Find the business angle
Michael Jackson’s death last week didn’t – on the surface – provide many headline options for the business section. But when memorabilia sales skyrocketed, the business desk finally got its shot.
Writer Kimberly A.C. Wilson at The Oregonian in Portland took the sales spike story idea one step further to provide a consumer piece for readers. Her article offers tips from the Better Business Bureau for those looking to collect Jackson items.
One note, however. The story only has one source. While the BBB is a reliable source, the story could have been even stronger with deeper sourcing. Even how-to pieces benefit from having several credible voices.
Today’s Tip: Don’t bypass a major news event because it doesn’t seem to fit the business page.
In my college days of yearning to be a business reporter, I griped about an internship assignment to cover the birth of a panda bear at a local zoo. What did that have to do with business? A lot: increased ticket sales, sponsorships, marketing, etc.
Business reporting isn’t just earnings, layoffs and mergers. Look at major news events to see how you can provide a different perspective for your readers.
