Where do news reporters go for references?

Not knowing what niche you're looking at, this may or may not work for you, but try using the search function on businesswire.com, prnewswire.com, prweb.com, etc. Most releases usually have either a direct contact or a pr contact that might be able to help you.

I think they have special reports they can reference depending on the agenda of that news organization. Most of the major ones are fairly uniform in their agenda now (though they pretend not to be by arguing over unimportant issues which then makes the agreement on the important ones seem that much more amazing).

But, it varies I think from news station to news station, again, depending on the agenda of that news station.

I don't remember the site but Tim Ferris had a blob about it in his 4 hour workweek book.

You should track it down.

News reporters no longer investigate anything. They are handed scripts. Period. We have corporate news in the US, not a free press.

What they used to do when there was a free press was to call proven experts. So if they had a weather question, they'd call top meteorologists, a crime question - Heads of police dpts and well reputed lawyers. Every now and again a book or other document would provide reliable sourcing for some topics.

Why are you asking?


HARO as AprilCT suggested. For yourself, or for a client, another thing that can be done - at least locally - is to start relations with local media people via their social media pages. Once they start seeing a local expert, they may contact for the expertise. You could also crank that up and make more direct contact to do radio or TV or print media interviews.

This is from my most recent email from HARO:
(In the email, each item has hyperlinks that open with more info and contact
information.)

Biotech and Healthcare
1) Doctor needed for comment on Hepatitis C (EverydayHealth.com)


Business and Finance
2) Bakery with great Instagram presence (Marketing Week - Online)

3) Learning from Others about Money and Finance (Anonymous)

4) Need Professional with Psychology Background To Answer Questions About Career (CBS Local)

5) Tricks for Staying Motivated in Your Caregiving Job (Care.com)

6) Employee Retirement Benefits (Credit Union Management Magazine)

7) Why do you hire MBA grads? (Anonymous)

8) Tips for those retiring in 2015 (GoBankingRates.com)

9) Get Better Results While Spending Less Time on Social Media (Time Warner Cable)

10) If You Break Up, Who Gets the Business? (Anonymous)


Education
11) Best Indoor Games and Activities for Kids (Care.com)

12) What are the best activities for 3-4 year olds? (Care.com)


Entertainment and Media
13) Hairstyle trends for boys (Anonymous)

14) One More Graffiti Artist Needed (Art Careers, Schools, Education - TheArtCareerProject.com)

15) Best Valentine's Day Dates For Parents In Los Angeles (CBSLocal.com)