If we’re lucky at the end they’ll throw in a feel good “and finally…” segment about something positive, like a panda giving birth at the zoo. It’s almost like a salve after being battered with distress.

With the digital landscape it’s a very different scenario. We’re constantly bombarded with clickbait headlines whenever we’re online, even when we’re casually checking our social media page bad news pops up uninvited. There’s a term for this; it’s called incidental exposure.

It takes a strong-willed person to resist the urge to click on a juicy, enticing headline. Did you check out that New York Post link yet? You will!

The Power of Negative Journalism

We read the negative story online, but we can’t seem to just leave it right there and go make a cup of tea. Oh no. Instead, there’s the added lure of the comments section. You’ll just take a quick peek, right? See if anyone else agrees with your take on the story. Since “bad news” is designed to trigger strong emotional reactions, the comments section is often a minefield of angry outbursts. Coupled with the impact of the negative news story, after reading the nasty comments, you’re left drained, exhausted, and stressed out. “Are people really like this?” you exclaim to an empty room, as you head for the fridge and grab a beer. You’ll need something stronger if you took the plunge and posted your own comment and were mercilessly attacked for your trouble.

The whole experience leaves a psychological scar, affecting your mood and in some cases even causing physical symptoms, through the activation of the body’s flight or fight response.

A barrage of distressing news can fuel distrust and a feeling of doom, and we misguidedly start thinking that things are worse than they really are. Twisted, slanted stories trigger anger, hate, and cause societal division. You’d think by watching the news that crime was at an all-time high, but statistics show otherwise. It’s just the perception. The same goes for plane crashes. A study even found that people showed an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety after only 14 minutes of news consumption. Such is the power of words and the impact of click bait tactics.

Click to continue.

No News Is Good News Then, Right? 

What I loved about my weekly newspaper reporter role was that we did include positive articles, at least by the bottom of page 4. We’d cover a local couple’s golden anniversary or schoolchildren saving wild birds, or a magician getting accepted into the Magic Circle. These stories also sold papers, as the people involved have families and friends who will buy the issue just to clip that one story.

Positive stories don’t have to be cutesy and fluffy. We can meet in the middle somewhere between hard and soft news. Amid all the clickbait headlines there are some well-written stories out there. Great longform narrative pieces that explore the human condition, stories that cover real issues, follow ordinary people overcoming extraordinary circumstances. We need stories that build us up not tear us apart. Stories that empower rather than ones that leave us nervous and scared.

We can do more. Journalism as an industry can do better. We can evolve and still tackle the big, the bad, and the negative, but with tact, dignity, compassion, and empathy, rather than exploiting disasters and the misery of others just for clicks.

I believe most people are tired of being cannon fodder for the negative Nancys. They’re fed up with click bait stories that offer no real value. Readers are wising up and long for more substance and coverage that really matters.

And reading good news is scientifically proven to be good for you. Good news triggers dopamine release, reduces cortisol levels, improves mood, and strengthens social bonds. Read more about the benefits of good news here.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the negativity that floods the content we consume daily, but once we become aware of the dangers to our health and wellbeing, and start being mindful about what and how much news we consume, we can counteract or even avoid any negative outcomes.

We’re here on this earth to live, experience, create, explore, and help others if we can, not to worry about things we cannot possibly control. So, turn off the news for a day, read some well-researched, thoughtful journalism, and carpe diem, y’all!

*****

The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is a practical, informative, and well-researched introduction to journalism and its best practices, with actionable advice, tips, techniques, explanations, and anecdotes straight from the field. In this digital guide, writers will learn how to write an effective news piece, skills need to be an effective journalist, outlets for publishing journalism, journalism associations, and so much more. Both inspirational and pragmatic, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism is packed with valuable resources for aspiring journalists.

Click to continue.

The post Does Good News Sell? Or Are We Forever Stuck With the Bad News Bearers? appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(How to Keep an Ideas File as a Journalist.)

