Reader guide
What questions should a local news report answer?
Where is the problem, who is affected and who was asked to respond?
The 60-second brief
- Identify the precise place and time.
- Read affected residents’ accounts and the institution’s response.
- Look for follow-up on action and unanswered questions.
Be specific about the location
A city name may not be enough. The neighbourhood, public facility and duration of a problem help readers understand it.
Listen to people and institutions
The experiences of affected people matter. Questions put to the relevant institution and its answers should also be part of the report.
Return to the story
What happened after the complaint? Did work begin, or was there only a promise? Following up is a central part of useful local journalism.
Sources & reading notes
This is an original general reader guide, not a report of a current event or a verified fact-check.
