Known sources – These are the established institutions that form the backbone of societal order, such as police stations and hospitals. Journalists often cultivate relationships with these sources, building trust over time. This trust enables a steady flow of accurate and timely information, providing a stable foundation for news gathering.
Anticipated sources – These sources are tied to scheduled events, such as government budget presentations or corporate earnings announcements. Journalists must plan ahead, ensuring they are present at these events.
Unexpected sources – These sources often arise from accidental encounters or input from unknown individuals. They bring to light hidden societal issues that might go unnoticed in the routine news cycle.
Follow-ups – It is crucial for stories that evolve over time. Follow-ups involve continuous coverage and engagement with multiple sources. As events unfold, new angles emerge, and perspectives shift. Journalists must stay attuned to these changes, updating their narratives to reflect the latest developments. Follow-ups ensure that stories remain relevant and accurately represent the evolving nature of the subject matter.
WORKS CITED
Schudson, Michael. The Sociology of News. W. W. Norton & Company, 2003.
Sigal, Leon V. “Sources Make the News.” Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, vol. 62, no. 2, 1985, pp. 198-213. https://doi.org/10.1177/107769908506200202.
Dr Aswathy Aravindakshan is a teacher, bilingual writer and artist with over two decades of experience in teaching English language and literature. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of English at NSS College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Her blog, ashlit.in brings together academic resources, creative writing in Malayalam and English, and visual art. The platform features lecture notes, study materials, poems, reflections, short prose, and a curated collection of her paintings. Through this space, she seeks to foster learning, creativity, and meaningful engagement with literature and the arts.
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