I read Chapter 14 in my textbook, and it focuses on covering a beat. That explains the catchy title. After talking about a female reporter who has apparently been through everything when it comes to following stories, the chapter gets right into a case-by-case breakdown and a summary of the Principles for Reporters on a Beat:
1. Be Prepared. Probably more common sense than a step to follow, but looking up information and being a step ahead when you get to a location of interview is key. Reading reports and talking to sources may seem like a bore, but the results will be worth it.
2. Be Alert. You gotta roll with the punches as a reporter and work with whatever you got. Maybe you aren't let into a crime scene or something big develops from a seemingly unimportant story. If you're ready as a reporter, you can look on and take the news as it comes.
3. Be Persistent. Follow up on interviews, ask tough questions, and always try and get the definitive answers. Some reporters will just give up after one try and file a mediocre story, but the good newspeople are the ones who keep trying 'til they get everything they need.
4. Be There. Unless of course you want to...be square. You can read all you want about a story and make some phone calls, but part of being on a beat is experiencing the story first hand. When you have a true perspective, readers can tell.
5. Be Wary. The point of all news reports are to inform the readers, and they expect the information to be factual and error-free. Everyone makes mistakes now and then, but the more fact-checking and revisions you do, the better the final product will be.
Also in this chapter they highlight the most important local beats to cover. They are:
City & Council Government
Schools
Police
Courts
Religion
Now of those 5 beats, all of them are discussed in other chapters (and blog entries) except religion. If you think about it though, politicians running for office, terrorist extremists, and pro-life campaingers are often in the news and all have some kind of ties to religion. The book says that more Americans attend church services than football games, so the need for commentary on the subject(s) is important.
The chapter closes with a reminder to prepare for everything and expect the unexpected. Accuracy is key as well. So as you can see when dealing with beats such as the main ones listed, many challenges may come into play, but good reporters will work through the problems and get to the bottom of things. Just like I made it to the bottom of this entry.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
WHOA WHOA WHOA
Ok, now normally I write meaningful entries about important political issues that can influence the nation or the world, and that deserve to be discussed and even debated. Today, however, is not one of those days.
Read this New York Times political commentary page.
Yes, that's Rudy Giuliani.
Yes, he's rooting for the Red Sox.
W-H-A-T-?????????????
(I can't make the font any bigger, but trust me i pushed the keys down REALLY hard when i typed.)
Now for a guy who's trying to establish himself in the American public eye, this is legally insane. We care about out sports and celebrities more than our economy and government, and if you DARE cross the border, you better be well prepared. Here's Rudy's response to those who think he's out of his mind: “I’m an American League fan and I go with the American League team.” Let's check the stats real quick.
Giuliani is from New York. As in...the New York Yankees. (or Mets...but c'mon).
Giuliani is a Republican.
The Boston Red Sox, although they have the word "Red" in their name, are actually from Boston, Massachussetts, which is arguably the most Democratic state in the country.
You wanna call John Kerry a flip-flopper? Go right ahead, but you better think up a word that has even more meaning, because whatever that word it, Giuliani fits the description. He had the opportunity to root for the underdog, get the "rebuilding" mentality that he's been pushing for all this time, and still keep those Yankees fans (there's a lot of them) on his side while still being a semi-classy politician. Instead, he looks like a first-class idiot by becomming a turncoat to his hometown, and hurting his presidential bid for sports fans and party members alike.
I know this isn't a HUGE deal when you think about everything else that could be discussed, but you gotta admit it's something.
Read this New York Times political commentary page.
Yes, that's Rudy Giuliani.
Yes, he's rooting for the Red Sox.
W-H-A-T-?????????????
(I can't make the font any bigger, but trust me i pushed the keys down REALLY hard when i typed.)
Now for a guy who's trying to establish himself in the American public eye, this is legally insane. We care about out sports and celebrities more than our economy and government, and if you DARE cross the border, you better be well prepared. Here's Rudy's response to those who think he's out of his mind: “I’m an American League fan and I go with the American League team.” Let's check the stats real quick.
