Slowing down before you start

In a fast-paced newsroom, it’s easy to rush into a story the moment a tip, press release, or social media post lands on your desk. But good journalism doesn’t start with typing, it starts with thinking.

Every reporter brings personal experiences, values, and assumptions to the job. Those perspectives shape what feels important, who we trust as sources, and how we frame a story. At the same time, not every story idea that comes our way is free of bias. Businesses, political groups, and well-meaning community members often pitch stories that serve their own interests, not necessarily the public’s.

That’s why the best journalists make a habit of pausing before they begin. They ask hard questions: Why this story? Why now? Who benefits? They examine their own lens, test the motives of sources, and define what makes the story meaningful to their audience.

The Pre-Reporting Checklist is designed to help you do exactly that — to slow down, think critically, and build each story on a foundation of fairness, clarity, and purpose. Use it before every assignment as a quick gut check and ethical compass.

Because great journalism doesn’t just inform, it enlightens, connects, and earns trust.

Know your own lens

Every journalist brings personal experiences and opinions to their work. Before you start:

Have I reflected on how my own background, beliefs, or assumptions might shape this story?
Am I open to viewpoints that challenge my own?
Am I approaching this topic to seek understanding, not to prove a point?

Define the story’s value

Not everything that happens is newsworthy. Strong stories add value, context, and connection. Ask yourself:

Is this story relevant to our audience?
Does it add understanding or empathy?
Does it feel alive, local, or human?
Why should our community care, and why now?

Identify and vet sources

Bias often enters through who we talk to, and who we don’t talk to.

Do I have multiple, independent sources to verify facts?
Have I included diverse perspectives, especially those outside the main narrative?
Are any sources trying to promote themselves, their product, or their agenda?
Have I checked each source’s credibility and motive?
Is there data or documentation to confirm their claims?

Watch for outside influence

Many non-news people don’t have formal journalism training and may not understand newsroom ethics. Before accepting a pitch:

Who is behind this story idea, and what do they want out of it?
Is this connected to advertising, sponsorship, or promotion?
Am I maintaining a clear wall between editorial and sales?
Have I clearly communicated that newsroom coverage must be independent and fact-based?

Sharpen the story focus

A good story is clear, human, and purposeful. Before you write:

What’s the central idea or question this story will answer?
Is there a human element that brings the topic to life?
Who is the most compelling character or voice to guide the narrative?
Am I limiting the scope to keep it focused and digestible?

Plan the storytelling approach

How you tell the story matters as much as what you report.

Is the structure clear, engaging, and easy to follow?
Am I using active voice and plain language?
Have I avoided jargon or insider terms the audience might not understand?
Does the story add insight or emotion, not just information?

Confirm ethics and transparency

Before publishing or recording:

Have I verified every key fact with more than one source?
Have I been fair to all sides, even those I disagree with?
If asked, could I explain my process openly and confidently?
Have I disclosed or avoided any potential conflicts of interest?

✅ Final gut check

Before moving forward:

“Am I serving the audience’s right to know, or someone else’s agenda?”

If you can confidently answer that your story adds understanding, reflects fairness, and connects with your community, you’re ready to report.

Quick Quiz

The Pre-reporting Checklist