Capturing authentic narratives - Michele Weldon

TL;DR

Understanding the importance of authentic narrative in journalism and the need to ask the right questions to yield compelling stories.

Transcript

Every day we are bombarded on all platforms of media with personal stories that span the continuum from the embarrassing and the trivial to the dire and the critical. The foodie posting photos of every plate of lasagna he orders, the Iranian blogger describing the shooting death of Nedā Āghā-Soltān. Authentic narrative is the glue that connects peo... Read More

Key Insights

• 👯 Authentic narrative in journalism connects people and makes stories timeless and relatable.
• 🛝 Journalists should utilize a trifecta of sourcing to obtain a comprehensive and well-rounded report.
• 😷 Asking surprising questions and treating every subject's story as sacred can lead to compelling narratives.
• ℹ️ Official sources provide expertise and numbers, overview sources offer a broader perspective, and unofficial sources provide individual insights.
• 🛟 Anecdotes breathe life into journalistic stories and make them memorable.
• ❓ The artful solicitation of stories contributes to the buffet of journalism and creates a narrative bond among readers.
• 💁 While quick information is necessary in urgent situations, narrative personal stories allow for a slower, more engaging information delivery.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is authentic narrative important in journalism?

Authentic narrative is important in journalism because it connects people, making stories relatable and timeless. It allows readers to engage on a deeper level and understand the human experience behind the news.

Q: What are the three components of sourcing in journalism?

The three components of sourcing in journalism are official sources, which provide expertise and numbers; overview sources, who offer knowledge of the big picture; and unofficial sources, who provide individual insights and the "why" behind events.

Q: How can journalists mine for compelling stories?

Journalists can mine for compelling stories by asking surprising questions and treating every subject's story as sacred. This involves going beyond facts and data to uncover personal anecdotes and experiences that bring a narrative to life.

Q: Why is it important to use a trifecta of sourcing in journalism?

Using a trifecta of sourcing ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive report. Official sources provide factual information, overview sources offer a broader perspective, and unofficial sources bring individual insights and emotional depth to the story.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Authentic narrative connects people and makes stories timeless and humanistic.

• Journalists need to ask the right questions to obtain this type of narrative, utilizing a trifecta of sourcing: official, overview, and unofficial sources.

• Mining for compelling stories involves asking surprising questions and treating every subject's story as sacred.