Modern News Editing: Chapter 2

After reading Chapter Two (“Deciding What’s News”), I had a bunch of thoughts swirling around in my head that I will now formulate into a coherent presentation. Hold on to your hats (scarves, gloves, and other belongings that may not be entirely secure)! These thoughts encompass two overall points that I took away from the chapter: 1) changing demographics concerning newspaper readership, and 2) shifting views in regards to what news matters to readers.

One area that has newspaper executives worried is demographics. According to the text, “their audiences are getting older, and younger people are not replacing them” (32). Therefore, newspaper executives are faced with the daunting task of appealing to a new generation of readers. To do this, they have to understand the difference between these generations. I think, personally, one of the best things a newspaper (or news organization in general, such as MSNBC or CNN) can do is have a web based component/supplement for their main news source. This is because the generations and demographics that news executives are now trying to reach are the ones that are more mobile than ever. We are always on the go. Specifically, people of my generation can be found juggling many things at once –everything from work, school, and families to hobbies and volunteering. So, we need a news source that we can access instantly for the latest coverage. We may not have time to pick up a newspaper, but we may have time to check the news on our BlackBerry or sneak a peak at CNN.com on our lunch break.

Another reason that I think news organizations would attract new readership with web supplements is that that generation has practically grown up with the Internet and see it is as something that connects them with others in their community, across the nation, and across the world. We are use to the interactivity the Internet offers, and we no longer want to be a passive audience that simple receives the news. We are no longer complacent with linear communication. We are children of mass and web communication where we receive the news, but then expect and want to be able to interact with it, to share our opinions on it, and then send the news further to other in our social circle. Social media sites, like Facebook and MySpace, have been especially helpful in this endeavor.

Similarly, the book talked about how young readers “wanted stories that helped them connect with the world. This involves both increased international coverage and stories about people around the world, to help them relate to a global community” (32). That was not surprising at all because we have used the Internet to foster interconnectedness with people around the world that we never otherwise would have met. Therefore, international news has become more important. Also, I see our changing economic times as possibly leading a shift in what news readers see as important.

There has always been a battle between wants and needs. And that is no different within news organizations. Editors have been at odds about whether their audiences want serious, sold news or whether they simply crave celebrity and entertainment. I was always fast to say that editors need to stop spoon feeding our nation sensationalism. And I do agree that “editors should try to help (readers) see and understand (the) significance” of any news story (29). Nowadays, I believe that people are starting to realize that they need to know and understand what is going on around them, not just locally, but nationally and internationally as well. They are seeing the interconnectedness of things. Our nation stands amidst a historic presidency that has the ability to affect positive change in our uncertain economic times. I think, the American citizens now realize that they, too, have the power to affect change. Therefore, their concerns may shift towards learning about serious news issues rather than dabbling in celebrity gossip. I think Americans see what hiding within in sensationalized, celebrity dribble disguised as news has gotten them, and now they are ready to face the challenges and beauty that this country and world has to offer. (That could be too poetic, but I think my point is clear.)

And, so as not to ramble much longer, I offer one final thought. News organizations are given the challenge of deciding what constitutes news. To do this, they consider things like “timeliness, proximity, conflict, impact, prominence and novelty” (30). And while they do not tell their audiences what to think, they certainly tell them what to think about. That is why as readers we need to be able to trust in our news organizations that they will make the best decisions they can. We also then need to be able to discern bias in the media and be able to acquire our own sources of reliable news media, when ones we are used to fall short. There has to be give and take. And just as there needs to be serious, solid news stories, there should also, always, be room for Snoopy.

Modern News Editing: Chapter 1

In reading the first chapter of Modern News Editing, I was struck with a few different thoughts. One involved the level of committment each news orgnization had to serving the interests and demands of their specific audience as well as the importance of keeping up with the convergence of technology. Secondly, my thoughts focused on the pressures of the newsroom.

News reporting and putting out a newspaper is more than just writing, editing, and compiling stories for print and web distribution. In fact, there is almost an art form (or at least, an awareness) that must go into selecting which stories to cover and which of those stories ends up where within the paper and/or their companion websites. And a major factor in deciding what is "news" depends on how it impacts their readers. With the News-Sentinel from Northern Californa, they selected their stories for the front page based on which ones were most appealing and informative to their readers. In one section, the assistant city editor, Jennifer Bonnett, reminded a reporter to "keep in mind why the new school is important to readers" (7).

