OpenAssignment.com

Chapter Readings

2010-06-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

READINGS:

The final exam is tentatively scheduled to be held on Friday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m.

It will cover content in lectures and in the following book chapters:

Chapter 7 - Quotations and Attribution
Chapter 9 - Features & Profile Writing
Chapter 10 - Interviewing
Chapter 11 - Computer-Assisted Reporting
Chapter 14 - Speeches & Press Conferences
Chapter 19 - Online/Multimedia Journalism
Various Multimedia Reporting Topics (SEO, Analytics, etc.)

There may be adjustments to course content over the duration of the semester, so please refer to this blog post for the most current list of content subject to inclusion in the exam.

In-class Research Exercise

2010-06-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Use the Internet to research background information on the following subjects:

1. Several crime statistics are available at the FBI's "Uniform Crime Report" Web site:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.

At this site, you should be able to search for crime statistics by year.

In the few years, there have been some high-profile attacks on the WSU campus. Many reports suggest that these incidents may fall under the category of "hate crimes." However, there is a "formal" database that logs reported crimes that fall under this category.

Use the "Uniform Crime Report" link above to research the crime statistics for "Hate Crimes" in Pullman in 2006, 2007 and 2008. How does Pullman compare to other Washington cities? Is there a particular kind of "hate crime" that is of concern? (Hint: One of the "tables" contains all of this information for each year).

2. Followthemoney.org is a Web site that allows you to track flow of money in state politics. Use the site (Hint: Use "Explore" link then "State Overviews") to research and answer the following questions:

- Which Washington state house/assembly candidate received the most political donations in 2010? How much did he or she receive in total tracked donations for 2010?

- For the candidate you've identified, what are the names of the two largest company donors (aside from the candidates' own political committees)? How much did they give each?

- Use the same tool to investigate how donations play a role in politics. Use the "Explore" and then select "Tools and Features" and then find the "Industry Influence" link to load in charts by each industry topic. At the bottom of the page, you can expand a category to select a particular industry. Then, once you click SUBMIT, you will see a graphic that details how much the selected industry contributed to each respective political party. Using this tool, answer the following:

What political party was the recipient of more donated money from the "forestry & forest products" industry in Washington state in 2008?

What political party received the most donated money from the "lobbyists & public relations" industry in Washington state in 2008? (Note: you may need to "clear" your previous results with the button below before finding this data).

3. Use Google 's Patent Search to find the patent application with the FIRST REFERENCES to these technologies:
* Virtual Reality
* Portable Personal Computer
* Automobile

* Cordless telephone handset
For your response, simply include the Web link to each patent filing. Please note that in your search results, you may need to sort by date. Also, for best results, you should use quotes around your search (for example: "virtual reality").

Multiculturism Reporting Links

2010-06-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some multiculturalism links:

•Asian American Journalists Assn.
•National Assn. of Black Journalists
•Maynard Institute
•National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists
•National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Assn.
•Native American Journalists Assn.
•The Center for an Accessible Society
•Disability Resources on the Internet
•Disability Data

Computer Assisted Reporting

2010-06-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

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Computer Research Helpful Links

2010-06-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some research links related to today's lecture:

Edgar database of SEC filings

U.S. Census Bureau

Whitehouse.gov

Library of Congress

Legal case rulings at FindLaw.com

Lexis-Nexis search

Ask A Librarian

Copyright Clearance Center

Congressional Records Database

Follow the Money

Opensecrets.org

Factcheck.org

Lexis Nexis(WSU Only)

Google's Book Scanning Initiative

2010-06-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

Check out these articles from The New York Times about the Google book scanning initiative!

"Libraries Shun Deals to Place Books on Web"

"Google Settles Suit Over Book Scanning"

Police Reports

2010-06-16T13:12:00.001-07:00

You can see an example of a police report here.

There are many unusual reports available at The Smoking Gun.

Jail Inmate Lookup

2010-06-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

In some counties, you can look up inmates online using a jail register.
Here is an example:

•King County (Seattle area) jail register

Frontline: "What's Happening to the News?"

2010-06-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

In 2007, our school honored the PBS show "Frontline" and its executive producer David Fanning as part of the Murrow Symposium..

"Frontline" has just concluded a multi-part series "News War" that can be viewed in its entirety online here.

Using this online link, please watch "Part 3" (segments 16-25) of the show's recent examination of the news industry.

Part 3 focuses on the effect of the Internet on the traditional news paradigm. Some of the Web sites mentioned include:

Rocketboom

The Daily Kos

BuzzMachine (Jeff Jarvis)

Talking Points Memo (Josh Marshall)

Powerlineblog (Scott Johnson)

CBS Public Eye blog

ABCNews.com The Blotter

Kevin Sites in the Hotzone

Google News

After the video, I would like you to write your reaction (about 2-3 paragraphs) to the ideas presented in the video on your personal blog.

Check out this link that discusses the "Frontline" series and some of the unique online extras found on the PBS site.

Wikis & Web 2.0

2010-06-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

Wikis, Web 2.0

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: wiki web)

Working with Wikis

2010-06-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

The user-contributed Wiki format has quickly become popular on the Internet. Here are some popular wiki sites worth noting:

Wikipedia (see bottom of this post for information on how to establish a Wiki account)

Wikitionary

Wiikibooks

Wikiveristy

Wikinews

Wikispecies

Wikimedia Commons

Wikiquote

Wikisource

Citizendum

Wikileaks

WSU Wiki

Wikia

JournaWiki

Wiki.com

Wikispaces

WikiHow

WORKING WITH WIKIPEDIA

Wikipedia.org has become one of the most popular information Web sites – despite the fact that it is a non-profit, user-edited resource. To become familiar with the wiki format, register with the site so that you will have permission to edit and/or create an entry. There is a “Create Account” link at the upper right-hand side of the homepage or you can simply click here .

Once you are registered, you can use the search box to find an existing entry on your selected topic. On that page, you will find an “edit” link that allows you to add your text or image to the existing page.

To create a new entry, there is a page that will help you establish a new entry topic here

If you want to add an image, click here for information on uploading.

Additional resources:

A complete online tutorial to creating your own wiki page is here

There are also some general tips to help you here

Wikipedia cheat sheet

Twitter and Citizen Journalism

2010-06-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Twitter enables users to publish brief (140 characters or less) "text message"-like updates on the Web. Essentially, it enables you to create our own personal news feed that can be "subscribed" to by friends, family and other followers.

The service has been embraced by media outlets as a way to disseminate news and information headlines.

LINKS:

"Citizen Journalists Provided Glimpses of Mumbai Attacks" - NY Times

"In Mumbai, Witnesses are Writing the News" - Guardian U.K.

"The Information Flow from Mumbai" - CNet News

How We Use Twitter for Journalism

Earthquake in Japan: Twitter Reports First

Twitter: New York Times

Twitter: Seattle Times

Twitter: Spokesman-Review

Twitter: Murrow College

Tweetdeck

Viral Marketing & PR

2010-06-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Web PR Techniques

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: 2.0 media)

In this week's session, we will explore various "viral video" campaigns.

Social Media Press Releases

2010-06-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Within the past year, several PR firms have introduced a new form of press release, known as the "social media press release."

