The Student Journalist’s Guide to Philly
Navigating a major city like Philadelphia can be both exciting and overwhelming for student reporters. With more than 1.5 million residents, dozens of unique neighborhoods, and one of the most historic city governments in the country, there is no shortage of stories to tell. This guide is designed to give you a roadmap for reporting in Philly — from covering government and city politics to finding the human stories hidden in every neighborhood.
Covering City Hall
Philadelphia’s government operates out of City Hall, one of the largest municipal buildings in the United States and the center of civic life in the city. Inside its marble walls, the City Council debates and passes legislation while the Mayor’s Office manages daily administration. As a student journalist, reporting on local government gives you the chance to see democracy in action and hold leaders accountable.
To cover City Hall effectively, you should:
-
Review the public schedule for City Council meetings. They’re open to the public and often streamed online.
-
Follow key Council members, their communications staff, and the Mayor’s Office on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X for updates.
-
Sign up for official press releases from City departments — they often announce initiatives, funding decisions, and new policies.
-
Don’t be afraid to attend in person. Journalists gain credibility by showing up, asking questions, and being seen as part of the press corps. Many city officials are approachable and may be willing to speak with you one-on-one.
Learning how government works on the ground will not only strengthen your reporting but also give you the chance to write stories with real civic impact. Even as a student journalist, your coverage can influence how people see their leaders and policies.
Navigating Philadelphia’s Neighborhoods
Philadelphia is famously a city of neighborhoods. From South Philly’s rowhomes to West Philly’s universities and North Philly’s historic roots, each area carries its own identity, history, and challenges. The best reporting comes from getting out of campus bubbles and engaging with communities directly.
When reporting in neighborhoods:
-
Attend community association meetings — these grassroots groups often spotlight local concerns long before they make headlines.
-
Cover events, block parties, or rallies to meet everyday residents and leaders.
-
Visit small businesses, barbershops, or corner stores. Conversations in these spaces often reveal authentic local perspectives.
-
Research the demographics, history, and social context of each neighborhood before writing. Respectful, well-informed reporting earns trust and credibility.
Philadelphia’s neighborhoods are where you’ll find stories of resilience, culture, and conflict that rarely make national news. By listening closely and approaching people with humility, you’ll gain insights into what matters most to the city’s residents.
Building Sources and Community Trust
Great reporting doesn’t come just from attending events or scanning press releases — it comes from building real relationships with people. As a student journalist, you may initially feel like an outsider, especially when reporting in communities you’re not from. That’s why trust is everything. When people believe that you will treat their stories with fairness and respect, they’ll be more willing to talk to you and tip you off to issues that matter.
Start by approaching every interaction with openness. If you’re interviewing a community leader, make the effort to learn about their work beforehand so your questions show genuine interest. When speaking with residents, be transparent about your role as a student journalist and how their perspective will be used. Trust grows when people see you’re not just “taking” their words for your own story but are listening carefully and portraying them accurately.
Over time, developing reliable sources can give you a steady stream of story ideas and insider perspectives. Sources might include neighborhood activists, teachers, local historians, or small business owners — people who have their finger on the pulse of what’s happening around them. Treat these relationships with care. Don’t over-promise what your story can achieve, and never burn bridges by misquoting or misrepresenting someone.
Philadelphia has a long history of communities feeling ignored or misrepresented by the media. As a new generation of journalists, you have the chance to shift that narrative. By showing respect, asking thoughtful questions, and following through with accurate reporting, you’ll not only tell better stories but also help restore trust between the press and the public