It might be a brave new world we’re living in but many of the old journalistic rules still apply.
That was the message from the panel during a session entitled “3-D Chess” and moderated by Boston Globe Sports Editor Joe Sullivan on Friday at the APSE convention. Mike James (Los Angeles Times), Tom Jolly (New York Times) and Tommy Deas (Tuscaloosa News) discussed planning and execution of big events simultaneously across multiple platforms, including online, print and social media.
Jolly, who provided a five-step plan for attacking coverage, said whatever the platform, planning is essential. In fact, his paper’s planning for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics began 13 months before the event. People from various departments met once a week after that discussing all aspects of the coverage plan.
While discussing his paper’s National Signing Day plan, Deas agreed that planning is essential. He also said he relies on another old journalism rule.
“We start out by looking for story lines,” he said, stressing that he was wasn’t just talking about for print. “I let my people bring me ideas. But good story lines are the starting point for everything.”
James discussed the 2010 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. He said he likes to take a building block approach to coverage, adding layers as teams advance deeper into the playoffs.
JOLLY’S SUGGESTIONS FOR COVERING THE BIG EVENT
1. Bring minds together: Start meeting early and continue to discuss the event often. Involve people from across the paper in initial brainstorming.
2. Know your players: Assign responsibilities.
3. Keep an open tent: Look for credible experts from both within and outside your organization to help enhance coverage.
4. Invite imagination
5. Everybody’s got a plan til they get hit: Plan well, but be prepared to change as news begins to happen.
