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?
It is never ethical to alter images for the news. Reporters have the duty to report the truth. Honesty is a supposed standard for journalists and altering images is not truthful. There is no place for altering images in the news.
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?
News media has the ability to cater stories to specific audiences. It is helpful to report about pertinent information that affects the readers. However, when it comes to alarmist stories and trashy or fluffy topics that have always been popular, news media needs to maintain a balance. When traditional news sources begin to have only “hype”-filled headlines they begin to have the credibility of a tabloid or gossip paper. The alarmist reporting does get audience attention and stirs of readers but it can also mislead, which is against what journalists should stand for. ABC news has a code for employees that says no one should “create events.” “Hype”-filled headlines help create events that wouldn’t otherwise be reasonable issues that many people would be outraged about.
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?
People aren’t mean to those who help them. Reporters are people and while some reporters stick to a code of honesty, it is easy to be “wooed” into only reporting positive things. The extravagant median junkets that some companies hold are extravagant just for the purpose of influencing reporters to write a positive story. Journalists must not have bias or influence to be effective in presenting the honest truth. The conveniently nice favors that companies do for reporters present a huge conflict of interest that journalists should recognize.
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?
People in the media get seduced by finding stories that sell instead of what is the most important for the reader. The weird, goofy, outrageous and sensational topics sell. The Fat Squad is an example of when the media cared more about selling papers or ads that they didn’t investigate thoroughly before reporting. Media forgot about the duty of journalists to report the truth to the public.
The Internet news media is just as likely to report outrageous prank news as traditional media. The Internet makes is so easy that any “regular Joe” can report the news. People who do not have journalistic training or knowledge of ethical reporting can make a blog and write the “news.” This can lead the regular people getting there news from unqualified sources. In this day and age, the reader just has to be savvier about where they get information and where that information comes from. Reporters in the supposed professional world and citizen journalists on the Internet are susceptible to prank news and it is getting harder and harder for readers to trust “news” sources.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Second Life Enterprise
Linden Lab announced on Wednesday the creation of Second Life Enterprise, a secure 3D virtual meeting place for businesses.
Businesses can now host events online, behind a secure firewall, using Second Life meeting spaces. For $55,000 organizations receive a server and hardware, which allows them to control access to their events in the Second Life virtual world.
According to Linden Lab, over 1,400 organizations currently use Second Life for a more economical solution to meetings, conferences and trainings.
IBM is one of the 14 organizations already using the beta program of Second Life Enterprise and has had extremely successful results.
“The meeting in Second Life was everything that you could do at a traditional conference—and more—at one fifth the cost and without a single case of jet lag,” said Joanne Martin, president of IBM Academy of Technology in a statement issued as part of a Linden Lab case study.
According to the case study, IBM utilized the Enterprise program to create conference spaces for keynote speakers, breakout sessions, a simulated Green Data Center, a library and social areas.
Linden Lab uses Second Life technology to give Enterprise customers 3D visual, spatial audio and text collaboration capabilities. 3D avatars represent the members in an organization’s virtual environment. Enterprise has the current capabilities for up to 800 concurrent users in the same environment.
Companies control access to their Second Life environment on a secure server behind their firewall. According to the Linden Lab press release, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) uses Second Life Enterprise for virtual training and simulated military exercises because the security of firewall.
“Hosting the Second Life Enterprise on a secured network allows us to conduct training, concept of operation exercises and collaborative engineering activities using sensitive information in safety,” said Douglas Maxwell, program technology lead for NUWC Metaverse Strategic Initiative in a Linden Lab press release.
According to Brett Atwood, web content strategist at Linden Lab, Linden Lab created Second Life Enterprise in response to the needs of businesses with a global reach. Enterprise does not replace the human element of business communications, according to Atwood. However he says that the technology can be used to reduce travel costs accrued by professionals who work in remote workplaces.
Businesses can now host events online, behind a secure firewall, using Second Life meeting spaces. For $55,000 organizations receive a server and hardware, which allows them to control access to their events in the Second Life virtual world.
According to Linden Lab, over 1,400 organizations currently use Second Life for a more economical solution to meetings, conferences and trainings.
