week 3: journalism 2001
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Week 3: Journalism 2001. September 27, 2010. What’s wrong?. Phantom’s, not Phantoms Catalog, not catolog too high, not to high All of the above!. Review of last week’s news. DNT Analysis. Overall excellent job! You’re now reading the newspaper with a more critical eye - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Week 3: Journalism 2001September 27, 2010
What’s wrong?
94%
0%
6%
0% 1. Phantom’s, not Phantoms2. Catalog, not catolog3. too high, not to high4. All of the above!
Review of last week’s news
DNT Analysis
Overall excellent job! You’re now reading the newspaper
with a more critical eye Better understanding of what goes
into the newspaper; why editors make story selections
What surprised you while doing assignment?
Review: Summary lead assignment
Overall great start! Remember:
– One-sentence summary lead, 35 words or less Use dateline Write in past tense, active voice Watch state abbreviations: Fla FL FLA Watch wordiness
– has resulted in the man’s death– an altercation with police involving a taser– leads to the suspect being shot– M-26 Taser stun gun– following an attempt: after
Here’s the summary lead from the Associated Press:
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A man behaving strangely in front of a hotel died after police shot him with a stun gun, then wrestled him to the ground and handcuffed him because he had not been subdued.
Many of your leads are just as strong!
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A man behaving strangely died Sunday after the police shot him with a stun gun and wrestled him to the ground in front of a hotel because they believed he was on drugs.
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A man, believed to be on drugs, died Sunday when an officer shot him with a stun gun after he refused orders outside of a local hotel.
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A man believed to be under the influence of drugs died Sunday after police shot him with a stun gun due to strange behavior that was reported outside a local hotel.
Let’s improve these leads:
A man died in a police accident in front of a hotel on Sunday when he resisted arrest forcing officers to shoot him with a M-26 taser, he then ripped the stun darts out of his chest and charged the officers forcing them to subdue him but he died in the hospital shortly after.– Run-on sentence– 54 words: too much info – where to cut?– Why?
Man is pronounced dead after being tasered by police officer for acting strangely outside a hotel room.– Stick to past tense– When?– A hotel room?– Reads like an announcement, not news story
50,000 volts of electricity hit and killed a man police saw outside a hotel behaving strangely, probably on drugs, and when the matter was pursued he violently attempted to resident arrest.– What type of electricity?– Focus– When?– Intentional killing?
Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence No more than 35 words Bottom line:
– Use a single sentence of no more than 35 words to summarize an event
Use active voice!
Avoid “to be” a man was killed…. a man was shot by police…. was behaving strangely
Active and passive voice: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/gramm
ar/g_actpass.html http://www.englishbaby.com/lessons/4717/mem
ber_submitted/the_passive
Hard News 1 Story Assignment
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens about the gubernatorial election
Each reporter writes own story Interview 8-10 Duluth residents
– Might not use all sources in story– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story Groups of 1 to 2 Stories will be posted on class website:
– Fall Jour 2001 Website
Let’s brainstorm ideas of where Duluth residents gather:
Canal Park DECC Miller Hall Mall Holiday Inn Bus Hub Grocery store Coffee shop Walgreens Bus Hub UMD Kirby Student Center Food Court Solon Campus Center High schools
Ideas from 2008 Greyhound bus station West Duluth Amazing Grace café in Canal Park Fond du Luth Casino/Old Downtown First Street/Cozy Bar/Encounter Gas station Miller Hill Mall bus stop Pizza Luce concert Courthouse Courtyard Public library Canal Park/Lift bridge WalMart Dunn Brothers coffee shop
Ideas from 2007 UMD Dining Center/Kirby Student Center Northland Gaming Center
– Lincoln Park/West End Encounter/Cozy Bar corner (2nd Ave. E. & First St.) Spirit Mountain Miller Hill Mall Community Center DECC: Hockey game Downtown: Superior Street Marshal Performing Arts Center: Play
Hard News 1 Story Pitch:Due Today!
