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Saturday, August 11, 2007

Starting a new beat: Resources

The entry-level opening at the newspaper you want may not be a beat you're experienced with. Before you interview or as you're getting settled in, these links can help you get to thinking along new lines.

Cops and courts: Ten solid tips on getting started and a list of useful links here. Poynter's NewsU offers a free online course: On the Beat: Covering Cops and Crime. Also see the Criminal Justice Journalists' guide to "Covering Crime and Justice."

Education reporter: Find a guide to Standards for Education Reporters and briefs on major issues here from the National Education Writers Association. And here's one basic, but practical walkthrough on getting and using data.

City council: View material from the Western Knight Center's seminar on "Game Plan for Covering City Hall." Among tidbits: Spreadsheets are your friend, and secretaries should be. Also read more about investigating local government and writing about budgets. Some tips on getting to know your community here.

Working any beat: Some general advice.

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