Giuliani is from New York. As in...the New York Yankees. (or Mets...but c'mon).
Giuliani is a Republican.
The Boston Red Sox, although they have the word "Red" in their name, are actually from Boston, Massachussetts, which is arguably the most Democratic state in the country.
You wanna call John Kerry a flip-flopper? Go right ahead, but you better think up a word that has even more meaning, because whatever that word it, Giuliani fits the description. He had the opportunity to root for the underdog, get the "rebuilding" mentality that he's been pushing for all this time, and still keep those Yankees fans (there's a lot of them) on his side while still being a semi-classy politician. Instead, he looks like a first-class idiot by becomming a turncoat to his hometown, and hurting his presidential bid for sports fans and party members alike.
I know this isn't a HUGE deal when you think about everything else that could be discussed, but you gotta admit it's something.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Cryme Tyme
Covering Crime & Justice- The title of the extensive journalism piece at justicejournalism.org. I read chapters 1, 5, and 7 which was a lot of information to take in, but I finished with a great deal of insight.
CHAPTER 1. The chapter gets right to the point, talking about how crime reports are such great stroytelling devices and how the reader is easily captivated and in awe of what transpires. As they put it, it "has it alll: greed, sex, violence, comedy and tragedy." Because of the oppotuninties and notoriety that a successful crime report can garner, the competition to find a good story is fierce, especially in their example of New York City. In fact, sensational stories like this one date all the way back to Jazz & Yellow journalism, although in the past they just made stuff up as opposed to competing for real news.
The criminal case section of the chapter defines many crime-related scenerios, such as larceny, theft, fraud, tax evasion, auto theft, robbery, burglary, and home invasion. The differences between these words are important to know, since the penalties for each could be very different, and it is important to report the right stuff. Also, you don't want to get into libel trouble. Along those same lines, the article adressed how to properly report on these stories, listing everying from being punctual to spelling names right to staying in contact with people. Some might think this is common sense, but it's all necessary to understand.
The chapter also takes the reader through the legal process, showing the right steps of following a case and getting as much information you can from interviews, statements, perp walks, and more. It really pushes the research side of things and says that even police officers can lie (or make an error), so EVERYTHING needs to be checked. Sources from both public records and actual people will be needed, and as long as you have your facts straight you should make a pretty captivating story.
CHAPTER 5. This section deals exclusively with covering the crime and the victims who were involved. The intro chapter touches on this subject, but Chapter 5 leaves no stone unturned in the matter. Now identifying the victim may be simple, but approaching people for interviews and taking everything into accound can be tough for some situations. Obviously sometimes people dont want to talk at the scene or during a rough part of the situation, but places like the police station, hostpitals, on the phone, and even arranged meetings are good ways to get info from the victims as well as other people who may be in the know (friends, relatives, doctors, officers, etc.)
These interviewing or information-getting strategies may be good for most cases, but the chapter makes a clear distinction between "most cases" and rape/sexual assault cases. Victims of these crimes are almost never identified, and are clearly put into a different category in terms of how they are regarded as victims. Here are three points about rape victims as made by the chapter:
Rape is different from other crimes. Society often blames the victims. Studies show rape victims suffer from the stigma of being "damaged" by the experience.
Rape victims are less likely to report the crime if they know their names will be published or broadcast. Rape is already the most underreported violent crime in the country.
Because rape victims are treated with such insensitivity by society, they deserve a level of privacy not afforded other crime victims.
There is a lot of debate as to how they should be treated, and news editors are split almost right down the middle as to whether to offer extra sympathy or confidentiality (some have no choice due to state laws), or to treat them like any other victim on any other crime. Normally, as the chapter indicates, for such strong subjeect matter, it's always a good strategy to "err on the side of caution" and withhold certain facts.