What is a social media press release?
See these links:

SMRR: Everything You Always Wanted to (or Should) Know (via PR 2.0 blog)

How to Write A SMPR (.doc file) - Courtesy of Brian Solis / FutureWorks

Top 5 Principles of the Social Media Release (via PRSquared.com)

SMPR Examples:

Murrow Center 3D Newsroom

Virtual Journalism Summit 2

Chevy

Novell

Lee Jeans and NBC

LifeLight Christian Music Festival

PitchEngine

Create your own SMPR with PitchEngine

Other related links

hRelease project (via Socialtext.net)

NMRCast (New Media Release Podcast) (courtesy of Forimmediaterelease.biz)

Die! Press Release! Die! Die! (An article about social media releases courtesy of Silicon Valley Watcher)

Class Lecture Links

2010-06-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some loose end links relating to a few topics/books that I will be referencing in class today:

Top Viral PR Videos of 2009

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom

The Whuffie Factor

New Media Academic Summit 2009

Omniture

Google Analytics

Linden Lab Announces "Voice Morphing" for Second Life

2010-06-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Linden Lab, maker of Second Life, is introducing "voice morphing" to the Internet's largest user-created virtual world. The new feature, which is part of today's alpha release of Second Life Viewer 2.1, enables Second Life "residents" to change their avatar's voice to match any one of a number of tones and characteristics. Over 25 voices are available at launch, including scary, tiny, technie, masculine and feminine themes.

Read more information about this announcement here and here.

Here is a promo video for today's announcement:

Related Links:

Download page for Second Life (with free Beta Viewer 2.1 w/ Voice Morphing)
Consumer promotional page for Voice Morphing in Second Life.
Wiki page on Voice Morphing
Technical release notes
Second Life Community Forums
Second Life Answers: Voice Morphing

News Gathering in a Virtual World?

2010-06-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Some more background information on Second Life. Note the info below is NOT related directly to today's in-class press conference assignment, but it does give you more context on the virtual world.

In 2010, the Murrow College debuted the Murrow Center 3D Newsroom. Here is a press release with more information.

Our new dean Dr. Lawrence Pintak has used virtual worlds to bring together journalists from around the world. Here is a piece filed last year.

WSU recently held a Virtual Journalism Summit. Here is a video that was filed by a reporter at that event:

There are many "in-world" news bureaus, including:

CNN I-Reports in Second Life

Also, there are dedicated "tabloids" and blogs:

New World Notes

Second Life Herald

Here's an interesting video stream from an early April 2008 subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Linden Lab CEO Philip Rosedale presented to the House on the topic of "Online Virtual Worlds: Applications and Avatars in a User-Generated Medium."

Click here for more info (including video of the session)

Press Conference Assignment

2010-06-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

PRACTICE NEWS CONFERENCE ASSIGNMENT:

Write a news story based on the announcement/event that will take place on Thurs., June 10. A real announcement will be made (and distributed to the media) at 1 p.m. that day. We'll have details in class.

LENGTH: 30 lines
DUE: Thursday, June 17

In preparation for today's in-class press conference assignment, here are some materials that are already public for you to review and/or for background information:

Speeches, Press Conferences & Meetings

2010-06-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

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Story Grading Criteria

2010-06-07T13:00:00.001-07:00

Here is the criteria/grade scale for your news story (taken from the syllabus):

Story grading is based on a rigorous and fair system. Your work will be evaluated according to publishable standards, including quality of the lead, use of language, economy of expression, readability, organization of material and content.

In evaluating mechanics, I consider and review spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax and Associated Press style. Do not misspell words or names. If this happens I will have no other choice but to dramatically reduce your grade on that assignment (possibly less than passing). In evaluating story reporting, consideration will also include news judgment in gathering and selecting information, accuracy, story approach and fairness.

Do not make major factual errors. Again, if this happens, I will have no choice but to dramatically lower your score on the assignment (possibly less than passing).

The following will also be considered in grading your stories:
• Does the lead tell what the story is about? Is it creative, interesting and relevant?
• Is the story well reported? Does it have multiple sources? Is it balanced and objective? Are all of the reader's questions answered? Are direct quotes informative and of high quality? Are all sides of a story represented with a diversity of voices? Is material organized in a logical fashion? Is writing clear and concise?
• Is the story written like a news story (precise nouns, strong verbs, active voice, correct tense, short sentences and paragraphs, etc.)?

Story letter grading scale:

25 - 22 = A
21 – 18 = B
17 - 15 = C
14 – 11 = D
10 – 0 = F

"Media Hype" video

2010-06-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

For today's class session, we will be watching a video entitled "Media Hype."

After watching the video, please write your responses to the following on your blog:

In the video, there are examples of digital manipulation in photos and videos. When, if ever, is it ethical to alter a photograph or video that accompanies your news reporting?

The video shows examples of "hype"-filled headlines and alarmist reporting. In many cases, this is due to the fact that such reporting tends to get the attention of audiences. Should the news media adjust their news reporting strategies based on reader demand and/or interest?

Several publications and media outlets accept "freebies" and "junkets" from PR firms and lobbyists. Under what circumstances, does this present a conflict of interest for the journalists?

Why do you think so many media outlets were fooled by the "Fat Squad" and other fake news stories? Do you think that the Internet news media is more or less likely to fall for such pranks?

Feature Profile Assignment

2010-06-04T13:00:00.001-07:00

The Assignment:

Learning Goals: Apply skills in news values, newsgathering, interviewing, writing and journalistic style to a personality profile, suitable for publication.

Your Task: Write a professional-quality personality profile of one individual. Please make this a multiple source story (i.e. at least two human interviews). It is highly recommended that you interview in-person (rather than e-mail or phone) the individual you profile.

Apply your interviewing skills to get essential information about this person and also find a thread in the person's existence that makes him/her uniques. (Try to get the person to talk about something other than work). Use your curiosity and eye for detail, as well as your skills as an interviewer and writer, so you can make this story sing.

Your Audience: Readers of the features section of a regional newspaper.

Feedback/Due Date

Consult me if you need advice as you are working on this assignment and/or if you have problems with sources.

Turn in your story on time including a list of sources with contact information.

DUE DATE: June 14

Approach:

Before You Begin: Reads some personality profiles in local papers. See Chapter 9 in "News Writing and Reporting for Today's Media" for more guidance.

Profile Interview:
Set up face-to-face interview(s), preferably in the interviewee's venue -- otherwise you risk missing the color needed to write a successful personality profile.

In advance, draft some interview questions. Consider:

Background information and context
Questions to find an interesting focus/issue
Rapport with the interviewee
Follow up probes to get examples, details and more context, to add needed depth

Other questions to think about as you work:

How is this person situation in current or past local, national or global contexts?
What bias(es) does the person or your other sources have? How can you balance sources/biases?
Are there relevant cultural, social, ethical implications to consider?
What other information is needed to write a rich profile regarding this individual for this audience?
What's significant about this person and the profile's focus? Why is this story relevant to the intended audience?

Background information, context and secondary sources:

Whether your profile is single or multiple source, you'll need some information for yourself and perhaps for your readers.
Where can you find interesting, salient sources of information?
Who could contribute a local angle or flavor in connection with the profile's focus?

LOGISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS:

It is strongly suggested that you NOT profile any of the following types of people: someone you already know; someone high profile; someone in Murrow College; someone long distance.
Always identify yourself to sources as a reporting student whose copy may be printed. Be sure to tell that person that the profile story could get published. Don't promise anonymity to any source.
Treat all your calls, interviews, work and notes professionally.
Your list of sources should provide the name and contact information for each person.
Get background information. Internet sources may be used to background your stories, but you must use local sources to comment on Internet materials. Secondary sources can be done by phone.

