This session focused on the importance of reporting on touchy topics and how to do so tastefully. Topics like sex and love can be awkward for some reporters to write about, but they are newsworthy and we owe it to the reader to cover these stories.
It is important for reporters to be able to rise above pressure and internal conflict. "Hot issues" are interesting to the reader, and ignoring these issues can cause a loss of credibility. Even Christian magazines cover these types of issues because there is a call to understand sex/sexuality more.
Be sure to talk to experts, faculty (because they have more than likely done research on the topic) and health officials. The point is to make sure you have good sources. Administrators usually find these topics uncomfortable so it is important that you are prepared for some confrontation.
These types of stories don't always have to be covered in the opinions section they can be features also. Look for positive vs. negative angles or conflict driven pieces. Use a small group of friends as a focus group to get story ideas.
There are several things to avoid though. Do not use these types of stories for shock value -- that defeats the purpose -- and avoid clichés, hypothetical stories, and condescending (preachy) stories.
Address these topics as news, an important, truthful story that you worked hard on.
Brittany Byrd
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