2.3 Cultivating Sources and Building Relationships

Cultivating sources and building relationships is crucial for journalists. It involves developing a diverse network of contacts, identifying and approaching potential sources, and establishing trust through ethical conduct and consistent communication.

Maintaining these relationships requires regular follow-ups, staying connected through various channels, and showing appreciation for sources' contributions. This approach ensures a steady flow of reliable information and leads for future stories.

Building a Diverse Network

Benefits of a Diverse Source Network

Top images from around the web for Benefits of a Diverse Source Network

• 

  From News Receiver to News Produser—The New Relationship between Journalists and Audience in Web 2.0 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Inveneo : Learning from MERL Through Visual Storytelling | ICTDev dot org View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  From News Receiver to News Produser—The New Relationship between Journalists and Audience in Web 2.0 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Inveneo : Learning from MERL Through Visual Storytelling | ICTDev dot org View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Benefits of a Diverse Source Network

• 

  From News Receiver to News Produser—The New Relationship between Journalists and Audience in Web 2.0 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Inveneo : Learning from MERL Through Visual Storytelling | ICTDev dot org View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  From News Receiver to News Produser—The New Relationship between Journalists and Audience in Web 2.0 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Inveneo : Learning from MERL Through Visual Storytelling | ICTDev dot org View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• A diverse network of sources includes individuals from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives (e.g., racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender diversity) providing journalists with a wide range of information and insights
• Building relationships with sources from underrepresented communities (e.g., minority groups, marginalized populations) can help journalists uncover stories that might otherwise go unreported and provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues
• Cultivating a diverse source network can help journalists avoid overreliance on a limited number of sources, reducing the risk of bias or incomplete reporting
• Diversity in sources can lead to more accurate, balanced, and nuanced reporting, as journalists can cross-reference information and gain a more holistic view of a story

Strategies for Building a Diverse Network

• Actively seek out sources from diverse backgrounds and communities (e.g., attending community events, reaching out to minority-led organizations)
• Collaborate with colleagues who have diverse source networks to expand your own network and gain access to new perspectives
• Be open to building relationships with sources who may have different viewpoints or experiences from your own, as this can lead to more well-rounded reporting
• Continuously work to expand and diversify your source network, as relying on the same sources repeatedly can limit the scope and depth of your reporting

Identifying and Approaching Sources

Identifying Potential Sources

• Identifying potential sources involves researching individuals or organizations with relevant expertise, experience, or inside knowledge related to a story or topic
• Journalists can use various tools and methods to find potential sources, such as online databases (e.g., LinkedIn, professional association directories), social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), professional networks, and public records (e.g., court documents, government databases)
• Consider sources from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, including academics, industry experts, community leaders, and individuals with firsthand experience related to the story
• Look for sources who can provide unique insights or perspectives on the topic, rather than relying solely on official spokespersons or well-known figures

Approaching Potential Sources

• When approaching potential sources, journalists should be transparent about their identity, the purpose of their inquiry, and the outlet they represent
• Tailoring the approach to the individual source, such as considering their preferred method of communication (e.g., email, phone, in-person) or demonstrating knowledge of their work, can increase the likelihood of a positive response
• Journalists should be prepared to address potential concerns or reservations sources may have about speaking to the media, such as confidentiality or the scope of the interview
• Provide sources with a clear explanation of the story's focus and how their information or expertise will contribute to the reporting
• Be respectful of sources' time and availability, and be willing to work around their schedule or constraints

Building Trust with Sources

Establishing Trust and Rapport

• Building trust with sources is essential for obtaining accurate, reliable information and fostering long-term relationships
• Journalists should be honest and transparent about their intentions, the story they are working on, and how the source's information will be used
• Protecting source confidentiality, when necessary, is crucial for maintaining trust and encouraging sources to share sensitive information
• Demonstrating respect for sources' time, expertise, and boundaries can help establish a positive, professional relationship

Ethical and Professional Conduct

• Journalists should adhere to ethical guidelines, such as avoiding conflicts of interest (e.g., not accepting gifts or favors from sources), respecting off-the-record agreements, and accurately representing sources' information
• Be consistent and reliable in your communication with sources, following through on commitments and deadlines
• Provide sources with the opportunity to review their quotes or information for accuracy before publication, when appropriate
• Give credit to sources for their contributions and express gratitude for their time and assistance

Maintaining Source Communication

Regular Communication and Follow-up

• Regular communication with sources helps journalists stay informed about developments related to their beat or ongoing stories
• Following up with sources after an interview or story publication shows appreciation for their contribution and helps maintain the relationship for future collaboration
• Keeping sources updated on the progress of a story or the impact of their contribution can foster goodwill and encourage continued cooperation
• Maintaining open lines of communication allows sources to provide additional information, clarifications, or updates as needed

Staying Connected

• Regularly touching base with sources, even when not actively working on a story, can help journalists stay attuned to potential leads or emerging issues in their beat
• Engage with sources on social media or through professional networks to stay connected and informed about their work or areas of expertise
• Attend industry events or conferences where sources are likely to be present, providing opportunities for face-to-face interaction and relationship-building
• Periodically reach out to sources with relevant news, updates, or opportunities that may be of interest to them, demonstrating a genuine investment in the relationship