'Let the story tell itself': Lessons from ProPublica's award-winning work - Poynter

"Surana shared the lesson to step aside and allow a story to unfold in the relaunch of a podcast exploring the craft of journalism and storytelling, 'WriteLane.' The podcast returns to Poynter with a new season and a premiere episode packed with tips for writers. It's hosted by The Tampa Bay Times' own Pulitzer Prize-winning Lane DeGregory and longtime editor Maria Carrillo."

"In the first episode, DeGregory, Carrillo and Surana talk about the long process of working with a source to share the story of her daughter's preventable death, what it was like for Surana to do this work while herself becoming a mother, and how her team and editors approached the storytelling itself. The series, which uncovers preventable deaths caused by abortion bans, was told with authority and avoided melodrama, Carrillo said."

"But you can't go into a story thinking it should be told a certain way, she said. What matters is that the reporting is airtight, and then you find the clearest way to help people understand what happened. Carrillo agreed. "Let the story tell itself, in a way," she said. "Get out of the way." You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts or watch on our YouTube channel and explore more of the Poynter Journalism Prizes here."

An award-winning investigative series examined preventable deaths caused by abortion bans and received top journalism awards, including the 2025 Batten Medal Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. A relaunch of a journalism podcast returns with a premiere episode offering practical tips for writers and exploring long reporting processes, source relationship-building, and ethical storytelling. Reporters described working closely with a source over time to share her daughter's preventable death while balancing personal life changes. The series prioritized airtight reporting, authoritative tone, and avoided melodrama. Editors emphasized letting the story unfold naturally and seeking the clearest narrative rather than forcing a predetermined structure.

Read at Poynter