How to Network as a Journalist

Many movies and television shows portray the job of a journalist as filled with excitement and glamour. While journalists typically do cover stories filled with human drama, much of the job requires fine-tuned communication skills and hard work. Learn how to network successfully as a journalist and get more information into your stories.

Instructions

1. Get an overall assessment of the community you are covering. Map out neighborhoods based on income to get a better understanding of socioeconomic factors.

2. Learn who the community leaders are and introduce yourself. Many times community members know more about an issue than the mayor because they are deeply involved with it. They can generally connect the dots for you on an issue because they aren't afraid to talk.

3. Meet the police. Police often are the first ones on the scene of a crime or conflict and have a lot of information. Traffic reporters deal with the police frequently. Gain the confidence of a few trusted officers and get their personal phone numbers.

4. Introduce yourself to the governmental leaders also. Council meetings are a great place to learn the positions these leaders are taking on the issues and to make an introduction.

5. Visit the community. Wear out some shoe leather and hit the pavement. Walk around the community and chat with people you meet. You'd be surprised who will talk to you if you're on their turf.

6. Print up some business cards with your contact information. Hand out your card to anyone you meet while covering a story. Remember anyone can be a source of information.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that people already have preconceived ideas about journalists or reporters. Witnesses and even governmental leaders may or may not want to talk to you. Keep calm and cool even when people refuse your request for an interview.

• Stay nice and friendly. A smile and good attitude can take you far in the media business.

• Be wary of agendas. Everyone generally has a reason for their actions. Always double check source information and write about the issue from all sides, not just the main ones.

Resources

• Give more clout to your career.
• Learn about journalists' efforts around the globe.