A few reminders:

This is a focused personality profile, not an obit.
Don't write in first person.
Apply good interview practices:
Plan questions and probes.
Take lots of notes during the interviews, and annotate them immediately afterward.
Get follow-up contact information from your sources in case you have questions as you write the story.
Thank people for their time.

Your story must meet professional standards and styles, including complete and accurate identification of sources, citations, attributions, quotes vs. paraphrases, etc. Use your AP Stylebook, latest edition.

Feature/Profile Story Slideshow Lecture Notes

2010-06-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are today's slides:

View Upload your own

Here are some .doc files associated with today's lecture:

Piracy Story

Hollywood Reporter Story

VIBE Story

Frazier Chorus Story

Examples of Features, Profiles & Feature News Articles

2010-06-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

PERSONALITY PROFILES

CNN.com "Michael Clarke Duncan"

Vanity Fair magazine "Leveraging the Stars"

Time magazine “In Search of the Real Bill Gates”

HUMAN INTEREST STORIES

CBS News “Crash Survivor Relives Escape”

BBC News “The Hitmen Who Stalk Russia”

TREND STORIES

News.com “Video Site Buying Spree in the Offing?”

ANALYSIS

The Washington Post “Hastert Learned from Wrestling”

The New York Times "In City's World of Real Estate, Outsiders Get Cold Shoulder"

Interviewing Slideshow

2010-06-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

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Quotations and Attributions SLIDES

2010-06-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

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Anonymous Sources

2010-06-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few links that reveal some major media company policies on anonymous sources:

The Washington Post

USA Today (NPR coverage of policy)

Midterm Grades

2010-06-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Midterm tests have been scored. A total of 30 points were possible. Each question has a different value.

Specifically:

Q1: 7 points
Q2: 8 points
Q3: 5 points
Q4: 10 points

Each question was scored based on the following criteria:

Grammar and AP style
Critical thinking
Arguments are well-defended
Organization of narrative
Key points of question addressed

Grade Scale:

30-27 = A
26-24 = B
23-21 = C
20-17 = D
16 - 0 = F

News Story Assignment: Special Lead

2010-05-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

For your next assignment, please write a news story using a “special lead” (see chapter 8).

40 lines, 2 sources

Due: June 4

Please post two story ideas to your blog and be prepared to discuss with class on Wed.

"Special Leads" Homework

2010-05-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Visit a mainstream news site and identify two different "special leads." We will be discussing the effectiveness of each lead in class tomorrow. Please consider the following questions:

Is this the best lead for this story?
Can this lead be improved?
Is a summary more appropriate?
Would one of the other special leads work better?

Special Leads - Slideshow

2010-05-25T13:00:00.002-07:00

Here are today's slides:

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Special Lead Examples

2010-05-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Examples of Feature Writing

The Philadelphia Inquirer “Black Hawk Down: An American War Story”

The Washington Post “What Makes Andy Dick Tick?”

Examples of "Special Leads" for Feature News Stories

Narrative Lead

The Seattle Times “I Believe in Justice and Due Process. I Am My Father’s Daughter.”

The New York Times “Thailand Tourists: Coup? What Coup?”

The Washington Post “Japan’s Abe Greeted with Fanfare in China”

Contrast Lead

Savannah Morning News “After 14 Years, Hinesville Teenager Dies from AIDS”

Salon.com “Open the Closets on Capitol Hill”

Time magazine “I Love Wine Camp”

Time magazine “Can Heath Shuler Score?”

Staccato Leads

The Arizona Republic “A Fascination with Slayings”

“Serial killer trading cards. Knives that scream and ooze fake blood. T-shirts with real bullet holes in them. Society is fascinated by murder. We flock to murder mystery dinner theaters, read comic...”

Orlando Sentinel

“Off-white or beige walls. Brown of gray carpet. Beige vinyl kitchen floors. These are the staples of apartment décor…”

Direct-Address Leads

The Daily Evergreen "Remember All the Risks of Binge Drinking"

Question Leads

Wired.com “The Sweet Sound of Lapsed Time”

Quote Leads

The New York Times “An Elephant Crackup”

The Seattle Times “A Simple Complex”

In-Class "Second-Day Lead" Writing Exercise

2010-05-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Use the following information to write a second-day story lead on missing Angela Melissa Norton. The original “breaking news” story is published below.

It has been 24 hours since she was found to be missing. Police still are questioning the baby sitter and the parents.

There really is nothing new to report except that police have knocked on every door in the six-block area around the Norton house in the last 24 hours, asking neighbors if they might have seen or heard something.

Maria L. Norton, the mother, met with reporters gathered outside the home. She issued the following statement:

"We are begging anyone who might have seen our daughter to please call the police or us. She has never been away from home without us, and we are certain that she must be terrified not to be in her own home. Please, anyone who has information, please let us know."

Here is the original breaking news story:

Police were searching today for a 4-year-old girl who was missing from her crib when her parents returned home from a movie.

Angela Melissa Norton, who lives with her parents, Samuel R. and Maria L. Norton, at 2346 N. 17th Ave., was last seen wearing pajamas with Mickey Mouse images printed on them. She has light brown curly hair.

The girl had been under the care of a 16-year-old baby sitter, Nancy Bonner, who was asleep on the couch when the Nortons returned home and found their daughter missing.

Bonner is a high school sophomore. She lives with her parents at 2439 N. 17th Ave.
Samuel Norton is a senior partner in the law firm of Norton, Smith and Taylor.

“All we know right now is that the baby sitter says she put the child to sleep at 9 p.m.,” said Sgt. Timothy McClung, police department public information officer. “When the parents got home at 10:30 p.m. the child was not in the house and the baby sitter was asleep on the couch.”

The Nortons had gone to dinner and then to a movie. They called police as soon as they returned home and found their daughter missing.

“We are asking anyone who might have information on the child to please call the police department,” McClung said.

Developing a Story

2010-05-24T13:00:00.001-07:00

Here are the slides from today's lecture "Developing a News Story":

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Evolution of a Story

2010-05-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

A news story might go through several "phases" as the reporter uncovers more details and/or related developments unfold. At The Record in Stockton, Calif., the following links illustrate how one "breaking story" developed and evolved into a series of articles:

Phase 1: "Breaking News"
One Killed at Stockton "Sideshow"

Phase 2: "Second-Day Lead"
Second "Sideshow" Victim ID'd

...and here is another story...

Phase 1: "Breaking News"
Man Charged with Murder Hours After Girflfriend Taken Off of Life Support

Phase 2: "Second-Day Lead"
Autopsy Puts End to Murder Charges

BREAKING NEWS STORY (Phase 1)

2010-05-24T12:59:00.001-07:00

Below is an example of an article that I wrote for Billboard magazine in the "breaking news" style (i.e. "phase 1").

This was an "exclusive" that I was able to write based upon my strong network of sources inside various music and technology companies.

