News as it Happens- An Introduction to Journalism

News as it Happens- An introduction to Journalism

Stephen Lamble

This excerpt goes through a history of journalism terms and compares the past journalistic basics to the present. I found it interesting how many people were used in the past for one newspaper. These being: journalists, sub-editors, photographers, typesetters, compositors, editors, copytakers, proof-readers, darkroom operators, printers and those in system orders.

This article also provides the history of the terms journalism, Mass media and the idea of the global village or electric technology as it was once known.

Convergent Journalism- An Introduction

Convergent Journalism- An Introduction
Stephen Quinn, Vincent F. Filak

What difference does it make if you live in a picturesque little outhouse

surrounded by 300 feeble minded goats and your faithful dog . . .? The

question is: Can you write?

—Ernest Hemingway

This article talks about the way the internet has changed journalism. It speaks about the way the general public are able to express opinions and in thier way become thier own journalists. It also speaks about the danger of news being handled by uninformed and biased citizens of the public and the need we still have for trained proffesional journalists.

One of the main questions posed in this article is 'Can people write?'
Honestly I believe that most people cannot write and in this generalisation I by no means exclude myself. I can not stand leet speak and lol, rofl, brb, lmfao, gr8 ect., but I dont think these terms are what make this generation unable to write. After completeing the Fundamentals of Writing course last semester I realized just how much I did not know about writing. Grammar and sentence structure were covered briefly by my grade five teacher over a period of three weeks. From this class I learnt a noun was a object or thing (yes, a thing), a verb was a doing word and an advective was a describing word. I learnt what a full stop was, a comma, an exclamation mark, an apostrophe and speech marks. That was it for 9 years. The lack of grammar and sentence structure taught in primary and high school is no where near what it should be. By going through the Fundamentals of Writing course I have been made aware of some of the mistakes I have been making over the year. But ask me the different situations in which 'who' and 'whom' should be used and I still wont be able to tell you. I think it is never to late to learn but to fix 19 years of mistakes seems almost impossible. I would prefer it if no mistakes were made to begin with.

I thought I would include some of the tips for writing well as suggested in this article:

Interviews:

people, but also people with a wide array of perspectives. Some

educators and journalists say that you should get as many “sides”

as possible, but in setting yourself up that way, you might lose

out on some good perspectives. Only interviewing people for or

against something sets them in opposition to each other. It also

tends to paint an issue in black or white and ignore the subtle

grays. This kind of broad view is especially important for

personality profiles. Think of the professor who is teaching your

class, for example. As a student, you view that professor in a

certain way. Perhaps the person is an authority figure. Perhaps

the person is viewed as a good leader. Perhaps the person is

viewed as ruling with an iron fist. No matter how many students

you interview, the perspective will always be limited by that

student–teacher relationship. By expanding the list of interview

subjects, you can find out more about this teacher. What does

your teacher’s boss think of him or her? Would your teacher’s

spouse add a different perspective? Friends, relatives, and

coworkers all provide some interesting views on your subject.

Even the most powerful person in the world has a mother.

•

can gather. Daily deadlines, late-breaking news, and other

delights prevent you from getting as much information as you

would like. As one of my favorite journalism teachers used to

say, “Journalism is never done. It’s just due.” However, when

you have the opportunity to get more information, take

advantage. You might not use it all, but you’re better off having

it and not needing it than needing it and not having it. Get the

extra source or the extra document and you’ll feel secure in

what you are working on. You also want to make sure that you

get additional contact information from your sources, if

possible. This will allow you to contact them outside of the

office if you run into more questions as your story develops.

•

and bringing it to light. Depth means a richness of reporting that

can allow the reader to experience the story in a variety of ways.

For example, don’t tell the readers that a fire damaged a house.

Show your readers the charred frame, the blackened windows,

Make sure you talk not only to a good number ofNever enough: In many cases, time is a huge factor in what youDeeper is better: Depth doesn’t always mean unearthing a scandal

and the grimy soot that permeates every inch of the rickety

remains. Give the readers a big sniff of the horrible stench

emanating from the structure. Allow your readers feel the

crunch of the burnt wood the firefighters walked over as they

fought the blaze. Report with all of your senses and you’ll help

your audience feel more deeply connected to the scene.

(pg 42-43)
 

Vanity Fair Article: The Secret World of Serge Gainsbourg

The Secret World of Serge Gainsbourg
This 2007 article by Lisa Robinson is an in depth article of my favourite iconic french singer Serge Gainsbourg. I believe this article is an example of great journalism and for a fan like me was a real insight into gainsbourgs life. Thier were interviews with Jane Birkin, Bambou and Serges daughter Charlotte which each shed light on different facets of Gainsbourgs character. I love the fact that Gainsbourgs apartment has not been changed, there is still the life size image of Bridgette Bardot and the statue of the cabbage head man. this article covered the final moments of Gainsborgs life and the arftermarth of his death.

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg on the set of the movie Slogan, June 1968. By Gilles Caron/Contact Press Images.

