Week 5: Journalism 2001Week 5: Journalism 2001October 8, 2007October 8, 2007

Find the misspellings……Find the misspellings……

1.1. BayfeildBayfeild

2.2. StrawberrysStrawberrys

3.3. Both!Both!

Review of last week’s newsReview of last week’s news

Hard News:Hard News:(murders, city council, government, etc.)(murders, city council, government, etc.)– Major local storiesMajor local stories– Major national/international storiesMajor national/international stories– Major sports storiesMajor sports stories

Soft News:Soft News:(retirements, school programs, human interest)(retirements, school programs, human interest)– Local storiesLocal stories– National/international storiesNational/international stories– Sports storiesSports stories

AnnouncementsAnnouncements The Office of Civic Engagement is sponsoring a The Office of Civic Engagement is sponsoring a

Mayoral and a City Council debate next Tuesday, Mayoral and a City Council debate next Tuesday, October 16 at 12 noon in the Kirby Rafters.October 16 at 12 noon in the Kirby Rafters.

Debate will focus on two sets of issues: poverty and Debate will focus on two sets of issues: poverty and students. It would be a perfect time for any of the students. It would be a perfect time for any of the students working on the community journalism students working on the community journalism project to get some questions asked and answered.project to get some questions asked and answered.

It will also be a good time to work on connections, It will also be a good time to work on connections, not just with the candidates but with the not just with the candidates but with the moderator: Xavier Bell of Community Action moderator: Xavier Bell of Community Action Duluth, and some of the folks he's planning on Duluth, and some of the folks he's planning on bringing.bringing.

We're looking for a class or two to adopt the debate We're looking for a class or two to adopt the debate and help us by providing questions and a student and help us by providing questions and a student or two to ask the questions. Anyone interested?or two to ask the questions. Anyone interested?

Hard News 1 Assignment: Due Hard News 1 Assignment: Due 10/1510/15

Any problems?Any problems?– City Council meeting on TuesdayCity Council meeting on Tuesday

Tips:Tips:– In text, review:In text, review:

Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid StoryWriting the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320: p. 319-320 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to FollowOrganizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66: p. 65-66

– Just use said: he said, she saidJust use said: he said, she said– Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three

absolute maxabsolute max– Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 wordsStory length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words– Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or lessWrite strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less– Need attribution from sourcesNeed attribution from sources– Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts!Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts!– Check grading outline – need sources, contact infoCheck grading outline – need sources, contact info– Review class lecture notes at:Review class lecture notes at:

www.d.umn.edu/~lkragneswww.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes Write story in Microsoft Word, doublespaced, and email as Write story in Microsoft Word, doublespaced, and email as

an attachment to: lkragnes@d.umn.eduan attachment to: lkragnes@d.umn.edu

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):66):

Write a terse leadWrite a terse lead Provide backgroundProvide background Present news in order of descending Present news in order of descending

importanceimportance Use quotations early and throughoutUse quotations early and throughout Use transitionsUse transitions Do not editorializeDo not editorialize Avoid “the end”Avoid “the end”

How to cover a council How to cover a council meetingmeeting

Check AgendaCheck Agenda Check meeting ActionCheck meeting Action Don’t be afraid to ask questions after Don’t be afraid to ask questions after

the meetingthe meeting Stay to the end: Other business can Stay to the end: Other business can

be hot news!be hot news! Take lots of notesTake lots of notes

Reporter teams for Hard Reporter teams for Hard News 2 News 2

Team of reportersTeam of reporters– Sign up sheetSign up sheet

List of topicsList of topics Review questions to ask community Review questions to ask community

membersmembers Each student writes own story: Due Each student writes own story: Due

10/2610/26

Review of last week’s Review of last week’s assignmentsassignments

Watch wordiness!Watch wordiness!– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent personAvoid full name in lead unless prominent person– Attempted robberyAttempted robbery– Were let out of school: classes dismissedWere let out of school: classes dismissed

Style errorsStyle errors– DatelinesDatelines– Numerals: When starting sentence, spell outNumerals: When starting sentence, spell out– Correct namesCorrect names– 24-year-old: ages24-year-old: ages– Disc jockey, not disk jockeyDisc jockey, not disk jockey– StatesStates– Time: a.m., p.m.Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old disc jockey was shot early this morning A 24-year-old disc jockey was shot early this morning for refusing to give up his wallet during an for refusing to give up his wallet during an attempted robbery while working at a small radio attempted robbery while working at a small radio station.station.