IBM is one of the 14 organizations already using the beta program of Second Life Enterprise and has had extremely successful results.
“The meeting in Second Life was everything that you could do at a traditional conference—and more—at one fifth the cost and without a single case of jet lag,” said Joanne Martin, president of IBM Academy of Technology in a statement issued as part of a Linden Lab case study.
According to the case study, IBM utilized the Enterprise program to create conference spaces for keynote speakers, breakout sessions, a simulated Green Data Center, a library and social areas.
Linden Lab uses Second Life technology to give Enterprise customers 3D visual, spatial audio and text collaboration capabilities. 3D avatars represent the members in an organization’s virtual environment. Enterprise has the current capabilities for up to 800 concurrent users in the same environment.
Companies control access to their Second Life environment on a secure server behind their firewall. According to the Linden Lab press release, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) uses Second Life Enterprise for virtual training and simulated military exercises because the security of firewall.
“Hosting the Second Life Enterprise on a secured network allows us to conduct training, concept of operation exercises and collaborative engineering activities using sensitive information in safety,” said Douglas Maxwell, program technology lead for NUWC Metaverse Strategic Initiative in a Linden Lab press release.
According to Brett Atwood, web content strategist at Linden Lab, Linden Lab created Second Life Enterprise in response to the needs of businesses with a global reach. Enterprise does not replace the human element of business communications, according to Atwood. However he says that the technology can be used to reduce travel costs accrued by professionals who work in remote workplaces.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Frontline News War
Ted Koppel of ABC news said that the shift from traditional news to entertainment news could be one of the biggest tragedies of American journalism.
Each segment of the Frontline piece shows how modern news is saturated with entertainment news or fluff. The debate about news today is whether or not the industry should change or remain a noble industry that only presents traditional newsworthy information. I think the change to lighter news is natural and inevitable. It is unfortunate that people care more about fashion than soldiers in Afghanistan. It is the reality of the public that has been created because of the ease of information access today.
The incorporation of internet into news collection and distribution has to happen for companies to financially survive and best serve all audiences. Generation X watches news programs less and less and go to the Internet for their news sources.
Internet in the news industry has also shifted the news culture to include "Citizen Journalists." This allows anyone to report "news." Technology has made the news industry change and adapt.
Each segment of the Frontline piece shows how modern news is saturated with entertainment news or fluff. The debate about news today is whether or not the industry should change or remain a noble industry that only presents traditional newsworthy information. I think the change to lighter news is natural and inevitable. It is unfortunate that people care more about fashion than soldiers in Afghanistan. It is the reality of the public that has been created because of the ease of information access today.
The incorporation of internet into news collection and distribution has to happen for companies to financially survive and best serve all audiences. Generation X watches news programs less and less and go to the Internet for their news sources.
Internet in the news industry has also shifted the news culture to include "Citizen Journalists." This allows anyone to report "news." Technology has made the news industry change and adapt.
Monday, October 26, 2009
9.26 Assignment
According to the Hate Crime Statistics charts from the U.S. Department of Justice, Pullman, Wash. had 4 hate crimes in the years 2006 and 2007. Compared to other Washington State cities this is near the middle. There are many small towns with few incidents and the metropolitan areas have more incidents. All of the Pullman hate crimes were involved with sexual orientation.
According to Followthemoney.org, Christine Gregoire received 12,002,778 dollars in donations for the 2008 election. Her biggest contributor besides anonymous contributions and party contributions was from Amgen, a health care company. They gave 3,300 dollars. Dino Rossi received 11,599,166 dollars in donations for the 2008 contributions. Rossi's biggest donation from, besides party affiliated donations was from Associated General Contractors of Washington. They are a construction company and they gave 5,800 dollars.
In 2008 the forestry and forest products industry gave more money to the Republican Party. The Republican party also narrowly had more money in donations for Lobbyists and Public Relations than the Democrat Party.
