The Value of Research

The lecture on Tuesday given by Matt Doig of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune had a very reoccurring theme: the research of public databases has to be done. Doig spent the entire hour and 15 minutes stressing the importance of a reporter conducting the proper research for a story. He had a number of stories and examples from past experiences that illustrated this point vividly. Doig was not just talking to print majors during his lecture, as he stressed the importance of research to the broadcast majors too.
Doig said that researching the public databases gets the reporter to the “heart” of the matter. He added that this is the only way the reporter can be as informed as he/she can be about the story they are writing or telling. Can this process be tedious at times and mundane? Sure, but if a reporter leaves no stone unturned in his/her research, then there is no room for argument. The story will simply be black and white and supported by the facts, leaving the reporter completely informed and able to answer any questions and counter any possible arguments.
Doig described the research as tedious, but said that it is the accountable way to report. “The data part is a grind, but it’s got to be done,” Doig said. Toward the end of his lecture he made a point that I think should awaken all aspiring reporters. He said that you cannot establish yourself as a reporter and get to the next level if you don’t have public records; you need that information.
I thought this lecture was a perfect follow-up to last week’s. Ms. Harper’s lecture had me asking, “If it’s such a hassle to access this stuff then why would I do it?” In comes Matt Doig to tell me why, and I now know just how important it is.