Getting a Grip on Growth

Deborah Potter, Executive Director, NewsLab, July 30, 2006

From CCJ partner NewsLab [1].

Reporters covering the "sprawl beat" for television often find themselves grappling with a complex issue that is difficult to explain. And they frequently struggle to find pictures that adequately convey what's at stake.

Consider the typical story about plans for new development. Wide shot, open farmland. Close up, sketch of buildings. Soundbite and cutaways, news conference. Standup. Maybe a map. The finished product rarely does the story justice. There are other options.

This tip sheet offers some suggestions, plus a guide to Internet resources on growth and sprawl [2].

Compare and Relate

Use Technology Wisely

Tell the Story

Click here for details on NewsLab.org [3].