How can you make sure your rural reporting is accessible?

1 Know your audience

Before you start writing, think about who you are writing for and what they need to know. What are their main concerns, interests, and values? How familiar are they with the topic you are covering? How do they access information and media? How do they communicate and interact with each other? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your tone, style, and angle to suit their needs and preferences.

3 Provide context and background

Rural reporting often involves covering issues that have a broader or deeper impact than what meets the eye. For example, a story about a local farmer's struggle may also reflect a national policy, a global market, or a historical trend. To help your audience make sense of these connections, you need to provide context and background for your stories. Explain why the issue matters, how it affects your audience, and what are the causes and consequences of the situation. Use data, facts, and sources to support your claims and show the bigger picture.

4 Choose an appropriate format

Rural reporting can take many forms, such as news articles, features, profiles, podcasts, videos, or multimedia projects. Depending on your audience, your topic, and your resources, you need to choose an appropriate format for your stories. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each format, such as how engaging, informative, or interactive they are. Think about how your audience will access and consume your stories, such as online, offline, or on mobile devices. Choose a format that suits your audience's habits, preferences, and needs.

5 Engage with your community

Rural reporting is not a one-way street. It is a dialogue between you and your community. To make your stories more accessible, you need to engage with your community and listen to their voices, opinions, and feedback. Seek out diverse and representative sources, perspectives, and stories from your community. Invite your audience to participate in your reporting process, such as by asking questions, sharing ideas, or suggesting topics. Respond to their comments, queries, and criticisms. Build trust and rapport with your community and show them that you care.