Newsroom tips: 12 questions every editor/reporter should ask for each story assignment

Earlier today, I was asked by a staff member at one of our ACM newspapers if I had any guidelines newsrooms should use when putting together story assignments.

Since then, I thought it would be a good idea to share again with everyone our “12 questions” that should be asked of every story assignment.

So, here you go:

STORY BUDGET GUIDELINES FOR ACM NEWSROOMS
• Decide whether this story will play first on digital, followed by in-depth coverage in print
• If “digital first,” is this story a breaking news alert, or should it be played in our general coverage areas depending on subject matter?
• Can this story be played in print as an alternative story format?
• Is there a photo element for print?
• Photo slideshow for website?
• Video report for website?
• Should this coverage be promoted heavily on social media sites (links to story on Facebook & Twitter)?
• Can this story be crowd-sourced?
• Does this assignment lead to a poll question for website?
• Does this story lend itself to encouragement of reader reaction through website & social media?
• Is there an information graphic element for print product?
• Is there follow-up coverage with this story?