CHAPTER 7. Court stuff. I think it's boring stuff, but I may have to use the info one day so i might as well learn it now. If you look at the court section in the textbook, there's about 5,000 different times that a court case can be reported on, but this article condenses it just a bit. They address the trial courts, intermediate courts, and supreme level. They each have their own mini-sections, but those are the big 3.
To cover the beat, it's important to get into a rhythm of how the court procces, judge, and timing works so that you can always be at the right place at the right time. Sounds like a lot of work, if I ever do it i better get some kind of medal. The section on covering the beat also explains that the reporter must be concise and observant. Simply put, get EVERY fact you possibly can, and then put int into a well-ordered story without too much commentary or jargon. Leave that kind of stuff to CourtTV.
The chapter also talks a lot about "following the paper." The docket sheet will continue to grow, and those legal documents are the best way to get important information AND avoid libel. Also, the court is littered with people who can be important sources like clerks, lawyers, bailiffs, and other administrators.
Covering the trial, according to the section, is a lot like covering a sporting event. Really? Hmmm. You gotta know the "players" and be ready for penalties and referees to make big calls. Follow the case through the trial, judge, and jury perspectives and your readers will be itching for the big result.
The chapter finishes an explanation of...you guessed it. Law. Journalism Law though. It discusses the 1st and 6th Amendments (free speech and fair/open trial, respectively) and tells reporters to be aware of these laws and be prepared to stand up for them when necessary.
Well, thats it for this weeks reading. I think this is my longest entry so far, but it was a lot of material so it's worth it I suppose.
CHAPTER 1. The chapter gets right to the point, talking about how crime reports are such great stroytelling devices and how the reader is easily captivated and in awe of what transpires. As they put it, it "has it alll: greed, sex, violence, comedy and tragedy." Because of the oppotuninties and notoriety that a successful crime report can garner, the competition to find a good story is fierce, especially in their example of New York City. In fact, sensational stories like this one date all the way back to Jazz & Yellow journalism, although in the past they just made stuff up as opposed to competing for real news.
The criminal case section of the chapter defines many crime-related scenerios, such as larceny, theft, fraud, tax evasion, auto theft, robbery, burglary, and home invasion. The differences between these words are important to know, since the penalties for each could be very different, and it is important to report the right stuff. Also, you don't want to get into libel trouble. Along those same lines, the article adressed how to properly report on these stories, listing everying from being punctual to spelling names right to staying in contact with people. Some might think this is common sense, but it's all necessary to understand.
The chapter also takes the reader through the legal process, showing the right steps of following a case and getting as much information you can from interviews, statements, perp walks, and more. It really pushes the research side of things and says that even police officers can lie (or make an error), so EVERYTHING needs to be checked. Sources from both public records and actual people will be needed, and as long as you have your facts straight you should make a pretty captivating story.
CHAPTER 5. This section deals exclusively with covering the crime and the victims who were involved. The intro chapter touches on this subject, but Chapter 5 leaves no stone unturned in the matter. Now identifying the victim may be simple, but approaching people for interviews and taking everything into accound can be tough for some situations. Obviously sometimes people dont want to talk at the scene or during a rough part of the situation, but places like the police station, hostpitals, on the phone, and even arranged meetings are good ways to get info from the victims as well as other people who may be in the know (friends, relatives, doctors, officers, etc.)
These interviewing or information-getting strategies may be good for most cases, but the chapter makes a clear distinction between "most cases" and rape/sexual assault cases. Victims of these crimes are almost never identified, and are clearly put into a different category in terms of how they are regarded as victims. Here are three points about rape victims as made by the chapter:
Rape is different from other crimes. Society often blames the victims. Studies show rape victims suffer from the stigma of being "damaged" by the experience.
Rape victims are less likely to report the crime if they know their names will be published or broadcast. Rape is already the most underreported violent crime in the country.
Because rape victims are treated with such insensitivity by society, they deserve a level of privacy not afforded other crime victims.
