For as long as there has been a field of journalism, there has been struggle with the degree to which journalists must work to assure the facts they report are truths. There are two keys to ethical reporting, both of which journalists must work diligently toward so that their articles reach the greatest level of clarity; truth in fact and lack of bias.
Tools developed in the Information Age have enabled journalists to go to lengths previously unfathomable to assure that the words reported are accurate. Services, such as those provided by Politifact, are being used by politically geared shows that feature politicians. This shows that a new era of accountability and transparency for civil servants is coming. This greatly augments journalists’ efforts to present information that the public is able to consume and understand, pointing to what could be seen as a greater picture of any given subject's public comments. Painting this bigger picture for the audience is required of journalists, as the information presented through media outlets is a prominent source of information on current events for a significant portion of Americans.
David Gregory’s refusal to feature such a tool on his program is a sad example of the denial of such duties. It is a shining example of how journalists are required to adapt to the emergence of new technologies.
Although the present situation requires adaptation from journalists to the economic downturn of the newspaper industry, there are traditions of clarity and lack of bias that must be met, not only so that the information presented in articles is the most accurate, but also so that the reputation of the outlet can be maintained. In short, not all adaptation is beneficial.
The New Jersey Devils' employment of Eric Marin to write sports pieces about the team in Gannett's New Jersey newspapers is an example of adaptation that threatens to damage the reputation of Gannett newspapers. Though it may prove to be cost-effective for the paper, there is a solid line beyond which journalism must not tread. Receiving a pay check from the subjects one is required to write accurate, unbiased stories about is a cut and dry case of conflict of interest.
An adaptation that may prove to either benefit or derail the pursuit of accurate and unbiased coverage is the movement of independent journalists that are backed by private interests in a non-profit company. While this advancement may loosen the grasp of the oligarchic power of the media, it may also drive entrepreneurial interests to attempt to create a story that those same powers are willing to run.
No matter what the innovation, the time-tested traditions that ensure the accurate and unbiased reporting of news outlets must be honored and held in the highest esteem. New technologies and economical structures in the face of adversity must be thoroughly inspected and their effect on those traditions appraised fully, so that journalists may adhere to these two greatest tenets of the industry to the best of their abilities.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Multimedia Assignment
I chose this article, this article, which had a separate link to a video next to the story headline and this article.
The first article, found on the USA Today website really uses multimedia ideas to the advantage of the consumer. There is a detailed article written beneath a collection of pictures that a reader can click through, which are presented as a time line of the financial meltdown and captioned with blurbs plotting the biggest pieces of the puzzle in the years the pictures represent.
Essentially, this approach to the use of pictures allows a reader to browse through the pictures to get a sense of the background information on which the article is based. The slide show is looking to the past, while the article discusses the present and looks ahead. This article really uses multimedia ideas to their fullest potential and I would use this method when discussing complex subjects that have unfolded over years.
The article on Fox News has a really inefficient approach to the implementation of multimedia techniques. Just the fact that the video and the article are two different links on the home page, and the video is not even linked in the full article really discourage readers to attempt to use both facets of the news coverage.
They do use the video to get a more emotional aspect of the story, since the interview is from a person on the board who obviously feels strongly about the article, but that makes the article redundant and unnecessary if a reader has already seen the video. Aside from the inherent benefits of using video (faster consumption of news, etc.) this multimedia presentation is ineffective and lazy.
The article on The Washington Post makes good use of a slide show as it discusses violent tension in Jamaica. The written article does well discussing the who, what, when, where, why and how of the situation and the slide show, which is posted right next to the text, shows clear pictures of the trauma which can be difficult to communicate through words.
Overall, this is a pretty generic use of multimedia. While the slide show adds to the reality of the events described, it does little to convey quick and important information to the reader.
The first article, found on the USA Today website really uses multimedia ideas to the advantage of the consumer. There is a detailed article written beneath a collection of pictures that a reader can click through, which are presented as a time line of the financial meltdown and captioned with blurbs plotting the biggest pieces of the puzzle in the years the pictures represent.
