When breaking news hits or a difficult story unfolds, content creators face a crucial question: Should I cover this, and if so, how? A.W. Ohlheiser, in their recent News Creator Corps webinar, offered a framework that creators should consider before creating content.
What’s My Role?
This is the central question Ohlheiser poses, and it branches into several critical considerations that can guide your decision-making process.
Am I trying to update my audience in real-time?
If so, you’re taking on the role of a primary source. This comes with significant responsibility—accuracy matters more than speed, and you need systems in place to correct errors quickly.
It also requires time. News doesn’t develop on a predictable schedule, and you’ll learn more as the minutes, hours, and days progress. Do you have the capacity to ensure that you can provide your audience with the most accurate, timely information?
Am I looking to provide deeper context?
Perhaps you’re not breaking the news, but you have expertise or perspective that can help your audience understand what’s happening. This role requires research, thoughtfulness, and often, more time.
Am I trying to locate and share reliable sources?
Sometimes the most valuable thing a creator can do is curate—pointing your audience toward experts and trustworthy information rather than adding your own commentary.
This is an opportunity to highlight trustworthy news sources, such as local newspapers, public media, and statements from official groups like government agencies and professional associations.
Am I an observer?
It takes incredible self awareness and empathy to recognize that you might not be the right person to cover a particular story.
Ohlheiser also presents an important alternative: maybe you’re someone who might be best suited to discuss this issue indirectly. They cite examples like mental health experts discussing vicarious trauma, or parenting creators explaining how to talk to children about difficult topics. This approach allows you to serve your audience without wading into territory where you lack expertise.
Accuracy-focused creators bring good intention to wanting to share news that impacts their community, and this framework reminds us that understanding your role—and your limits—is an essential part of responsible content creation.