In Mercury News's newsroom, they accomodate their readers' needs by acting on trends they find within their readership. Specifically, the track the vistors to their website and found that there is a spike in visitors after the stock market closes (1pm on the West coast). In finding this out, they developed new columns and bits of news for the website to give more news to their web readers. Another way that Mercury News focuses on its readers and giving them what they want came about when the television reporter fought to get the city hall story on the air "because of its importance to taxpayers in the city" (19). I thought it was great how reader impact was such a huge factor (instead of say . . . sensationalism) in deciding the importance of news. And, I thought it was in the best interest of both the paper and readers to really take action when they found something interesting in their website visitor statistics. Another really cool thing I liked about this organization was that some specially tagged stories will automatically post to their website. That is definately using technology to their advantage to save time and reach their audience in a timely manner. YAY!

SFGate.com is an online news source that also uses statistics to its advantage in reading readers. Each day the morning editor checks the each story's statistics to which story was viewed the most. This is crucial to finding out what sorts of stories your audience is interested in. Another thing that is interesting about this publication is that the centerpiece (main story) is flipped throughout the day, so that readers can be informed of breaking or important news as it happens throughout the day. They, the readers, can really use this web publication to stay abreast of what is happening.

Finally, one thing I thought about after reading this chapter is that I would rather be an editor than an actual reporter. While I have no doubt that I could write the stories, I think the situation would be too stressful. I would, however, not mind being a copy editor. I would still be working with the paper and would be a vital part of the team. And, I could get to read a variety of stories, which I am always up for. All in all, I wouldn't mind working with a newspaper in some capacity, just not as a reporter. Copy editing might be more my speed, and more my style.

So, this chapter taught me: Know your audience (and there are cool, statistical ways to do that) and, then in turn, use that knowledge to give them the best quality news possible in the format that best suits them (i.e. print or tv or online).

Reflective Thoughts about Media and Government and Me

Nikkie Prosperini
Media and Government
11/24/08

Before this course, I really do not know what my attitudes were towards media coverage of government. I suppose, I would have thought it negative, just because then I was not at all fond of our government. All that I really heard about before hand was about scandals involving political figures or something about how Bush’s approval ratings were dropping (not exactly a shocker, but it was in the news).

After this course, I have sort of come away with a new mode of thinking in that perhaps there is some difference between government and politics. So, while media coverage of politics can be negative, media coverage of the government could be positive, or vice versa.

But even after this course, I think that our media is not doing its job as well as it should! Postman’s book and looking at so much of the election coverage brought that home for me this semester. Our media really needs to step up and take a stand in the types of stories they choose to feed our nation. It is like we have said in class: The media may not tell us what to think, but they tell us what to think about. And, I think our society needs to be thinking more about real issues in our world not celebrity gossip or rumors about political figures.

Also from this course, I learned more about politics and elections than I ever knew before. Studying everything that was talked about and looking at how things were covered and how the coverage shifted during different times of the election was interesting as well. It was interesting to look at the trends in coverage, and I think I learned how to better spot those trends from taking this course. I think we are all very lucky to have been taking this course during the 2008 Presidential Election. This course has also taught me that’s it is okay to stick to your beliefs if you have sound reason behind them, regardless of what others think.

I don’t know that I wished I had learned any more from this course. I am very pleased with what was learned. I took a lot from this course and will continue to use the knowledge that I have gained in the future. I definitely feel like I am more of a well-rounded person for having taken this course. It gave me more insight into politics and government and media, which were some areas that I was lacking sufficient knowledge in. Thanks, Doc.

The How To Blog About How To Get Started in Freelance Writing

So, you have the degree, that little piece of paper that's hung in a nice frame on your wall or suffocating under books, bills, and spare change on your desk. You're out of school, and nothing in the local classifieds seems to be calling your name. What's the next step? Well, for you, and other professionals looking to make it in the writing world, my advice is to consider freelancing.

What? You don't know how to get started? Well, here are my top 3 tips on how to get started in freelance writing.

1. Make sure you have everything you need to stay on top of the game. And you don't even have to spend thousands of dollars on top of the line gadgets, leather brief cases, or cool looking fountain pens. (Although any of those things could make fantastic holiday gifts, so spread the word to your family around shopping time.) Still, you need to find what works for you. What is the best way for you to organize your ideas, emails, contact information, drafts, etc.? Once you consider those things, check out dailywritingtips.com for a list of what every freelance writer needs to get started.