A new college student employee at the WKQV-FM A new college student employee at the WKQV-FM radio station was shot in the arm while working this radio station was shot in the arm while working this morning by an intruder who was demanding money.morning by an intruder who was demanding money.

A local disc jockey is in stable condition after being A local disc jockey is in stable condition after being shot this morning during an attempted robbery at shot this morning during an attempted robbery at WKQV-FM.WKQV-FM.

Mark Dickson, a radio disc jockey is in stable Mark Dickson, a radio disc jockey is in stable condition after he was shot once for refusing to give condition after he was shot once for refusing to give up his wallet during a robbery early today at the up his wallet during a robbery early today at the WKQV radio station.WKQV radio station.

CHICAGO, Ill. - Classes were cut short Friday at CHICAGO, Ill. - Classes were cut short Friday at Farragut Career Academy High School in Chicago, Farragut Career Academy High School in Chicago, after several small scuffles escalated into gang related after several small scuffles escalated into gang related fistfights, resulting in twenty disorderly conduct fistfights, resulting in twenty disorderly conduct arrests and three injuries.arrests and three injuries.

Twenty high school students were arrested with Twenty high school students were arrested with disorderly conduct on Friday after an escalated scuffle disorderly conduct on Friday after an escalated scuffle broke out into gang-related fistfights resulting in broke out into gang-related fistfights resulting in school closing early.school closing early.

CHICAGO, Ill. – Students from Farragut Career CHICAGO, Ill. – Students from Farragut Career Academy High School were released early on Friday Academy High School were released early on Friday after a scuffle in the lunchroom lead to several gang-after a scuffle in the lunchroom lead to several gang-related fistfights, resulting in the arrests of 20 related fistfights, resulting in the arrests of 20 students for disorderly conduct.students for disorderly conduct.

Three Farragut Career Academy High School students Three Farragut Career Academy High School students received minor injuries and 20 students were arrested received minor injuries and 20 students were arrested in connection to a lunchroom brawl that spread in connection to a lunchroom brawl that spread throughout the building and caused early release of throughout the building and caused early release of students Friday.students Friday.

Review: Writing a summary Review: Writing a summary leadlead

Usually a single sentenceUsually a single sentence No more than 35 wordsNo more than 35 words Bottom line:Bottom line:

– Use a single sentence of no more than Use a single sentence of no more than 35 words to summarize an event35 words to summarize an event

Statesman Guide to WritingStatesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: CourtsChapter 22: Courts

Federal Judicial SystemFederal Judicial System– Supreme CourtSupreme Court– U.S. Court of AppealsU.S. Court of Appeals– U.S. District CourtsU.S. District Courts– U.S. Bankruptcy CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court

Minnesota Judicial SystemMinnesota Judicial System– Supreme CourtSupreme Court– Court of AppealsCourt of Appeals– District CourtsDistrict Courts

Types of court casesTypes of court cases

Criminal CasesCriminal Cases– Enforcement of criminal statutesEnforcement of criminal statutes– Brought by state or federal government Brought by state or federal government

against a person for committing a crime against a person for committing a crime such as murder, armed robberysuch as murder, armed robbery

Civil casesCivil cases– Legal disputes between individuals, Legal disputes between individuals,

businesses, state or local governments, businesses, state or local governments, government agenciesgovernment agencies

– Commonly include suits for damages from Commonly include suits for damages from auto accidents, breach of contract, libelauto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal CasesCriminal Cases

Basic criminal process:Basic criminal process:– Indictment/information filed: Criminal chargeIndictment/information filed: Criminal charge– Warrant issued for arrestWarrant issued for arrest– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to

accusedaccused– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable

causecause– Second arraignment: Plea enteredSecond arraignment: Plea entered

Plea bargaining, jury date setPlea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or juryTrial by judge or jury– Jury reaches verdictJury reaches verdict

Civil casesCivil cases

Basic civil processBasic civil process– Plaintiff files a complaintPlaintiff files a complaint– Defendant served with a summonsDefendant served with a summons– Defendant files pleadingDefendant files pleading– Depositions takenDepositions taken– Appearances before judgeAppearances before judge

Settlement often reachedSettlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judgeTrial scheduled: Either jury or judge– VerdictVerdict

