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Here are sample questions to ask reporters when first discussing a story idea.

To Get at the Focus of the Story

• What is your story about?
• Who is in it?
• What will they be doing?
• Why is this interesting?
• Why is this important?

To Drive Toward Greater Substance

• What makes this story necessary? Why now?
• Where is the overt or underlying conflict?
• How will you show that?
• What led to this? Where is it headed?

To Assure Originality and Authenticity

• Has anyone else done this story? How is this different?
• Why do YOU care about this?
• Who else do we need to hear from? Who would add the missing voice?
• What don’t we know here? How can we find that?

To Meet Broader Objectives

• How can we get out in front of this story (not play catch up)?
• What can we bring to this story no one else can?
• How are we bringing diverse perspectives to the story?
• How does this fit with our community (or beat) coverage priorities?

To Stimulate Creative Thinking

• What scares you here?
• What delights us?
• What would be fresh, exciting here? Where’s the surprise?
• How is this satisfying? Challenging?
• What can this be compared to?

To Anticipate Ethical Issues

• Do you have a personal stake here?
• What “blind spots” might we have on this? Who can help us?
• Do you expect your sources to go on the record?
• How controversial is this? Who are the stakeholders?

To Make Good Use of Time and Resources

• What is a reasonable form/length for this story?
• How much time do you need? When should it air?
• What help might you need?

To Make Best Use of Our Medium

• What makes this a strong RADIO story?
• How can we maximize the aural experience for listeners?
• What visual opportunities will we get (for the web)?

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