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/top-tools-to-get-started-in-freelance-writing/

2. Practice writing. I know you've just got done writing all those papers and projects from college, but this is the real world now. And you if you don't practice, you're freelance writing career will fall faster than Little George Bush's approval rating. Start off small and talk to your local paper. Also, don't be afraid to practice writing different versions query letters for your stories. Then ask a friend or colleague what they think! Do some exploring on Aboutfreelancewriting.com for some more information.

http://aboutfreelancewriting.com/articles/gettingstarted/bestwaystogetstarted.htm

3. Consider all of the different types of writing opportunities available. Sure, everyone wants that Time magazine cover story, but you need to think realistically when just starting out. There are tons of different writing jobs out there. You just may need to think outside the box a little bit. Consider writing for free or writing greeting cards to build up your clip file. Associated Content and E Working Women both have excellent information on various types of writing that could get your started in the freelance world.

Associated Content

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/382589/five_tips_on_how_to_build_your_freelance.html?cat=3

E Working Women

http://www.eworkingwomen.com/experts/writer.html

Finally . . . . think positively about the baby steps you may have to take to get to where you want to be with your writing career. Everyone walks before they run. You just may write greeting cards before your Newsweek cover.

Feature Story Query Letter

Jane Doe
Editor
Woman’s Day Magazine
1633 Broadway, 42nd FloorNew York, New York 10019November 14, 2008

Dear Jane Doe,

Proposed Article:
Ballot for the Unborn: The Story of One Mother’s Vote

A little over a month ago, a young woman stood behind a small, black voting booth to cast her ballot for the next President of the United States. To anyone else, this ballot, with its bubbles colored in meticulously with black ink and then hidden within a confidential folder, didn’t seem at all different from the ones cast before it and the tens of thousands to be cast after it. To 26-year old Elizabeth Kerns, however, this vote meant much more. This is because it was cast not for herself, but for her children.

My article will feature the decision behind one woman’s vote, while also looking at how different aspects of society have changed over the course of her life. This section will include information on economic changes, such as food and gasoline prices, and cultural changes such as the #1 television shows and movies.

I believe that my article would be a great addition to your “Family” section in Woman’s Day. This is because, in addition to my story, I will include a sidebar with money saving tips for those families looking to stretch their paychecks in our currently struggling economy.

With my article, your readers will find themselves learning about another family like theirs, one that shares many of the same values, concerns and hopes for the world as they do. They will also be able to take comfort in knowing that families all over the nation are trying their hardest to give their families the love and support they need to thrive in our world today.

As your publication prefers electronic correspondence, I will be in touch via email within the next few weeks to see how my proposed article was received. Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,


Nikkie Prosperini
1111 Street Ave.
Springfield, IL. 62704.
123-456-7890

Feature Story

Ballot for the Unborn
The Story of One Mother’s Vote

By Nikkie Prosperini

SPRINGFIELD, IL - - A little over a month ago, a young woman stood behind a small, black voting booth to cast her ballot for the next President of the United States.

To anyone else, this ballot, with its bubbles colored in meticulously with black ink and then hidden within a confidential folder, didn’t seem at all different from the ones cast before it and the tens of thousands to be cast after it.

To 26-year old Elizabeth Kerns, however, this vote meant much more. This is because it was cast not for herself, but for her children.

She and husband Matthew, who works with home mortgages at Wells Fargo, reside in Chatham, Illinois, just a few miles south of Springfield.

The two are awaiting the arrival of their second child, who they affectionately refer to as ‘Peanut,’ in April of 2009. Their first son, Caden Matthew, is just over a year old.

“I want them to be able to look forward to a long, healthy life without worrying if money will be there when they retire,” Kerns said. “I also want them to be able to afford to go to college.”

And college is something that holds a special place in Kerns’s heart.

Both of her parents were college professors, and Kerns herself works part time as a communications professor at Springfield College-Benedictine University in Springfield, Illinois.

“I’ve just grown up around it,” she said. “And I really love working with the students I meet.”

But mother and college professor aren’t the only time cards Kerns punches throughout the week.

She is also the Director of Local Chamber Relations and Event Coordinator for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce as well as the incoming President for the Illinois chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

However, it’s not only Kerns’s love of keeping busy that has her taking on so many posts.

“It all helps because day care is so expensive, especially with the second baby coming,” Kerns said.

And perhaps it was her busy schedule that had Kerns voting earlier for Barack Obama as our next President.

“I’m a registered Democrat, but very independent in my thinking,” she said, going on to describe herself as “fiscally conservative, but socially liberal.”

And it was her “socially liberal” views that had Kerns relating more to Illinois Senator Barack Obama than Arizona Senator John McCain.

“Personally, I feel that he (Obama) represents me better if you look at the large scope of things,” Kerns said.

“I’m not for big government, but, I especially believe in issues like education and our image to foreign countries and companies,” she continued. “I think Obama will represent our country better than McCain.”

While some questions had risen during the campaign about Obama’s qualifications to be President, Kerns does not see his lesser amount of experience as an obstacle to his adequately governing the nation.

