At our first meeting, I tried to give as many suggestions and tips for how to prepare for an internship. I got to know my writer by finding out where he came from and what his goals were. He left our first meeting with a checklist of things to look into and people to talk to, something I wish I had at his point.
From there on we reviewed his stories. I was shocked to find that he had only been using one source for his articles he passed in for class. I remember having strict 'at least three sources' guidelines for my newswriting class. I explained to him that regardless what was required, he needed to do more with his stories. He needed to get quotes that showed emotion and brought the humanization to the story, not just quotes that gave information.
He did a lot better with this with his last few articles, so I'm glad that he took my words to heart; I think it will help him in the long run.
Acting as an editor was a first for me. I felt comfortable in the role. I felt that I was polite but particular about what needed to change in the writing. I don't see myself being an editor for quite some time but I valued the experience.
I
Monday, May 9, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Part III
Item:
I think here, having a police officer confirm this boy; you have got to print his name. I'm not a fan of printing the photo though, perhaps wait one more day. I just really don't like tossing him out to the wind. Maybe that will change when I am actually dealing with this in real life.
Item: Ahh the old illegal alien dilemma. I would just write the story as anonymous. It's annoying and her name might come out anyway, but does it really matter if you use a fake name and do you really need to add more drama to the story to explain WHY you are using a fake name? I say no.
Item: Yes, you identify the JM.
Item: Yep- JM is screwed.
Item: You've GOTTA get the to the police. That will be an awkward talk but I just don't think it's fair not to. That's totally inappropriate that a reporter took that. They have the right to be nosy and annoying but not to steal from a scene.
Item: Fire her after the assignment.
Item: The Mountain Dew should already be in their hands!!
Item: No. Stand your ground here. Stupid reporter.
I think here, having a police officer confirm this boy; you have got to print his name. I'm not a fan of printing the photo though, perhaps wait one more day. I just really don't like tossing him out to the wind. Maybe that will change when I am actually dealing with this in real life.
Item: Ahh the old illegal alien dilemma. I would just write the story as anonymous. It's annoying and her name might come out anyway, but does it really matter if you use a fake name and do you really need to add more drama to the story to explain WHY you are using a fake name? I say no.
Item: Yes, you identify the JM.
Item: Yep- JM is screwed.
Item: You've GOTTA get the to the police. That will be an awkward talk but I just don't think it's fair not to. That's totally inappropriate that a reporter took that. They have the right to be nosy and annoying but not to steal from a scene.
Item: Fire her after the assignment.
Item: The Mountain Dew should already be in their hands!!
Item: No. Stand your ground here. Stupid reporter.
Part II
In order to proceed with the reporting you must evaluate what your newpaper's boundaries are. There isn't any law (which is odd) that the name of a child can not be printed in connection with an arson attack or murder and there is also nothing that says you can't give personal information about victims and their families.
As far as the bottle goes I would immediately turn it into police. You might be able to get more information about them. Get the information out of this reporter, have them finish writing the story and fire them. You do not want your journalists tampering with evidence...that's a sketchy business.
For crazy Bob, I'd let that be for a minute. This story could be more developed, interesting and important once the big fire story is out of the way.
'JM' is a a sticky situation. I don't feel comfortable printing the name of someone under 16 until they have actually been tried but in a small town with enough positive and reliable sources, it may be the best and most sensible thing to do here.
As far as the bottle goes I would immediately turn it into police. You might be able to get more information about them. Get the information out of this reporter, have them finish writing the story and fire them. You do not want your journalists tampering with evidence...that's a sketchy business.
For crazy Bob, I'd let that be for a minute. This story could be more developed, interesting and important once the big fire story is out of the way.
'JM' is a a sticky situation. I don't feel comfortable printing the name of someone under 16 until they have actually been tried but in a small town with enough positive and reliable sources, it may be the best and most sensible thing to do here.
Part I
The information from the witnesses can be very beneficial. One reporter should try to find out about this woman who died. Speak with family members (there might be a chance for photos too.) I would not look into the 'beating up' quite yet because that's almost a separate story. We need to focus on the details of the fire first.
The other reporter should be finding more facts about the apartment building, perhaps that boy too. Has he been charged before? Speaking more with the landlords and try to get the witness who saw him to give her name for credibility purposes.
The photographer should try to get as much as he can because this story will likely be 'hot' for a while. Anything of the scene, people passing by in shock, any residents etc.
The other reporter should be finding more facts about the apartment building, perhaps that boy too. Has he been charged before? Speaking more with the landlords and try to get the witness who saw him to give her name for credibility purposes.