Essentially, this approach to the use of pictures allows a reader to browse through the pictures to get a sense of the background information on which the article is based. The slide show is looking to the past, while the article discusses the present and looks ahead. This article really uses multimedia ideas to their fullest potential and I would use this method when discussing complex subjects that have unfolded over years.
The article on Fox News has a really inefficient approach to the implementation of multimedia techniques. Just the fact that the video and the article are two different links on the home page, and the video is not even linked in the full article really discourage readers to attempt to use both facets of the news coverage.
They do use the video to get a more emotional aspect of the story, since the interview is from a person on the board who obviously feels strongly about the article, but that makes the article redundant and unnecessary if a reader has already seen the video. Aside from the inherent benefits of using video (faster consumption of news, etc.) this multimedia presentation is ineffective and lazy.
The article on The Washington Post makes good use of a slide show as it discusses violent tension in Jamaica. The written article does well discussing the who, what, when, where, why and how of the situation and the slide show, which is posted right next to the text, shows clear pictures of the trauma which can be difficult to communicate through words.
Overall, this is a pretty generic use of multimedia. While the slide show adds to the reality of the events described, it does little to convey quick and important information to the reader.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Final Project Outline
I am profiling drag entertainer Steven Dunn, who performs under the stage name Alexis Stevens.
Thus far, I scheduled my first interview with Steven for May 15, but it had to be rescheduled for May 17 at 4pm due to work issues.
Other sources that Steven has indicated I should interview would be his brother Dennis and a couple of her friends in the drag world. I'm going to get contact information and orient questions based on my first interview with Steven.
Questions I plan to ask Steven:
1. Name
2. Age
3. What do you do for a living?
4. What drew you to that line of work?
5. Where did you grow up?
6. Why did you decide to become a drag queen?
7. When did you realize that drag was something you were interested in?
8. Was drag something that had to hide from your family?
9. What was it like, starting out in the drag world?
10. How have you attained the level of success that you have in the drag world?
11. What are your plans/dreams with Alexis? What does it mean to be successful as a drag star?
12. How is Alexis Stevens part of your personality?
13. How is Alexis completely different than you?
14. What can you do/be as Alexis that you cannot reach as Steven?
15. When you perform, do you become Alexis Stevens, or are you just Steven at work?
16. How long does it take to get into full drag?
17. What does it mean to you, seeing yourself transform slowly into someone completely different?
*Multimedia*
Alexis maintains a very active Facebook page, which includes over 1,000 pictures of her in drag, and a couple out of drag. Facebook's tag feature has allowed me to see the profile of Stevens' fellow drag performers, and a lot of fans write on her profile, etc. Her status updates on Facebook and Twitter also have given me information for my interview with Alexis today. She participated in a charity event to raise money for breast cancer, which is an excellent segue into what she hopes to accomplish through her drag career.
Thus far, I scheduled my first interview with Steven for May 15, but it had to be rescheduled for May 17 at 4pm due to work issues.
Other sources that Steven has indicated I should interview would be his brother Dennis and a couple of her friends in the drag world. I'm going to get contact information and orient questions based on my first interview with Steven.
Questions I plan to ask Steven:
1. Name
2. Age
3. What do you do for a living?
4. What drew you to that line of work?
5. Where did you grow up?
6. Why did you decide to become a drag queen?
7. When did you realize that drag was something you were interested in?
8. Was drag something that had to hide from your family?
9. What was it like, starting out in the drag world?
10. How have you attained the level of success that you have in the drag world?
11. What are your plans/dreams with Alexis? What does it mean to be successful as a drag star?
12. How is Alexis Stevens part of your personality?
13. How is Alexis completely different than you?
14. What can you do/be as Alexis that you cannot reach as Steven?
15. When you perform, do you become Alexis Stevens, or are you just Steven at work?
16. How long does it take to get into full drag?
17. What does it mean to you, seeing yourself transform slowly into someone completely different?
*Multimedia*
Alexis maintains a very active Facebook page, which includes over 1,000 pictures of her in drag, and a couple out of drag. Facebook's tag feature has allowed me to see the profile of Stevens' fellow drag performers, and a lot of fans write on her profile, etc. Her status updates on Facebook and Twitter also have given me information for my interview with Alexis today. She participated in a charity event to raise money for breast cancer, which is an excellent segue into what she hopes to accomplish through her drag career.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Obama on Oil Spill, NYC incident assignment
Slug: Obama- Gulf, Times Square
Short Headline: Obama speaks about Gulf disaster, failed car bombing
Long Headline: President Obama discusses 'potentially unprecedented environmental disaster' and Times Square incident
President Barack Obama spoke to a crowd of reporters Wednesday, addressing the disastrous oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and the failed car bombing in Times Square.
Obama called the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico a "massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster" and assured that local, state and federal governments have launched an "all-hands-on-deck, relentless response" to the crisis.
Obama also stated British Petroleum, the company that owned the damaged oil rig, was to blame for the enormous disaster in the gulf.
"Let me be clear: BP is responsible for the leak; BP will be paying the bill," he said.
In the case of the failed car bombing in Times Square which was reported Saturday, it is still unclear who is to blame.
Obama commended the response of the New York City fire and police departments, as well as the FBI and involved citizens for their collective response to the situation and assured an effective response from the government.
"We're going to do what's necessary to protect the American people, to determine who is behind this potentially deadly act, and to see that justice is done," he said.
There has been no arrest made, but police discovered a potential suspect when surveillance videos showing a middle-aged white male changing acting suspiciously in the area were reviewed.
Short Headline: Obama speaks about Gulf disaster, failed car bombing
Long Headline: President Obama discusses 'potentially unprecedented environmental disaster' and Times Square incident
President Barack Obama spoke to a crowd of reporters Wednesday, addressing the disastrous oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and the failed car bombing in Times Square.
Obama called the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico a "massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster" and assured that local, state and federal governments have launched an "all-hands-on-deck, relentless response" to the crisis.
Obama also stated British Petroleum, the company that owned the damaged oil rig, was to blame for the enormous disaster in the gulf.
"Let me be clear: BP is responsible for the leak; BP will be paying the bill," he said.
In the case of the failed car bombing in Times Square which was reported Saturday, it is still unclear who is to blame.
Obama commended the response of the New York City fire and police departments, as well as the FBI and involved citizens for their collective response to the situation and assured an effective response from the government.
"We're going to do what's necessary to protect the American people, to determine who is behind this potentially deadly act, and to see that justice is done," he said.
There has been no arrest made, but police discovered a potential suspect when surveillance videos showing a middle-aged white male changing acting suspiciously in the area were reviewed.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Broadcast Assignment
Federal officials have joined the investigation of a potential car bombing in Times Square in New York City, which was reported to police Saturday evening. A T-shirt vendor reported the vehicle, a dark [NEE-sawn] Path-finder, at about 6:30 in the evening when it started to smoke. According to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, investigators found three propane tanks, consumer-grade fireworks and two full 5-gallon gasoline containers, among other components.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg called the set-up "amateur-ish" but also noted how easily the situation might have turned deadly. No one was hurt in the incident and police have not yet made arrests.
In sports news, Super Saver raced to victory through the muck and mud of the 136th annual Kentucky Derby on Saturday, marking the third Derby win in four years for jockey Calvin [BORE-el].
Super Saver's trainer, Todd Pletcher, may have more reason to celebrate, as this marks his firts Kentucky Derby win in a long time despite running 24 horses through the Derby in the last decade.