“His passion spoke to me first,” Kerns said. “I then looked at where he had done in the past and where he wants to take us. That’s what qualifies him for me.”

Even if the amount of Obama’s experience was an issue for Kerns, she believes that his choice of Joe Biden for his Vice President was a wise decision.

(Although, she was hoping that Hilary Clinton got the part.)

“It was a good choice with Biden because Obama’s weakness is foreign policy,” Kerns said. “Biden is established in Washington, but forward thinking. They compliment each other well.”

It is the Obama/Biden approach to foreign policy that makes Kerns want to vote for that ticket.

“I think their approach to foreign policy will get us on the right track,” she said. “Within the last ten years, Middle Eastern and Muslim hatred toward the United States has grown.”

And even Kerns’s own career has been disrupted by this tension between the Middle East and the United States.

“They pulled an internship to Prague that I was supposed to go on.” Kerns said. “And, I was supposed to intern in Alexandria, Egypt in 2002, but they pulled that because of fears that I could get abducted.”

Along with foreign affairs, Kerns lists the current economic situation as the biggest problem or challenge facing our country today.

“This is a global recession, and we need to bring the country back to equal ground,” Kerns said. “If we can’t play nice with the rest of the world, no one will help us. And this is when the whole world needs to come together.”

And Kerns admits that she isn’t exactly sure what needs to be done to help our country in the midst of the recession or to help the United States rework the image it projects to the rest of the world.

“I do know,” she said. “It will take the whole world working together.”

And while it is uncertain, at this point, if the whole world will be able to work together for change, it is certain that virtually the whole world has changed since Kerns was born in 1982.

There have been changes in everything from life expectancy to the rate of inflation to the price per gallon of gasoline.

But what do all these changes mean in terms of the type of world ‘Peanut’ Kerns will be born into in 2009?

Well, Peanut can expect to live a little longer than his or her parents as the average life expectancy has increased a few percentage points since mom was born.

But, Peanut’s parents will be paying more for food than his or her grandparents did. Eggs in 1982 cost $.84 per dozen where now they cost over $2. And the price of a gallon of milk has increased from $2.24 in 1982 to around $4.28 in 2008.

Peanut will grow up with the Internet, and probably prefer WALL-E over E.T.

He or she will probably be bombarded with more reality T.V. shows than ever, while only encountering Cheers and Taxi in reruns on channels like Nick at Nite or T.V. Land.

Kerns will most likely be the first to admit that the world her children will grow up in will be different from the one she knew in the 1980’s.

The voting of this past presidential election has already told us that.

On November 4th, 2008, the citizens of the United States of America elected the first African American president to office.

And Kerns helped that historic moment come to fruition.

It was done quietly and alone.

It was done by the darkening of an oval on the Illinois ballot next to the name that read: Barack Obama.

Even as prices change and rates for this or that increase or decrease, Kerns believes that Barack Obama will lead our nation to a better place, where we as a nation will be economically stable and in better standing with the rest of the world.

In short, the hope Kerns sees in the presidency of Barack Obama runs deep.

She sees hope for her family’s future: for herself and her husband, for their son, Caden, who toddles around exploring his world with bright, blue eyes, and hope for their Peanut, the one who still awaits his or her entrance into these changing times.

Query Letter 11.12.08 or Sparkle and Three-toed pandas!

Query Letter:

1. Sparkle: Will more often than not look a lot like your story lede. Could be a rhetorical question. To hook interest and demonstrate that your story is right down their alley. This should be the best example of how you can right, throughout the entire query letter.
2. Credentials: Mention the previous publications in which you have been published.
3. Showcase your skills: - Rite reall good Your query letter should sparkle without.
4. Close letter: Set a follow up

Other helpful tidbits that will no doubt help you and your query letter sparkle:

1. Before writing your query letter, read two or three copies of the magazines to which you wish to submit.
2. Generally, keep query letters to one-page in length.
3. For email queries, write no more than a single screen, and do not send email attachments. (Doc recommends copying and pasting any attachments into the body of the email.)
4. Include date.
5. Should be addressed to the appropriate editor.
6. Stay away from, if at all possible, from titles such as Mr., Ms., Mrs.
7. Use formal address, such as Dear Mike Smith, but not Dear Mr. Smith because hey, Mike Smith could be a girl named Mike.
8. Don't stress if perhaps they "steal" a story idea you sent to them. Just don't query to them anymore. They aren't worth it.
9. That void where unanswered query letters go is the same place as where the lost socks from the dryer end up. Who knew!

Links to helpful websites about query letters (that sparkle!):

http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-query-letter/