Author Archives: Sara Jackson

Anonymous sources: When to use them, and why

ShareIt’s every reporter’s dream: To find that Deep Throat-style source who provides critical inside information, but has to be protected with anonymity. It’s exciting and gives a cloak-and-dagger feeling to a story that few journalists can resist. But it almost … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Interviews, Reporting, Source development, Story development, Tips | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UPIU brings real-world journalism to the classroom

Share Professors: Want to motivate your journalism students? Help them get their work published. UPIU student contributors regularly get published not only at UPI.com, but by other national media as well. Just ask Geri Alumit Zeldes, assistant professor of journalism … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Reporting, Social Media, Source development, Story development, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

AIDS story twists, turns, hits obstacles on the way to UPI.com

ShareWhen Muthoki Mumo, a regular UPIU student contributor, started digging for a story about AIDS treatment in Kenya,  she uncovered reams of contradictory data, tough-to-nail-down story angles, major sourcing challenges and more. But her search ultimately ended with the story … Continue reading

Share
Posted in International Journalism, Reporting, Story development, Tips, UPIU users, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Want to get published at UPI.com? Provide data, photos and solid sourcing

ShareGetting a story accepted by UPI.com is more science than art. There are a handful of crucial elements that, when included, can virtually guarantee a story will pique the interest of UPI editors, and push a UPIU story up the … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Reporting, Source development, Story development, Writing | Leave a comment

Stop sources from hijacking your interview

ShareFor a young reporter, there’s nothing more discouraging than having an interview spin out of control and having a source run the show. Some sources won’t stop talking, while others don’t know what their point is. A few tantalize you … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Interviews, Reporting, Source development | Leave a comment

Mining for story ideas: Bring a pick-axe and a sieve

ShareFinding a good story idea is a bit like mining for gold. You have to dig through tons of rubble, sift through mountains of silt, and still only come up with one or two nuggets worth writing about. It’s the … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Reporting, Story development, Writing | Leave a comment