Does it harm or undermine journalism? Possibly. It’s an interesting dilemma so let’s dig a little deeper.

What Is Sponsored Content?

Sponsored content, also known as native advertising, is a type of advertisement where brands or businesses pay publishers to write content promoting their products or services. It’s designed to blend seamlessly with a publication’s regular content. They can be presented in the form of articles, blogs, social media posts, and videos. For this column, we’ll stick to their use as articles in publications such as online news channels, magazines, and newspapers.

In the US the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates transparency in advertising and endorsements, and sponsored content must be clearly labeled.  These labels can range from “paid post,” “sponsored content,” and “branded content,” to, “this article was written for our sponsor…”

So What’s Wrong With Sponsored Content?

The problem arises when we think we’re reading editorial content because we fail to notice the disclosure. This can be perceived as deceptive and could possibly threaten the credibility of a newspaper or news channel.

In a Center for Journalism Ethics article Ava Sirrah, a professor at New York University’s Stern School of business, cites a 2016 study published in American Behavioral Scientist. “Peer-reviewed research shows that even if a native ad has a disclosure label…a majority of people miss the label entirely,” she adds that the study showed that more than 30 percent of readers never even glanced at disclosures. “The labels might as well have been invisible to the majority of readers who gazed over the content.”

There is also the danger that news outlets publishing paid “stories” that mimic real articles are perilously close to breaching the sacred boundary separating reporting and advertising. This can compromise journalistic integrity. Traditional media is already facing many challengers, from AI to credibility issues, and sponsored content raises further concerns over conflict of interest and possible bias. As we all know, ethically, media outlets should avoid favoring advertisers or allow them to influence or dictate news coverage.

What’s the Future of Sponsored Content?

Sponsored content is nothing new and it’s not going away anytime soon. After all, it’s profitable and keeps news organizations in business. Many traditional media publications now have their own sponsored content platforms, separate from their editorial departments, such as The New York Times’ T Brand Studio, The Atlantic’s Re:Think Brand Studio, and HuffPost’s Partner Studio. 

Newspapers and magazines have featured sponsored content, previously called advertorials, for decades. The disclosures I would argue were probably more obvious to readers of print publications. In fact, my first paid gig as a journalist in Wales was writing advertising features for a local newspaper while someone was on maternity leave. As a full-time reporter, writing the occasional advertising feature was part of my job. I recall promoting a local butcher and a new Mexican restaurant on the town square. But I must emphasize again that these articles were clearly labeled with large, bold headings, impossible to miss.

And for full disclosure, as a freelance writer, I have written several pieces of sponsored content in the past five years, and I can attest that they pay very well. To write this type of content, we utilize all our journalism skills, including interviewing sources, researching, and using the same article structure as we would in journalism. The difference is of course that while we do often discuss current and relevant issues in such pieces, such as the use of AI and DEI programs, we are given the topic, scope of the story, and the sources—such as an employee of the firm that’s paying for the content. This is why in my bio and on my resume, I use the title journalist and writer, because, as we’ve discussed, when I write this type of content, I’m a freelance writer, not a journalist. The distinction is important and one I take seriously.  

Check out Alison Hill’s The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism here:

Click to continue.

Does Sponsored Content Harm Journalism?

Since it’s not a new concept or practice, overall, it depends on how the piece is presented. It raises issues when consumers don’t realize they’re reading an advertisement because the label is hard to spot. Sponsored content is written just like a story in the style and voice of the publication. It’s designed to blend in with regular content, and this can be misleading. Digital platforms are vastly different to print publications, and it’s easier to overlook labels, however clearly marked they may seem to publishers. It’s really now up to the reader to be savvy and check what they’re consuming.

It’s a fine line and balance.

News organizations are incentivized to foster reader trust, while they simultaneously keep their sites alive with revenue from these types of ads. Businesses depend on the publication’s good reputation and integrity. Otherwise, why would they pay so much for sponsored content? So, it’s a symbiotic partnership and one that will probably continue and grow.

