3/16/10

Editorial

Cartoon: its so cold even a snow man needs to bunlde up!

3/3/10

Oscar Awards: 15 Questions...............

     Jenn M.
Q1: Do you wtah the awards?
A1: Yes

Q2: What is your favorite part?
A2: The entertainment

Q3: Who is your favorite actress?
A3: Angelina Jolie

Q4: Who is your favorite actor?
A4: George Cloony

Q5: Do you watch the whole awards?
A5: No

     Mr. D
Q1: What is one thing you don't like about the awards?
A1:They spend too much money, it's unnesesary and is a waist

Q2: Do you like to watch the guests walk the red carpet?
A2: No

Q3: Do you know the history of the oscars?
A3: No

Q4: Does all the hype about the awards bug you?
A4: Yes

Q5: If you could go, would you and why?
A5: Yes, just to say i went

     Mrs. N
Q1: Do you know the original purpose of the Oscars?
A1: No

Q2: If you could change one thing about the Oscar Awards what would it be?
A2: To shorten the speeches

Q3: Can you name anyone in the acadamy?
A3: No

Q4: How much money do you think is spent twards the awards?
A4: One Billion Dollars! Muahhaha!

Q5: Do you know nay of the winners of the Lifetime Award?
A5: No

2/26/10

Writing a news story

1. What can I write about? What is news?

On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.

Choosing what's news can be harder.


The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!


2. Identify what kind of a story it is


Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.


It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.


Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.


Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
 Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.

Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.


Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.



Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.


Young People's Press publishes two types of editorials:

3. Structure for your article


The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.

THE LEAD
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).

In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)

In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.

THE BODY
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.


Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).

As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
 Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.



An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?


4. Further tips for news writing
Finding story ideas

> Keep your eyes and ears open; listen to what your friends are talking about.

> Read everything you can get your hands on; get story ideas from other newspapers and magazines.


> Think of a youth angle to a current news story.


> Research a subject that interests you ask yourself what you would like to know more about.


> Talk to people in a specific field to find out what is important to them.


Newsgathering


Begin collecting articles on your subject.


Talk to friends and associates about the subject.


Contact any agencies or associations with interest or professional knowledge in the area.


Create a list of people you want to interview; cover both sides of the story by interviewing people on both sides of the issue.


Collect government statistics and reports on the subject get old press releases or reports to use as background.


Interviewing do's and don'ts

> Be polite.


> Explain the ground rules of the interview to people unfamiliar with how the media works- this means that you tell them the information they give you can and will be published. If they do not want any part of What they say published, they need to tell you it is "off the record."


> Tape the interview (so if anyone comes back at you, you have the proof of what was said).


> Build a relationship with the person being interviewed.


> Start with easy questions; end with difficult questions.


> Read the body language of the person you're interviewing and if they get defensive, back away from the question you are asking and return later.


> Don't attack the source.


> Keep control of the interview; don't let the subject ramble or stray from the subject.


> On the other hand, don't let your "opinion" of what the story should be colour the interview. Always remember that the person you are talking with knows more about the subject than you do.



Organizing the information
Gather your notes, interviews and research into a file.

Review your notes.

Look for a common theme

Search your notes for good quotes or interesting facts.

Develop a focus.


Write the focus of the article down in two or three sentences.


 Writing and editing
Remember you are the narrator, the story teller.


Don't be afraid to rewrite.

Be as clear and concise in the writing as possible.


Avoid run-on sentences.


Be direct.


Tell a good story.


Tell the reader what you think they want to know.


Always ask yourself what the story is about.


Read the story out loud; listen carefully.

2/16/10

1st Amendment Rights

5 freedoms
   -Speech
   -Press
   -Assembly
   -Petition
   -Religion


Fraser Standard
  -Bethel school district VS. Fraser (86)
   -Innappropriate speech for class president

Hazelwood Standard
   -Hazelwood school district VS. Kuhlmeier (88)
   -Censor stories in newspaper about teen pregnancy and divorce
   -If it goes against the teaching of the school it may be censored

Frederick Standard (June 25, 2007)
   -Morse VS. Frederick
   -Jan 2002, olympic torch travels through town
   -School is canceled
   -Sign held up by student "bong hits 4 Jesus"
   -Kid gets suspended

Rights outside of school
3 Types of Student Web Sites
   -offensive, obnoxious and insulting
(with or without threat of voilence or destruction of property)
   -Facebook and Eden Prairie Story...

