Bring the war home
THIS WEEK: BRING THE WAR HOME
The American military is raining down on an already fragile region, as Trump wages an unpopular, and ill-planned war with Iran.
As questions continue to swirl over the constitutionality of this war, journalists around the country — no matter their beat —ought to focus on keeping Americans as informed as possible.
A good rule of thumb: Start with what people already care about, and go from there.
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STORY IDEAS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF IRAN WAR
Safety Last
War Story: Hundreds of thousands of Americans were left stranded in the region as the war broke out.
Local Angle: Tell the story of anyone on your beat who tried to flee, fled, or has a U.S. family member detained in Iran.
Like This: They fought to get out.
Like This: Will my loved one become collateral?
Paying the Price
War Story: Gas prices are up and down because transportation routes are being disrupted.
Local Angle: Report on what that will look like for utility bills in your state?
Like This: States like these are vulnerable to soaring prices.
What Family Vacation?
War Story: Spring and summer travel is likely going to be impacted by increased airfare due to higher fuel prices.
Local Angle: Tell stories about how this will impact family travel on your beat? Are families making other plans?
Get Interactive
War Story: Polls show the war is enormously unpopular.
Local Angle: Launch an online conversation in your community. How do people feel? What are they worried about? How is the war already impacting their lives and their families?
Like This: We asked.
School Violence
War Story: Earlier this month, at least 175 student and educators in Iran were murdered after a Tomahawk missile, the kind only the United States has access to, hit their school.
Local Angle: Gun violence is an issue in American schools. How do local educators feel about American missile violence?
National Guard Goes International
War Story: Trump sent many National Guard troops to Middle East.
Local Angle: Is your state one of the targets?
Like This: Deployed.
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by Ryszard Kapuscinski
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