Reporting the news
Several interactive games include a character who's job is to be a reporter and ferret out everyone's juicy secrets for their newspaper. For example, as well as the occasional character in the games, Freeform Games have produced a generic reporter character, "Ginger" Roberts, that can be used in any of their games.
(Click here to download the “Ginger” Roberts pdf file.)
You can have extra fun with these characters by creating some system that lets them actually "post" news items. Here are some ideas:
Headlines: Put some sheets of paper on the wall, and let the reporter write news headlines. For example, "German Ambassador is really a woman!" or "I've had an affair, admits famous movie star!". A flip chart board is ideal for this - let the reporter post the headlines, and when the sheet is full you can tear it off and stick it on the wall.
News stories: If your cub reporters are keen, they can actually write out the stories. You could even provide them with an old typewriter for them to do this (although it might be quicker if they just hand-write the pieces).
Bylines: The problem with actually writing the stories is that the person playing the reporter may end up spending all their time writing news reports instead of playing the game. So instead of typing up a story, get them to write their name next to their headline - and tell everyone at the start of the party that if they want to "read" that story they should talk to that particular reporter to find out the details.
You can use any of the above to create some rivalry between journalists. For example, you can create a competition to see who writes the most news stories, or even a give a prize for the wackiest headline.
Remember to give the reporters a notebook and pen so they can jot down the facts as they research their stories.
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Article by Steve Hatherley. Find out more about hosting interactive murder mystery games for your friends and family at http://www.great-murder-mystery-games.com.