Liable
-hurts someone rep
-has to be published or spoken
-faulse statements

2/8/10

Superbowl Commercials (10)



What company

Playstation

Who is the target audience
 
sports lovin' young gamer men
 
What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
 
agrssivness, humor, skit
 
How were camera shots and editing used to

enhance the message?

quick cuts, appealing to the eye

What is the slogan/message for the company?

Live in your world, play in ours
 
Was the message effective? Why or why not?

it's pretty bomb
 
 

What company
 
Playstation
 
Who is the target audience
 
sports lovin' young gamer men
 
What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
 
agrssivness, humor, skit
 
How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?
 
quick cuts, appealing to the eye
 
What is the slogan/message for the company?
 
Live in your world, play in ours
 
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
 
it's pretty bomb
 
 
 
What company

 
Playstation

 
Who is the target audience

 
sports lovin' young gamer men

 
What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
 
agrssivness, humor, skit
 
How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?
 
quick cuts, appealing to the eye

 
What is the slogan/message for the company?
 
Live in your world, play in ours
 
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
 
it's pretty bomb
 

What company

Budwhiser

Who is the target audience

adults that drink beer and know football

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?

Humor, animals, sports

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

mountains in the background

What is the slogan/message for the company?

logo

Was the message effective? Why or why not?

yes
 


What company

Chrysler

Who is the target audience

Young Women

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc)
 
celebrity music, fast, nice scenery 

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

close ups on nice shiny car

What is the slogan/message for the company?

drive and love

Was the message effective? Why or why not?

to shallow girls yes, to the rest of the world no
 


What company

Pepsi (twist)

Who is the target audience

more saphistcated bunch

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor, Ozzy Ozborn, the Ozmands, Flourance Henderson

What is the slogan/message for the company?

it's a twist on a great thing
 
How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

special effects (body change)

Was the message effective? Why or why not?
 
no, they stopped selling it right away



What company is the newspaper

FedEx

Who is the target audience

movie goers

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?

relating to Castaway the movie

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?
 
there wasn't any

What is the slogan/message for the company?
 
the will deliver

Was the message effective? Why or why not?

yes, the are a lot of castaway watchers
 
 
What company
 
Dodge

Who is the target audience

Guys

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
 
Rock music, construction scene

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

rugged, muddy terrain 

What is the slogan/message for the company?
 
grab life by the horns

Was the message effective? Why or why not?

sure
 


What company is

Poweraid

Who is the target audience

sports fans, athletes

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
 
Micheal Jordan

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

on the court

What is the slogan/message for the company?

old guy can still keep up with young guy, 'is it in you'

Was the message effective? Why or why not?

=)
 
 
What company

Espn superbowl

Who is the target audience

Sports lovers

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?

talk show people

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

there werent any, just at the studio

What is the slogan/message for the company?

this is sports center

Was the message effective? Why or why not?
 
sure


What company
H&R block

Who is the target audience

adult males

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?

Willie Nelson

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

the commercial related to willie's actual life

What is the slogan/message for the company?

Double Check

Was the message effective? Why or why not?

yes =)



What company

Bud light

Who is the target audience

Beer Drinkers

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
 
Humor, interesting costume

How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

Parade overview

What is the slogan/message for the company?

Make it a bud light
 
Was the message effective? Why or why not?

No, it sucked
 
 

Who is the target audience

young basketball watchers

What persuasive method used
(humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?

Humor, name mix ups
How were camera shots and editing used to
 enhance the message?

the veiw if Yao, and the view of the girl

What is the slogan/message for the company?

it's everywhee you wanna be
Was the message effective? Why or why not?

sure

2/3/10

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Notes #1~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Definition:
Define “Journalism”
news papers, internet, radio, TV. Current events that apply to and inform people.


Six criteria of newsworthiness:
listed and described
1. significance: important events that impact a wide range of people

2. timelyness: things that apply during the current time

3. unusual: things that don't happen every day(ie:fires, murders, robberies, earthquakes)

4. proximity: care about news close to home

5. Prominence: celebrity news

6. Human interest: touching, emotional


What are the advantages of print journalism?

1. Tangible: in your hands, portable

2. Choose the order

3. More detail


What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?

1. Visual and sound (different senses)

2. More current (live)

3. Vague, gets to the point


Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?

-Quicker, has both strengths, doesn't have tv quality, can't hold in hands