How do newspapers choose their features?

Roger_Dooley
Sat, 09 Jun 2007 08:48:34 +0000

I agree about the luck part. Reporters writing stories try and find individuals to write about that illustrate the theme of the article. They will typically network with people who know kids in the college process, and keep looking until they find someone who fits their need. Because our counseling group works with students aiming for Ivies and similar colleges, Dave and Sally are often contacted by reporters with specific needs, like “a student who was waitlisted at an Ivy League school”. They can’t disclose the names of counselees, of course, but if the story sounds serious they may contact a student to see if he/she wants to be interviewed. In many cases, these reporters are probably pursuing multiple leads, hoping to find a good example before deadline.