The Reynolds Center podcast, How To Cover Money, has now officially completed its first season on iTunes.
In each episode, co-host Mark Remillard and I looked at topics that are useful in learning to think like a business reporter, even if you’re not one.
At some time during their careers, almost every journalist is sure to run into a situation involving an elected official, a candidate, and funding. It could be the money that the official is spending on the job. Or, it could be the funds that a candidate is raising and spending.
Here are some topics you can raise in your classroom involving politics and money.
- How many different ways is money spent by elected officials? Name some programs and expenditures.
- If you were going to follow the money involving a candidate, where are some places to look?
- Share your views on soft money. How is that changing the nature of campaigns?
- Once officials are elected, how would you cover the ways they are spending money?
- Do you think someone can still get elected who doesn’t have their own fortune? What would that candidate owe those who supported him or her?
