Assignments
1. Read Ch 6 in News Reporting and Writing text
2. Write story from Lede 2 information
3. Write story from Lede 3 information
4. Start reporting Centurion story – do research on background
5. Newspaper clip – example of hard news story that shows how to develop and substantiate info that is in the lede, including use of quotes.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Class Notes -- Sept. 29, 2008
Class 4 – Journalism 175Sept. 29
1. New Quiz
2. AP Stylebook Quiz 3
3. Review Lede 2 computer bug knocks students off network)
4. Write Lede 3 (Elizabeth Edwards talks about cancer)
5. Discuss story ideas
6. Start writing story for “Lead 2” info.
Assignments
1. Read Ch 6 in News Reporting and Writing text
2. Write story from Lede 2 information
3. Write story from Lede 3 information
4. Start reporting Centurion story – do research on background,
5. Newspaper clip – example of hard news story that shows how to develop and substantiate info that is in the lede, including use of quotes.
1. New Quiz
2. AP Stylebook Quiz 3
3. Review Lede 2 computer bug knocks students off network)
4. Write Lede 3 (Elizabeth Edwards talks about cancer)
5. Discuss story ideas
6. Start writing story for “Lead 2” info.
Assignments
1. Read Ch 6 in News Reporting and Writing text
2. Write story from Lede 2 information
3. Write story from Lede 3 information
4. Start reporting Centurion story – do research on background,
5. Newspaper clip – example of hard news story that shows how to develop and substantiate info that is in the lede, including use of quotes.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Class Notes -- Sept. 22, 2008
Class 3 – Journalism 175
9/22/08
In-class work
1. News quiz
2. AP Stylebook Quiz 2
3. Review Lede 2
4. Write Lede 3
Chapter 2 – News Reporting and Writing
Components of the story
1. Accuracy-- check facts-- be precise-- observe firsthand-- secondhand accounts-- thirdhand accounts: police reporting witness’ account; source quoting primary source
2. Attribution-- Quotes-- Information from sources-- Delayed-- Catch-all: police, fire marshal-- Page 38-9: attribution at start of lede -- Attribution does not guarantee accuracy of information-- Get information on the record; source must say information is off the record before he/she says it. Up to reporter whether to agree to it.-- when source cites report, document, mtg., check it yourself.
3. Complete – answer all questions
4. Fairness-- Cannot omit facts-- Must provide all sides-- Cannot deceive or mislead-- Cannot contain bias
5. Balance-- All sides of story-- Get comment from person accused or criticized
6. Objectivity-- Reporter does NOT inject his/her opinion-- Contains facts-- Written by impartial observer-- Not good enough to just quote both sides; must try to verify information (Sarah Palin/Bridge to Nowhere).-- Be careful about getting too close to sources to maintain objectivity, fairness (beat reporting).
7. Brevity-- Only include relevant information-- Still must answer all questions and be fair.
8. Selectivity-- Knowing what to include, leave out
9. Human Interest-- Relevance, impact
10. Responsibility-- To readers and the profession to be accurate, complete, fair, balanced, clear
Assignments
1. News clip showing verification
2. Read AP Stylebook, Pages 180-275
3. Write complete story for “Lead 1”
4. Outline Centurion story – sources (two minimum, background)
9/22/08
In-class work
1. News quiz
2. AP Stylebook Quiz 2
3. Review Lede 2
4. Write Lede 3
Chapter 2 – News Reporting and Writing
Components of the story
1. Accuracy-- check facts-- be precise-- observe firsthand-- secondhand accounts-- thirdhand accounts: police reporting witness’ account; source quoting primary source
2. Attribution-- Quotes-- Information from sources-- Delayed-- Catch-all: police, fire marshal-- Page 38-9: attribution at start of lede -- Attribution does not guarantee accuracy of information-- Get information on the record; source must say information is off the record before he/she says it. Up to reporter whether to agree to it.-- when source cites report, document, mtg., check it yourself.
3. Complete – answer all questions
4. Fairness-- Cannot omit facts-- Must provide all sides-- Cannot deceive or mislead-- Cannot contain bias
5. Balance-- All sides of story-- Get comment from person accused or criticized
6. Objectivity-- Reporter does NOT inject his/her opinion-- Contains facts-- Written by impartial observer-- Not good enough to just quote both sides; must try to verify information (Sarah Palin/Bridge to Nowhere).-- Be careful about getting too close to sources to maintain objectivity, fairness (beat reporting).
7. Brevity-- Only include relevant information-- Still must answer all questions and be fair.
8. Selectivity-- Knowing what to include, leave out
9. Human Interest-- Relevance, impact
10. Responsibility-- To readers and the profession to be accurate, complete, fair, balanced, clear
Assignments
1. News clip showing verification
2. Read AP Stylebook, Pages 180-275
3. Write complete story for “Lead 1”
4. Outline Centurion story – sources (two minimum, background)
Class notes -- Sept. 15, 2008
Class 2 – Journalism 175
9/15/08
Ch. 1 -- On the Job
· Preview: Journalists “are tenacious in their search for relevant information. They have a passion for accuracy and a determination to be fair.”
