I cannot write the Nasa Your Name Landsat story without the verified facts list you promised. I need the facts — not summaries, not a pitch, not an outline — so I can turn this into reporting someone will read to the end.
Tell me, in plain list form, the single event you want covered. Name the one sentence that answers: what happened? Name the one person who is living it — a real, identifiable person with a title or role. Tell me why this matters right now, today. And tell me what you want readers to know will happen next. If you give me those four items, I can write a clean opening and build a tight news package around it.
Specifically I need the verified facts list to include: the exact date and time of the event; full names and titles of every person quoted or central to the piece; any official documents, press releases or emails with sender and timestamp; links to public web pages you rely on; and clear attribution for any numbers or claims you want me to report. If there is an image, photo credit plus original file or metadata; if there is a recording, a transcript and the original file. Label each item as verified, and indicate who verified it and how.
Use this checklist when you reply: one-sentence lede (what happened), one named person (who is living it), the immediate reason it matters today, and the next concrete development readers should expect. Then attach or link the supporting documents. If a claim rests on a statement from an organization, include the original statement or a reliable screenshot with a timestamp. If the claim is based on data, attach the dataset or spreadsheet with source citations.
Calling it a “campaign” or “initiative” without the underlying materials is not enough. If you want the story to quote an official, provide the quoted text and confirm whether the official gave permission to be named. If anonymity is requested, provide a documented reason and at least one corroborating source who will go on the record. I will not run unattributed assertions as news.
I will be writing for a general audience at El-Balad. That means the opening must be the event itself, stated plainly; the next paragraph must carry the weight — the number or the quote that proves this matters; context comes after the weight; tension must be named; and the close must carry consequence. I cannot build any of those elements without the verified facts you hold.
When you send the facts, format them as a numbered list and attach originals where possible. If some material is embargoed, label it clearly and state the embargo terms. If you expect exclusive handling, say so and explain why — exclusives change how I report and may affect timing but do not replace verification. If you anticipate a release window, tell me the exact time and the point of contact for follow-up questions.
To move this into a finished story I will need at least two sources I can quote: one primary source directly involved, and one independent corroborator or document. If the matter involves technical data about satellites, imagery or telemetry, include the raw files and the chain of custody for them. If the piece hinges on a policy decision or funding number, include the budget document or official notice that verifies that number.
Once I have the verified facts list and supporting documents I will file a 600–800 word news report written to the newsroom standards described above. If you want imagery or graphics, indicate which files are cleared for publication. Tell me whether there are legal or privacy constraints I should know about. If you cannot provide verification, tell me that too — transparency about gaps is better than a press release passed off as reporting.
Send the verified facts list and attachments to my desk. If you prefer to brief by phone first, propose two precise times and a number I can call. I will not invent detail. I will not repackage claims as reporting. Give me the facts and I will give you a story.