First Reference Patents:
DVR: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=Qh5aAAAAEBAJ&dq=Digital+Video+Recorder
Social Networking: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=ORQEAAAAEBAJ&dq=Social+Networking
Automobile: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=E9lrAAAAEBAJ&dq=Automobile
According to Followthemoney.org, Christine Gregoire received 12,002,778 dollars in donations for the 2008 election. Her biggest contributor besides anonymous contributions and party contributions was from Amgen, a health care company. They gave 3,300 dollars. Dino Rossi received 11,599,166 dollars in donations for the 2008 contributions. Rossi's biggest donation from, besides party affiliated donations was from Associated General Contractors of Washington. They are a construction company and they gave 5,800 dollars.
In 2008 the forestry and forest products industry gave more money to the Republican Party. The Republican party also narrowly had more money in donations for Lobbyists and Public Relations than the Democrat Party.
First Reference Patents:
DVR: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=Qh5aAAAAEBAJ&dq=Digital+Video+Recorder
Social Networking: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=ORQEAAAAEBAJ&dq=Social+Networking
Automobile: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=E9lrAAAAEBAJ&dq=Automobile
Monday, October 5, 2009
Special Lead Analysis
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/world/americas/05galapagos.html?hp
PUERTO AYORA, Galápagos Islands — The mounds of reeking garbage on the edge of this settlement 600 miles off Ecuador’s Pacific coast are proof that one species is thriving on the fragile archipelago whose unique wildlife inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution: man.
Tiny gray finches, descendants of birds that were crucial to his thesis, flutter around the dump, which serves a growing town of Ecuadoreans who have moved here to work in the islands’ thriving tourism industry.
The burgeoning human population of the Galápagos, which doubled to about 30,000 in the last decade, has unnerved environmentalists. They point to evidence that the growth is already harming the ecosystem that allowed the islands’ more famous inhabitants — among them giant tortoises and boobies with brightly colored webbed feet — to evolve in isolation before mainlanders started colonizing the islands more than a century ago.
The growth has become enough of a threat to the environment that even the government, which still welcomes growth in the tourism industry, has expelled more than 1,000 poor Ecuadoreans in the past year from a province that they feel is rightfully theirs, and it is in the process of expelling many more.
By limiting the population, officials hope to preserve the natural wonders that bolster one of Ecuador’s most profitable sectors: tourism. But the measures are feeding a backlash among unskilled migrants who say they are being punished while the country continues to enjoy the many millions of dollars tourists bring to Ecuador, one of South America’s poorest nations.
This story begins with a narrative lead about state of nature in the Galapagos Islands. The writer writes about the mounds of garbage produced by humans and specifically the booming tourist industry. The nut graph is the fourth paragraph. The reader now can tell what the story is truly about, the expelling of native Exuadorians so the tourism industry can flourish.
I like this lead and I think it appropriately introduces the main topic in an interesting way. The first several paragraphs give the reader an image of the exotic wildlife and the vulnerable ecosystem that is being threatened by the added presence of humans.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125470120316763089.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird
Vegas Casinos Fold on Expansion Plans
LAS VEGAS -- After a six-year building frenzy that transformed this city, casino companies are shifting strategies dramatically toward slower growth, paying down debt and cutting back on spending.
Many casino executives don't expect to break ground on another major building project in Las Vegas for at least 10 years.
"The old model has been thrown out the window," says MGM Mirage Chief Executive Jim Murren.
For most of this decade, casinos embarked on a debt-fueled expansion, plowing more than $30 billion into casino and hotel projects around Las Vegas. When the economy collapsed, it left casino companies with dwindling revenues and mountains of debt. Several entered bankruptcy-court proceedings.
Now, casino companies are eschewing capital-intensive projects to focus on increasing profit margins through branding, marketing and customer loyalty.
In this story the writer uses a compare and contrast lead to show the different business strategies that Las Vegas casinos have used and will now be using. The compare and contrast method shows that a change will be taking place in Las Vegas. Then in the next paragraphs, the writer explains why a change is taking place. I think this is an effective lead because the story is about change.
PUERTO AYORA, Galápagos Islands — The mounds of reeking garbage on the edge of this settlement 600 miles off Ecuador’s Pacific coast are proof that one species is thriving on the fragile archipelago whose unique wildlife inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution: man.
