Check-ins

Definition

Check-ins refer to brief, informal interactions between journalists and their sources that help maintain communication and strengthen relationships over time. These interactions allow journalists to gauge the comfort level and trust of their sources, while also providing opportunities to update or clarify information. Regular check-ins contribute to building rapport, ensuring that sources feel valued and understood, which can enhance the depth and quality of the stories being told.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Check-ins are not just about gathering information; they are crucial for building trust and a sense of partnership with sources.
2. These interactions can take various forms, including phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings, depending on the context and comfort level of both parties.
3. Regular check-ins can lead to more candid conversations, where sources might feel safer sharing sensitive information.
4. By establishing a pattern of check-ins, journalists demonstrate their commitment to the source's well-being and importance in the storytelling process.
5. Check-ins can also help journalists stay informed about changes in the source's situation or environment that may impact future stories.

Review Questions

• How do check-ins enhance the relationship between journalists and their sources?
  • Check-ins enhance the relationship by fostering trust and open communication between journalists and their sources. By regularly reaching out, journalists show their commitment to understanding and valuing the source's perspective. This ongoing dialogue allows for more honest exchanges of information and can lead to deeper insights in storytelling, as sources feel more comfortable sharing their experiences.
• Discuss the role of check-ins in the process of source cultivation and how it affects the quality of reporting.
  • Check-ins play a vital role in source cultivation by providing a structured way for journalists to maintain relationships over time. This regular contact helps build familiarity and trust, making sources more likely to provide accurate and relevant information. As the rapport grows stronger through these interactions, it ultimately enhances the quality of reporting, as sources may share deeper insights and more personal stories that enrich the narrative.
• Evaluate the long-term benefits of implementing regular check-ins with sources in narrative journalism.
  • Implementing regular check-ins with sources yields significant long-term benefits for narrative journalism. Over time, these interactions can create a network of trusted sources who are more willing to provide exclusive insights and information. Additionally, as relationships deepen, journalists may find themselves better positioned to tackle complex stories that require nuanced understanding. This proactive approach not only enriches the storytelling process but also ensures that journalists remain ethically responsible by respecting the needs and boundaries of their sources.

Related terms

Rapport: A harmonious relationship where two or more people understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well.

Source Cultivation: The process of developing and maintaining relationships with sources to ensure reliable access to information and insights.

Follow-up: Subsequent communication after an initial contact, often used to gather more information or clarify previous discussions.