There is a lot of debate as to how they should be treated, and news editors are split almost right down the middle as to whether to offer extra sympathy or confidentiality (some have no choice due to state laws), or to treat them like any other victim on any other crime. Normally, as the chapter indicates, for such strong subjeect matter, it's always a good strategy to "err on the side of caution" and withhold certain facts.
CHAPTER 7. Court stuff. I think it's boring stuff, but I may have to use the info one day so i might as well learn it now. If you look at the court section in the textbook, there's about 5,000 different times that a court case can be reported on, but this article condenses it just a bit. They address the trial courts, intermediate courts, and supreme level. They each have their own mini-sections, but those are the big 3.
To cover the beat, it's important to get into a rhythm of how the court procces, judge, and timing works so that you can always be at the right place at the right time. Sounds like a lot of work, if I ever do it i better get some kind of medal. The section on covering the beat also explains that the reporter must be concise and observant. Simply put, get EVERY fact you possibly can, and then put int into a well-ordered story without too much commentary or jargon. Leave that kind of stuff to CourtTV.
The chapter also talks a lot about "following the paper." The docket sheet will continue to grow, and those legal documents are the best way to get important information AND avoid libel. Also, the court is littered with people who can be important sources like clerks, lawyers, bailiffs, and other administrators.
Covering the trial, according to the section, is a lot like covering a sporting event. Really? Hmmm. You gotta know the "players" and be ready for penalties and referees to make big calls. Follow the case through the trial, judge, and jury perspectives and your readers will be itching for the big result.
The chapter finishes an explanation of...you guessed it. Law. Journalism Law though. It discusses the 1st and 6th Amendments (free speech and fair/open trial, respectively) and tells reporters to be aware of these laws and be prepared to stand up for them when necessary.
Well, thats it for this weeks reading. I think this is my longest entry so far, but it was a lot of material so it's worth it I suppose.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Further Reading
Like my blog? Didn't think so! Well here's some other ones that I checked out this week that you might be interested in.
LuAnn's Blog Read: Thinking Outside the Country
Jenna's Blog Read: Fighting Like Little Girls
Andrea's Blog Read: Gore 08?
Ryan's Blog Read: Truthiness in 08
Laura's Blog Read: Beauty Parlor Politics
Devon's Blog Read: Obama
Moira's Blog Read: Obama's Energy Crisis Plan
Caryn's Blog Read: McCain's Campaign for Monks
LuAnn's Blog Read: Thinking Outside the Country
Jenna's Blog Read: Fighting Like Little Girls
Andrea's Blog Read: Gore 08?
Ryan's Blog Read: Truthiness in 08
Laura's Blog Read: Beauty Parlor Politics
Devon's Blog Read: Obama
Moira's Blog Read: Obama's Energy Crisis Plan
Caryn's Blog Read: McCain's Campaign for Monks
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Reading Seven
Midterm week is coming up, but first let's get the last chapter of Block 1 out of the way: Lucky Chapter 13.
First we'll talk about Crime, accident, and fire stories. All of these are similar in that the who, what, where, and all that stuff is important, but there are many other factors that make a SPOT NEWS STORY (it was in bold in the textbook) different from other news. The one major thing is that if you can make it to the site as news is happening (or right after in terms of the crime) then the opportunity for interviews is very large. You got police/fire officials, eyewitnesses who are standing around with nothing better than to talk to you, and of course the people involved or affected by the situation. One thing about these stories that is a little different than normal reports is that you should probably be a little more sympathetic. The normal story about what happened is important to the readers, but so is what happened to the subjects, if they're ok, and how they will move on. The hurricane example in the book was a good example of this.
