Glenn Hall Shares Secrets of Compelling Business Investigations on How to Cover Money Podcast
Glenn Hall, a seasoned journalist who once served as Executive Editor at The Washington Post, shared insights into crafting compelling business investigations in an episode of the How to Cover Money podcast. Hosted by Megan Calcote, the episode delved into Hall's four key elements for a successful investigation: data, people, and a clear problem or pain point.
Hall, who currently does not appear in available search results, stressed the importance of data in business journalism. 'Don't ever doubt that data exists to help you tell the story, and don't ever tell the story until you found the data,' he advised. He also highlighted the significance of people in an investigation, identifying the victim, perpetrator, and hero as crucial elements.
The Reynolds Center for Business Journalism, which produces the podcast, offers resources to support journalists in this field. These include free eBooks, email courses, and a weekly newsletter. The center also hosts the prestigious Barlett and Steele Awards, offering cash prizes for outstanding investigative business journalism. The awards, named after the late Don Barlett and Jim Steele, provide Gold ($5,000), Silver ($2,000), and Bronze ($1,000) prizes. Submissions for the 2016 awards were due by August 1.
Hall suggested a unique approach to finding story leads. He recommended talking to various sources, including those who might seem 'crazy', to uncover legitimate story angles. He also emphasized the importance of sharing data openly with audiences to empower them and encourage further investigation.
Glenn Hall's insights into business investigations, particularly the importance of data and people, provide valuable guidance for journalists in this field. The Reynolds Center's resources and the Barlett and Steele Awards further support and recognize excellence in business journalism.
