How to find stories in a “slow” news cycle
As a young journalist, I thought the only stories I could write were breaking news. When I achieved the responsibility of creating my own assignments, I struggled to fill in the gaps. Then, I started paying attention to my surroundings and realized there were so many stories dangling right in front of my face.
In this post, I will explain the difference between breaking and enterprise stories and how to find stories when you run out of ideas.
What is the difference between breaking news and enterprise?
To put it simply, breaking news is something that happens out of nowhere and you or another journalist writes about it so the audience is informed. This can range from election results, a new bill in any legislative body, a mass shooting, traffic updates, sports or a natural disaster. Enterprise stories, however, are stories that do not rely on an event, planned or not. Enterprise stories rely on human interest, your own curiosity or a tip from the audience. The main difference between the two is that breaking news tends to be more “one and done” while enterprise can take months, or even years, to get the full story.
Some well known examples that come to mind for breaking news is the war in Gaza that started with a breaking news story on Oct. 7, 2023. It has since evolved to a combination of breaking news and enterprise stories depending on the outlet that is covering it. For enterprise, the most prominent example in my mind is series of stories New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor published exposing sexual abuse allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. This series of stories started the #MeToo movement and became a major motion picture in 2022, She Said.
Of my own work, a breaking news example is any pedestrian-motor vehicle involved accident that happened on Jacksonville State University’s campus. An enterprise example is my story on the night shift housekeepers at JSU. Both examples were not finished with just one story.
Night shift housekeeper Kimberly Cain cleans a classroom in Ayers Hall. Photo by Anna Barrett.
How to find stories in a “slow” news cycle
A mentor and friend would often tell me there is no such thing as a “slow” news cycle. However, I recognize that it can be hard to find stories when you are new to an area. That is where I come in to help. When I first moved to Jacksonville, I did not know anybody; therefore, I did not know where the stories were. Over the two and a half years I covered JSU and the surrounding community, I compiled a short list of tips on finding stories. You should get to know your community, make friends with everybody and get outside your comfort zone.
Get to know your community
Getting to know your community can be as simple as striking up a conversation with a server at a local restaurant or joining a local church or organization. Either way, get out there! It would be 10 times harder to find stories that your community/audience cares about if you just sit in the newsroom or your home office all day. Although, I will say that joining Facebook groups in your city can often lead to some interesting stories. For all you know, there could be a tomato stealer in the community gardening group!
Make friends with everybody
Growing up, I always made friends with folks older than me. They seem to be a lot easier to approach and make conversation with than kids my age. This has carried over into my adult life. Maybe you make friends with the barista at the local coffee shop and they tell you about construction that is impacting an entire neighborhood you didn't know existed. Maybe you make friends with the football-watching crowd at the local bar and find out that their church is going through a split that is happening nation-wide.
Get outside your comfort zone
I think part of why being a journalist scares most people a little bit is because you have to talk to strangers all the time. Do not be afraid to cold call a city council member for a story you are working on. Do not be afraid to join a conversation online about the tomato stealer. Do what you gotta do to get the story. You could even experiment with different styles of writing. Try out a column or feature style writing!
Two girls walking on the Chief Ladiga Trail. I wrote a column about runner’s safety in February. Photo by Anna Barrett.
Closing
As investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell from Mississippi Today said at a conference, live fearlessly. In our day-to-day lives, but especially as journalists. It is not about living without fear, but rather telling the truth anyway. Even if it is scary. Now, go write some amazing stories! They are everywhere! And remember, there is no such thing as a slow news cycle.