The photographer should try to get as much as he can because this story will likely be 'hot' for a while. Anything of the scene, people passing by in shock, any residents etc.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Mentoring/Editing
I met up with Brett. We have very similar interests; he wants to get into sports writing just like me. He didn't have any stories in particular that he wanted to go over so we exchanged background stories and I gave him a 'to-do' list to help him get an internship this summer.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
OBAMA'S BUDGET
A memo to staff:
There are many people, agencies, and jobs that could be affected by Obama's proposed budget. There are many local angles to take for this assignment. There are lots of questions to consider. Dig deep and speak to as many people and departments as you can. Here are some suggestions...
1. “Over the last 45 years we have increased our investment in education, but the return on that investment has failed to improve student achievement,” Mr. Kline said. “Throwing more money at our nation’s broken education system ignores reality and does a disservice to students and taxpayers.” With nationally funded programs like "Race to the Top" and "Head Start" there is a concern if taxpayer dollars are being used in the most effective way. While many schools are suffering by cutting employee benefits (for non-union workers), sports/ extracurricular programs, and jobs all-together it could be worthwhile to speak with teachers and parents about whether they think federal money is being spent appropriately. Should money be cut from these programs? Should there be an increase of money going to different places in school systems?
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110215-NEWS-102150396
2. On the same note regarding education, it's important to look at the Pell-Grant for college. Not only find students who may suffer if 15% is cut from this but how are students paying for college? As far as locally- what would cutting the Pell-Grant do to students?
3. Energy continues to be a hot topic of discussion. "The Energy Department's budget is 12 percent higher than it was in 2010, including increases for clean energy programs."
What does this mean for NH? Recently there have been environmental studies by UNH have been funded by national agencies. What have tax payer dollars been used to fuel? what findings have been made?
http://www.wirenh.com/news-mainmenu-4/11-news-general/4158-unh-gets-funding-for-environmental-program.html
4. "The proposal includes cuts to low income home energy assistance and community service block grants." Cuts (by 15%) to this could mean severe losses to many families experiencing hardship, including low-income ones. The administration for Children and Families includes support for child abuse and neglect, disabilities, energy assistance, and many others. Talk to people in departments across the state dealing with these issues- what does this mean for them?
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/newsgraphics/2011/0119-budget/index.html?hp&ref=politics
5. Employment and Training is taking the biggest hit at a loss of over 50% of revenue. With Lynch's proposal to cut jobs across the state- what will this do to our economy. how will this effect NH? http://www.doleta.gov/reports/
There are many people, agencies, and jobs that could be affected by Obama's proposed budget. There are many local angles to take for this assignment. There are lots of questions to consider. Dig deep and speak to as many people and departments as you can. Here are some suggestions...
1. “Over the last 45 years we have increased our investment in education, but the return on that investment has failed to improve student achievement,” Mr. Kline said. “Throwing more money at our nation’s broken education system ignores reality and does a disservice to students and taxpayers.” With nationally funded programs like "Race to the Top" and "Head Start" there is a concern if taxpayer dollars are being used in the most effective way. While many schools are suffering by cutting employee benefits (for non-union workers), sports/ extracurricular programs, and jobs all-together it could be worthwhile to speak with teachers and parents about whether they think federal money is being spent appropriately. Should money be cut from these programs? Should there be an increase of money going to different places in school systems?
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110215-NEWS-102150396
2. On the same note regarding education, it's important to look at the Pell-Grant for college. Not only find students who may suffer if 15% is cut from this but how are students paying for college? As far as locally- what would cutting the Pell-Grant do to students?
3. Energy continues to be a hot topic of discussion. "The Energy Department's budget is 12 percent higher than it was in 2010, including increases for clean energy programs."
What does this mean for NH? Recently there have been environmental studies by UNH have been funded by national agencies. What have tax payer dollars been used to fuel? what findings have been made?
http://www.wirenh.com/news-mainmenu-4/11-news-general/4158-unh-gets-funding-for-environmental-program.html
4. "The proposal includes cuts to low income home energy assistance and community service block grants." Cuts (by 15%) to this could mean severe losses to many families experiencing hardship, including low-income ones. The administration for Children and Families includes support for child abuse and neglect, disabilities, energy assistance, and many others. Talk to people in departments across the state dealing with these issues- what does this mean for them?
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/newsgraphics/2011/0119-budget/index.html?hp&ref=politics
5. Employment and Training is taking the biggest hit at a loss of over 50% of revenue. With Lynch's proposal to cut jobs across the state- what will this do to our economy. how will this effect NH? http://www.doleta.gov/reports/
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Goundhog Day
Groundhog day happens the same day every year. One of two things always happens, he comes out of the hole, or stays in. Since so many stories have been written about this, relatively uneventful occurrence, but not many people are aware of its beginnings it could be something interesting to a reader. Instead of just giving the short story about how it was originally a European 'weather lore;' explore other traditions like this that began in the 19 century. Do we celebrate any of them anymore? Why did Groundhog Day survive and the others did not?
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