Plan journalism around the topic and engagement
A researched feature differs from a short interview or event report. Topic, sources and publication context shape the scope. A useful engagement defines tasks and responsibility without predetermining research findings.
Define topic and publication purpose
State topic, readers, medium and occasion. Editorial reporting, a corporate publication and paid advertising have different contexts. This should be clear before work starts.
Describe the question rather than a desired positive judgement. Research may produce new insights or priorities. Editorial independence belongs in the collaboration.
Specify format and deliverables
Agree format, approximate length and number per delivery. Planned text does not need an exact word count yet.
| Format | Work to clarify |
|---|---|
| Short article | Information checking and concise writing |
| Interview | Preparation, conversation and editing |
| Reportage | On-site research and context |
| Feature | Multiple sources and deeper analysis |
Describe the available sources
State public documents, interview opportunities or previously checked information. Gathering, evaluating and checking are separate tasks. Image, audio and data work may be additional.
Sources need appropriate checks and uncertainty should be handled explicitly. Research time depends on more than article length. Agree extra work when new requirements arise.
Prepare interviews and on-site work
Clarify access, time windows and organisational contacts. Travel may involve time and expenses. Interviewees should know the purpose and agreed rules.
Interview authorisation differs from editorial approval of a whole article. Agree corrections and queries without subsequently changing the meaning of statements.
Clarify responsibility and sensitive information
Personal privacy, source protection and allegations need appropriate care. Arrange suitable exchange for later confidential information. Topic and general scope suffice for the initial enquiry.
Paid commercial content should be distinguishable from editorial information. Consider the particular publication and rules; journalistic style alone does not make advertising independent.
Agree use, editing and handover
Agree channels, languages, first publication and reuse. Text, images and recordings can involve different rights. Delivery does not automatically cover every later use.
Clarify permitted changes, attribution and delivery format. Major edits and updates need an agreed process. An engagement alone cannot guarantee publication by third-party media.
Compare research and support
Compare preparation, sources, writing and included revisions. Plan briefing, research, queries, delivery and publication. Scope changes and additional assignments are agreed separately.
| Item | What to agree |
|---|---|
| Research | Sources, interviews and planned effort |
| On site | Access, travel time and expenses |
| Content | Format, length and languages |
| Rights | Channels, reuse and editing |
| Completion | Queries, revisions and deadline |
Frequently asked questions
Must the topic already be researched?
No. Describe the question and available information. Research can be included.
Does an interview always include an article?
No. Preparation, conversation and publication text should be agreed.
Can I commission positive coverage?
A journalistic engagement should not force a judgement. Advertising has a different purpose and needs clear identification.
Are images or video included?
Within agreed scope. Recording, editing and rights should be specified.
Can I reuse the content anywhere?
Under agreed rights. Additional channels, translations and major changes should be expressly covered.
What if research takes longer?
Agree additional work and its delivery implications. A clear engagement defines limits and discussions.
