Bart Pfankuch

6 essential steps to trend reporting

One firm fact about trend reporting is that it has never been trendier. Here are six tips to help you spot and illuminate trends in your community.

How a reporter can avoid being laid off

Here are some ways to generate good story ideas that will not only offer a modicum of employment protection but which can also prime the pump of higher-level reporting and storytelling along the way.

4 rips for writing engaging stories

Among all the changes in the news industry, perhaps the most impactful for writers is the dramatic expansion of outlets to obtain information.

Mini stories equal maximum payoff

The technique breaks a complicated topic down into smaller, more manageable ideas or issues; each smaller topic becomes its own mini story.

Details, details, details …

You can’t get great details without trying to get them, and you can’t use them effectively without practice. Believe me, it is worth the effort.

A writing journey we’ll take together

My hope is to provide a monthly column that writers and editors will enjoy but also find useful in honing their craft. We’re on this journey together, and I think it will be quite a ride.

Wisconsin Newspaper Association