What’s a Good Idea?

A good idea:

• Must have a news angle.

• Targeted to your particular publication. It must be something your reader wants.

For story ideas, ask yourself

• Why this idea at this time? [AKA: what’s new?]

• What does my reader want? Why do my readers, viewers, listeners CARE about this topic? What’s in it for them?

WE ARE THE SPIRIT OF BLACK WOMEN

ESSENCE inspires Black women of all shades and shapes to lead bold, fulfilling lives. We encourage their

passions and dreams and celebrate their community. As a trusted

friend, we reflect their best selves and motivate them to live without

limits.

The SI franchise is anchored by Sports Illustrated, the most respected voice in sports journalism which reaches a weekly

audience of nearly 21 million adults, and SI.com, the magazine's 24/7 sports news website that delivers more

than 150 original stories to its users each week.

Vs.

NY Times headline (same

day)

“Occupy Wall Street Protest

Reaches Crossroads?”

What’s the difference?

What’s the difference?

Tennis star Serena Williams on a hot winning streak; ranked number one

Essence

The ReaderCity College students are young (mostly), diverse, smart, savvy,

ambitious and hard-working. Most are commuters, strapped for time and cash. They want to know what’s going on on campus, in

the community of Harlem, in the CUNY system and sometimes in the world, and most importantly, how it effects them and their

education. They are interested in the most efficient, cost-effective ways to do well in school, have good relationships, feel good, and

have fun—and be successful after graduation.

The MissionTo provide the most up-to-date news, information and service to City College students about their campus and community. It is bi-weekly now, but

we hope to move to weekly—complemented by a newsy daily website driven by listings and activities. Our goal is to be a smart, cutting-edge, relevant attractive, entertaining publication—both online and in print. We vow to always know what our reader wants, desires, expects and enjoys.

How to find ideas:

• Read the news—local, national, international. Think of how a current news story might be “spun” for our audience.

• Look at ccny.cuny.edu and cuny.edu websites for news ideas. Look at campus and college listing.

• Keep your ear to the ground. Listen to what other students and professors are talking about.

• Think about how something’s changed.• Consider what’s important to students RIGHT NOW.

How to add a news angle to your stories. Tie it to:

• Something that happened very recently--news• The season• An anniversary• A new study• A trend• An issue students are buzzing about or that’s

really interesting or compelling