Credible Sources

I want to look at something in the media that commonly gets overlooked when it comes to writing a good article or giving a good interview. The most important part of every interview/piece of writing is to be factually correct. This sounds like one of the most simple and easy steps when it comes to reporting but it is commonly overlooked and can get you into some serious trouble. You need to always check your facts and then check them again in order to make your work respected and to keep it legitimate. Here are some tips to make sure you always have the best and most reliable reports.

First things first when it comes to making sure you trying to be factually correct is to check your sources before you do anything. A lot of times people fall into the trap of using a source that may not be credible. Your sources should be people that are respected by the team or payer you’re talking about or they should come right from the source directly. Most of the time it’s a good idea to use multiple sources if you do not come from the source correctly.

When trying to get an interview that comes off as credible you should follow the same type of formula. Interview credible sources that would have the best input on whatever story you’re reporting on. It would be a good idea to use multiple people to get all sides of the story. It is a good idea to use all these people to paint a better picture of the story you’re trying to cover.

A lot of times in writing people fall into the trap of using false sources to cover their stories. I have seen people from local newspapers all the way up to ESPN use false sources and get the story wrong. This not only makes you look bad as a reporter but it also makes your company look bad. This could result in you being let go and thus making it difficult for you to receive a new job. Remember once you look bad on paper it’s something that everyone can see for the rest of your career so be sure to double check.

Writing a credible story isn’t hard if you decide to put the work in. Using multiple sources takes a bit longer yes but in the long run is so much more rewarding for your finished product. Why cut corners in something so simple you’re only hurting yourself! Do you have any of your own ideas for making you’re stories more credible? Leave them in the comments below and remember, Never stop reporting!

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