Many great ideas never survive the morning meeting. It's not just that they're overridden by breaking news. Sometimes story ideas die because no one can figure out how to make them into television. We've all heard it said about a complex issue story: "That's a great one for the newspaper." It's the kiss of death. So what can you do to keep a story idea alive? Try these strategies in your morning meeting.

Plan Ahead

• If you're pitching a story, be prepared to explain it clearly and briefly. If you can't, it's going to be difficult to persuade anyone that it's worth doing.
  
  
• Have a clear focus in mind for your story. Know who the main characters are, and what the main locations will be.
  
  
• Know why the story matters to your audience. This means you must have done some advance reporting before you even bring up the idea.
  
  
• If there is a surprise twist to the story, explain how you will reveal that surprise to the viewers.
  
  
• Rehearse your pitch ahead of time.

Think Visually

• Describe what the story might look like on the air. Give examples of ways you would illustrate the story, if it's not naturally visual.
  
  
• Describe comparisons you could make in visual terms. Tell what the story reminds you of, and what simple terms you might use to relate it to viewers.
  
  
• Be specific and concrete: Tell what the viewer will see and whom the viewer will meet along the way.

Include Others

• Consult with a photographer early on about ways of making the story more visual.
  
  
• Talk with producers about how the story fits in with other news they are pursuing or with stories they have done in the past.
  
  
• Talk to the desk about logistics for the day, to see how you can make your plan work.
  
  
• If you have enlisted an ally before the meeting, your chances of success improve dramatically.
  
  
• Consider what you'll need in the way of support to make the story work for television. If you'll need desk help gaining access, ask for it up front. If you expect to need graphics, get everyone thinking about them early.

Be Honest

• Don't overpromise. If you can't deliver the story today, don't offer it for today.
  
  
• If you need time to nail the story down, ask for a specific, limited amount of time to make calls, and stick to it.
  
  
• If the story has appeared elsewhere, give credit but explain how your piece, with its visual elements, will provide a different look at the story and move the issue forward.