Surging Gas Prices Fuel Need for Unique Reporting Angles

With gas prices hitting new highs seemingly everyday, business reporters are challenged to find a unique angle to a repetitive story.

But an issue that hits close to the wallets of virtually every American is one that demands coverage. Indications so far are that readers are not tiring of this story just yet.

"Judging by the e-mails I get after a gas price story runs, there is a lot of interest, and they often have their own theories about what is behind the increases," says Matt Glynn, business reporter with The Buffalo News.

Try to avoid the obvious. For example, readers can simply drive past their local gas station to see how oil increases are trickling down to their community prices. Think instead of reporting that might be not so cut-and-dry.

For example, contact mass transportation officials in your city to ask if they have witnessed an increase in traffic. For The News' last story, Glynn and fellow reporter Jonathan Rivoli did just that and found that ridership had indeed been up lately.

Also consider those companies that depend on cars for their day-to-day operations. "We have tried to get in touch with people who be affected by rising prices -- not just people at the pump, but businesses that rely on deliveries or transportation," Glynn says.

Investigate if food services are tacking on delivery charges, whether taxi companies and airlines are increasing fares or if package delivery companies are hiking rates to compensate for associated fuel costs.

Beyond just paying more at the station, consumers may be paying more for these day-to-day services. Just how much more Americans have to cough up likely depends on their zip code.

Oftentimes, it will be reported that the highest gasoline costs are somewhere in California and the lowest in a more remote area in the country. Dig deeper and consult sources to find out why such variances exist.

"As far as explaining regional differences, we often go to national experts, perhaps someone with the Energy Information Association," Glynn recommends. "We get the average gas price from the AAA, and compare it to national or state figures. Sites like gasbuddy.com also tell us if that average price is actually available in our area."

Glynn also points out that it's important to put these prices in historical context. While these figures might be the highest on record, other time periods might surpass current rates when adjusted for inflation.