We’re starting the New Year here at NewsLab by looking back at the year before–just as we did at this time a year ago. In 2012, our readers not only wanted practical tips, they also gravitated toward posts about the state of the news business. Here are our top ten most viewed posts, in case you missed any of them.
Where are the dominant local TV news stations? As one-time powerhouse stations struggled in the ratings, we asked a question that touched off the most active conversation on the site to date.
For journalists, almost nothing is just personal. Ethical issues can arise when journalists think their “private” lives really are private.
How to create an interactive timeline. A tutorial on how to use Dipity and Vuvox.
How to make a TV story memorable. Tips on reporting and writing from award-winning KARE reporter Boyd Huppert.
The best local TV stations to work for. Results of a survey of TV news directors judging their peers on the quality of their news.
TV news needs verbs. A heartfelt plea to revive the use of action words in television newscasts.
Why some longtime anchors get the boot. A reflection on the departure of some veteran news anchors.
The glamorous life of TV news. A humorous look at what it’s really like to work in TV news, complete with video.
Quick thinking gives iPhone telephoto lens. Your smartphone can do even more than you might imagine.
Tips on taking good notes. How to use your own shorthand and learn to leave out what’s not important.
One additional observation about what drew readers in 2012: Several older posts beat out new ones in our most-read list, including digital note-taking tools and how to interview children. Our resource guides to journalism fellowships and grants and recommended journalism textbooks remain popular, as well.
We’ll try to provide more of what you’re looking for in 2013, and we’d be happy to have your support in the form of a donation. Remember, NewsLab has no outside funding whatsoever, so we have to depend on you to keep the site up and running. Thanks, and Happy New Year.