It’s not necessarily a bright future for “real” journalism. And unless you’re in with the glossies, the pay is low for most freelance journalists struggling to make it. So, you can’t blame us generalists for diversifying. Did I mention sponsored content pays ridiculously well? I made $3,000 for one, albeit rather long, sponsored content feature article. That’s the most I’ve ever been paid for a single project. Journalism pieces just can’t compete.

Freelance journalist Jacob Silverman purposefully wrote anonymously for The Atlantic’s Re:think Brand Studio, and admits, “It was money that got me into the sponsored content racket.” He sums it up well in, The Rest is Advertising: Confessions of a Sponsored Content Writer: “The problem, as I learned all too quickly when I wrote my sponsored story for The Atlantic (paid for by a prominent tech multinational), is that the line between what’s sponsored and what isn’t—between advertising and journalism—has already been rubbed away. Whether it can be redrawn will depend less on the hand-wringing of professional idealists and more on the wavering resolve of an industry that, hearing chronic news of the apocalypse, has begun to quake and ask, Is it too late to convert?”

Useful Resources:

• The Rest Is Advertising.
• How invisible ads undermine journalism ethics.
• The Deceptiveness of Sponsored News Articles.

The post What Is Sponsored Content (and the Impact on Journalism)? appeared first on Writer's Digest.

I’ve written hundreds of articles, filmed undercover, interviewed high ranking public officials, national politicians and celebrities; tackled controversial, hard-hitting issues, and worked as a journalist and producer on two continents. But the story that stole my heart was Boyo’s. It’s one of the few times I know unequivocally that something I wrote made a difference.

(The Art of Good Communication in Journalism.)

Local stories may seem inconsequential or “small” since national and international “big” stories and issues dominate the media. But they are equally important and more effective than we think. While the impact of a larger story is more widespread, a local story is just as powerful. As writers, we don’t often get much feedback after a piece is published. But on rare occasions we get to see the results of our writing firsthand. Those times are precious.

So, you want to hear about Boyo? 

It was the holidays and as a reporter I was rustling up story ideas in the slow news period. This was before social media when newspapers were prevalent, and people posted information in shop windows. I came across a voluntary organization that saved strays and the motto, a “dog is for life, not just for Christmas,” came to mind. Bingo, I had a nice, timely feature, easy to write, and a pleasure to report. 

“Abandoned at Christmas time,” stated the ensuing headline. I wrote about “Dog Helpline” a tiny organization established by a local lady, that had rescued 15 strays over Christmas, including Boyo, an 18-month-old Jack Russell who had been roaming the streets for weeks. Boyo had fallen ill, and a volunteer nursed him back to health. Nobody had claimed him, and he was up for adoption. We arranged a photo of the volunteer holding cute little Boyo. It was a nice piece, nothing major, but I knew our readers would enjoy it.

A few days later, a colleague called saying, “You need to do a follow-up on that dog story. He already found a home.” I immediately called the foster and indeed, a young couple had adopted Boyo. She said the response to the story was “tremendous” and that other stray dogs also had possible new homes.

That was a lovely moment that I will always cherish. My story helped a little stray dog. The little things in life often leave the biggest impression.

As freelancers we’re encouraged to pursue and pitch stories that “grab an editor’s attention,” find an exclusive interview with someone important, discuss a revolutionary new discovery, dazzle with a new angle, and so on. And we tend to go for these bigger, juicy stories to get the sought-after bylines.

But a piece doesn’t have to be about saving the world, or an “out of the box,” flashy, big story. We don’t need to constantly dig for the hard-hitting and sensational. In the words of an old editor, “I’m not looking for Watergate, just get out there and talk to people.”

