Covering complicated topics takes practice. And humility.   Email not displaying correctly?
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When Poynter first asked me to teach journalists how to cover the American Rescue Plan Act, I did what any sensible person with little knowledge about a complicated topic would do — I happily agreed.

No really.

That’s because the 19 years I’ve spent as a journalist have taught me that I don’t have to be the expert; I have to find the experts. I did this while covering elections, immigration and the 2010 Census in St. Louis, and when I started covering the media and later local media for Poynter.

Eventually, I start to understand the terrain of the beat, or in the case of ARPA, topic for learning. That’s my trick to taking on complicated topics.

Next week, we’ll have one more ARPA training, and this one is an ask-me-anything style. We’re bringing back the four ARPA experts we’ve previously worked with on covering ARPA and public health ([link removed]) , safety ([link removed]) and infrastructure ([link removed]) . This training is free thanks to support from the Joyce Foundation
([link removed]) .

I asked what advice they have for taking on complicated topics. Here’s what they said.
Focus on utility


Taylor DesOrmeau, MLive data reporter: “It can be frustrating when you first wade into a complex topic, because you feel lost and confused. But assuming it’s a topic that’s worth wading into, there are a few things I try to remember to get me through. (1) If it’s confusing for us, it’s likely confusing for the general population, so our reporting on the issue is likely going to be very useful to people; (2) Coming into a topic knowing nothing isn’t always a bad thing — because we’re more likely to explain things in our writing in a way that most people would understand, because we’ll know what’s jargony; and (3) Once you learn a complex topic, it'll be so much easier to write follow-up stories on the topic in the future, because you’ve become an expert.”
Stay organized


Anastasia Valeeva, fellow, The Marshall Project: “The organization is key. So is iteration. When embarking on a long term journey through a complex topic, getting lost or demotivated on your way is easy. To keep the spirit up, make regular meetings, keep your files in order and set the milestones ahead.”

Know the rules and regulations

Weihua Li, data reporter, The Marshall Project: “One thing we found really helpful is to understand the rules and reporting requirements of ARPA, which has led us to many data and document finds.”
Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions


Shelby Harris, reporter, Carolina Public Press: “Find people who can break down complex topics for you! Journalists rely so much on data and documents, but I’ve found it’s more informational to just straight up ask someone to explain difficult topics. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions and don’t apologize when you do!”

Register here ([link removed]) to join us next week Tuesday, July 26, at 1 p.m. Eastern for a free ARPA AMA. You can submit your questions after you register or send them here ([link removed]) .

That’s it for me. I’d like to send a particular shoutout to the moms and dads who are working while juggling summer child care/camps/kids who sleep all day and want breakfast at 3 p.m. I see you. Hang in there.

Kristen
Kristen Hare
Faculty
The Poynter Institute
@kristenhare ([link removed])

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