Checklist for covering courtsChecklist for covering courts

Learn the judicial systemLearn the judicial system Learn the record-keeping systemLearn the record-keeping system Provide sufficient background for the Provide sufficient background for the

readerreader Double-check factsDouble-check facts Use complete names, addresses or Use complete names, addresses or

occupationsoccupations– Johnson story exampleJohnson story example

Review of story examplesReview of story examples

BN engines run into coal trainBN engines run into coal train Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun

at deputyat deputy Charities fight for fundsCharities fight for funds Pollution forces Sheridan to replace Pollution forces Sheridan to replace

shale with sandshale with sand Drive for museum tax droppedDrive for museum tax dropped Sawmill storiesSawmill stories

Chapter 15: Weather & Chapter 15: Weather & DisastersDisasters

Covering weatherCovering weather– USA Today: Sets standardUSA Today: Sets standard

Colorful, comprehensiveColorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?How does it affect the readers?– Explaining technical informationExplaining technical information– Weather forecasting servicesWeather forecasting services

National Weather ServiceNational Weather Service AccuWeatherAccuWeather

Types of weather storiesTypes of weather stories

ForecastsForecasts– State, local forecastsState, local forecasts– Long-termLong-term

Same as hard news storiesSame as hard news stories– Select appropriate leadSelect appropriate lead– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first Structure concise, easy-to-understand first

sentencesentence– Quotations from authorities near top of storyQuotations from authorities near top of story– Tell readers what they want to know: how Tell readers what they want to know: how

weather will affect themweather will affect them

Travel conditions, closingsTravel conditions, closings– Road conditionsRoad conditions– School closingsSchool closings

Record-breaking weatherRecord-breaking weather– Storm recordsStorm records

Unusual weatherUnusual weather– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamisTornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis

Seasonal, year-end storiesSeasonal, year-end stories– Go beyond statisticsGo beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP StyleWeather terms: AP Style

Weather terms sectionWeather terms section– Comprehensive section based on Comprehensive section based on

National Weather ServiceNational Weather Service2004 Stylebook:2004 Stylebook:

A term often used incorrectly for seismic A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, sea wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term that is not widely used and a term that is not widely used and should be explained if used.should be explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:2005, 2006 Stylebook:Use tsunami, but explain the term.Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather storiesChecklist for weather stories

Develop sources with National Weather ServiceDevelop sources with National Weather Service Keep in touch with the:Keep in touch with the:

– State PatrolState Patrol– State Department of TransportationState Department of Transportation– Local law enforcement agenciesLocal law enforcement agencies– Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm

cleanupcleanup– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities, Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,

airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus companies, taxi companies, Post Officebus companies, taxi companies, Post Office

Interview local residents caught in the weatherInterview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sourcesOn-line weather sources

““Ask the experts” page on Ask the experts” page on USAToday.comUSAToday.com

CNN.comCNN.com National Weather Service: National Weather Service:

www.NWS.NOOA.govwww.NWS.NOOA.gov AccuWeather: AccuWeather: AccuWeather.comAccuWeather.com Weather Channel: Weather Channel: weather.comweather.com UMD home page: UMD home page: www.d.umn.eduwww.d.umn.edu

Weather story examplesWeather story examples

Tornado at coal mineTornado at coal mine Flash flood in BuffaloFlash flood in Buffalo Blizzard storiesBlizzard stories Snowplows hit the skidsSnowplows hit the skids

Covering disastersCovering disasters

Elements of disaster coverageElements of disaster coverage– The first bulletinsThe first bulletins– Writethrus: Complete stories, update Writethrus: Complete stories, update

bulletinsbulletins 11stst Lead-Writethru, 2 Lead-Writethru, 2ndnd Lead-Writethru, etc. Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”– Including essential informationIncluding essential information– Coordinating coverageCoordinating coverage– Getting the latest leadGetting the latest lead

Two problems for reportersTwo problems for reporters

A pitfall of instantaneous coverageA pitfall of instantaneous coverage– To beat competition, facts often not To beat competition, facts often not

double checkeddouble checked Interviewing victims’ familiesInterviewing victims’ families

– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The Arizona Republicfor The Arizona Republic Many relatives didn’t mind being Many relatives didn’t mind being

interviewed after a disasterinterviewed after a disaster

Covering September 11Covering September 11

First bulletinsFirst bulletins– Radio, TV, InternetRadio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?When did you learn the news? How 9-11 Changed the Evening How 9-11 Changed the Evening

News:News:– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case StudiesJournalism Case Studies

Today:Today:Intruding on grief:Intruding on grief:

Does the public really have a "need to Does the public really have a "need to know?"know?"

