Story prospect The raw materials of a prospective story can be the source of a variety of training exercises. They can be used to practice shaping story ideas, planning reporting, practicing coaching discussions between reporters and writings, and planning photo or graphic assignments. In each case, the trainer establishes a scenario and uses the story prospect as the focus of the scenario. Consider this story prospect, written with a reporter’s viewpoint in mind: Latest U.S. Census figures show a sizable increase in the population of two large suburban communities in your circulation area. You make a few checks. Building permits and new home sales are having a third record year in a row. Crime statistics are also up, though most are property crimes. You recall a TV news story last summer about congested roads out that way. Another check shows major highway construction projects are planned for this coming summer, projects to widen two main highways and provide better access to a nearby interstate freeway. Voters in the suburban school district shared by both communities just passed the fourth levy request in as many years, providing funds for a second new high school. The area used to be farm country, and a small village in the area has remained unchanged from its days as a farming center. You visit the village. Some long-time residents complain about the growth. Some early arrivals in the suburban exodus also complain that the city they left behind has caught up with them again. One person in the village pulls you aside and whispers that he just heard the old Crawford farm, one of the last big farms in the area, has been sold to developers for more homes. Possible scenarios for training sessions; (a) You are a reporter who needs to propose a Sunday centerpiece. Use the story prospect to write a budget line and make your pitch to your editor. (b) You are an editor. A reporter conveys this story prospect and asks, "What do you think?" Asking only questions, coach the reporter to develop a focused story plan. (c) Two people – a reporter and editor – meet to plan a Sunday enterprise package based on the story prospect. Write a budget line, assign photos and develop graphic components. Present you complete project package in a budget. As the trainer/facilitator, your job is to help the discussion unfold and periodically ask for observations of evaluations of the results. Have in mind some of your newroom’s criteria for good budget lines, story focus or photo and graphic standards. Role playing in a scenario is a good way to raise questions, discover problems and reinforce standards.
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