Never write a story directly from a press release. This is a bad idea for any type of story, but some reporters are tempted to take economic reports or corporate reports at face value because of the often complex financial information presented. Always call a variety of knowledgeable sources, such as economists, analysts and experts to help you determine the story behind the press release.

Reporters use different techniques to get information they need during an interview. The following strategies are used by journalists, psychologists and other professionals.

1) Do they know their subject? If the answer is no, consider sending your reporters to seminars that help them to understand the subject of the story or, bring experts into the newsroom to conduct a lunch-time discussion.

Assignment: You are the editor. Decide which story in each pair has greater news value and explain your reasons.