Stories We Tell

Like all stories, a solutions journalism one has a beginning, middle, and end. What makes solutions journalism stories different from others, is exactly what’s in its name—solutions. Journalists producing stories in this unique area look to solve a problem.

But isn’t that all news stories? Or current events in general? Not necessarily. Some stories are looking to inform, entertain, or persuade. Solutions journalism stories are meant to provide solutions.

Here are the six steps to writing a solutions journalism story:

1. Start with the essential question: “Who’s doing it⁠ better?” Who’s making significant improvement with this problem?
2. Then ask: “How do we know?” Is there data and other⁠ evidence that shows the effort is making a difference? Is that evidence credible and is some of it independent? If so, you’re on the path to a story.⁠
3. Interview sources about how it works, what challenges they’ve overcome, and which ones they still face. The “how” becomes the narrative driver of your story.⁠
4. Examine the limitations of the effort. You’re not advocating for the response—you’re helping people understand it. So what are its strengths and weaknesses?⁠
5. Identify what can be learned from the effort, especially for your community and audiences.
6. Finally, after the story is published, listen to how people respond so you can answer.