It is worth noting that this is NOT the kind of story that a public relations executive would actively pitch. In fact, it probably irritated many PR execs from these companies since it placed a critical eye on many of their efforts:

BILLBOARD May 29, 1999
Anti-Copy Plan Would "Filter' Downloads

By BRETT ATWOOD

LOS ANGELES-Some participants in the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) are aiming to wean consumers off unauthorized music downloads by including a so-called "trigger" mechanism in their proposed digital download framework that will screen out and prevent playback of some unprotected music.

The system is built around a digital signature, or watermarking, protocol that will be used in both hardware and software. The five major record companies have agreed to integrate watermarking into future production of audio CDs, which currently lack any form of protection, by the end of the summer. This same protection will also be applied to DVD Audio discs, due to hit retail later this year.

Some consumer electronics companies are concerned that the moves will conflict with their plans to offer MP3-compatible devices. MP3 offers both protected and unprotected digitally downloaded content.

The developments were presented to SDMI participants May 17 at a gathering in Chantilly, Va. The plans call for new screening and filtering technology to be rolled out in two phases by the music and technology industries. In the first phase, to be implemented by the end of the year, the screening technology will be invisibly integrated into all SDMI-compliant digital download players, including software-based music players and portable hardware devices. These players will continue to play unprotected MP3 files during this first phase.

During the second phase, the filtering technology will be triggered to screen unprotected music content on a computer or portable music device and disable playback of unauthorized music. No trigger date for the filtering technology has been determined, but a source says that the plan is to activate it once the SDMI-compliant players reach a critical mass with computer users. The technology aims to counter unprotected music files by getting computer users to shift away from unprotected MP3 downloads to SDMI-approved digital music solutions.

SDMI is asking all participants to include the new technologies in their hardware and software products by the end of the year. The move is strongly supported by the five major music companies, as well as a technology-company collective known as the 4C, which consists of Intel, Matsushita, Toshiba, and IBM, according to a source.

"You will be able to play your MP3 files on the portable devices of today, but at a certain point in time, which may happen quite soon, the record companies will start embedding some signals into their future content so that it can become playable only on SDMI devices," says Leonardo Chiariglione, who is heading the SDMI effort.

Some major labels are likely to begin using SDMI-compliant watermarking systems by the end of the summer, according to sources. The recent Universal Music Group announcement that it plans to team with the technology company InterTrust was among the first public announcements indicating that the labels are seeking out specific security technology partners for this initiative (Billboard, May 8).
A top executive at a major record company, who asked not to be identified, says, "I think it's a brilliant approach. The intent here is to develop a filtering process that at some point in time will be in all compliant players. It would enable players to determine if the music downloaded had been illegitimately copied from a CD. If it had been, the player would refuse to play it.

"But if the music was intended to be copied, it simply would pass through without filtering," the executive adds. "It wouldn't prevent MP3. If I wanted to put out my CD [without restrictions], it just wouldn't be manufactured with a watermark. It could be freely transmitted by MP3 into devices. That stuff that's intended to be free wouldn't be thwarted. I think it's the best possible result."

The executive says that both consumer electronics and music companies have "broadly embraced" the plan.

However, some consumer electronics companies with plans to offer MP3-based digital music devices, such as Philips, are voicing concern that consumers will react negatively when they discover that many of their MP3 files are no longer playable.

One attendee at the recent SDMI gathering says that a presentation of the technology got heated when a technology executive from Philips spoke up to get the attendees to realize the full impact of the technologies.

The executive pointed out that the development would be poorly received by consumers, since it might affect the MP3 collections that users have already gathered.

Other participants, including representatives from Diamond Multimedia and Warner Music Group, expressed frustration at the pace and the process behind critical SDMI details at the May 18 meeting, according to sources. Philips representatives could not be reached for comment.

“SECOND-DAY LEAD” (Phase 2)

2010-05-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

Following the publication of the "breaking news" story, I filed another story that expanded upon the aftermath of the public revelation of the "trigger effect" embedded within various digital media players.

Here is an example of "phase 2" of reporting (where a story is a follow-up to a previously-published report):

BILLBOARD June 05, 1999

SITES & SOUNDS: SDMI's "Trigger' Framework Nears Fruition - Some In Online Biz Decry Plan As Attack On Freedom To Distribute Audio

By BRETT ATWOOD

On June 15, the major labels are expected to collectively announce their support for the finalized framework of the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI), which will require hardware and software makers to include secure copyright protection technologies that disable playback of pirated music content (Billboard, May 29). The SDMI framework includes a controversial "trigger" that aims to put an end to the massive amount of Internet music piracy. Some members of the MP3 community are predicting that computer hackers will find a way to circumvent the new protection technologies, which include new watermarking and digital signature technologies that will be added by the five majors to future audio CDs during manufacturing.

In response to early media reports about the SDMI's controversial plan, the organization issued a statement May 25 fully explaining its trigger technology plans. While most of the statement confirms Billboard's early coverage of the plan (Billboard, May 29), it reinforces the fact that new SDMI-compliant devices "will only reject pirated copies of new content."

The SDMI statement continues, "Anyone who chooses to continue using MP3 to release music can continue to do so, and consumers who wish to continue enjoying MP3 music collections will be able to do so as well. Manufacturers will not have to choose between developing an SDMI compliant device versus developing a device that allows for the use of MP3."

Once the trigger is enacted, the SDMI statement says, consumers will have the choice of upgrading to the new SDMI-compliant technologies via the Internet. Consumers who choose to upgrade will have the ability to play SDMI-compliant music-industry content, but they will not be able to play recently pirated music. Consumers will maintain the option of not upgrading their hardware and software, but they will not be able to play SDMI-compliant music, according to the SDMI statement. The SDMI's statement came one day after a May 24 meeting of the Internet rights advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation, which has attacked the SDMI's plan as an attempt "to effectively obliterate the freedom to distribute audio entirely."

While most industry talk is centered on SDMI developments in the digital-download space, one of the five majors has broken ranks with the music industry to offer a large amount of full-length streaming audio content on its sites. EMI, parent company of Virgin Records and Capitol Records, is allowing its new-media departments to host full-length, on-demand content from its entire roster, including major acts Smashing Pumpkins and Lenny Kravitz.

Warner Music Group, Sony Music, BMG, and Universal Music Group (UMG) are also cautiously exploring full-length streaming content. Most of these labels are already allowing complete content for selective promotional events. Interestingly, there seems to be more tolerance for full-length streamed music video content than audio content. Atlantic, Virgin, Capitol, and Columbia are among the labels that routinely offer full-length videos on their sites.

In addition, Sony Music is now licensing full-length videos to Launch and MTV Online.

International News - Exploring News Beyond the U.S.

2010-05-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

While I am away, I would like students to explore some of the emerging English-language news channels that are now available for free via the Internet.

There is a free, downloadable service called LiveStation that enables you to watch live TV stations from around the world, including a video streams of:

Al Jazeera English
Russia Today
BBC World News
Press TV
and dozens of other international stations.

Some of these stations are sponsored by their respective governments and others are private enterprises. Some of these stations present stories that arguably reinforce their respective government "official policies," while others offer strong reporting that very much falls within the "Murrow paradigm" of traditional journalism.

Can you tell the difference?

I would like you to "channel surf" through some of these news stations and then write your observations in your blog.

Additionally, I would like students to pay particular attention to the English language feed of Al-Jazeera and then answer the questions at the end of this post (specific to Al-Jazeera).