Comic book fans also have something to celebrate, as today is Free Comic Book Day. The event began in 2002 when comic book retailer Joe Field was inspired by "Free Scoop" night at Baskin Robbins, a national ice cream chain. Customers may go to any participating comic book store and select five free comics from the thousands of titles available.
Today may prove an excellent day for comic books and ice cream. People in Columbus can expect a high of 78 degrees, mostly sunny with only a 20 percent chance of precipitation.
Things are warming up on television as well. Matt Stone and [TRAY] Parker, the duo that created the controversial animated show South Park, have gotten heat for their facetious depiction of the prophet Mohammed on the show's 200th episode. Have they gone too far? It is reminiscent of the controversy in 2006 when a Danish cartoonist released a depiction of the Islamic prophet which resulted in riots and several deaths. Though free speech is an important right, there is a line to draw between what is constructive and what is antagonistic. In a world where such devilish rhetoric may cause riots and death, people should not shy from saying what they feel they must say, but Parker and Stone, among others, must choose their words and actions more responsibly.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
NewsNow Deadline Assignment
Washingtonians Fear Job Loss
Survey shows almost one-third of Washingtonians fear job loss
Job security a big concern for Washington residents
Almost one-third of Washington state residents are afraid of losing their job, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Everest College.
The Second Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey reported fears of job loss, which plagued 29 percent of workers, and also reported that 63 percent of those that have jobs suffer from some sort of workplace anxiety.
Anxiety over job loss ran higher among those in lower income brackets, with 37 percent of those who make household incomes of less than $40,000 reporting a lack of job security while only 18 percent of those who make household incomes of more than $80,000 reported anxiety.
Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development at Everest College says such a high anxiety over job loss is "understandable" in light of the embattled state economy.
Survey shows almost one-third of Washingtonians fear job loss
Job security a big concern for Washington residents
Almost one-third of Washington state residents are afraid of losing their job, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Everest College.
The Second Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey reported fears of job loss, which plagued 29 percent of workers, and also reported that 63 percent of those that have jobs suffer from some sort of workplace anxiety.
Anxiety over job loss ran higher among those in lower income brackets, with 37 percent of those who make household incomes of less than $40,000 reporting a lack of job security while only 18 percent of those who make household incomes of more than $80,000 reported anxiety.
Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development at Everest College says such a high anxiety over job loss is "understandable" in light of the embattled state economy.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Profile Critique
I am critiquing this profile.
Doug Goodnough chose an excellent candidate for profiling right out of the gate. Mr. Sessions, the 18-year-old mayor is in a position that teenagers rarely find themselves in and it is worth describing the processes that led him there.
That being said, I think Mr. Goodnough barely scratches the surface Mr. Sessions' psyche with his profile. Technical work aside, Goodnough gets quotes that are not surprising nor insightful from Sessions and others and gets too hung up on the novelty of a mayor who has to work from his parents' living room. He fails to really dig in to what made Sessions want to become mayor, what drove the people of Hillsdale to invest in Sessions and what Sessions is actually accomplishing. Most of it is similar to political rhetoric one would hear during a campaign.
His first quote is very weak. A victory would have likely been a surprise because he is 18, and the only nod toward a reaction to winning Goodnough gets is "I've always been interested in politics."
It was a good move to point out the irony in losing in his student body elections before winning as mayor.
The Beck quote, about Sessions knocking on every door during his campaign should have been something that Goodnough presented to Sessions for an in-depth response. Aside from Sessions being so young, it's apparent he campaigns in a completely different way. The reasons he is out there like that are not adequately explored.
Goodnough is sure to include what an average day is like is Sessions' life, which humanizes him a bit for the reader.
Doug Goodnough chose an excellent candidate for profiling right out of the gate. Mr. Sessions, the 18-year-old mayor is in a position that teenagers rarely find themselves in and it is worth describing the processes that led him there.
