Tips from IRE

We’re still talking about what we took away from the Investigative Reporters and Editors’ national conference last month. It was a heady first-time experience for a group of IRW interns, who shared some of their most memorable moments.

During the session called The New Tactics and Technologies of War, I learned about the complexities and importance of informed data reporting. One of the notes I wrote down was, “Technology can tell us what happened but not necessarily what it means.” This summarized many stories and lessons from the panelists, who covered how they collaborate with various experts and data reporters to accurately report on war events. The lesson, to be accurate and creative in finding avenues to the truth, has really inspired my own approach to reporting.  

— Elizabeth Rozeboom

One tip that stuck with me from IRE was from the Turning Investigative Reporting Into the Stuff of Literature session. The writers, Caitlin Dickerson and Stephanie McCrummen, said that long-form narrative style writing requires you to sink into the moment in order to report on as many little details as possible. The idea of not thinking about how you'll write the story and instead being present in the moment is a tip I will take into all my interviewing and reporting in the future.

— Maddie Mulligan

The most eye-opening part of IRE for me was the opportunity to explore new beats within investigative journalism. I got to attend several panels on healthcare coverage and also learned more about transportation and trade beats, which helped me think about new ways that I can use investigative reporting in my future. One panelist talked about using the Department of Health and Human Service's database of responses to Form CMS-2567, a form used to report deficiencies in hospitals and plans for correction as a way to investigate hospital malpractice.

— Zach Leggio

I went to a session about how to report on natural disasters since I’m moving to Colorado. They gave a very detailed explanation as to what you should do in the wake of and in the aftermath of a disaster to report as accurately and effectively as possible. They also gave great tips as for coping mentally during and after reporting so consistently on a beat that can be life-threatening. One of the things that stuck with me is that you can continue to  report on a natural disaster long after it happens. 

— Isabel Del Mastro

One of my favorite IRE offerings was a live workshopping session on How to Make Yourself a Better Writer. We sat at round tables and reviewed both published and unpublished writing from a few brave reporters in the audience, covering topics from crime stories to business profiles. Through the editing process, I learned a bit more about how to bring characters to life and hold readers' attention, which can be scarce. It was really rewarding to return home with tangible skills that I can now use in my reporting.

— Carolyn Neugarten