Also mentioned in the chapter is court cases, in which there's about 2 billion times you can write a report for the same trial. Some important topics that were covered included libel (unlawful reputation damage using written statements) and qualified privilege (reporters' use of police reports to avoid libel charges). They also touched on the free press/fair trial contrversey that leads to many arguements on the media's right to cover a trial vs. the court's right to an impartial trial. The book sums up this court coverage with a section on ethics, reminding the reporter that some details, topics, and accusations may be off-limits for sensitve stories. When confronted with an issue on what to print in a court case, it's usually a matter of judgment.
Get it? Court? Judgement?
No? ...fine. Maybe I'll be better after Fall Break.
First we'll talk about Crime, accident, and fire stories. All of these are similar in that the who, what, where, and all that stuff is important, but there are many other factors that make a SPOT NEWS STORY (it was in bold in the textbook) different from other news. The one major thing is that if you can make it to the site as news is happening (or right after in terms of the crime) then the opportunity for interviews is very large. You got police/fire officials, eyewitnesses who are standing around with nothing better than to talk to you, and of course the people involved or affected by the situation. One thing about these stories that is a little different than normal reports is that you should probably be a little more sympathetic. The normal story about what happened is important to the readers, but so is what happened to the subjects, if they're ok, and how they will move on. The hurricane example in the book was a good example of this.
Also mentioned in the chapter is court cases, in which there's about 2 billion times you can write a report for the same trial. Some important topics that were covered included libel (unlawful reputation damage using written statements) and qualified privilege (reporters' use of police reports to avoid libel charges). They also touched on the free press/fair trial contrversey that leads to many arguements on the media's right to cover a trial vs. the court's right to an impartial trial. The book sums up this court coverage with a section on ethics, reminding the reporter that some details, topics, and accusations may be off-limits for sensitve stories. When confronted with an issue on what to print in a court case, it's usually a matter of judgment.
Get it? Court? Judgement?
No? ...fine. Maybe I'll be better after Fall Break.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Hillary vs. Everyone
Today I was reading CNN Election Center (who, by the way, stole the name from ICTV Election Center) and they had an article about Senator Hillary Clinton and her 2-fronted battle.
On one hand, she is in the race to become the Democratic candidate for the presidency, which may seem like a formality, but John Edwards and Barack Obama might say otherwise. Although no one knows who the #2 is in the race so far, Hillary is doing well in raising more money then them and keeping ahead in the early primary polls.
The other opposition she is dealing with comes from the Republican Party, more specifically this week Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Here are some exerpts from the article:
---After a Democratic debate last month in which Clinton said she would support an absolute ban on the use of torture during the interrogation of terrorist suspects, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican presidential candidate, blasted her for showing "a fundamental weakness when it comes to our country's national security."---
---And fellow Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani criticized Clinton for her proposal to offer a $5,000 "baby bond" from the government to help pay for future costs of college or buying a home, saying that the cost, $20 billion in his estimate, would be too much. "Hillary, that's real money," Giuliani added. "You and Bill can't afford that. It's got to come out of somebody's pockets. You know who it comes out of?"---
Clearly no matter who is talking on television about the presidency, they almost HAVE to talk about Hillary. No matter if you're Blue or Red, it seems as though without trying too hard, Clinton's celebrity, connections, opinions, and money have put her not only on the top of headlines, but also ahead of both parties and any other candidates they have to offer. If I were another campaigner's manager, I'd watch out before this turns into a landslide victory...a year before it begins.
On one hand, she is in the race to become the Democratic candidate for the presidency, which may seem like a formality, but John Edwards and Barack Obama might say otherwise. Although no one knows who the #2 is in the race so far, Hillary is doing well in raising more money then them and keeping ahead in the early primary polls.