Length of story pitch: three paragraphs, about 200 words
Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story newsworthy
Let’s make sure that we are covering Duluth
Amy: Plaza Super One Klaus: West End Luke: Highland Village Apartments Jarred: Miller Hill Mall Emily: Canal Park Ann/Julie: UMD/Food Court DanielleBrooke: Central High School
Teachers Lizzy: Cub Annelyse: WalMart
Madiha: Mount Royal Olivia/Kaylie: Caribou Coffee Reegan: Student Athletes Stephanie: Lester Park Haley: Starbucks Princess/Jillian: CSS/UMD Library Holly: Target Tony: LSH/Griggs Fond du Luth Casino Nick: Electric Fetus Anne: Pizza Luce
What are the key issues for the governor’s race?
Work in teams at each table Come up with four issues in 5
minutes Post questions on class website at:
– http://blog.lib.umn.edu/lkragnes/jour2001fall2010/
Let’s grade Chapter 4 Quiz
Chapter 4: Reporting Basics
Where stories come from
– Breaking news– Scheduled
events– News releases– Your ideas
Stuff happens constantly
The story becomes a package Web stories can
include:– Audio – Video– Links to related
information– Other interactive
elements
Where stories come from
– Always be ready.– The bigger the
story, the more you need to be on the scene.
Breaking news events– Move fast.– Always carry a
cell phone.– Carry a camera.
Where stories come from
– Write advances, precedes or previews.
– Make sure the newsroom keeps a long-range calendar.
Scheduled events– Bone up on
history before the event.
– Team up with editors, photographers and other reporters for big events.
Where stories come from
– Some handouts are truly newsy.
– Do not print releases verbatim.
– If you turn releases into a longer story, verify facts.
New releases– If you use a
quote from the release, say “according to the release” or “in a prepared statement.”
Let’s look at UMD’s news releases
Susan Latto, Public Relations Director– http://www.d.umn.edu
Stories in morgue
Oregon pays tribute to its Vietnam vets:– p. 216
Mail species:– p. 217
Glove story:– p. 219
You wore flip-flops to the White House?!:– p. 222
Finding and using sources
– Select sources for relevance. Police beat
– Check sources for accuracy.
A reporter is only as good as his or her sources
– Balance sources for fairness.
– Cultivate sources for tips. Coffee shop
Finding and using Sources
–Depth Story will provide
more information and insight.
–Context Reader discovers
more points of view.
The more sources you use, the better your reporting will be
– Reliability Less chance of
inaccuracy or bias.
Finding and using sources
– Newsmakers– Spokespeople– Experts– Official records– Reference
material– Ordinary folks
The wide world of sources
Using the Internet
– You can’t always trust what you find.
– It is no substitute for reality.
A researcher’s dream come true– Do some real
reporting.
Using the Internet
Research & reference www.bartleby.com www.statelocalgov.net www.profnet.com www.urbanlegends.about.com
Search engines www.google.com www.yahoo.net www.webcrawler.com
Webliography Journalism tips & tools www.npc.press.org/
library/reporter.clm www.newslink.org www.poynter.org reporter.umd.edu
Using the Internet
– Authority Sure of the author’s
identity, reliability and credentials?
Site sponsored by reputable institution or organization?
Evaluating a website’s reliability
Information seem comprehensive and complete?
Is there a way to contact author or verify or challenge information?
Using the Internet
– Accuracy Does the
information originate with the source?
Can you verify this information from another reliable source?
Evaluating a Web site’s reliability
Are there spelling, grammar or factual errors that cast doubt on the site?
Using the Internet
– Timeliness Has site been
updated recently? Are there
publication dates on all pages containing timely material?
Evaluating a Web site’s reliability
Can you ensure all information is up to date?
Are the links to and from the pages updated regularly?
Using the Internet
– Newgroups Online bulletin
boards organized by topic.
