1. Beat Development
The packet contains four worksheets to help beat reporters and editors develop a
shared understanding of how a beat will be covered. The goal is to discuss all
dimensions of good beat development and settle on plan that will be summarized
on the fifth Beat Summary sheet. The first four worksheets include:
Beat Map: Brainstorm the unlimited scope of the beat. What people, groups,
organizations, ideas, issues etc. fall under the heading of this beat? Decide
which will be priorities in the coming year.
Beat Focus: Based on the priorities selected above, discuss what people,
organizations, and issues will be the focus of the beat.
Beat Expectations: With the beat focus in mind, discuss two sets of
expectations. The first includes the number and types of content expressed in
per day, per week, per month, per quarter, and per year. The second includes
routines and tasks required to produce content. This may include interactions
with sources and newsmakers, and internal routines with other reporters or
editors.
Beat Sources: With content and reporting goals in mind, list the sources
required to be successful. Break sources down into several categories, including
officials, quasi-officials, experts on-the-record / off-the-record, and real people.
Also consider the mix of sources when it comes to race / ethic background,
gender, demographics / class.
The Beat Summary distills the discussions above into several succinct
paragraphs and includes goals for improving beat coverage.
Beat Development Michael Roberts

2. Beat Map
(“Map” your beat. Draw a web that represents all the people, institutions,
organizations, geographic areas, etc. that could fall under your beat. Then
discuss and circle which should be priorities on this beat.)
Beat Development Michael Roberts

3. Beat Focus
(What important people, institutions, events and issues emerge from your beat
map? Who and what will you focus on in the development of your beat?)
PEOPLE
INSTITUTIONS / ORGANIZATIONS
EVENTS / ACTIVITIES
ISSUES / TRENDS
Beat Development Michael Roberts

4. Beat Expectations
CONTENT REPORTING ROUTINES
Numbers & types In office & community
DAILY
WEEKLY
MONTHLY
QUARTERLY
ANNUALLY
Beat Development Michael Roberts

5. Beat Sources
(Sources for this beat by category.)
OFFICIAL (Obvious leaders, newsmakers.)
QUASI-OFFICIAL (Key people below the obvious leadership level of an organization.)
EXPERT – ON THE RECORD (Experts outside officials from your beat.)
EXPERT – BACKGROUND ONLY (Experts who provide background, guidance.)
REAL PEOPLE (People affected by news or actions on your beat.)
DIVERSITY OF SOURCES
For each category above, rate yourself on a 1-5 scale. Keep in mind the demographics of the
area and stakeholders on your beat (1/ Poor, 2/ Fair, 3/ Good, 4/ Very Good, 5/ Excellent).
Race / ethnic background Age
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Gender Demographics / class
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Beat Development Michael Roberts

6. Beat Summary
Reporter:
Editor / Team Leader:
Beat:
Based on your beat development discussions, please summarize the beat below.
You may type your responses on a second sheet and attach it to this cover
sheet. Please keep your summary to one page.
1. What will be covered on this beat, in terms of people, institutions,
organizations, or events?
2. Beyond breaking news, what issues will be developed on this beat during the
coming year and how you will consistently cover and track them.
3. In an average week / month / quarter (circle one) list the mix of stories,
including number and type (i.e. breaking news, briefs, short-term enterprise,
Sunday enterprise, online content), that you expect the beat to produce.
4. Given the coverage goals outlined above, list specific goals for source
development and beat development in general that will allow you to be
successful in the coming year.
Beat Development Michael Roberts