The news beats system has several advantages but it can also become counterproductive if it is not properly monitored. The three dangers of a beat system are:
1. Complacency:
A major danger of beat reporting is that a reporter may become too complacent. He knows where to get his information, and when. The excitement and challenge of cultivating sources and digging up information dies down after the first few months. A reporter starts taking things for granted.
2. Excessive familiarisation:
Another disadvantage of beat reporting is that the reporter may come too close to a source, and may avoid doing stories that may hurt the source. This is one situation that no editor should allow. They should step in immediately and change the beat.
3. Source becomes the control:
Sometimes, the sources start taking advantage of their relationship with the reporter. It is for the reporter to change things. One way to do this is to start giving more space to rival sources. Another way is to start asking difficult questions – albeit in a friendly manner. This will make the sources realise that they cannot take the reporter for granted. They will be more alert, and ready to go the extra mile to keep the relationship going.
This is why it is always in the interest of the newspaper to keep shuffling beats of reporters. But this should be done carefully. There is no point in antagonising good reporters after they have done all the hard work.
The best is to let a reporter work on a beat for at least three years. Further, he should be encouraged to groom a new reporter before being pulled out. This way the newspaper continues to maintain its links with important sources.
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