News Story Docs
A comprehensive guide to the roles and responsibilities in our journalism projects. Each student will take on one of these key roles to collaborate on creating impactful journalism.
Team Structure Overview
Our journalism projects are structured around four key roles that work together to create comprehensive, professional-quality news stories. Each role has specific responsibilities and deliverables that contribute to the final product.
Researcher
Collects and verifies data, conducts interviews, and ensures factual accuracy
Strategist
Manages the project timeline, coordinates the team, and plans social media distribution
Content Writer
Crafts the narrative, writes the story, and integrates research into compelling content
Multimedia Editor
Creates visual assets, produces video and audio content, and designs graphics
Researcher Role
The Researcher is the foundation of every journalism project, responsible for gathering accurate information, conducting interviews, and verifying facts. This role ensures the story is built on solid evidence and credible sources.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct first-hand data collection through interviews and observations
- Gather and analyze second-hand data from reliable sources
- Create data visualizations to support the story
- Verify facts and ensure information accuracy
- Maintain organized research documentation
Expected Deliverables
Interview Source Database
Organized collection of interview subjects with contact information, status, and notes
Observation Logs
Detailed notes from field research with observations, demographics, and key findings
Data Analysis
Compilation of statistics, research data, and academic findings relevant to the story
Data Integration Matrix
Framework showing how different data sources correlate and support the narrative
Visualization Suggestions
Concepts for data visualizations with specifications for the Multimedia Editor
Quality Control Checklist
Documentation of verification procedures and fact-checking steps
Recommended Tools
- Data Collection: Survey tools, interview recording apps, observation templates
- Data Analysis: Spreadsheet software, statistical tools, data visualization platforms
- Organization: Database software, research management tools, citation managers
Strategist & Social Media Editor Role
The Strategist serves as the project manager and social media planner, coordinating team efforts, managing timelines, and developing distribution strategies. This role ensures the project stays on track and reaches its intended audience.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage the project timeline
- Coordinate team communication and task tracking
- Conduct quality control reviews
- Create platform-specific social media strategies
- Adapt content for different platforms
- Plan engagement tactics
Expected Deliverables
Team Coordination Matrix
Tracking system for role responsibilities, dependencies, and deadlines
Project Timeline
Detailed schedule of project milestones, tasks, and deadlines
Communication Plan
Framework for team communication channels and meeting schedule
Platform Strategy Matrix
Platform-specific content strategies for social media distribution
Content Adaptation Framework
Guidelines for adapting story content to different platforms
Engagement Strategy
Plans for hashtags, posting schedule, and audience interaction
Recommended Tools
- Project Management: Trello, Asana, Monday.com, or similar tools
- Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or other team messaging platforms
- Social Media: Content calendar tools, scheduling platforms, analytics software
Content Writer Role
The Content Writer shapes the narrative and creates compelling content that engages readers. This role transforms research and data into a cohesive story with strong leads, clear structure, and engaging language.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan story structure and narrative flow
- Write engaging headlines, leads, and body copy
- Integrate research data and quotes
- Optimize content for SEO and digital platforms
- Create captions and supplementary content
- Conduct editorial quality control
Expected Deliverables
Story Planning Matrix
Outline of story sections with key points, data integration, and word count
Lead Options
Multiple story opening options with different approaches
Quote Integration Plan
Strategic placement of quotes to support the narrative
Story Structure
Detailed outline of all story sections and their content
SEO and Digital Elements
Keywords, meta descriptions, and social media hooks
Multimedia Integration Points
Plan for incorporating visuals, audio, and interactive elements
Recommended Tools
- Writing: Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or other word processors
- SEO: Keyword research tools, readability analyzers
- Editing: Grammar and style checkers, editing software
Multimedia Editor Role
The Multimedia Editor creates the visual and audio components that enhance the story. This role produces photos, videos, audio content, and data visualizations that complement and strengthen the narrative.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and produce photography for the story
- Create video content to support the narrative
- Record and edit audio elements
- Design infographics and data visualizations
- Manage digital assets and file organization
- Ensure technical quality of all multimedia elements
Expected Deliverables
Photography Production Plan
Shot list, technical specifications, and location planning
Video Production Plan
Storyboard, shooting schedule, and technical requirements
Audio Production Plan
Recording schedule, equipment needs, and format specifications
Infographic Production Plan
Design concepts, data sources, and technical specifications
Asset Management Plan
File organization system and quality control checklist
Production Timeline
Schedule for pre-production, production, and post-production
Recommended Tools
- Photography: Digital cameras, editing software like Adobe Lightroom
- Video: Video cameras, editing software like Adobe Premiere
- Audio: Microphones, recording devices, editing software like Audacity
- Graphics: Design software like Adobe Illustrator, data visualization tools
Collaboration Framework
Successful journalism projects require seamless collaboration between all role-holders. Each team member must understand how their work connects with others and maintain clear communication throughout the process.
| Role Interaction | Key Touchpoints | Shared Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Researcher → Writer | Data handoff, fact verification | Verified quotes, statistical data, source information |
| Researcher → Multimedia | Data visualization planning | Data sets, visualization concepts, interview coordination |
| Writer → Multimedia | Story integration points | Content outlines, caption requirements, multimedia placements |
| Strategist → All Roles | Timeline management, quality control | Project schedule, review feedback, platform requirements |
Suggested Workflow
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1
Project Kickoff
Full team meeting to establish story angle, assign roles, and set initial timeline
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2
Research Phase
Researcher conducts interviews and data collection while Strategist finalizes project plan
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3
Content Planning
Writer develops story structure with Researcher input; Multimedia Editor plans visual assets
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4
Production Phase
Writer drafts content; Multimedia Editor creates visual assets; ongoing coordination
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5
Integration
All elements combined into cohesive story package with proper multimedia integration
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6
Review & Revision
Full team review with Strategist leading quality control process and feedback collection
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7
Publication & Distribution
Final package publication with Strategist coordinating social media distribution