Indiana University School of Journalism

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Photo by Heather Brogden

Indianapolis Star sportswriter Terry Hutchens shared his 30-plus years of experience with students in J200.

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A man walking into a newspaper office dressed in a chicken suit would definitely stand out, but only for his appearance and not his qualifications. In today’s media world it takes a lot of experience and skill for a writer to set himself apart in the eyes of his future employer.

Terry Hutchens, sports writer for The Indianapolis Star, used this example while visiting adjunct lecturer Irene Bushaw’s J200 Reporting, Writing and Editing I class Tuesday morning. He told students the best way to set themselves apart is to be good reporters and have great sources.

“When you become a professional, everyone can write, but it doesn’t mean you are a good reporter,” Hutchens said.

Hutchens, who has been in the media industry for 30 years, said there are three tricks to being a good reporter: hard work, thinking outside the box and using the freedom to request information.

Although these three attributes would help push any reporter to the top, the most important aspect to being a journalist, according to Hutchens, is having great sources.

“You’re only as good as your sources,” Hutchens explained.

With that in mind, he advised the students to value connections made throughout a career. He explained that the relationships can lead to surprising and beneficial outcomes later. Anyone you talk to or meet is a potential source.

Hutchens knows the importance of a good source. As a sports writer covering Indiana University ‘s football and basketball teams, Hutchens includes coaches in his source list.

Hutchens recounted tales of last-minute stories saved because he was well connected with IU and was able to obtain information right before deadline. Being able to count on your sources, he explained, was what made him a successful reporter.

“When you have those kinds of sources, it’s a great confidence thing,” Hutchens said.