There is an interesting debate/controversy over this particular channel. Here is some background information:

This news channel, which launched in November 2006, is struggling to find an audience in the U.S. Only two small regional cable outlets (Burlington, Vermont and Toledo, Ohio) have agreed to carry the network. None of the major cable companies (i.e. Comcast, Time-Warner) or satellite systems (DirecTV, Dish Network) have plans to offer Al-Jazeera English.

Here is an article that discusses the distribution challenges faced by Al Jazeera English.

The reasons for this absence in the U.S. are open for interpretation. Cable and satellite services are reluctant in general to offer any new channel distribution until it has a large enough following. In addition, some might argue that there is already a glut of 24-hour news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.) on the air.

However, the channel's lack of an Anglo-American world view may also be an issue. The channel, headquartered in the Middle East, presents many stories that are completely absent in most U.S.-based media outlets. In the post-9/11 environment, Al Jazeera has been accused by some as being "The Terrorist Network." (Read here and here). Many outlets are reluctant to embrace the channel due to concerns of customer backlash.

For example, a recent poll found 53% of Americans opposed the launch of the channel and two-thirds of Americans thought the US government should not allow it entry to the US market. Click here for the complete poll and findings (.pdf file).

With U.S. distribution lacking, Al Jazeera English is using the Internet to build its audience here. The channel can be viewed online on the Al Jazeera English Web site and is also available at the Web TV service LiveStation.

While watching a typical hour of Al Jazeera English, consider the following and post your thoughts on your blog:

1. How effective do you think the Internet will be for Al Jazeera as it attempts to reach a U.S. audience?

2. Based on your own observations, do you think that Al Jazeera English should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S.?

3. What, if anything, do you notice about Al Jazeera's approach to telling the news? How is it different than the U.S.-based TV news outlets that you have experienced?

4. While on the Al Jazeera site, be sure to check out the network's published Code of Ethics. Based on your own observations, do you think they are adhering to them?

VisualCV

2010-05-19T13:30:00.005-07:00

Here is a quick overview of VisualCV:

You can access VisualCV here.

Royalty-free and Free Images for your Blog

2010-05-19T13:30:00.004-07:00

Looking for royalty-free and/or free images to add to your blogs? Here are some sites worth checking out:

SEO - Blog Assignment

2010-05-19T13:30:00.003-07:00

Add title, keyword and description metadata to your blog.

Instructions:

1) Create your metadata. Copy the code at this link (right-click and save) into Notepad or a text word processor. Replace the INSERT TEXT HERE with the blog title, keywords and description info that is appropriate for your blog.
2) Once that is ready, copy the text.
3) Log in to your Blogger account.
4) Click on Layout
5) Click on Edit HTML.
6) In the code, you will see a head tag in brackets <>.
7) Paste in your metadata code AFTER that tag.
8) Be very careful not to overwrite or erase any other code in your template. If you do, you might "break" the blog template!
9) You can "Preview" first and then "Save" to complete the process.
10) Return to your blog's front page, where you should be able to see the title info at the top of your browser.
11) You can "see" the invisible metadata by viewing the source code. To do so, select "view" and the "page source" in your browser.

SEO Rapper - Rapping Videos on Search Engine Optimization

2010-05-19T13:30:00.002-07:00

The SEO Rapper has posted several YouTube clips that feature search engine optimization tips via rap lyrics!

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - Best Practices

2010-05-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

Today in class we will look at ways to improve the search engine rankings of Web-based reporting and/or campaigns.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to the practice of refining your Web site content so that it has better visibility in search engines, such as Google.

As you can see in the graphic on the right (click to enlarge), search engines are the primary way that people discover Web content. In the U.S., Google accounts for a vast majority of search engine referrals. Thus, it is hugely important that your content be properly indexed so that new users can discover and explore your creations.

Google Blog Posts About Algorithm

Here is a Google Video about SEO:

Ways to Increase Referrals

On-Page Elements:

The following on-page elements should be reviewed for possible tweaking so that your content is better surfaced in search engines for referral.

Page Title

In the Top bar of your browser
For critical areas of your Web site, does the page title in your browser contain the proper wording?

URL

Does the Web site URL for key areas include text that would contribute to that page being indexed on critical keywords?

"Invisible" Page Content

Description Field text doesn't help rankings, but it does ultimately show up in the search listings
Keywords description fields
- Less is more
  - No more than 5-10 keywords in your metatag

Off-Page Elements

Inbound links

Increase number of Web pages that link to you
- Seen as "vote of confidence" for relevance of your site
- Text in link is also important ("link anchor text")
Increase Google's "Page Rank"
- More links on prominent sites will also increase your page ranking

Best Practices

Does your blog post title contain keywords that concisely capture the blog topic and are known to be relevant to your site?
The very first words should be the most relevant, if possible
- Good Example: Second Life Tutorial: Customize your Avatar
- Bad Example: Want a New Look for your Avatar?
  - In the above example, the words "Second Life Tutorial" will match to keyword searches for people looking for second life tutorials. Further, the inclusion of "customize" and "avatar" will likely help this post show up higher in search results for people looking for help in avatar customization.
To see an example of this in action, do a Google Search on the words: Second Life CEO
- Notice how most of the top results have "CEO" in the first few words of the title

Would your blog post title make sense if it were displayed "out of context" via a RSS feed or on a third-party Web site, such as Digg or Facebook?
- Each post has the potential to be surfaced on third-party sites. Your headline should be constructed so that it compels someone to click on it.

Are there opportunities to mix in blog posts that are not time-sensitive?
- Many blog posts will clearly be connected to a new and timely announcement or development. However, when appropriate, you might want to strategically develop topics that speak to "evergreen" topics that have a longer shelf life.

Consider organizing your narrative with sub-headers and integrating occasional use of bold text and lists.
- These are believed to be minor factors in the algorithm that Google uses in determining relevance.

If appropriate, include links to previous related blog posts within the text of your new post.
- Interlinking increases the odds that your posts will be indexed at a higher level, according to many SEO experts.

Share Links and Network Badges

According to many SEO experts, blogs can play a key role in helping one's overall search rankings. In the case of Google's algorithm, the "newness" and frequency of posts contribute to the perceived "relevance" of a site. However, the key is to get other blogs and sites to link directly to your blog. An increase in third party referral links results in an increased "relevance" for your site.

As expected, a new blog post typically gets a burst of traffic immediately after it is published. In most cases, the traffic declines dramatically after a day or two. However, in some cases, a blog post that is not timely might continue to drive traffic to your site long after its initial publication. This is particularly true if the post is not time-sensitive and becomes indexed and related to key terms by search engines.

