The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. Add to that more than 3,000 tipsheets from our national conferences on how to cover specific beats or do specific stories and you have a resource that no reporter or editor should be without. These stories and tipsheets are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Logged-in members can view the tipsheets free online:
Search results for "beat reporting" ...
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On the Beat: The Military
McKie eases the fears of reporters new to covering the military. He talks about the bigger picture of covering the military - not only as a "fighting machine" but "a major employer, major spender, and an economic engine." He talks about dividing the beat into short- and long-term stories.
Tags: military; Canada; United States; war; casualties; armed forces; soldier; military contracts
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Databases: Investigating Locally and Around the World
Donald's presentation explores the importance of a "data state of mind" for reporters. Beyond knowing FOIA laws, he outlines the (at least) 25 databases every newsroom should have and use in their reporting. The databases cover several different beats, and Donald details the value of each.
Tags: databases; reporting; census data; budgets; audits; tax data; personnel files; campaign finance; financial disclosure reports; voter registration; election results; crime statistics; sexual predators; business demographics; SEC 10K: EDGAR; 990s; EPA Toxic Release Inventory; EPA Enforcements; water quality data;
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Data on Deadline
Benincasa's powerpoint lists several strategies for using data on deadline. He includes story examples with an explanation of the data used in each. He also addresses "readiness strategies" and "geek notes" - tips to help manage an utilize the data you've collected.
Tags: data; deadline; beat reporting; mapping; MySQL; queries; database library; database organization
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Juggling and managing CAR work
This tipsheet gives pointers for covering a beat while still producing investigative, CAR-based stories. There are helpful recommendations for: finding shortcuts; improving efficiency; CAR specific suggestions; and working with your editor.
Tags: computer-assisted reporting; reporting; deadline; databases;
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Data State of Mind
Webster discusses how to get in a "data state of mind" in an effort to see all sides of the story. She touches on the different roles data can play in your reporting, and how best to make the most of the information in front of you.
Tags: data; reporting; beat reporting; CAR; computer-assisted reporting
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Finding records on your beat
Sarah Cohen of Duke University shares some good starting points for investigations.
Tags: investigation tips; web searches; government reports; documents; public records
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Fraud: Uncovering Scandals
Maremont discusses how to approach investigations into fraud - from "archaeological stories" where the reporter digs into finding out what happens to new investigations. He touches upon how to generate story ideas; determining the best story in the information you have; and he offers several detailed example stories
Tags: investigations; fraud; beat reporting; research; tips; SEC;
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Health Care Survival Guide: Investigating America's Hospitals
Berens tipsheet addresses how to cover the health & science beat. He begins by stressing the 3 F's: "follow the paper; find the expert; and ferret out the research." Berens gives a list of basic public records pertinent to the beat; available databases; and "real world advice" based on his own experience covering health and science.
Tags: health; science; FOIA; medical research; medicine; hospitals; adverse event reporting; MAUDE; Manufacterer and User Facility Device Experience; Excluded Individuals Database
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Seeding Investigations from the News: Great stories hiding in plain sight
Kohn shows examples of in-depth investigations that were born from smaller news stories. He gives tips on how to recognize when you have a larger story in your midst.
Tags: investigative reporting; investigations; beat reporting;
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Investigations on the Beat
Laikin identifies several databases specific to various beats. She stresses the need to know FOIL laws & appeals, plus potential threats.
Tags: FOI; Freedom of Information; beat reporting; databases; government; public agency