· News elements:
1. Impact
2. Conflict
3. Loss of life/destruction – injuries
4. Proximity
5. Prominence
6. Timeliness
7. Novelty
· Organize the news starting with the most important element:
JONESBOTO, Ark. (AP) – Two youths wearing camouflage opened fire on middle school students Tuesday as they assembled outside during a fire alarm. At least one person was killed and another injured.
· Feature or enterprise stories and approaches are different than NEWS stories and leads.
· Journalists 24/7. Darren Rovell – NCAA basketball game/betting. Two fire stories on a Sat. morning.
· Write the story as though you’re telling it to a friend.
o Write like you talk
o Say what you mean
o Know what you want to say (outline or list)
· Journalist’s role: provide information, watchdog
· Reporter’s traits
o Curiousity – see it for yourself
o Persistence
o Ask questions – must understand it to write it.
o Be fair – present all sides of the story.
· Credibility – Clearing the Record.
Ch. 5 – Leads
· Direct – hard news: the MOST IMPORTANT of the 5 Ws and H, so what
· Indirect – feature, delayed lead. LATER
· Tell the point of the story in ONE SENTENCE, 35 words maximum (aim for 30)
· Identify the lead while reporting when possible – enables you to pursue facts, background.
· Thieves get 36 Batteries: Page 103.
o What are the interesting elements?
§ Theft of batteries?
§ Breaking through brick wall?
§ Value of batteries -- $539.18? background? So what?
o Awkward attribution
· Attribution: not the most important part of the lead or sentence. Put it at the end of the lead or sentence. Tony Davis, Page 105.
o Use “said;” don’t look for synonyms (page 152).
· Focus, lead of story – Most prominent or longest part of the speech, meeting, report?
· Essentials: generally WHAT? WHEN? WHERE?
· Strong verbs – avoid forms of “to be.”
· Subject-Verb-Object; keep them close together.
o SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge has ordered the city of San Francisco to hire 60 women patrol officers within the next 32 weeks.
· Avoid jargon
o Accuracy is key – don’t alter the facts when boiling down the story to one sentence.
Assignments
1. Read AP Stylebook pages 91-179
2. Write leads for information posted Tuesday night on blog.
3. Clipping of one hard news lead, identifying 5Ws and H.
4. Come up with one idea for a Centurion story – provide some details: applicable news elements.
9/15/08
Ch. 1 -- On the Job
· Preview: Journalists “are tenacious in their search for relevant information. They have a passion for accuracy and a determination to be fair.”
· News elements:
1. Impact
2. Conflict
3. Loss of life/destruction – injuries
4. Proximity
5. Prominence
6. Timeliness
7. Novelty
· Organize the news starting with the most important element:
JONESBOTO, Ark. (AP) – Two youths wearing camouflage opened fire on middle school students Tuesday as they assembled outside during a fire alarm. At least one person was killed and another injured.
· Feature or enterprise stories and approaches are different than NEWS stories and leads.
· Journalists 24/7. Darren Rovell – NCAA basketball game/betting. Two fire stories on a Sat. morning.
· Write the story as though you’re telling it to a friend.
o Write like you talk
o Say what you mean
o Know what you want to say (outline or list)
· Journalist’s role: provide information, watchdog
· Reporter’s traits
o Curiousity – see it for yourself
o Persistence
o Ask questions – must understand it to write it.
o Be fair – present all sides of the story.
· Credibility – Clearing the Record.
Ch. 5 – Leads
· Direct – hard news: the MOST IMPORTANT of the 5 Ws and H, so what
· Indirect – feature, delayed lead. LATER
· Tell the point of the story in ONE SENTENCE, 35 words maximum (aim for 30)
· Identify the lead while reporting when possible – enables you to pursue facts, background.
· Thieves get 36 Batteries: Page 103.
o What are the interesting elements?
§ Theft of batteries?
§ Breaking through brick wall?
§ Value of batteries -- $539.18? background? So what?
o Awkward attribution
· Attribution: not the most important part of the lead or sentence. Put it at the end of the lead or sentence. Tony Davis, Page 105.
o Use “said;” don’t look for synonyms (page 152).
· Focus, lead of story – Most prominent or longest part of the speech, meeting, report?
· Essentials: generally WHAT? WHEN? WHERE?
· Strong verbs – avoid forms of “to be.”
· Subject-Verb-Object; keep them close together.
o SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge has ordered the city of San Francisco to hire 60 women patrol officers within the next 32 weeks.
· Avoid jargon
o Accuracy is key – don’t alter the facts when boiling down the story to one sentence.
