Special projects energize staff, community

I fondly characterize newsrooms as organized chaos. That definition has aptly described operations for the past 18 months with the impact of COVID-19. The...

Making a plan to write a terrific news story

Bart Pfankuch is an investigative reporter for South Dakota News Watch, online at sdnewswatch.org. Write to him at bart.pfankuch@sdnewswatch.org Every...

Carefully screen columns by public officials

How will the Legislature deal with a record budget surplus, and what will it mean for taxpayer pocketbooks? Are there implications for public safety...

Digging deeper: How to find opportunities (and time) to go in-depth

Bart Pfankuch is the content director for South Dakota News Watch, an online public-service journalism group. He can be reached...
Jim Stasiowski, writing coach

Staying a step ahead of your editors

Jim Stasiowski Writing Writing coach Jim Stasiowski welcomes your questions or comments. Call him at (775) 354-2872 or write to: 2499 Ivory Ann Drive Sparks, Nev. 89436.A recent enjoyable email...

Are you telling your own stories?

I circulated a column celebrating community newspapers earlier this year in recognition of Sunshine Week. Its publication prompted a few comments. One reader, who hailed...

Look in a mirror to find your best editor

In an era of constant cutbacks, it can be difficult for newspaper reporters to get good editing. Many experienced editors have fled or been forced...

Take steps now to report on 2024 local government budgets

We’re more than halfway into 2023, and many local governments are well involved in exploring 2024 budgets. Are your newsrooms aware of the process?...

The Art of the Interview: How to get the goods during COVID-19

The basis for almost all great journalism is the interview, the act of obtaining information from a source. With less in-person meetings...
Jim Stasiowski, writing coach

About three deaths in August

Jim Stasiowski Writing Writing coach Jim Stasiowski welcomes your questions or comments. Call him at (775) 354-2872 or write to: 2499 Ivory Ann Drive Sparks, Nev. 89436.Jerry Lewis made me laugh, especially when I was...