Tiny gray finches, descendants of birds that were crucial to his thesis, flutter around the dump, which serves a growing town of Ecuadoreans who have moved here to work in the islands’ thriving tourism industry.
The burgeoning human population of the Galápagos, which doubled to about 30,000 in the last decade, has unnerved environmentalists. They point to evidence that the growth is already harming the ecosystem that allowed the islands’ more famous inhabitants — among them giant tortoises and boobies with brightly colored webbed feet — to evolve in isolation before mainlanders started colonizing the islands more than a century ago.
The growth has become enough of a threat to the environment that even the government, which still welcomes growth in the tourism industry, has expelled more than 1,000 poor Ecuadoreans in the past year from a province that they feel is rightfully theirs, and it is in the process of expelling many more.
By limiting the population, officials hope to preserve the natural wonders that bolster one of Ecuador’s most profitable sectors: tourism. But the measures are feeding a backlash among unskilled migrants who say they are being punished while the country continues to enjoy the many millions of dollars tourists bring to Ecuador, one of South America’s poorest nations.
This story begins with a narrative lead about state of nature in the Galapagos Islands. The writer writes about the mounds of garbage produced by humans and specifically the booming tourist industry. The nut graph is the fourth paragraph. The reader now can tell what the story is truly about, the expelling of native Exuadorians so the tourism industry can flourish.
I like this lead and I think it appropriately introduces the main topic in an interesting way. The first several paragraphs give the reader an image of the exotic wildlife and the vulnerable ecosystem that is being threatened by the added presence of humans.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125470120316763089.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird
Vegas Casinos Fold on Expansion Plans
LAS VEGAS -- After a six-year building frenzy that transformed this city, casino companies are shifting strategies dramatically toward slower growth, paying down debt and cutting back on spending.
Many casino executives don't expect to break ground on another major building project in Las Vegas for at least 10 years.
"The old model has been thrown out the window," says MGM Mirage Chief Executive Jim Murren.
For most of this decade, casinos embarked on a debt-fueled expansion, plowing more than $30 billion into casino and hotel projects around Las Vegas. When the economy collapsed, it left casino companies with dwindling revenues and mountains of debt. Several entered bankruptcy-court proceedings.
Now, casino companies are eschewing capital-intensive projects to focus on increasing profit margins through branding, marketing and customer loyalty.
In this story the writer uses a compare and contrast lead to show the different business strategies that Las Vegas casinos have used and will now be using. The compare and contrast method shows that a change will be taking place in Las Vegas. Then in the next paragraphs, the writer explains why a change is taking place. I think this is an effective lead because the story is about change.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Second-Day Lead
Police are continuing the search for Angela M. Norton, a four-year-old girl who disappeared a night ago while her babysitter slept on the couch.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Students Network Their Way To Jobs
College graduates struggling to find a job in a poor economy may need to take a lesson in networking from the students and staff of Washington State University.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers will hire seven percent fewer graduates from the class of 2010 than from the class of 2009. Students about to graduate from the Pullman campus have many resources to help them prepare for the tough job market they will soon face.
Among those resources, is the Center for Advising and Career Development, where students learn to market themselves to future employers.
“After a student has solidified a career goal, we help him or her learn how to meet others who can help along the way,” said Stefany L. Unda, Career Counselor of the CACD. “There are great opportunities available on campus for students to build their professional network by developing relationships with professors, advisors and staff in their departments and university wide. This is such an excellent time to do so because so many faculty, advisors, counselors and staff really care about our students and want to be available as a resource related to students’ academic and career success.”
Unda said the Career Expo on Wednesday, October 7 is an opportunity for students to meet professionals in many different fields. Students can meet professionals in their area of study by attending events held by specific colleges she added.
In the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, staff, students and alumni come together annually for the Edward R. Murrow Symposium. Many notable alumni attend the event and encourage student involvement.
The alumni group within the Murrow College has even earned a nickname, the “Cougar Mafia”. This title refers to the strong networking that takes place within the college and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“I had a past graduate tell me that he has hired Ducks and he has hired Dogs and to send him a Coug,” said Bruce E. Pinkleton, Coordinator of Public Relations Internships.
