William "Windy" March - Chief Political Reporter (Tampa Tribune)

Websites and technology has amplified the amount of public records an individual can access. Although a key to great reporting is going out in the field and checking the details for yourself.

The longest standing political reporter in Tampa, William “Windy” March, discussed in length the importance of research and becoming an information entrepreneur as a reporter. March deals with campaign finance and disclosure reports. He investigates elements of these reports that may be a violation to federal or state laws.

When conversing about a report he created that ended up convicting and sentencing a law violator to jail, March explained how to find particular campaign finance records. Although these outlets provide the information you desire, March says that the documents are written so carefully and are so detailed that they are not easily able to be combed through.

Thus, becoming an information entrepreneur will help a person succeed as a reporter. An information entrepreneur scans and searches websites and newspaper clipping for tips and/or the exact information they need. Being able to research public records without leaving your desk and getting the background information on suspects only helps and supports your ability to write a detailed report or hold a better interview.

In the case of March’s report, he was able to do all the background work from his desk and then go out into the field, Miami, and try to locate the violating business and associates. Having the proper information prior to going out in the field is invaluable because, as March said, when you approach a person and know more about what’s going on than they do, they won’t be willing to talk and they somewhat convict themselves.

Getting out in the field, and even getting “no comment” responses still enables a reporter to say they made the effort to talk to the individual and it also goes documented in case a detail as such is needed in court.

March provided websites and links for us to look over when searching for campaign finance and disclosure records; however, I believe his statement to become an information/research entrepreneur as a reporter establishes a stronger, fundamental backing.