Outstanding Election Coverage

Elevating role in local democracy

Jim Pumarlo

Our agenda Campaign coverage, from start to finish

Calendars; team effort; introduce yourself Introducing the candidates

Frame the questions Election night/post-election coverage Explain coverage, engage community

Let’s have a conversation What do you want to learn

about organizing coverage? What is your biggest challenge?

Plan all aspects of coverage Stress fairness, consistency Develop guidelines Assign responsibilities Set dates Explain policies

Within your organization To your readers

Campaign calendar: Internal

Standard ‘to do’ list Bios Photos – uniform color, size Develop questions Schedule interviews

Campaign calendar: External

Continuum of coverage Candidate forums Don’t pre-empt

endorsements Candidate finances

Generating political advertising Know the issues Develop a campaign Promote your market share Assign races Be first on doorstep

Introduce yourself to candidates Welcome them What you need to know What they need to know Contact information

Their campaigns News, advertising staffs

Explain: We’ll be at convention

‘The R-E made a conscious decision not to cover the county conventions this year. Money was not an issue. We do plan to attend the 1st District congressional conventions.’

Element: Introducing candidatesThe YOYO factor

Rookie reporter Alone in newsroom First impressions

to electorate meaneverything

Clearinghouseof information

Put yourselves in their shoes

Applying for a job The electorate is your

audience Newspapers in best

position to present information in clear, meaningful manner

Prepare a checklist Know the issues Prepare the questions Assign reporters to races Decide on format Prep advertising department Scrutinize press releases

The questions Be ready for scripted answers to usual

questions Brainstorm unorthodox questions Why are you running? Anything you’d like to add?

Explain: Setting ground rules

‘Our goal is to keep readers abreast of as many campaigns as possible through Associated Press and staff reports. The greatest attention will naturally be given to local candidates and local races.’

Editorial: What did they say?‘On the surface, many may see these races as separate outcomes. But upon closer review, one factor likely rang true in all three races: Voters sent a message that they want tighter reins on public spending.’

Underlying principles

Fairness and consistency

Rights and responsibilities

Three-step process Set the policy Implement the policy Explain the policy

Don’t be overwhelmed Take deep breath One step at a time Immediate steps Long-term goals Team effort

Solid coverage pays dividends Connect elections

to everyday decisions Enrich community dialogue Advertising opportunity Strengthen your position

as source for news

Community Newsroom Success Strategies

“Bad News and Good Judgment:A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small-Town Newspaper"

"Votes and Quotes:A Guide to Outstanding Election Campaign Coverage"

"Journalism Primer:A Guide to Community News Coverage for Beginning and Veteran Journalists in the Age of New Media"

Jim PumarloNewspaper Consultant

Red Wing MN

(651) 380-4295

jim@pumarlo.com

www.pumarlo.com