Are you pro-actively encouraging other sites to link to your post? What third-party sites should you strategically target as significant potential recipients of your blog post?
- Digg, del.icio.us and Facebook are among those social networking/aggregation sites that may help generate links to our site.
- If you feel that the theme of your post has significance outside of our own site, then submit it! Common sense rules here, but some examples include:
  - Digg.com (submit URL here - requires registration)
  - Reddit.com (Submit URL here - requires registration)

Do you have a network badge on your post?
- As of this writing, there were limitations in WordPress that make this difficult. However, this is functionality that we hope to have in the new blog solution (coming soon)
- Examples include:
  - Facebook Share (button code is here)
  - del.icio.us badge info is here

Research Links

HubSpot has some great tips on getting the most of paid search listings:

The Hourglass Style

2010-05-18T13:00:00.002-07:00

The hourglass style of writing is gaining acceptance in mainstream journalism. For a detailed explanation, visit this Web site:

The Hourglass: Serving the News, Serving the Reader

Here are some sample news stories with an "hourglass" structure:

$25,000 Bail Set in Wild Ride Case
(from Worcester Telegram & Gazette)

Marine Pleads Guilty to Murder in Killing of Retired Iraqi Police Officer
(from North County Times)

Organizing Your Story Slides

2010-05-18T13:00:00.001-07:00

Here are the slides for the "Organizing Your Story" lecture:

Organizing A News Story

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: news reporting)

Qualities of Good Writing -- Slides

2010-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the slides that supplement chapter 3 in the book:

View Upload your own

Here are some links related to today's lecture:

Examples of Passive vs. Active Voice (via OWL at Purdue University)
APStylebook.com
Media Writing Tips (via Dr. Ken Blake at Middle Tennessee State University)

ASSIGNMENT: Example of a summary news lead

2010-05-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Can you find your own example of a summary news lead from either a print or online newspaper?

Be prepared to briefly discuss in class.

Job Hunting Sites

2010-05-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

In addition to LinkedIn, here are two great job hunting sites that are useful for aspiring media industry professionals:

Summary Leads slides

2010-05-17T13:00:00.002-07:00

Here are the slides from today's lecture:

View Upload your own

The Five W's: Which Should Lead?

2010-05-17T13:00:00.001-07:00

The same news story can be written numerous ways. The following are examples of different summary lead strategies for the same news story:

Emphasizing who:

Dave Benyl and Jim Conway are experts when it comes to broken cars, and they warn motorists to steer clear of highway construction zones.

Emphasizing what:

Until the $20 million construction project to improve Chandler Boulevard is completed, auto repair experts are advising motorists to find an alternative route.

Emphasizing where:

Chandler Boulevard from Kyrene Road to Dobson Road is not the place these days for motorists trying to avoid damage to their cars.

Emphasizing when:

The $20 million construction project to improve Chandler Boulevard will not be completed until June, and until then auto repair experts are advising motorists to steer clear.

Emphasizing why:

Because of all the nails, screws and bad bumps, auto repair experts are advising motorists to steer clear of Chandler Boulevard.

Emphasizing how:

The best way to avoid the bumps, screws and nails on Chandler Boulevard during the six-month construction project is to find an alternative route, auto repair experts say.

Examples of Summary Leads

2010-05-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

For your first news story, you should use a summary lead (sometimes spelled as "summary ledes"). Here are some examples of strong summary news leads.

British Police Arrest Nine on Terror Charge (from the Washington Post) - Use of "active" voice and attribution in lead

F.D.A. Widens Safety Reviews on New Drugs (from New York Times) - use of active voice in lead; contextualizes relevance of news development (the "so what" factor)

Health and Wellness Holds Free HIV Testing on Campus (from the Daily Evergreen) - Use of new statistic to lead story; localized angle on national problem; contextualization of story

LinkedIN and Job Hunting

2010-05-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

The social networking sites MySpace and Facebook are popular among those who are college age or younger. These sites are fun, but are considered more "personal" than "professional."

LinkedIn is a site that uses social networking for professional purposes.

Create your profile and presence on LinkedIn.

Here is a page with some tips on your profile:

LinkedIn Profile Extreme Makeover

LinkedIn Guide for College Graduates

ASSIGNMENT - News Story

2010-05-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

As a result of your story pitches, each student should now have a clear news story assignment.

The first draft of this story is due on Friday, May 21. Please be prepared to bring a printed copy of that story to class that day for peer edits. Revised versions will be graded after they are resubmitted on Tues., May. 25.

For your news story, please remember the following:
* Use a "summary lead"
* Use at least two original human sources
* Include name with e-mail or phone contact info for your sources
* Length should be 2.5-3 double-spaced pages (approximately 40 lines)

Pitching News Stories

2010-05-13T13:00:00.002-07:00

Pitching your story

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: journalism pitch)

ASSIGNMENT: - Three pitches

2010-05-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

Prepare three story ideas for Friday's class (5/14). You will present these ideas to your classmates and the class will collectively decide which of your story ideas you will pursue (deadline for first draft: 5/21).

For each story idea, please flesh out the potential story in a two-paragraph "pitch" that you might make to your editor. Include background information and the anticipated angle of the story. Be sure to justify why the story is newsworthy. As you compose your pitch, consider the recommendations on pages 24-26 of your textbook.

In your story pitch, you should:

-- summarize the idea
-- explain why this story idea is worth doing (why it is newsworthy for your intended audience)
-- list at least 2 specific possible sources representing both sides of the issue
-- identify the specific media outlet it is intended for

Once you get assigned a story (from one of your pitches), you will be able to begin work on gathering information for the actual news assignment. When completed, the news story should be about 2.5-3 pages (40 lines) and should use at least two human sources that are directly related to the story. Internet sources may be used to background your stories, but you should use LOCAL sources to comment on these materials.

Make sure that each story idea is ACHIEVABLE given your deadline and resources. In other words, don't attempt to interview President Bush (unless you have good connections in the White House).

For your three pitches, please post them to your blog so that they can be accessed during the next class session.

Remember that you will actually be writing the story that is selected by your classmates!

Examples of Story Pitches

2010-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some examples of story pitches:

How to Write A Story Pitch (via MediaBistro.com)

How to Pitch a News Story (via eHow)

The News Aggregators

2010-05-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's class, we looked at some leading "news aggregator" sites. Take a look at the following two Web sites:

The Drudge Report

The Huffington Post

Compare and contrast the news delivery styles of both sites. Some questions to consider:

What do both sites have in common?
How do they differ?
It has been said that both sites have a particular political leaning. Can you find examples of this on the site? Explain what you find.
Do you see a difference in the criteria for choosing today's leading news headlines on the sites? Explain.
Do the headlines match the story (once you click through)? Do you see examples of any headlines that are not indicative of the true nature of the story (once it is clicked on)?
Do you think these sites have the power to influence the public? How so?

What is News? A Basic Review of Criteria Used in Determining News Coverage

2010-05-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

JOURN 305 - Ingredients of News

View more presentations from Brett Atwood.

The Murrow Standard - Traditional Journalism

2010-05-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Please watch the following two videos about oil company Chevron (Texaco unit) and recent events in Ecuador. Both videos appear to be "news" - but do they adhere to the "Murrow Standard" of traditional journalism?

Related Links:
Report Says Chevron Owes Billions for Ecuadorean Pollution

When Chevron Hires Ex-Reporter to Investigate Pollution, Chevron Looks Good

Free Online Writing Tutor Service

2010-05-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

WSU's Writing Center has a free writing tutorial service that you can use for this and other classes. Here are some ways that you can use the new e-tutor services:

Online Writing Lab allows you to submit a draft of your paper to a tutor, ask for specific feedback, and receive your work back with a tutor's response within 24-48 hours.
Live Tutoring via eChat allows you to meet with a tutor in one-on-one tutoring sessions via a fully interactive, virtual online environment.
Offline Questions allows you to leave a specific question for an eTutor, who will respond within 48 hours (but usually sooner).

More info on this new Writing Center service is available here.

To directly visit the WSU eTutor page, click here. (NOTE: You will need your student network ID number and use "wsu" as the password for the first login).

Assignment: Start a Class Blog

2010-05-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Check out the above video to get an overview on setting up your new blog.

