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.
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