CJ Tips: Finding the Under-Reported Story

Citizen Journalists stand apart from the mainstream media rabble because they may have access to stories general reporters can't reach. So on DigitalJournal.com, we're always proud to see CJs tackle unique stories touching a certain corner of their community. But it's not easy to find those under-reported stories. How do you do that kind of investigative work? Where do you start? • Pay attention when you talk to neighbours or community leaders about their complaints or challenges. Is there something going on in your city that everyone is talking about and the media isn't reporting? It could be range from a big-box store moving into the strip mall and quashing a mom-and-pop shop to a local musician starting to gain international attention. • Be active in community meetings, press conference, media events. If a celebrity is coming to town, check out the public appearance, snap photos and try to snag an interview. Aggressive reporters get the stories, and you don't want to sit in front of your computer all day as a good story -- and celebrity -- passes you by. • Read all kinds of newspapers articles, and look for details the journalist may have missed. If you read a story on obesity among children, for example, perhaps the reporter didn't include any details on healthy food in cafeteria. That idea could be the basis for your original story. • Doing your own legwork requires energy and passion...but also organization. Make a list of possible interview subjects. Find out if they live near you and if they can meet in person. Phone interviews are fine, but you'll get more out of the meeting if it's done in person. God is in the details, right? • Always keep your camera and video camera handy. You never know when a big news story can break, from a hurricane suddenly landing in your state to a local politician saying something outrageous in public. Citizen journalism is all about capturing those poignant moments the mainstream media misses. • Follow up on reported stories the media may have forgotten. The news cycle is so quick reporters often ignore any follow-up news about their old interview subjects. But that's where you come in. Remember that high school teacher arrested for smooching a student? What happened to that case? Or dig deep to learn how your city's residents reacted to recent presidential debates. There is no shortage of fascinating stories you can find on any given day.