Pinkleton said that the interest from alumni to support graduates stems from the belief that the quality of work Murrow students produce is some of the best in the Northwest. The confident student who shows interest in their education will be able to get an interview through connections with the “Mafia.”
Alumni of the college take pride in their loyalty to WSU, which aids students who get involved while still in school. The students who actively participate can get their name out to prospective employers and other alumni. Student groups are a much-utilized resource for experience and contacts.
Carly M. Raska, 2009 graduate of the College of Communication, attributes her success in receiving a job at Seattle marketing firm, 206, Inc., to her connections made while attending WSU. Raska was the 2008-2009 President of the Public Relations Student Society of America Jay Rockey chapter at WSU and was extremely active during her college career.
“I would not have been able to use my degree without the help of the Cougar Mafia,” Raska said. “Networking is a very powerful tool.”
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers will hire seven percent fewer graduates from the class of 2010 than from the class of 2009. Students about to graduate from the Pullman campus have many resources to help them prepare for the tough job market they will soon face.
Among those resources, is the Center for Advising and Career Development, where students learn to market themselves to future employers.
“After a student has solidified a career goal, we help him or her learn how to meet others who can help along the way,” said Stefany L. Unda, Career Counselor of the CACD. “There are great opportunities available on campus for students to build their professional network by developing relationships with professors, advisors and staff in their departments and university wide. This is such an excellent time to do so because so many faculty, advisors, counselors and staff really care about our students and want to be available as a resource related to students’ academic and career success.”
Unda said the Career Expo on Wednesday, October 7 is an opportunity for students to meet professionals in many different fields. Students can meet professionals in their area of study by attending events held by specific colleges she added.
In the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, staff, students and alumni come together annually for the Edward R. Murrow Symposium. Many notable alumni attend the event and encourage student involvement.
The alumni group within the Murrow College has even earned a nickname, the “Cougar Mafia”. This title refers to the strong networking that takes place within the college and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“I had a past graduate tell me that he has hired Ducks and he has hired Dogs and to send him a Coug,” said Bruce E. Pinkleton, Coordinator of Public Relations Internships.
Pinkleton said that the interest from alumni to support graduates stems from the belief that the quality of work Murrow students produce is some of the best in the Northwest. The confident student who shows interest in their education will be able to get an interview through connections with the “Mafia.”
Alumni of the college take pride in their loyalty to WSU, which aids students who get involved while still in school. The students who actively participate can get their name out to prospective employers and other alumni. Student groups are a much-utilized resource for experience and contacts.
Carly M. Raska, 2009 graduate of the College of Communication, attributes her success in receiving a job at Seattle marketing firm, 206, Inc., to her connections made while attending WSU. Raska was the 2008-2009 President of the Public Relations Student Society of America Jay Rockey chapter at WSU and was extremely active during her college career.
“I would not have been able to use my degree without the help of the Cougar Mafia,” Raska said. “Networking is a very powerful tool.”
Friday, September 25, 2009
Al Jazeera English
1. Al Jazeera English will make its way to U.S. television because of the Internet. First, potential viewers don’t have an excuse not to watch because it is being offered for free on the Internet. There are probably many Americans who would like to see and judge for themselves if Al Jazeera is really the “terrorist news.”Another impact that the Internet will have on the Al Jazeera English channel is the buzz that can be created and spread quickly and effectively through the Internet. Online news articles and even blogs can spread information to a massive amount of citizens. This could create a higher demand for the channel to be offered on television. The Internet also has creative means for social marketing that marketers for Al Jazeera could utilize. They may shy away from this in order to be thought of as a credible news source. However, some do think the channel is just a speaking post for terrorists so creative tactics to get Al Jazeera noticed on the Internet may be helpful.
2. The beauty of America is that it is a free country. That is something most Americans treasure and hold dear. In order to avoid losing the values that define this country, there should not be a ban on Aljazeera English. It would benefit Americans to see news presented in a different way. Also the channel would give viewers a chance to make an opinion by themselves without political influences telling them what they should believe. The presence of the channel may make viewers call for a change in all networks to refrain from presenting the news in such biased ways. The strongest argument for Al Jazeera English is that a violation of American values would occur if there was a ban against the channel.
