In the News: Stories to localize for your community 11.27.22
Of course, this is just a sampling of current stories that your staff could localize. The list is ongoing, and links to previous weeks are at the bottom.?
Posted: Nov. 27, 2022
The cost of food, fuel is hurting many families
Walmart ran commercials comparing last year’s and this year's prices for Thanksgiving dinner ingredients to let potential shoppers know they could afford as big of a feast as last year because the company was holding down prices.? But with inflation at its highest in 40 years — and the price of heating oil, gasoline and wheat (think not just flour but bread, baked desserts and breakfast cereal) made higher by the war in Ukraine —?many families are having trouble affording groceries.?
Charitable giving is often highlighted during the holiday season, so consider a story about food banks or other charities that help individuals and families make ends meet. What food banks in your community? How are its needs different or the same as previous years? Who can use food banks? (And do they ask would-be clients “embarrassing” questions before receiving food?)? Are canned food drives the best way to donate, or is cash — though seemingly impersonal — a better way to go? How are your community members providing for people in need? Other than donating, are there volunteer opportunities for individuals, and what are the requirements as to age and time commitment? (Profiles of individuals who “give back” can be heartwarming stories that encourage readers to do the same, especially if sidebars or infographics include information on how to help or get involved in a charity.) Before taking photos or video of clients using public or private resources, be sure to ask permission. Most organizations have rules to shield clients from unnecessary publicity or embarrassment. The decision of whether or not to publish photos with identifiable faces or features is an ethical decision that staffs or editors should discuss before — not after — a story runs.
Colleges, universities are quietly promoting sports betting
Despite California voters’ rejection of Proposition 27 that would have allowed online sports betting, teens and young adults who are still too young to legally gamble are being enticed to do so by deals between sports betting companies and their universities, according to the New York Times. Are there students in your community who have engaged in online sports betting? Has betting become a “problem” for some individuals? (Since gambling is illegal in all states for individuals under the age of 21, editors should discuss whether or not to have anonymous sources, and if so, the responsibility of editors and reporters to protect their sources. Staffs should also discuss how the publication will be transparent to readers as to why anonymous sources were used and how reporters verified that sources actually engaged in online sports betting. Alternatively, you may decide to interview alumni who attend schools that in some way promote sports betting.) What is the relationship between betting and developing a gambling addiction? What does brain research show about engaging in risky behaviors before the brain has fully developed? Is it ethical for colleges and universities to take kickbacks when community members engage in activities that are illegal for their age group???
‘Influencers’ have more followers among younger users
Pew reports that 72% of 18- to 29-year-old social media users say they follow influencers or content creators at a number that’s significantly higher than? 30 to 49 year olds (44% ) as well as 50 to 64 (26%) or 65 and older (12%). Sadly, Pew has no numbers for teens, but you could conduct your own survey. Who are the influencers most popular in your community? What products or lifestyle decisions do your readers make based on the influencers they follow? Have readers later regretted decisions that they’ve made based on these trends? Are there unhealthy trends emerging and should you warn your readers about them? Be sure to interview not only your community members for a variety of experiences, but also reach out to professionals such as mental health counselors or social media professionals to help explain the phenomena of influencers. (For a totally different angle, report on the “brokering” of social media influencers and how companies recruit for individuals to promote the brands. Search the internet for “social media influencer broker” for an eye-opening introduction.
Suggest ‘missed books’ for holiday gifting, winter reading
The winter holidays can make for slow news — and reporters on vacation — so many publications pre-write wrap-ups of waning year that are ready for publication at a moment’s notice. Since most schools take winter breaks and many parts of the country will have unanticipated snow days, consider having your staff suggest books that they enjoyed this year for holiday gifting or reading. You could also suggest music or movies that would appeal to your audience. Regardless of the genre, be sure to give a careful, short analysis that goes beyond “it’s funny” or other generalizations that fail to entice your readers. Use the links below for examples.
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Reassess your staff’s polling methodology, reporting
Along with firings, rehirings and even more firings resulting in almost a 60 percent reduction of the Twitter workforce, Elon Musk’s reinstatement of? former President Donald Trump’s account after conducting a less-than-scientific poll of users (many votes may have been multiple accounts from the same user or by bots) has drawn perhaps even more criticism from individuals concerned about erroneous claims or potential violence being promoted on social media.?
How does one set up a scientific poll? What elements are necessary to facilitate an accurate representation of the target group that is to be sampled? What steps do we need to ensure in setting up polls within our community? Do we need a disclaimer on our own (especially online) polls? What are our community standards for publishing letters to the editor or comments on stories? Should publications be responsible for vetting for facts?
If you’re using these ideas, let me know.
Please shoot me a link as I’d love to read your stories.