It may seem strange that a character like Gainsbourg could be such an inspriation but through it all he lived life and never gave up on his passions right to the very end.

Article Link: http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/11/gainsbourg200711

Annotated Bibliography

JOUR1111

Annotated Bibliography

Sarah Clarry

28^th October 2011

Annotated bibliography

Using the framework of Harcup and O’Neill’s 2001 definition of news values this annotated bibliography aims to display what angles or pathways are taken in displaying an important news story across three differing news mediums. The current news story focused on in this annotated bibliography is the earthquake in Turkey. This article will examine a news story from SBS radio, an article from ABC news and a video from BBC: News Europe.

Harcup, T. (2009). Journalism: Principles and Practice: Second Edition. London: SAGE Publications.

Tony Harcup is an author, editor and researcher whose two main works ‘The Ethical Journalist’ and ‘Journalism’ have become staple texts for most universities. A major milestone in Harcup’s career was in 2001 when he and fellow researcher O’Neill revisited the news values of Galtung and Ruge and adapted them for a more modern audience. On page 39 Harcup states that his selection of news values ‘are an attempt to update and develop an earlier taxonomy of news values’ (Harcup, 2009). In his book Harcup writes about the way journalists decide on what is newsworthy and what angle should be taken on a particular story. Chapter three in particular focuses on the way gatekeepers, news frames, news pegs, news values and the construction of the news all play a part in the selection process. In the text Harcup backs up all his arguments with examples, quotes and citations throughout the text. He also offers the reader with opinions from other researchers that do not agree with his ideas and responds to their claims. Harcup uses the studies of ‘Randall’ and ‘Galtung and Ruge’ to further his points on newsworthiness by using elements of their studies in his own. At the end of each chapter Harcup provides a summary of the chapter, questions to make sure the text has been understood and further reading suggestions.

Ross, M. (2011, October 27). Despair and hope among Turkish quake survivors. ABC News, Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-27/aid-worker-on-turkish-earthquake/3603530

Monique Ross is a journalist for ABC News Online and has been working there since 2009.

The author in this piece presents the preliminary facts upfront stating the magnitude of the quake and the death toll. To help readers locate the geographical location, a map of Turkey is provided to readers with markings of the affected areas. After the introduction the focus is then shifted to the recovery efforts of the people. These are displayed though a series of pictures taken of the locals trying to rebuild their lives. The pictures are taken by the director of international disaster relief, David Darg, which gives the pictures credibility. Under each image is a small description of the image and following this are quotes from David Darg on the situation in Turkey. An Example is as follows:

Photo: Turkish children laugh in a tent city in Ercis (Flickr: David Darg, Operation Blessing)

“But at the same time you see these kids in the camps and some of them still manage to put on a smile and remain joyful. It’s pretty amazing when you see the hope on people’s faces after everything they’ve been through.” David Darg

This article uses its images to inspire hope in its readers and sympathy for the badly injured. It is informative and appeals to the reader’s sentiment.

Twomey, Enda. (Reporter). (2011, October 24). CCTV shows moment when earthquake struck Turkey [Video Footage]. BBC: News Europe, Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15437414

Enda Twomey is a reporter for BBC news and previously covered the London Bombings. Enda Twomey specializes in coverage of world news through both audio and visual mediums.

This video provides the viewer with video footage through street cameras of when the earthquake hit turkey. It shows terrified citizens congregated in the middle of streets and other running from their houses. Twomey provides a voice over as the video plays stating the death count, the magnitude of the quake and the amount injured by the falling rubble. The information is presented in a serious manner befitting the situation with no sign of stress in the voice. This video provides its viewer with very close insight into what happened in Turkey and gives a very bleak outlook. This piece constructed as a more emotive piece than informative. The language used in the piece acts as a description set in the present tense.

“ As the earthquake takes hold trees begin to shake and crowds of terrified people begin to rush onto the streets” Enda Twomey

This language gives the viewer a feeling of being in the disaster and the idea that this is occurring right now. The video is used in this way to shock the viewer and gain a reaction.

Atkinson, Clare. (News Speaker). (2011, October 27, 11.02am). Latest Radio Bulletin [Radio News Bulletin]. SBS radio one, Retrieved from http://www.sbs.com.au/radio/

Clare Atkinson is a Sydney based journalist who currently works for SBS radio- World News.

The speaker provides the listener with an informative view on the earthquake in Turkey. The speaker uses the geographical information to give the reader a better idea of location stating the worst affected area in the city of Van (Ercis), as well as stating the magnitude and the amount believed to be injured and dead. The speaker furthers this news by mentioning the help of the neighbouring Israelis and their aid efforts. The speaker provides information about the diplomatic tensions from previous events between the countries and provides the listeners with an excerpt from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu which gives credibility to the story. This use of a famous and powerful voice in the radio bulletin brings the story up to another level. This Bulletin approaches the natural disaster in a diplomatic and informative manner that leaves the reader feeling satisfied that the information they are receiving is credible and correct.