3. In watching Al Jazeera English and reading the news posts on the Web site, I noticed several things. First the content seemed more diverse than the content of a U.S. news source. There are definitely more Middle Eastern political articles. Readers can get a better sense the dynamics of the Middle East from a news source that originates there. Second, I noticed the titles of several news stories were suggestive and seemed to lean in certain directions because they were phrased in questions. I don’t usually associate a question style headline with hard/credible news. In the U.S. news a question headline signifies a feature-ish piece rather than hard news. Also, I didn’t see one positive story about Israel. The only stories I saw were negative. In U.S. news there is both bad and good stories about Israel. There are definitely more positive ones than in Al Jazeera. Last, the U.S. news almost never gives terrorists air-time to say their messages and an Al Quaeda video is only shortly spoke about or written about.
4. In the first rule on the Code of Ethics, it says that Al Jazeera will not give priority to certain political causes. This is obviously false because it broadcast messages from terrorist, conservative religious groups all the time. U.S. news does this as well though. Many news programs are widely known for their partisan leaning. In rule #9 it says the channel wants to avoid the pitfalls of speculation and propaganda through distinguishing between news, opinion and analysis. The propaganda of Al Quaeda is shown frequently by showing their video every time they make one. Al Jazeera does not live up to the Murrow Standard. There are some newsworthy stories but the channel is not a free channel in the sense that we know and does not adhere to its own Code of Ethics.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Summary News Lead Examples
The following summary news leads are from MSNBC, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.
They all feature the 5 W's and summarize the events that have taken place. Each source talks about the same event but writes about it differently. However, they all employ the same summary news lead style.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32872749/ns/politics-health_care_reform/
WASHINGTON - Sen. Max Baucus on Wednesday brought out the much-awaited Finance Committee version of an American health-system remake - a landmark $856 billion, 10-year measure that starts a rough ride through Congress without visible Republican backing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091601151.html?hpid=topnews
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus unveiled an $856 billion health-care reform plan Wednesday that would require nearly all Americans to carry health insurance while barring insurance companies from discriminating against people based on their health status or denying coverage because of preexisting conditions.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125310546537515699.html#mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
WASHINGTON -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus formally unveiled a 10-year $856 billion bill that would extend health insurance to tens of millions of Americans not now covered, moving an important step forward on President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.
They all feature the 5 W's and summarize the events that have taken place. Each source talks about the same event but writes about it differently. However, they all employ the same summary news lead style.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32872749/ns/politics-health_care_reform/
WASHINGTON - Sen. Max Baucus on Wednesday brought out the much-awaited Finance Committee version of an American health-system remake - a landmark $856 billion, 10-year measure that starts a rough ride through Congress without visible Republican backing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091601151.html?hpid=topnews
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus unveiled an $856 billion health-care reform plan Wednesday that would require nearly all Americans to carry health insurance while barring insurance companies from discriminating against people based on their health status or denying coverage because of preexisting conditions.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125310546537515699.html#mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
WASHINGTON -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus formally unveiled a 10-year $856 billion bill that would extend health insurance to tens of millions of Americans not now covered, moving an important step forward on President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
9.14 Story Pitch
Job opportunities for recent College of Communication graduates in a struggling economy
This story is about the actual impact of the poor economy on recent WSU graduates, specifically Communication graduates. The story is pertinent to WSU students, current and alumni, and is especially timely for the current economic environment. I will be contacting the Center for Advising and Career Development for career facts for WSU graduates. Carly Raska, a 2009 graduate from the College of Communication, who recently got a job at a marketing firm in Seattle, will also be interviewed. This will give personal insight to the article. Bruce Pinkleton, Coordinator of Public Relations Internships, can also give some insight into the job market for Communication graduates.
