When people leave, the job is often left vacant for a long time. So there s a real emphasis on pushing every employee to be as productive as possible. Too often, that rules out any serious investigative reporting or extensive research. Experts With a Specialty Reporters at larger newspapers are generally better educated and more experienced than their broadcast competition. They are experts who develop a specialty.
Police reporters do nothing but crime and law enforcement stories.
Reporters on the school beat may know more about schools than members of the School Board. The school beat is a full-time job at some newspapers. School Board members usually serve part-time. When you know a print reporter will be interviewing you as part of a major assignment, it saves time if you can supply written material before the interview. Collect data that will educate the reporter.