Schedule check-ins with sources

Mary Ellen Podmolik

Mary Ellen Podmolik of the Chicago Tribune keeps readers in the loop about the huge hole on the city’s North Lake Shore Drive. By checking in regularly with those involved in the stalled development, she was able to break a story about upcoming talks that might get the 2,000-foot tower off the drawing board and into the Chicago skyline.

Mary Ellen says she’s been covering the story for a year, checking on liens and lawsuits and talking with stakeholders. She says an off-the-record lunch led to the tip for the most recent story.

Today’s Tip: Schedule check-ins with sources on ongoing stories.

“On a continuing story, I think it helps to check in with people every so often, on the phone or over coffee or lunch, and let them know you’re still following it and are interested in anything newsworthy,” Mary Ellen says. “If you keep your word about what’s off the record and write accurately about what’s on the record, they’re more willing to play ball.”

You can set up reminders on Outlook or a Web-based calendar, such as Google’s, to check in with sources regularly.