Wellbeing grand opening on WSU Campus
WSU Wellbeing is a program that involves eight different holistic values to create a healthy and happy lifestyle. They have many and varied workshops and events for students and community members including self defense classes, sustainability workshops and much more. Their most recent and high profile project is the Green Bike Program. The grand opening of their office in Smith Gym and the inauguration of the Green Bike Program will be the highlight of this article. Resources that will be used are Kathleen Hatch, Executive Director, University Recreation & Wellbeing, and Brad Stewart, Coordinator, Fitness & Wellbeing.
The Zumba workout phenomenon in Pullman
The Student Recreation Center offers a Zumba class, which is fast becoming one the most popular classes offered. The Latin inspired dance aerobic class is the latest workout fad to spread through gyms and fitness centers. This story will assess the popularity of the class in the community and the potential Zumba has to be more than just a short-lived craze. Contacts for this story are Nate Balko, Coordinator, Group Fitness & Instruction for University Recreation, a Zumba instructor and a participant in the class.
This story is about the actual impact of the poor economy on recent WSU graduates, specifically Communication graduates. The story is pertinent to WSU students, current and alumni, and is especially timely for the current economic environment. I will be contacting the Center for Advising and Career Development for career facts for WSU graduates. Carly Raska, a 2009 graduate from the College of Communication, who recently got a job at a marketing firm in Seattle, will also be interviewed. This will give personal insight to the article. Bruce Pinkleton, Coordinator of Public Relations Internships, can also give some insight into the job market for Communication graduates.
Wellbeing grand opening on WSU Campus
WSU Wellbeing is a program that involves eight different holistic values to create a healthy and happy lifestyle. They have many and varied workshops and events for students and community members including self defense classes, sustainability workshops and much more. Their most recent and high profile project is the Green Bike Program. The grand opening of their office in Smith Gym and the inauguration of the Green Bike Program will be the highlight of this article. Resources that will be used are Kathleen Hatch, Executive Director, University Recreation & Wellbeing, and Brad Stewart, Coordinator, Fitness & Wellbeing.
The Zumba workout phenomenon in Pullman
The Student Recreation Center offers a Zumba class, which is fast becoming one the most popular classes offered. The Latin inspired dance aerobic class is the latest workout fad to spread through gyms and fitness centers. This story will assess the popularity of the class in the community and the potential Zumba has to be more than just a short-lived craze. Contacts for this story are Nate Balko, Coordinator, Group Fitness & Instruction for University Recreation, a Zumba instructor and a participant in the class.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Chevron in Ecuador
The two videos about the Ecuadorian lawsuit against Chevron clearly illustrate the powerful ability the media has to twist the facts to present different viewpoints.
I felt that the 60 Minutes video had more credibility, but that was only because it was from 60 Minutes. After viewing it for a while I realized that the video was against Chevron. At times the facts seemed be clearly layed out without much bias but then the use of certain phrases showed the bias. For example, the pollution in Ecuador was called a "Toxic Legacy" left by Texaco. I think this was more of a fair article though. The video showed people from both sides of the lawsuit, even though at times portraying the Chevron representative negatively.
The Chevron funded video was blatantly obvious in its bias. Only Chevron employees were featured and PetroEcuador is portrayed as the "bad guy." Although there seemed to be more backstory from this video. I understood more of the details regarding the first lawsuit in NY and why technically Chevron says they are not responsible.
The Murrow Standard is a high one that, I think, is at many times not achieved in the journalistic world.
I felt that the 60 Minutes video had more credibility, but that was only because it was from 60 Minutes. After viewing it for a while I realized that the video was against Chevron. At times the facts seemed be clearly layed out without much bias but then the use of certain phrases showed the bias. For example, the pollution in Ecuador was called a "Toxic Legacy" left by Texaco. I think this was more of a fair article though. The video showed people from both sides of the lawsuit, even though at times portraying the Chevron representative negatively.
The Chevron funded video was blatantly obvious in its bias. Only Chevron employees were featured and PetroEcuador is portrayed as the "bad guy." Although there seemed to be more backstory from this video. I understood more of the details regarding the first lawsuit in NY and why technically Chevron says they are not responsible.
The Murrow Standard is a high one that, I think, is at many times not achieved in the journalistic world.
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