How to Find a Story
Read the news
Read the news! This seems like an obvious one, but you can almost always pick out new angles from ongoing stories. Our favourite sites include the New York Times, Ottawa Citizen, and CBC News.
Think about your interests!
Is there anything you can apply to a current issue? Perhaps an old hobby that’s related to today’s events? It may be cliché, but look within yourself and you may find a story right there.
Think of non-profit organizations
Reach out to non-profit organizations to see if there are any issues they’re working on solving. There are plenty of organizations across the country, so you’re bound to find someone doing something interesting.
Use the internet (strategically!)
Check out Google Trends for recent search trends. See if there’s a topic you can dig deeper into.
Social media is also an excellent tool! Facebook events or groups, Twitter, online webinars, city websites or tourism pages are great places to spot events. Post your topic online and ask if anyone knows a source who could help. Having group chats with your peers will help. (Just remember not to interview your friends for your stories!)
Sign up for press releases
Check out the Carleton Newsroom for school-related news releases, reach out to local businesses or organizations and ask to be added to their mailing lists (the National Gallery and other art galleries have very neat news releases).
Network with sources
Keep in touch with sources you’ve spoken to before. Follow that artist on Instagram and maintain rapport with that activist; you never know when they could be doing something interesting again.