By completing this analysis of each of the news stories it is evident that each had a different intention and accordingly used a different angle to its news story. The ABC story sought to inspire hope and sentiment in its reader. The story in Turkey is original newsworthy for the fact it is classed as ‘Bad News’ and ‘Surprise’ news. (Harcup & O’Neill, 2001). The ABC article ads to this two more news values: ‘Good News’ and ‘Follow-ups’. (Harcup & O’ Niell) Because the issue has already been a big news story the fact that this is a follow increases its newsworthiness. The fact that this story gives the reader positive overtones as well as negative can also increase its newsworthiness because everyone likes to see a happy ending.

The video clip from Enda Twomey sought to shock audiences with footage of the earthquake occurring. By doing this the video emphasises on the fact that the earthquake is bad news which increases its newsworthiness.

The SBS radio Bulletin gave its listeners all the facts. It was informative and to the point giving the listeners confidence in the news. The radio bulletin used ‘The power elite’ to increase the newsworthiness of the segment (Harcup & O’Neill, 2001). The segment used the speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to highlight some of the efforts being made by other nations to help turkey in its struggles.

APA STYLE REFERENCE LIST

Atkinson, Clare. (News Speaker). (2011, October 27, 11.02am). Latest Radio Bulletin        [Radio News Bulletin]. SBS radio one, Retrieved from                                              http://www.sbs.com.au/radio/

Harcup, T. (2009). Journalism: Principles and Practice: Second Edition. London:               SAGE Publications.

Ross, M. (2011, October 27). Despair and hope among Turkish quake survivors. ABC        News, Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-27/aid-worker-on        -turkish-earthquake/3603530

Twomey, Enda. (Reporter). (2011, October 24). CCTV shows moment when earthquake    struck Turkey [Video Footage]. BBC: News Europe, Retrieved from                     http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15437414

Investigative Journalism

Investigative Journalism

"An investigative journalist is a man or woman whose profession it is to discover the truthand to identify lapses from itin whatever media may be available. The act of doing this generally is called investigative journalismand is distinct from apparently similar work done by police, lawyers, auditors and regulatory bodies ...” (2000)

Investigative Journalism should be:　

Investigative

Intellegent

Informed

Intuitive

Inside

Invest

Role of Investigative journalism1. Critical and thorough journalism
Critical= The Journalist is an active participant

Thorough= Journalist makes a substansive effort, time spent, sources consulted ect.


2. Custodians of conscience
Investigation takes society’s morals and norms and holds breaches up to public scrutiny; in other words, what they call ‘civic vice’ is exposed for society to respond.

3. To provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account
Social Justice –power to the powerless, voice to the voiceless.
"PUBLIC INTEREST" –the key idea.
4. Fourth Estate / Fourth Branch of Govt/ "Watchdog"
Journalists represent the interests of those without power to balance the power of government. Journalists ensure free flows of information necessary for the functioning of democracy by interrogating the judiciary, executive and legislature. Journalists make accountable public personalities and institutions whose functions impact social and political life
TYPES OF INVESTIGATION INTERACTION
Interviews
Observations
Documents
Briefings
Leaks
Trespass
Theft
INVESTIGATION METHODS

Interviewing
Numerous interviews with on-the-record sources as well as, in some instances, interviews with anonymous sources eg. whistleblowers

Observing
Investigation of technical issues, scrutiny of government and business practices and their effects. Research into social and legal issues

Analysing documents
(law suits, legal docs, tax records, corporate financials, FOI (Freedom of Information) material)

Threats to investigative journalism
ONLINE NEWS: Less Money = Less Journalists + Less Time = Less Investigative Journalism

Amy Winehouse Album to be released

This was the news I had been waiting for. So, yes Amy Winehouse has always been in the news and her recent death, post mortem results and other stories have all been at the forefront. but finally some good news. Amy winehouses new album should be released around Christmas.

More information: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2056135/New-Amy-Winehouse-album-Lioness-Hidden-Treasures-released.html

Adgenda Setting

Adgenda Setting- Donald Shaw, Maxwell Mcombs, Renita Coleman and David Weaver

Adgenda Setting: "the process of the mass media presenting certain issues frequently and prominently with the result that large segments of the public come to percieve those issues as more important than others."

This article goes into great depth about the impact and the mechanics of adgenda setting in the media. An interesting point raised is that the theory of adgenda setting has been adopted by other disiplines such as health communication, political communication and business.

I also found it interesting that the development of the adgenda setting theory rose from those who were wrried about the influence of the 'pictures in our head'. Whenever I think about the influence of the media I always arrived at the radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds broadcast. To get such an immense reaction from the spoken word ia really amazing. It is A lot easier than people think to influence others through the media.

Reading this article make me wonder what would happen if the focus of the news was slowly changed and things that are of little impotance of the news were brought to the forefront. I also wonder what the relevance sometimes of the latest Lindsay Lohan trial when there are so many other stories that could be covered.

I thought a good point covered was a consumers 'need for orientation'. People use the media to understand the events that are happening around them. I think the problem with some is that they take what is said as truth. Even if something seems clear people must realise that there is more than one way to look at things.