ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the most common types of spot news story. During their careers, reporters cover most of the types of news stories just discussed. Most broadcast managers argue that they do not have the budgets necessary to assign reporters to beats. The chapter provides a list of beats which can provide a starting point for those who wish to specialize in a given field. They are: business/consumer, crime, education, entertainment/community, environment, health, local government, military, science/technology, sports and weather. The business reporter uses the basic techniques as a general assignment reporter—developing good sources and cross-checking information for reliability. Indictments are the charging documents that describe the alleged crime and the laws violated. Some courts allow reporters with cameras and tape recorders to question lawyers, prosecutors, defendants, and others in the corridors, whereas others restrict the media to remaining outside the courthouse. As far as reporting assignments go, the rules are the same as those for covering the criminal courts.