– E-mail Most efficient
way to contact experts.
Beyond the basics
– Weblogs Mostly opinion. Writing your own
blog can establish dialogue with sources and readers.
Taking notes
– Involves multitasking Listening Interpreting Observing Evaluating Writing Thinking
Good note-taking isn’t easy– Need a system
to guarantee that what you report matches the data your source gave you
Taking notes
– Speed transcription. Skip small words. Abbreviate long
words.
A page in a reporter’s notebook– Carefully spell
out important facts.
– Use the first free moment to review notes.
Taking notes
– Choose a notebook that is a comfortable size for you.
– Use different colors ink for different speakers.
A page in a reporter’s notebook– Mark things that
seem important.– Draw lines to
separate speakers.
– Use quotation marks around quotes.
Setting up the interview
Make an appointment– Call or email your source, time permitting
Identify yourself as reporter, name publication
Set length of interview in advance– Half hour, hour, over lunch
Make interview convenient for source Describe the story Dress the part Be on time!
Asking questions
Do your homework! Write out your questions
– Use reporter’s notebook, refer back to them
– Let the conversation flow – other questions often answered
– Make eye contact– Example: Senator interview
Personal questions– Tough to ask personal questions after a
tragedy– Be compassionate, sympathetic– Do homework, try to interview in person– Break ice with general questions– Soften the question:
I know you’re busy; sorry to bother you– Examples:
Sunshine hits the accelerator Flash flood in Buffalo
Frame questions to fit the story’s purpose– Every story needs theme, purpose– Focus on the purpose when asking
questions– Refer back to questions
Establish rapport– Tell sources who you are, what you are
doing– Listen, don’t argue– Thank sources for their time– Set timeframe for the interview
What to do with hostile sources
You’re not a lawyer: avoid hostile questions
Save tough questions for end of interview Be sympathetic, understanding Reason with the source Try to understand source’s position Repeat damaging things that have been
said about a source Keep asking questions
Making, using observations
What’s unusual – or common?– Observe surroundings– Demeanor of source– Personal features
Examples:– Successful business leader interview– Train, doll collectors
Write fast!
Take a lot of notes– Listen, don’t try to get down all the
quotes– Never can have too many notes!– Take notes even if using tape recorder
Battery or tape failure, operator error– Using a tape recorder
Ask permission Can be time consuming
Taking notes
– Tape recorder
Pros and cons
DisadvantagesReplaying and transcribing takes time
Machine can fail
If you don’t save tapes, not lasting record
AdvantagesHighest accuracy
Actual proof of what was said
Can post interview on paper’s Web site
Taking notes
– Notebook
Pros and cons
DisadvantagesPeople talk faster than you can write
Standing still to write restricts movement
Won’t be able to read all your own handwriting
AdvantagesNothing to break, no batteries
Easy to access and transcribe
Becomes permanent record
Taking notes
– Typing
Pros and cons
DisadvantagesPeople talk fast; quotes may be inaccurate
Computers can destroy or delete files
Stuck sitting in one place staring at a screen
AdvantagesFastest way to go from notes to story
Most efficient way to get data on deadline
Can conduct interview using chat or e-mail
Interviewing
– Phone interviews
Interview pros and cons
DisadvantagesImpersonal
Difficult (and sometimes illegal) to record
More likely to mishear or misquote someone
AdvantagesFast and efficient
Less intimidating
Cell phones allow interviews to take place anywhere at any time
Interviewing
– E-mail interviews
Interview pros and cons
DisadvantagesNo personal interaction
Lagtime between questions and answers
Takes longer; are you sure the person is who he/she claims to be?
AdvantagesGives interviewees time to construct responses
Offers the most flexibility
Typed responses easy to copy and paste; provide record of what was said
Interviewing
– In-person interviews
Interview pros and cons
DisadvantagesWastes time traveling and waiting
Distractions can interrupt interview
If you are uncomfortable, it becomes obvious
AdvantagesBest way to build rapport
Physical surroundings can provide useful data
People take you more seriously when you are in front of them
Closed-ended questions– Asked to get precise answer– Useful when already know the answer, need
confirmation– Used when source is comfortable– Don’t be hostile!