The other opposition she is dealing with comes from the Republican Party, more specifically this week Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Here are some exerpts from the article:
---After a Democratic debate last month in which Clinton said she would support an absolute ban on the use of torture during the interrogation of terrorist suspects, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican presidential candidate, blasted her for showing "a fundamental weakness when it comes to our country's national security."---
---And fellow Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani criticized Clinton for her proposal to offer a $5,000 "baby bond" from the government to help pay for future costs of college or buying a home, saying that the cost, $20 billion in his estimate, would be too much. "Hillary, that's real money," Giuliani added. "You and Bill can't afford that. It's got to come out of somebody's pockets. You know who it comes out of?"---
Clearly no matter who is talking on television about the presidency, they almost HAVE to talk about Hillary. No matter if you're Blue or Red, it seems as though without trying too hard, Clinton's celebrity, connections, opinions, and money have put her not only on the top of headlines, but also ahead of both parties and any other candidates they have to offer. If I were another campaigner's manager, I'd watch out before this turns into a landslide victory...a year before it begins.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Readings 6 thru 1,000
You name it, I read it this week.
First, out of the textbook, I perused chapters 8 and 22, learning about how to write a story that was a good read, and also learning the legality issues that comes with good storytelling. I think I read chapter 8 earlier, it seems like i did. i probably wrote about it already too. Well anyway, chapter 22 was about writing to be read, which is a pretty obvious concept but is worth mentioning. It goes to show you that great reporters, although they have the ability to get good interviews, facts, and access, may not have what it takes to form the ideas necessary to make an exciting print or news story. When i write for ICTV, it's important to not only know how to make a story readable, but also listen-able by the audience. All in all, an informative chapter about an obvious topic.
Some other readings i did focused on many aspects of evolving journalsim and language. One touched on 5 aspects of prose, such as complexity and abstract ideas, while another was about dying English languish concepts like metaphors. The latter article was pretty cool, talking about phrases like "toe the line" and "hammer and anvil" that showed me how much things are blended and how meanings are lost over time.
The final paper i read was about information released on the Three Mile Island and how most of it was inaccurate or modified. Or at least I think thats what it was mostly about. I'll admit I didnt have a chance to read the entire thing from top to bottom, but i think i understood the concept that even though a spokesperson may give you "credible" information, it doesnt always mean its the truth. It wasnt until after the fact that people realized how much damage the nuclear mishap has caused, so its important for a journalist to stay with a story until all facts are confirmed.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you condence 100 pages into 3 simple paragraphs.
First, out of the textbook, I perused chapters 8 and 22, learning about how to write a story that was a good read, and also learning the legality issues that comes with good storytelling. I think I read chapter 8 earlier, it seems like i did. i probably wrote about it already too. Well anyway, chapter 22 was about writing to be read, which is a pretty obvious concept but is worth mentioning. It goes to show you that great reporters, although they have the ability to get good interviews, facts, and access, may not have what it takes to form the ideas necessary to make an exciting print or news story. When i write for ICTV, it's important to not only know how to make a story readable, but also listen-able by the audience. All in all, an informative chapter about an obvious topic.
Some other readings i did focused on many aspects of evolving journalsim and language. One touched on 5 aspects of prose, such as complexity and abstract ideas, while another was about dying English languish concepts like metaphors. The latter article was pretty cool, talking about phrases like "toe the line" and "hammer and anvil" that showed me how much things are blended and how meanings are lost over time.
The final paper i read was about information released on the Three Mile Island and how most of it was inaccurate or modified. Or at least I think thats what it was mostly about. I'll admit I didnt have a chance to read the entire thing from top to bottom, but i think i understood the concept that even though a spokesperson may give you "credible" information, it doesnt always mean its the truth. It wasnt until after the fact that people realized how much damage the nuclear mishap has caused, so its important for a journalist to stay with a story until all facts are confirmed.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you condence 100 pages into 3 simple paragraphs.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
McCain's Old
I was reading the New York Times online and found a pretty interesting article about John McCain. The basic idea of the article is that even though McCain is one of the (if not THE) oldest candidate for president right now, he still does a lot to stay current and hip. He often makes jokes about his age, and uses his "seniority" to explain his lack of knowledge in certain modern categories. At other times, however, he'll impress the crowds with his up-to-date jokes and insight, thanks to a campain team assembled of young people up to 60 years his junior. Although a few of his off-color comments have gotten him into minor troubles in the past, his age doesn't seem to play a factor in his presidential plight.
