Have you just been assigned the “casino beat” and aren’t sure where to look for information? Well, you’re not the only one. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Suzette Parmley tells all.
From BusinessJournalism.org:
Just as the gambling industry continues to evolve to attract a broader clientele, so too, does its coverage to attract a larger audience. Several newspapers, including my employer, The Philadelphia Inquirer, are re-examining, and in many cases, restructuring industry coverage.
Over the past year, my own beat has evolved to extend beyond covering Atlantic City casinos, to now include Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region. The Pennsylvania General Assembly approved gambling legislation last summer to allow up to 61,000 slot machines in 14 venues throughout the state. As a result, coverage has been tailored to highlight its potential impact on Atlantic City. In anticipation of the new competition, I have chronicled how Atlantic City is transforming itself into a full destination resort with high-end shopping, entertainment, dining and, yes, gambling to inoculate itself from the advent of slot parlors in Pennsylvania.
My advice to anyone covering this beat is to be as well-read and well-sourced as possible. Regularly read publications, such as Global Gaming Business, a weekly that offers a national and international overview of gambling developments; Casino Connection, a monthly that focuses on casino employees in Atlantic City ; and the Wall Street Journal, which gives the latest in gambling news.
Or, you could just call me. Seriously. Just about every day I talk to someone who is covering a gaming story for print, radio, or TV. It’s nice when they have done some research and want my opinion on something; it’s even nicer when they have taken the time to read Suburban Xanadu and have a good framework for understanding the rise of casinos. It becomes merely tolerable, though, when reporters just call to get the latest statistics or try to have me do extensive research for them, because I obviously have nothing better to do with my day.
Anyway, if you are a journalist working on a gaming related topic, you might as well call me, particularly if you want some analysis.