That being said, I think Mr. Goodnough barely scratches the surface Mr. Sessions' psyche with his profile. Technical work aside, Goodnough gets quotes that are not surprising nor insightful from Sessions and others and gets too hung up on the novelty of a mayor who has to work from his parents' living room. He fails to really dig in to what made Sessions want to become mayor, what drove the people of Hillsdale to invest in Sessions and what Sessions is actually accomplishing. Most of it is similar to political rhetoric one would hear during a campaign.
His first quote is very weak. A victory would have likely been a surprise because he is 18, and the only nod toward a reaction to winning Goodnough gets is "I've always been interested in politics."
It was a good move to point out the irony in losing in his student body elections before winning as mayor.
The Beck quote, about Sessions knocking on every door during his campaign should have been something that Goodnough presented to Sessions for an in-depth response. Aside from Sessions being so young, it's apparent he campaigns in a completely different way. The reasons he is out there like that are not adequately explored.
Goodnough is sure to include what an average day is like is Sessions' life, which humanizes him a bit for the reader.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Zack Meisel, Sports Editor of the Year Nominee
**This is a class exercise only. No editors have been nominated in the writing of this article**
Sports editor for The Lantern gets award nomination
Sports editor for The Lantern nominated for College Sports Editor of the Year
The Student Newspaper Association of America has given a nod toward a staff member of The Lantern, nominating sports editor Zack Meisel for the College Sports Editor of the Year award.
"[This is] probably the biggest accomplishment of my life," said Meisel, 20, a journalism major.
Meisel began working as sports editor for The Lantern in September of 2009, and though he admits he had not heard of the award before his nomination, he lauds it as "truly an honor."
Meisel is one of five nominees for the award, which will be presented at a banquet in the end of May. All of the nominees received a $1000 cash prize, which Meisel plans to donate to charity.
The winner of the award will receive a $5000 cash prize.
Sports editor for The Lantern gets award nomination
Sports editor for The Lantern nominated for College Sports Editor of the Year
The Student Newspaper Association of America has given a nod toward a staff member of The Lantern, nominating sports editor Zack Meisel for the College Sports Editor of the Year award.
"[This is] probably the biggest accomplishment of my life," said Meisel, 20, a journalism major.
Meisel began working as sports editor for The Lantern in September of 2009, and though he admits he had not heard of the award before his nomination, he lauds it as "truly an honor."
Meisel is one of five nominees for the award, which will be presented at a banquet in the end of May. All of the nominees received a $1000 cash prize, which Meisel plans to donate to charity.
The winner of the award will receive a $5000 cash prize.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Profile Outline
I am doing the profile on French exchange student Clare Grasset, who has traveled to the United States for the first time to spend spring quarter here at OSU. She has also spent time in other countries, including England. She is in pursuit of a Master's degree in business administration.
Some possible questions:
1.What program are you part of, which brought you to America?
2. What were some of your preconceptions about what America would be?
3. Were those accurate? If not, how are they different?
4. Did it surprise you when you actually got to see our culture firsthand?
5. What part of French culture is most similar to American culture?
6. What part of French culture is most different?
7. What stereotypes of French culture do you find yourself combating most here?
8. As a sort of ambassador, what parts of French culture do you try to highlight?
9. What other countries have you been to?
10. Who has made your trip to America most comfortable?
11. Will you be traveling anywhere else as part of your MBA program?
She also has an "American Buddy" as part of her reception here, who seems like a perfect person to interview for outside details on her time spent here.
Some possible questions:
1.What program are you part of, which brought you to America?
2. What were some of your preconceptions about what America would be?
3. Were those accurate? If not, how are they different?
4. Did it surprise you when you actually got to see our culture firsthand?
5. What part of French culture is most similar to American culture?
6. What part of French culture is most different?
7. What stereotypes of French culture do you find yourself combating most here?
8. As a sort of ambassador, what parts of French culture do you try to highlight?
9. What other countries have you been to?
10. Who has made your trip to America most comfortable?
11. Will you be traveling anywhere else as part of your MBA program?
She also has an "American Buddy" as part of her reception here, who seems like a perfect person to interview for outside details on her time spent here.
