10 Story Ideas for April, 2025
Dave Davis, director of the ASB Workshop, advised a high school newsmagazine for 34 years. Here are 10 story ideas your school news show can produce this month.
Mt. Rushmore: It is often used to spark passionate debates…for example, “Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks?” “Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of rock bands?” This might lend itself to a fun MOS piece. Tip: Give your sources a few minutes to ponder their final four selections, and feel free to ask follow-ups about the choices, particularly the surprising ones.
Earth Day: April 22 is “Earth Day” and there are probably plans for various activities in your area. You can get details at the official site: https://www.earthday.org/ A counter point is always possible if you find someone who opposes some of the principles of Earth Day.
Jobs Eliminated: The federal government is eliminating thousands of jobs right now. Big stories are often told by little stories. Find a person or family impacted by this. The challenge is to put a human face on a federal policy decision. In doing so, for balance you may need to find someone who will speak about the government’s decision to pare back federal workers.
StuCo or No? New officers for Student Council (or Student Government) are being elected all over the country. Have you ever done a deep dive into the history of StuCo, and also asked some serious questions about how it is operated at your school? Is it just a popularity thing? What do they do for the school? Maybe there are misconceptions you can clear up, or some tough questions that need asking. Lots of potential for a story many in your school will watch closely.
About Measles: An outbreak of measles has put the disease front and center. There are several angles to cover. Here is some information form the Master’s in Public Health website: https://www.mphonline.org/truth-about-measles-vaccines/
Grad Trips: Seniors in high school sometimes like to celebrate the occasion by hitting the road (or the air) for grad trips. Check on some of your seniors and find out where they are headed, how long they have been planning, etc. Also find out how they are affording it. Some save up all year, others receive support from parents and/or grandparents.
One Tank Away: Here’s a fun feature challenge. With gas prices high, try to find something interesting/fun to do only “one tank away.” Start with by filling up the tank (show the viewers), and remember, the rule is, you have to be able to get to the story and back on just one tank. It’s a fun way to take viewers on a short adventure to maybe an out-of-the-way place, or a nearby attraction you can visit in just one day, on just one tank of gas.
Bullseye: Archery has become a very popular school sport across the country. Have you covered it yet? It presents all sorts of opportunities from great visual sequencing, and of course, action and reaction shots. Beyond the visual possibilities, find out why it is taking off, and what challenges participants face. Find information about the sport here: https://www.naspschools.org/what-is-nasp/
Skaters: It is a subculture, not just a fun activity. And of course now it’s an Olympic sport. As spring arrives, check out your local skate park if you have one, or find skateboarders wherever they are. Ask them why they love it, and yes, get some fantastic visuals and sound along the way. Note: A cool thing to include is some skateboarding jargon, part of that subculture: https://www.surfertoday.com/skateboarding/the-glossary-of-skateboarding-terms-and-slang
Take a Hike: Here is another possibility for a story that takes the viewer along on a little adventure. Hiking is great exercise, and a way to enjoy nature. Some teens love it. Find one and tag along, or make this a participatory segment, even if you have never hiked before. (That might even make it more fun) Ask the hiker near you about the gear needed, and definitely discuss safety issues. Providing useful information takes it beyond just a light feature.
