Interpretative reporting doesn't just appear out of the blue or a fruit of wishful thinking. This kind of reporting takes more than just the usual reporting. Here are the major phases that are involved in interpretative reporting:
- Factual or fact-gathering phase - the first and, personally, the crucial stage, since, this stage will be the foundation of all the reports. With enough facts gathered, verified and rechecked, the reporter can then have more assurance of making a story stand.
- Prophesy phase - the writer, like a scientist, makes an "educated guess" or like a hypothesis in science, where he can somehow predict, based on the FACTS, where his / her story is leading. Information from experts can verify if the "guess" may lead to something concrete.
- Interpretation phase - this phase is the "fruit" of the two previous phases, where the reporter concludes on the MEANING, IMPORTANCE or EFFECT of all the reports. The reporter's interpretation can be highlighted on this or an / the expert/s opinion on the matter.