Profile Example
This is a profile I found on Michael Sessions, an 18-year-old who was elected mayor in a small town in Mich.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Lantern Rewrite Exercise
Alcohol sales at Union raise little concern from off-campus bars
Local bars not worried about Union alcohol sales
The new Ohio Union now features two restaurants that serve alcohol, but off-campus bars see little
competition coming from the new establishments.
Alcohol sales at Sloopy's Diner and Woody's Tavern at the new Ohio Union are of little concern to off-campus bars.
Local bars not worried about Union alcohol sales
The new Ohio Union now features two restaurants that serve alcohol, but off-campus bars see little
competition coming from the new establishments.
Alcohol sales at Sloopy's Diner and Woody's Tavern at the new Ohio Union are of little concern to off-campus bars.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tiger Woods Press Conference Assignment
Tiger Woods speaks to press on return to golf
Woods speaks on fans, family, fellow golfers and his return to the Master's
Tiger Woods: "Today was just something that really touched my heart." He talked fans, family, fellow golfers and his return to the Master's
Woods speaks on fans, family, fellow golfers and his return to the Master's
Tiger Woods: "Today was just something that really touched my heart." He talked fans, family, fellow golfers and his return to the Master's
Monday, March 8, 2010
Caterinicchia Critique/Mutimedia
For my critique, I chose this article.
The lead of the article gets right to the point in a concise manner that lets the reader know what is going on in a short sentence, but only vaguely. Though Mr. Caterinicchia addresses companies' responses to the recalls, I feel that he should have clarified why the items were being recalled, if only through one or two brief examples, so that the reader would understand the gravity of the situation. Also, the phrase "deal with a crush of questions from the public" seems awkward.
He does an excellent job explaining the scope of the problem, illustrating the number of imports the U.S. gets from China with the ratio. He also addresses several different aspects of the U.S. reaction to the recalls, dealing with company, government and population reactions.
In the fourth graph, he uses "last month" as a time reference.
A sentence in the sixth graph, "The FDA assigned nearly a third of its 21-member communications team for more than a month to address questions about the pet food recall," is worded awkwardly and should be rephrased to suit a better flow.
The Web site, which is focused on business news, includes a feature that offered the users a "Top 10"collection of videos that are related to the business realm as part of its multimedia package.
The lead of the article gets right to the point in a concise manner that lets the reader know what is going on in a short sentence, but only vaguely. Though Mr. Caterinicchia addresses companies' responses to the recalls, I feel that he should have clarified why the items were being recalled, if only through one or two brief examples, so that the reader would understand the gravity of the situation. Also, the phrase "deal with a crush of questions from the public" seems awkward.
He does an excellent job explaining the scope of the problem, illustrating the number of imports the U.S. gets from China with the ratio. He also addresses several different aspects of the U.S. reaction to the recalls, dealing with company, government and population reactions.
In the fourth graph, he uses "last month" as a time reference.
A sentence in the sixth graph, "The FDA assigned nearly a third of its 21-member communications team for more than a month to address questions about the pet food recall," is worded awkwardly and should be rephrased to suit a better flow.
The Web site, which is focused on business news, includes a feature that offered the users a "Top 10"collection of videos that are related to the business realm as part of its multimedia package.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Feature Story [Update]
Since our last newsroom meeting, I have been able to interview my first Brutus. Though I have not transcribed what he said from my voice recorder to paper, I have about 25 minutes of interview time to work with. I have also set up interviews with two other Bruti for this week, and sent an interview proposal to the head cheerleading coach and a fourth Brutus. They have yet to reply, but I will be sending a follow-up e-mail today.
Broadcast
The death toll in [CHILL-ee] has climbed to 723 after a massive eight point eight magnitude earthquake struck the country’s coastal regions Saturday. The quake caused heavy damage to roads and bridges, hampering rescue efforts in remote corners of the country.
