Scrutinize letters during election season

Campaigns are in full swing as Election Day nears. Editors should pay extra attention to letters that give a thumbs up or thumbs down...

Objectivity: a noble idea that requires a process

Bart Pfankuch is the content director and an investigative reporter for South Dakota News Watch. Contact him at bart.pfankuch@sdnewswatch.org

Meaningful meeting reports demand substantive leads

Newspapers smartly are promoting their roles as government watchdogs to reinforce their strengths in the fractured media landscape. I join the chorus: Vibrant coverage...

Election season: Keep coverage local, start early

Election season is underway. Many would say the cycle never ends. No sooner are votes tallied than strategists eye the next election. Make no...

Solutions Journalism – Reporting on problems while seeking solutions

With a few simple questions and just a little extra effort, reporters and editors can quickly improve the quality and value of...

Don’t let pursuit of ‘shiny things’ diminish reporting

All journalists can look back decades or even just a few months to see examples of the “shiny things” that distract us from our...
Jim Stasiowski, writing coach

About three deaths in August

Jim Stasiowski Writing Writing coach Jim Stasiowski welcomes your questions or comments. Call him at (775) 354-2872 or write to: 2499 Ivory Ann Drive Sparks, Nev. 89436.Jerry Lewis made me laugh, especially when I was...

Are you telling your own stories?

I circulated a column celebrating community newspapers earlier this year in recognition of Sunshine Week. Its publication prompted a few comments. One reader, who hailed...

Robust public affairs coverage requires more than recording meetings

My formula for shaping newspaper content is straightforward: Present a blend of stories that people like to read and stories they should read. Under...

The Art of the Interview: How to get the goods during COVID-19

The basis for almost all great journalism is the interview, the act of obtaining information from a source. With less in-person meetings...