Open-ended questions– Useful when have more time– Often learn unexpected information– Gets source’s opinions, feelings– Anything else to add? Anything I’m forgetting?
After the interview
Thank source Ask for best way to reach the source
– phone or email – if have additional questions
Never agree to show the source a story once it’s written
Interviewing
Relax. Be in charge. Start with basics. Budget time. Begin with softballs. Focus
questions.
Tips for successful interviews
Keep it simple. Limit “yes/no”
questions. Get every question
answered. Ask follow-up
questions. Stay flexible.
– During the interview
Interviewing
Ask people to slow down.
Don’t worry about asking a dumb question.
Look around. Use reassuring body
language.
Use silence. Don’t interrupt. Don’t take sides. Use the toughest
question last.
– During the interview (continued)
Interviewing
Review notes with interviewee.
Ask who else you should contact?
Ask permission to call later.
Ask interviewees to call you.
Tips for successful interviews
Say, “Thank you.” Review notes again
privately. Check back with
sources after story runs.
– After the interview
Anonymous sources?
On the record: Everything can be used
Off the record: Nothing can be used On background: Material can be
used, no attribution by name On deep background: Can be used,
with no attribution; can get confirmation– All the President’s Men: Woodward &
Bernstein
Who was Deep Throat?
30-year mystery: Mark Felt– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Throat
Interviewing
– Many interviewers, one interviewee
– Many interviewers, many interviewees
One-on-one is not the only option– One interviewer,
many interviewees
Quotations
– But be careful.– People lie.
Exaggerate Fudge facts
– People yammer. And stammer And ramble
Real words give stories personality
What’s the difference between a direct quote and a
paraphrase?
Types of quotations
Complete direct quotations– “John Doe said that he did it,” she said.
Paraphrased quotations– John Doe said that he did it, she said.
Partial quotations– John Doe “said that he did it,” she said
Direct quotations
Exact quote: quotation marks around sentence
Most editors allow reporters to clean up grammar or to take out profanities
Make sure quotes are right! Beware of leading questions; use
paraphrase
Why use direct quotes?
Specific, vivid statements Descriptive statements Inner feelings Capture personality Supplement statements of fact Reduce attributions
Paraphrased quotations
Indirect quotes Used when direct quote dull,
uninformative Must attribute paraphrases to news
source When in doubt, paraphrase
Partial Quotations
Using part of a direct quote, often for emphasis
Can be confusing Be careful: Could draw attention to a
point, jeopardizing objectivity– She told police it was an “accident”
when she hit the tree.
Most important rule
Never make up quotations or paraphrases– Shattered Glass: Stephen Glass Story
CBS 60 Minutes story Stephen Glass index
What about grammar errors?
2006 AP Stylebook:– “Never alter quotations even to correct minor
grammatical errors or word usage. Casual minor tongue slips may be removed by using ellipses but even that should be done with extreme caution. If there is a question about a quote, either don’t use it or ask the speaker to clarify.”
Pitfalls to avoid in quoting
Inaccuracies from source Rambling on and on Hard-to-understand quotations Ungrammatical: If it doesn’t make sense,
don’t use it Use good taste Watch out for offensive language Be certain when using dialect:
– North Country, Fargo
Use objective verbs of attribution
Straight news stories– Use neutral verbs: said, added
“Said” isn’t boring – readers expect it No need to be creative
– Avoid asserted, bellowed, contended, cried, declared, demanded, emphasized, harangued, hinted, maintained, opined, stammered, stated, stressed
Placement of attributions
Usually follows the quotation Normally follows first sentence in
multiple sentence quote When sources change, new
attribution needed Use attribution once in a quotation Use attribution between complete,
partial quotes
Where the quote marks go
Useful guidelines: p. 841. Jones said, “We will be there tomorrow.”2. Jones said that he would be there Wednesday.3. He will be there Wednesday, Jones said.4. “All our transcontinental flights are full,” she
said.5. Coach Jones said that it was his “dumbest
mistake”: deciding to start an untested freshman at quarterback.
