Capturing the Reaction

CCJ intellectual partner NewsLab [1] is an online resource center for television and radio newsrooms, focused on improving journalism.

In a tool entitled "Capturing the Reaction," NewsLab writes:

The "reaction" story is a staple of television news coverage of major events. There's a reason we do these kinds of stories: to show the community how it's coping; to share opinions and inform our viewers.

But too often, reaction stories are made up of random M.O.S. (man-on-the-street) interviews, either slapped together or connected by meaningless B-roll. How have you covered the reaction in your community to major national and international events? And how will you cover the reaction to come? Here are a few options to consider...

• Find a listening place.
• Think of specific groups you'll want to hear from.
• Consider a town hall.
• Include relevant detail.
• Be open to ambivalence.
• Let people talk.
• Listen in.

For details on these options, visit NewsLab.com. [2]