Go to:Go to:

http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/gallery/ethics/http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/gallery/ethics/griefint.htmlgriefint.html

- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?What’s misspelled?

1.1. AdditionalAdditional

2.2. AvailibleAvailible

3.3. RestroomsRestrooms

Chapter 23: SportsChapter 23: Sports Evolution of sports writingEvolution of sports writing

– Sports pages consistentSports pages consistent Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, Contest coverage, personality profiles, features,

columnscolumns Go beyond the game: Vikings scandalsGo beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News, 1901News, 1901

– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald TribuneStanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune Still cliches – strive for middle groundStill cliches – strive for middle ground WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & HWWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential

ingredients (5Ws & H), more analyticalingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports High School Sports CoverageCoverage

Terry Henion, Omaha World-HeraldTerry Henion, Omaha World-Herald– ““Kids playing kids’ games”Kids playing kids’ games”

Reporters must keep statsReporters must keep stats– No sports information directorsNo sports information directors

Not really covering, more documentingNot really covering, more documenting Stringers: College students covering high Stringers: College students covering high

school sportsschool sports Quotes from losing, winning coaches & Quotes from losing, winning coaches &

playersplayers

Reporting SportsReporting Sports

Working with statisticsWorking with statistics– Box scoresBox scores– Team statisticsTeam statistics– Individual statisticsIndividual statistics– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play Review statistics for trends: play-by-play

chartscharts

Going beyond statisticsGoing beyond statistics– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous

parents in standsparents in stands– Policies for post-game interviewsPolicies for post-game interviews

Cool-down timeCool-down time

– Talk to coachesTalk to coaches– Talk to playersTalk to players– Talk to trainersTalk to trainers

A showcase for good writingA showcase for good writing Beyond the game – contracts, Beyond the game – contracts,

courtrooms, boardroomscourtrooms, boardrooms

Checklist for sportswritersChecklist for sportswriters Go with a summary lead if warranted, but Go with a summary lead if warranted, but

more room to be creative.more room to be creative. Avoid chronological approachesAvoid chronological approaches Blend facts, turning points, quotations, Blend facts, turning points, quotations,

statistics, analysisstatistics, analysis Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘emAvoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we

whipped ‘em goodwhipped ‘em good Use vivid description when appropriateUse vivid description when appropriate Double-check spellingsDouble-check spellings Do your homeworkDo your homework

Online sports sourcesOnline sports sources

National Collegiate Athletic Association:National Collegiate Athletic Association:– www2.ncaa.orgwww2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association: National Basketball Association: www.nba.comwww.nba.com

National Football League: National Football League: http://www.nfl.comhttp://www.nfl.com

Major League Baseball: www.mlb.comMajor League Baseball: www.mlb.com ESPN: www.espn.go.comESPN: www.espn.go.com

Sports Story Reporting Sports Story Reporting AssignmentAssignment

Story pitch due 10/3: No more than Story pitch due 10/3: No more than three paragraphs, or 200 wordsthree paragraphs, or 200 words

Go with classmates when Go with classmates when interviewing after the gameinterviewing after the game

Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information DirectorInformation Director

UMD sports schedulesUMD sports schedules– Detailed information at:Detailed information at:

www.umdbulldogs.comwww.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: Out-of-class assignment due: 10/1510/15

AP Stylebook EditingAP Stylebook Editing– Sports SectionSports Section– Weather termsWeather terms

Tonight’s assignmentTonight’s assignment

City Council MeetingCity Council Meeting– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council

meeting from March 19meeting from March 19– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more

than 300 words in class:than 300 words in class: email by end of class to lkragnes@d.umn.eduemail by end of class to lkragnes@d.umn.edu

– OK to use computer to take notesOK to use computer to take notes– Relax! Assignment worth total of 10 pointsRelax! Assignment worth total of 10 points

Style errors will be deducted!Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:Who’s on the City Council:

http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.htmlhttp://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

EgradebookEgradebook

Doublecheck assignments correct in Doublecheck assignments correct in egradebook:egradebook:– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebookhttp://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

PortfolioPortfolio

Store academic information in your Store academic information in your Electronic Portfolio. Each student has Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100 mb of storage.100 mb of storage.

Access Electronic Portfolio at: Access Electronic Portfolio at: https://https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.jspportfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.jsp