6. Coach Jones asked his team, “Can we win this game?”
7. “Johnson’s plea to ‘win this game for the community’ really fired us up,” Smith said.
8. “We’re so enthusiastic about this project that we can’t stop thinking about it,” Jones said.
9. “We’re so enthusiastic about this project that we can’t stop thinking about it,” Jones said. “We look forward to getting council approval.
“We hope that will come at the next meeting.”
10. Get in there now,” the coach said, “before I make you run extra laps.”
11. “I think it is wise to lengthen the school year,” Smith said.
It would be ludicrous to do so,” Johnson said.
Check egradebook
Assignments listed at egradebook:– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook
If assignments missing that you turned in, let me know ASAP
Out-of-class assignment due today
Summary lead exercises– Steps to help you:
Identify the five Ws and H What’s the focal point?
– Determine what’s the most important to include
– Reminder: Summary lead contains no more than 35 words
– Email assignment, written in Microsoft Word, as an attachment to [email protected]
Be a Reporter and Be an Editor through NewsU
Chapter 4 Quiz
Assignment for 10/4 Part I: More summary lead exercises!
– Steps to help you:– Identify the five W’s and H
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
– Determine which is the most important to include.– A summary lead should contain no more than 35 words.– One sentence strongest summary lead.Email
assignment, written in Microsoft Word, and send as an attachment to [email protected]
Part II: The Lead Lab, NewsU
Sports Story Story Pitch Due:Monday, October 4
Select a UMD or prep sporting event to cover
Length of story pitch: no more than three paragraphs, about 200 words
Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story newsworthy
Complete article due: November 8
In-class assignment for tonight
To help you develop interviewing skills, during tonight’s class you will be interviewing Lucy Kragness. She will review her background, and you will ask her questions.– Assume story assignment for the Statesman– To prepare, review Web site, write out
questions in advance. http://www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes
– Email final five paragraph story, written in Microsoft Word, as an attachment by Tuesday (September 29) to: [email protected]
– Story will not be graded; all receive 10 points BUT! 1 point deducted for each style error!
Introductions Instructor: Lucy Kragness
– University of Minnesota Duluth Experience 3/96 to present: Executive Assistant to the Chancellor 1/05 to present: Jour 2001 instructor, Jour 2300 instructor 10/90 to 3/96: Alumni Director, University Relations 8/90 to 10/90: Acting Director, Alumni and Media Relations 11/84 to 10/90: Publications Director, Alumni and Media
Relations 3/89 to 5/94: Taught Publications Editing, a three-credit
spring quarter journalism course 6/85 to 6/90: Volunteer editorial adviser, Statesman student
newspaper– Freelance Experience:
7/86 to present: Freelance writer, photographer for several regional and national publications
– Newspaper Experience: 9/83 to 9/84: One-person bureau in Sheridan, Wyo.,
for the Billings Gazette in Billings, Mont. 3/81 to 9/83: Assistant state editor at the Billings
Gazette in Billings, Mont. 3/80 to 3/81: Managing editor of the Williston Daily
Herald, Plains Reporter (weekly) and the Williston Basin Reporter (bi-weekly), all in Williston, N.D.
11/79 to 3/80: Assistant managing editor/Sunday editor at the Williston Daily Herald
6/79 to 11/79: Reporter, business editor at the Williston Daily Herald
11/78 to 6/79: Assistant editor at the Northeaster newspaper in Minneapolis.
– Education: Master of Education in Educational Computing and
Technology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2001. Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, School of Journalism
and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, 1979.
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