Once your blog is set up, please send me the URL so that I can access it!

What's a blog? Take this tour to find our more.

Additional Resources:

For more information on setting up your blog, you can check out the Blogger help page

Syllabus

2010-05-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

JOURN 305 – News Reporting

Summer 2010

Office: Murrow East 213
Office Hours: Before class or by arrangement
Office phone: (509) 335-0113
The best way to reach me out of class is by e-mail at: BAtwood@wsu.edu

I check e-mail multiple times per day. If you require an immediate response, please put PLEASE RESPOND in the header of your e-mail. Otherwise, I will try to respond in a prompt, but less urgent, manner (usually within 24 hours). However, please note that there will be times that I may wait until class to address your inquiries.

Our JOURN 305 blog (you can link to the blogs of your classmates from here):
http://openassignment.com/. You can interact with other students on our Facebook page.

I will be posting class assignments and news on the blog, but may also e-mail you at your wsu.edu address to send some homework feedback and to inform you if there are any class cancellations. If you have another preferred e-mail, please let me know!

Course Goals

This course is designed to prepare you for the “real world” of news reporting. My teaching mission is to share and propagate the journalistic standards and ethics held by this school’s namesake – Edward R. Murrow. It is my goal to help instill a set of core values, ethics and skills that will help to immunize journalists against the inevitable temptations present in this industry. In journalism, credibility is earned. One poor choice can destroy an entire career. For this reason, you will need to operate at the highest standards of truth, fairness, balance and accuracy.

As a secondary goal, I will infuse some new technology into this course. The world of journalism is being redefined by new content management, creation and publishing tools. Employment in this field requires that new reporters have knowledge of these tools, as well as strong writing and reporting skills.

Required course resource:

• "News Writing & Reporting for Today’s Media," Seventh Edition, Bruce Itule and
Douglas Anderson, McGraw Hill, Copyright 2005.

Recommended course resource:
• "The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual," Norm Goldstein, editor.
(or a subscription to APStylebook.com)
NOTE: You will be required to comply with AP style for your reporting assignments.

Reporting portfolio:

Throughout the semester, you will be working on writing assignments designed to use your reporting skills. The class will focus on several different forms of reporting styles and techniques, including:

Summary news leads
Feature news leads
Feature stories
Press conference reporting
Writing for the Web
Quotes and attribution
Use of anonymous sources
Ethics
Multimedia storytelling

As the course progresses, you will be asked to create original news stories in specific genres and styles of reporting. As part of your evaluation, you may be asked to revise your original submission. Please pay careful consideration to the comments that supplement your grade. In many cases, you will get feedback that specifically comments on the quality of your writing, including the identification of grammar and AP style violations. For some assignments, we will dedicate some class time for peer review of our writings. I also encourage students to use the WSU Writing Center, which provides free, non-credit tutorial writing students.

For all writing assignments, I expect that the revised version of your stories will be published on your class blog. At the end of the semester, I will be reviewing your reporting portfolio to ensure that comments have been addressed before issuing an overall course grade.

Your online blog is where you should publish your work that will be accessible by the instructor and classmates. Please be aware that any information posted on this blog will be publicly viewable and, thus, may be held to many of the same legal and ethical standards as writings published in traditional media. Please be prepared to share and discuss your reporting in class.

While there will be two exams in this class, the completion of all assigned writings in your portfolio accounts for a large percentage of your grade. Any missed assignments will impact your final grade in the class. Late news reporting assignments will be given a lower score.

Reading assignments:

It is recommended that you read assigned chapter assignments before the beginning of the next class session.

Tests and quizzes:

There will be two in-class tests. In addition, there may be unannounced in-class quizzes that require attendance in order to complete.

Class schedule:

I reserve the right to change the class outline and even class location. If you miss a class, I expect you to find out from your classmates what you must do for the next class. I may give a quiz without prior notification.

At this time, I am not providing a week-by-week calendar for the class. However, here are some notable dates:

May 20 - NO CLASS
May 27 - First Exam
May 28 - NO CLASS
May 31 - Holiday - NO CLASS
June 18 - Last Exam

Attendance:

Class attendance is vital, as material will be introduced that is not covered in the text. Poor attendance will be reflected in your grade because of missed assignments or problems with completion. Assignments missed due to absence generally can't be made up. Do not ask unless there are exceptional circumstances for an excused absence. Consideration might be given if there is documented hospitalization, family death, university-sponsored travel (documented in advance) or extended individual sickness. You may lose 5 points for every class session missed. However, I will allow one "freebie" unexcused absence (i.e. no point deduction).

Computer use policy:

Since we are in a multimedia classroom, each student will have access to a computer that can be used to bring up your blog assignments. During some class sessions, there may be time to write in your blog or use the Internet to research a story. However, please do not use the Internet during lecture and discussion. Students who use the Internet for any purpose not directly relating to class assignments or discussion may be asked to leave the classroom. In particular, please refrain from using class computers for unrelated social networking (i.e. Facebook), instant messaging, downloading or indiscriminate Web surfing.

Story grading:

Story grading is based on a rigorous and fair system. Your work will be evaluated according to publishable standards, including quality of the lead, use of language, economy of expression, readability, organization of material and content.

In evaluating mechanics, I will consider and review spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax and Associated Press style. Do not misspell words or names. If this happens I will have no other choice but to dramatically reduce your grade on that assignment (possibly less than passing). In evaluating story reporting, consideration will also include news judgment in gathering and selecting information, accuracy, story approach and fairness.

Do not make major factual errors. Again, if this happens, I will have no choice but to dramatically lower your score on the assignment (possibly less than passing).

The following will also be considered in grading your stories:
• Does the lead tell what the story is about? Is it creative, interesting and relevant?
• Is the story well reported? Does it have multiple sources? Is it balanced and objective? Are all of the reader's questions answered? Are direct quotes informative and of high quality? Are all sides of a story represented with a diversity of voices? Is material organized in a logical fashion? Is writing clear and concise?
• Is the story written like a news story (precise nouns, strong verbs, active voice, correct tense, short sentences and paragraphs, etc.)?

In some cases, you will be asked to revise your story before a final grade will be issued. Please note that, in all cases, your final revised stories should be published on your class blog.

Story letter grading:

Here is how I will assign grades to the stories you submit:

• A (90-100 percent) = the story needs only minor editing (this is a publishable story).
• B (80-89 percent) = the story is good, but contains some minor problems that need work (also a publishable story).
• C (70-79 percent) = the story is an acceptable completion of the assignment, but it has one or two serious problems in the reporting or writing. (it is not publishable without some significant re-working).
• D (60-69 percent) = the story is seriously flawed; three or more serious problems in reporting or writing, or not adhering to syllabus standards (it is highly unlikely this story can be published; it would be best to start over).
• F (59 percent or below) = the story has not been completed on deadline, or was seriously lacking in effort.

Extra credit:

Throughout the semester, there may be opportunities for extra credit. We will talk more about any possible opportunities as the semester continues. However, availability of extra credit is subject to change and, thus, you should not rely upon this option to reach a higher grade.

Anonymous sources:

In most cases, do not use anonymous sources. I must approve usage in advance or assignments will not be accepted.