President Michelle [BOTCH-ay-let] called the disaster, “an emergency unparalleled in the history of [CHILL-ee]” and the country has requested emergency aid from the United Nations to cope with the destruction.
In entertainment news, television talk show host Jay [LYNN-o] returned to host The Tonight Show last night, after N-B-C canceled his prime-time venture just three weeks after its premiere.
Although [LYNN-o] dominated late-night ratings in the 17 years he hosted The Tonight Show before [CONE-en] O’Brien took the reins, it is unsure whether he will be able to recreate that momentum after the controversy surrounding O’Brien’s departure.
The atmosphere on Capitol Hill is just as tense, as Democrats consider using reconciliation to pass the embattled health care bill. Reconciliation is a process invoked by the Senate that requires only a simple majority of 51 votes rather than the filibuster-proof 61 votes. Republicans have warned that the repercussions of this move would be felt in midterm elections this November.
President Michelle [BOTCH-ay-let] called the disaster, “an emergency unparalleled in the history of [CHILL-ee]” and the country has requested emergency aid from the United Nations to cope with the destruction.
In entertainment news, television talk show host Jay [LYNN-o] returned to host The Tonight Show last night, after N-B-C canceled his prime-time venture just three weeks after its premiere.
Although [LYNN-o] dominated late-night ratings in the 17 years he hosted The Tonight Show before [CONE-en] O’Brien took the reins, it is unsure whether he will be able to recreate that momentum after the controversy surrounding O’Brien’s departure.
The atmosphere on Capitol Hill is just as tense, as Democrats consider using reconciliation to pass the embattled health care bill. Reconciliation is a process invoked by the Senate that requires only a simple majority of 51 votes rather than the filibuster-proof 61 votes. Republicans have warned that the repercussions of this move would be felt in midterm elections this November.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Multimedia News Stories
My first news story is a video above which was part of the headline of an article on the CNN.com home page about a book being released full of letters from Americans to Jackie Kennedy after the assassination of JFK.
-I chose this story because the video is used as a headline. It was embedded on the CNN.com beneath a text headline that linked to the full article , but is not a part of the article itself.
- I would definitely embed videos as headlines for online articles. It is a chance for your readers to watch a short video to learn everything they need to and move on, or become interested in the topic and choose to read the article for more information.
The second article was a top story on Fox News, about the aftermath of the Chile earthquake. It includes a photo slide show of the damage done by the earthquake at the top of the article.
-I chose this story because it includes not just one, but several pictures of the damage done in Chile.
- I would use this technique because when a reporter is attempting to convey the true aftermath of something as devastating as an 8.8 magnitude earthquake, words are of little use. Adding several different pictures of various levels of damage done brings the reader right to Chile to see the devastation.
The third article on The New York Times web site is about the differences in how employed Americans spent their time versus how unemployed Americans spent in. Beside the text article, there is a link to an interactive graph that allows readers to breakdown the time spent into specific pieces and get more information that a quick article allows.
-I chose this article because it includes an interactive feature, which is something that is not as common as a slide show or video, but still useful.
-I would use this technique sparingly, probably only for soft news unless a hard news story begged for it. Not many users would be interested in investigating the information included in the article that closely, but it is a draw for those who are.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow makes an emotional apology after losing first game
Florida Gators quarterback Tim [TEE-bow] apologized through tears today in a post-game press conference after his team lost the first game of their season to Ole Miss. The 31 to 30 loss dashed the Gators’ hopes for an undefeated season, but [TEE-bow] promised this will not damper Gator spirits. In the press conference he said, “You will never see a team play harder than we will the rest of this season.”
[TEE-bow] blamed stupid mistakes for the Gators’ loss and promised to personally motivate his team, saying “You will never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of this season.”
[TEE-bow] blamed stupid mistakes for the Gators’ loss and promised to personally motivate his team, saying “You will never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of this season.”
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