Covering and Preparing for Meetings

Questions and Answers

What is the significance of using direct quotations when reporting a speaker's hostility towards the audience?

Using direct quotations provides clear evidence of the speaker's hostility, reinforcing the reporter's point.

What preliminary steps should a reporter take before attending a meeting to gather good story material?

A reporter should research past stories on the subjects, obtain the meeting agenda, and prepare interview questions.

List two items that should be noted when writing a story about a meeting.

Major business transacted and quotes from witnesses and experts.

Why is it important for a reporter to arrive early at a meeting?

Arriving early allows the reporter to familiarize themselves with the setting and prepare for any unexpected occurrences. Signup and view all the answers

What role do official sources play in reporting stories from meetings?

Official sources provide credible information and insights necessary for accurate reporting. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to identify knowledgeable individuals when gathering information for a meeting?

Identifying knowledgeable individuals ensures that the information collected is accurate and relevant, enhancing the credibility of the meeting story. Signup and view all the answers

What role do quotations and sound bites play in writing the story of a meeting?

Quotations and sound bites add specificity and liveliness to the story, making it more engaging and informative for readers. Signup and view all the answers

What structure is recommended for writing meeting stories, and why?

The inverted pyramid structure is recommended because it allows for the most important information to be presented first, ensuring clarity and efficiency in communication. Signup and view all the answers

What should a reporter focus on after attending a news conference and why?

A reporter should focus on the questions asked and the responses given because these answers often provide key insights that shape the overall story. Signup and view all the answers

What essential information must be included in a story about a news conference?

The story must include who conducted the conference, the reason for it, highlights of the news, location, and reactions from various sources. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Covering Meetings

Direct quotations enhance storytelling and clarify speakers' attitudes towards the audience.
Meetings offer a wealth of stories for newspapers and broadcast stations, primarily driven by public bodies' transparency.
Essential tasks before attending a meeting include reviewing past stories, obtaining the agenda, and preparing questions.
Key points to incorporate into meeting stories: major business conducted, voter decisions, adopted policies, session duration, and notable quotes from participants.

Preparing for Meetings

Familiarity with the organization holding the meeting is crucial for effective coverage.
Arrive early to observe logistics such as phone access and sound conditions.
Engage with key sources for insights before, during, or after the meeting.
Take comprehensive notes, focusing on sound bites and engaging quotes to avoid dull narratives.

Writing the Meeting Story

Utilize an inverted pyramid structure for clarity, leading with the most critical information.
Include essential contact numbers for follow-up stories and additional context.
Public meetings are mandated by open-meeting laws, ensuring decision transparency regarding public funds.

News Conferences

Questions posed by reporters often yield the most significant insights during news conferences.
Research the topic being discussed to provide context and perspective for the audience.
Essential details for news conference stories: identity of speakers, the reason for the conference, key highlights, location, and reactions from various viewpoints.

Understanding Meeting Decisions

Clarifying the authority of board decisions is essential, especially regarding who can enact changes like tuition increases.
Pre-meeting stories ("advances") inform the public about proposed items for discussion, enhancing community engagement.

Essential Coverage Techniques

Ascertain board member identities and engage them for comments post-meeting.
Explore the consent agenda to uncover potentially significant stories hidden within non-controversial items.
Be attentive to public comments, as these may reveal critical perspectives and story angles.

Writing Effective Meeting Stories

Avoid generic leads that fail to convey meeting relevance or outcome.
Highlight voting outcomes on major issues, including whether the vote was controversial or unanimous.
Explicitly explain the implications of decisions on readers' daily lives, integrating relevant background information to foster comprehension.

Description

Explore the critical steps for effectively covering meetings and writing engaging stories. This quiz focuses on preparing for meetings, key points to note during sessions, and tips for structuring your narratives. Enhance your journalism skills by understanding the essentials of meeting coverage.