Call me a Republican, but I like McCain. He's done a few weird things and he's definately not Mr. Personality all the time, but he's more down to earth than most candidates while still keeping the integrity and intelligence of a modern politcal figure. His bus logo is the "Straight Talk Express" and he seems to connect well with both young and old people and actually make me believe some of the things he says. Maybe that just means he's a good politician, but as this article says, McCain is in the zone right now and is making a solid run for the Republican bid.
Call me a Republican, but I like McCain. He's done a few weird things and he's definately not Mr. Personality all the time, but he's more down to earth than most candidates while still keeping the integrity and intelligence of a modern politcal figure. His bus logo is the "Straight Talk Express" and he seems to connect well with both young and old people and actually make me believe some of the things he says. Maybe that just means he's a good politician, but as this article says, McCain is in the zone right now and is making a solid run for the Republican bid.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Readings 5, Post #10
i finally made it! The big 1-0. Ok, on to the readings...
For this week I read Chapters 11 & 12 in the textbook, whoch dealt with news releases and speeches/news conferences/meetings respectively. Because i'm a journalist, a newsman, and a student, most of these topics aren't new to me, but the book did a good job of organizing them.
In chapter 11, news releases were broken up into the following categories: Announcements of personal matters, Information about a cause, and Information for someone's image. The chapter also explains the art of rewriting the releases, as extra information and AP style may be lacking from the original document. What is comes down to is that it is very important to be able to recognize what is news and what isnt, and be able to formulate a newsworthy story with whatever size of information is provided. Over at ICTV where I volunteer, most stories are about 30 seconds long, and I could have 1 sentence of information or even 1 page. No matter the scenerio, is it important for me to use my writing and research abilities to make the deadline and length requirements.
Chapter 12 was a bit more complex because it dealt with 3 different topics, but much of the processes were similar for all of them. The first step to any conference or meeting is to prepare, and finding out what will be discussed and who will be there is key. At the event, the reporter must have very good listening and note-taking skills. Descrptions, quotes, setting, and attitudes should all be noted by the reporter in an attempt to make the reader feel more involved in the story. Although different events have a few different protocols, it is always important no matter what to be prepared, be on time, and get as much of a complete, well-rounded story as possible. It's never bad to get too much info. Your editors/producers will cut stuff out anyway, so its not a big deal how much you get to start out with.
For this week I read Chapters 11 & 12 in the textbook, whoch dealt with news releases and speeches/news conferences/meetings respectively. Because i'm a journalist, a newsman, and a student, most of these topics aren't new to me, but the book did a good job of organizing them.
In chapter 11, news releases were broken up into the following categories: Announcements of personal matters, Information about a cause, and Information for someone's image. The chapter also explains the art of rewriting the releases, as extra information and AP style may be lacking from the original document. What is comes down to is that it is very important to be able to recognize what is news and what isnt, and be able to formulate a newsworthy story with whatever size of information is provided. Over at ICTV where I volunteer, most stories are about 30 seconds long, and I could have 1 sentence of information or even 1 page. No matter the scenerio, is it important for me to use my writing and research abilities to make the deadline and length requirements.
Chapter 12 was a bit more complex because it dealt with 3 different topics, but much of the processes were similar for all of them. The first step to any conference or meeting is to prepare, and finding out what will be discussed and who will be there is key. At the event, the reporter must have very good listening and note-taking skills. Descrptions, quotes, setting, and attitudes should all be noted by the reporter in an attempt to make the reader feel more involved in the story. Although different events have a few different protocols, it is always important no matter what to be prepared, be on time, and get as much of a complete, well-rounded story as possible. It's never bad to get too much info. Your editors/producers will cut stuff out anyway, so its not a big deal how much you get to start out with.
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