And that’s local journalism in a nutshell, communicating with people in your hometown. I started my career as a weekly newspaper reporter in rural Wales, and so “small” stories were my bread and butter. I love leafing through my pile of clippings from that time. And yes, I saved most of them, including my original and follow-up pieces about Boyo.

Human interest, “local kid does good” type stories, and of course the “and finally…,” feel-good animal tales, are journalistic gems. If you explore the lives of “ordinary” people, you’re bound to find true, authentic, heart wrenching and inspiring stories, that we all love to read. And if you’re lucky, you might get some feedback and end up writing a follow-up piece.

Here are 5 tips on how to find and pitch small, local stories:

1. Read local newspapers (if they’re still in circulation in your area), and regional magazines. These publications can be dailies, weeklies, monthlies, or quarterlies, independents, and so on. Study them all and familiarize yourself with the types of stories covered. They can be print or online.
2. Scroll local Facebook pages. From planning issues to community theatre, the story potential is endless. Then scan the comments section. For example, during Hurricane Helene I was looking for story angles and people to interview, and social media was a goldmine. People really want to share on sites like Facebook and this is a great resource for interviewees and sources, as well as feature ideas.
3. Get involved with your community, volunteer, talk to your neighbors, connect with friends and local business owners. Stay in the loop. There’s always something going on. What concerns do people have? What makes them happy? Somebody you meet will always have a good story.
4. Start conversations with people you meet, at stores, coffee shops, and in your neighborhood. I seem to have a knack for “making” people talk. Even my dentist and his staff are chatty when I’m a captive audience in the dreaded chair…
5. Attend local events, from folk festivals to vintage car shows. I once wrote a fun reported essay after visiting a Bigfoot festival. When there, be sure to talk to people and get their contact information if you feel they’re a good source. I often conduct some quick, on-the-spot interviews with my phone at events.

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Where to pitch “small” ideas?

1. See if your local newspaper accepts freelance pitches. They probably have full-time reporters, but it’s worth asking.
2. Local magazines and independent newspapers are great places for freelancers to pitch. Read the publications, find out what stories they cover, and most importantly, get to know the editors. Most seem to love stories about local business and business owners, for instance.
3. There are also specialist publications and trade magazines that need stories, so find out if your ideas fit their needs. These can include anything from travel to architecture.
4. You can also pitch small, local stories to statewide publications and nationals. These can be stand-alone pieces or a story that encompasses a wider issue. Many publications seek out articles from different regions and want them just because they’re small, slice-of-life stories reflecting that area’s culture and environment.

Types of Stories

1. Features—Features, also referred to as soft journalism, are evergreen, they’re not time-sensitive like hard news, meaning they have staying power; you can pitch them at any time, and they’ll stay relevant. They will have more impact of course if there’s some kind of peg, like an upcoming event, holiday (such as dogs dumped at Christmas time), and so on. Features are fun to write and research, and ideas are everywhere when you really start looking.
2. Profile Feature—Profiles have been described as a “written portrait of a person,” which sums it up nicely. Find an interesting person (or even a group) in your area and write a piece about their background, career, accomplishments, goals, and so on.
3. Q&A—The Q&A (question and answer) article is an edited transcription of an interview with a short narrative introduction. It involves interviewing one source (someone interesting in the community, a person who’s accomplished something great, or an individual with an unusual job) and is a relatively simple and enjoyable piece to write.
4. Blogs—Blogs are short articles that cover practically anything. They can be published on your own personal or business website or on sites like Medium.
5. Listicles—The 7 Best Local Breweries, Top 5 Staycation Spots in (your city), you get the gist.

File Your Ideas and Contacts

Make a list of all your ideas, the topics you’ve researched, and stories you’ve heard. Keep the information in one document so it’s easy to access. Similarly, when you meet someone interesting, make a note of their name and the nature of your conversation for future reference.

They say charity begins at home but should not end there, and the same can be true of journalism. Start small and local and then branch out to cover the rest of the country and the world … if you want to. Otherwise, there’s no place like home. 

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