Identification:

You must always identify yourself to sources as a reporting student whose work might be published. Do not make any pre-publication review promises. Also, for each original news story that you submit, you will need to include the name and contact info for your interviewed sources. DO NOT PUT THIS INFO ON YOUR BLOG. Instead, you can hand it in with your printed version of the story.

Other Housekeeping Items:

• Cell phones must be turned off in class.
• Surfing the Internet is not allowed during class.
• Please be on time. Excessive tardiness may result in a lower grade.

Academic Dishonesty, Integrity and Plagiarism:

PLAGARISM OR CHEATING OF ANY KIND ON ANY ASSIGNMENT OR EXAM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE IN THE COURSE. (Consult the WSU Student Handbook for further details). In other words, do your own work. If using the ideas, work or wording from another source in written assignments you must acknowledge the source.

Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of completing academic work. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the University.

To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the University cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication.

Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty. Please understand the following definitions:

• Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty includes cheating, falsification, fabrication, multiple submission, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, complicity, or misconduct in research, all of which are defined below.

• Cheating: Cheating is the intentional use of, or attempt to use, unauthorized material, information, or study aids in any academic activity to gain advantage. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, communicating improperly with others, especially other students, during tests or the preparation of assignments for classes; copying from books, notes, or other sources during a test when this is not permitted; copying from another student’s work (reports, laboratory work, computer programs, files, etc.); making improper use of calculators or other devices during a test; illegitimately procuring or using copies of current examinations; allowing a substitute to take an examination or write a paper for oneself.

• Falsification: Falsification is the intentional and unauthorized alteration of information in the course of an academic activity. Falsification includes, but is not limited to, altering the record of data, experimental procedures, or results; falsely describing the source of information (e.g., reproducing a quotation from a book review as if it had been obtained from the book itself); altering academic records; altering a returned examination paper and then seeking a higher grade based on the result.

• Fabrication: Fabrication is the intentional invention or counterfeiting of information in the course of an academic activity without proper authorization. Fabrication includes, but is not limited to, counterfeiting data, research results, information, or procedures with inadequate foundation in fact; counterfeiting a record of internship or practicum experiences; submitting a false excuse for absence or tardiness.

• Multiple Submission: Multiple submission includes, but is not limited to, submitting the same paper or oral report for credit in two courses without the responsible instructor’s permission; making minor revisions in a paper or report for which credit has already been received and submitting it again as a new piece of work.

• Plagiarism: Plagiarism is knowingly representing the work of another as one’s own, without proper acknowledgment of the source. The only exceptions to the requirement that sources be acknowledged occur when the information, ideas, etc., are common knowledge. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, submitting as one’s own work the work of a “ghost writer” or work obtained from a commercial writing service; quoting directly or paraphrasing closely from a source without giving proper credit; using figures, graphs, charts, or other such material without identifying the sources. Identified cases of plagiarism will result in a grade of "F" for the work in question or for the whole course. Basically, there are two forms of plagiarism: (1) the unintentional or careless use of other writers' words and ideas as though they were your own, and (2) the intentional submission of another's work as your own. The important issue is that published material, whether in print, electronic, or other media format, must be cited and not presented as your own. For example, material obtained from the Internet is still subject to academic integrity guidelines, and even may be identified more easily by special online search engines used to evaluate suspect material. If you commit the first type of plagiarism, you might be asked to rewrite part or all of your paper so your sources are properly acknowledged.
If you knowingly turn in a paper written by someone else and claim it as your own, or copy sections of a book or article without proper documentation, even though you understand how to document, you have cheated and thus violated WSU's academic integrity policies. Creating quotes or inventing sources will result in an "F" on the assignment, possibly an "F" in the course.

• Abuse of Academic Materials: Abuse of academic materials occurs when a student intentionally or knowingly destroys, steals, mutilates, or otherwise makes inaccessible library or other academic resource material that does not belong to him or her. Abuse of academic materials includes, but is not limited to, stealing, destroying, or mutilating library materials; stealing or intentionally destroying another student’s notes or laboratory data; hiding resource materials so others may not use them; destroying computer programs or files needed in others’ academic work; copying computer software in ways that violate the terms of the licensing agreement that comes with the software.

• Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. A student is guilty of complicity in academic dishonesty if he or she intentionally or knowingly helps or attempts to help another or others to commit an act of academic dishonesty of any of the types defined herein. Complicity in academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, knowingly allowing another to copy from one’s paper during an examination or test; distributing test questions before the time scheduled for the test; collaborating on academic projects when students are expected to work independently; taking a test for another student; or signing a false name on a piece of academic work.

• Misconduct in Research: Graduate and undergraduate students on research appointments for the University are responsible for compliance with the University’s Policy and Procedural Guidelines for Misconduct in Research and Scholarship found in the Faculty Manual. Misconduct in research is treated as academic dishonesty.

• Responsible Instructor: The responsible instructor in the academic integrity process is the person who assigns the grades, supervises students’ work, or is responsible for teaching operations in the course of study in which the alleged violation occurred. The term “responsible instructor” can include, but is not limited to, instructors, graduate assistants, another instructor, and clinical supervisors. If the conduct does not relate to a particular course, the role of instructor for these procedures may be a department chair or academic advisor.

Students with Disabilities:

Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC). All accommodations MUST be approved through the DRC (Washington Building, Room 217). Please stop by or call 509-335-3417 to make an appointment with a disability specialist.

OpenAssignment.com

Chapter Readings

In-class Research Exercise

Multiculturism Reporting Links

Computer Assisted Reporting

Computer Research Helpful Links

Google's Book Scanning Initiative

Police Reports

Jail Inmate Lookup

Frontline: "What's Happening to the News?"

Wikis & Web 2.0

Working with Wikis

Twitter and Citizen Journalism

Viral Marketing & PR

Social Media Press Releases

Class Lecture Links

Linden Lab Announces "Voice Morphing" for Second Life

News Gathering in a Virtual World?

Press Conference Assignment

Speeches, Press Conferences & Meetings

Story Grading Criteria

"Media Hype" video

Feature Profile Assignment

Feature/Profile Story Slideshow Lecture Notes

Examples of Features, Profiles & Feature News Articles

Interviewing Slideshow

Quotations and Attributions SLIDES

Anonymous Sources

Midterm Grades

News Story Assignment: Special Lead

"Special Leads" Homework

Special Leads - Slideshow

Special Lead Examples

In-Class "Second-Day Lead" Writing Exercise

Developing a Story

Evolution of a Story

BREAKING NEWS STORY (Phase 1)

“SECOND-DAY LEAD” (Phase 2)

International News - Exploring News Beyond the U.S.

VisualCV

Royalty-free and Free Images for your Blog

SEO - Blog Assignment

SEO Rapper - Rapping Videos on Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - Best Practices

Google Blog Posts About Algorithm

Research Links

The Hourglass Style

Organizing Your Story Slides

Qualities of Good Writing -- Slides

ASSIGNMENT: Example of a summary news lead

Job Hunting Sites

Summary Leads slides

The Five W's: Which Should Lead?

Examples of Summary Leads

Tag Clouds

LinkedIN and Job Hunting

ASSIGNMENT - News Story

Pitching News Stories

ASSIGNMENT: - Three pitches

Examples of Story Pitches

The News Aggregators

What is News? A Basic Review of Criteria Used in Determining News Coverage

The Murrow Standard - Traditional Journalism

Free Online Writing Tutor Service

Assignment: Start a Class Blog

Syllabus