Assignments
1. Read AP Stylebook pages 91-179
2. Write leads for information posted Tuesday night on blog.
3. Clipping of one hard news lead, identifying 5Ws and H.
4. Come up with one idea for a Centurion story – provide some details: applicable news elements.
Class Notes -- 9/8/08
Journalism 175
Class 1 – 9/8/2008
1. Introduce myself
a) 33 years professional experience, 25 at The Philadelphia Inquirer
b) travel editor; reporter, news editor, copy editor, wire editor, assistant city editor, feature editor
c) BA in Journalism – St. Bonaventure University
d) wife (public relations, Inquirer reporter and copy editor); children 26, 20, 16
e) why journalist: want to be in the know, like to tell people something they don’t know
2. Basics of the class
a) How to write a news story – journalistic style is different than English composition.
b) How to think like a journalist (lawyer)
c) How to gather information -- sources of information.
3. Syllabus, grading guidelines on http://billsj-page.blogspot.com; class schedule and all assignments will be there this week.
4. E-mail address: reedw@bucks.edu; GET STUDENTS’ E-MAIL ADDRESS, CELL PHONE.
5. Centurion Editor: Laura Irwin
6. BREAK
7. Hard news leads – 5 Ws and H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, How
8. Exercise:
There was a fire yesterday at a pizza restaurant. It is located at 2035 Main St. Two firefighters were injured when the roof fell in. They were treated at St. Luke’s Medical Center for minor injuries. The fire started in the basement of the building. The cause is under investigation. The roof collapsed, and the inside of the restaurant was destroyed. Damages are estimated at $100,000. The information comes from the Bristol Township Fire Department.
9. Assignments:
Read AP Stylebook, pages 3-90; Workbook Ch. 1; text Ch. 1, 5; clip one story with a HARD NEWS LEDE and provide 5 Ws and H.
Class 1 – 9/8/2008
1. Introduce myself
a) 33 years professional experience, 25 at The Philadelphia Inquirer
b) travel editor; reporter, news editor, copy editor, wire editor, assistant city editor, feature editor
c) BA in Journalism – St. Bonaventure University
d) wife (public relations, Inquirer reporter and copy editor); children 26, 20, 16
e) why journalist: want to be in the know, like to tell people something they don’t know
2. Basics of the class
a) How to write a news story – journalistic style is different than English composition.
b) How to think like a journalist (lawyer)
c) How to gather information -- sources of information.
3. Syllabus, grading guidelines on http://billsj-page.blogspot.com; class schedule and all assignments will be there this week.
4. E-mail address: reedw@bucks.edu; GET STUDENTS’ E-MAIL ADDRESS, CELL PHONE.
5. Centurion Editor: Laura Irwin
6. BREAK
7. Hard news leads – 5 Ws and H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, How
8. Exercise:
There was a fire yesterday at a pizza restaurant. It is located at 2035 Main St. Two firefighters were injured when the roof fell in. They were treated at St. Luke’s Medical Center for minor injuries. The fire started in the basement of the building. The cause is under investigation. The roof collapsed, and the inside of the restaurant was destroyed. Damages are estimated at $100,000. The information comes from the Bristol Township Fire Department.
9. Assignments:
Read AP Stylebook, pages 3-90; Workbook Ch. 1; text Ch. 1, 5; clip one story with a HARD NEWS LEDE and provide 5 Ws and H.
Lead Exercise 2
Lead Exercise No. 2
Journalism 175
Based on the information below, write a one-paragraph lead aimed for publication in Tuesday’s Centurion. Follow AP style and pay attention to spelling and grammar. You can assume the facts are accurate.
You have 10 minutes.
This information is from Cliff Rodack, student network coordinator:
“There’s been an influx of students with insecure computers. Once security sees that the computer is infected, those students get shut off the network until their computer is reformatted, patched and have virus protection put on.”
Students should back up their files in case their computers need to be reformatted.
When a student fixes his computer without reformatting it, there is a greater chance it will be reinfected because remnants of the code may still exist.
This information is from Kathy Kimball, director of security operations and services for Bucks County Community College’s Information Technology Services:
Students should protect their computers by using personal firewalls and limiting their use of file-sharing programs to download video games and music files.
This semester, more than 500 students on the BCCC computer network have been affected by a computer bug that has forced them off the network.
“It’s a “blended threat.” “It works more like a worm than a virus, but it’s neither one.”
A blended threat might include keystroke loggers, which keep track of all typed passwords, credit card numbers and other secure information.
This information is from Symantec’s Web site:
A blended threat combines characteristics of computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses and malicious codes.
Journalism 175
Based on the information below, write a one-paragraph lead aimed for publication in Tuesday’s Centurion. Follow AP style and pay attention to spelling and grammar. You can assume the facts are accurate.
You have 10 minutes.
This information is from Cliff Rodack, student network coordinator:
“There’s been an influx of students with insecure computers. Once security sees that the computer is infected, those students get shut off the network until their computer is reformatted, patched and have virus protection put on.”
Students should back up their files in case their computers need to be reformatted.
When a student fixes his computer without reformatting it, there is a greater chance it will be reinfected because remnants of the code may still exist.
This information is from Kathy Kimball, director of security operations and services for Bucks County Community College’s Information Technology Services:
Students should protect their computers by using personal firewalls and limiting their use of file-sharing programs to download video games and music files.
This semester, more than 500 students on the BCCC computer network have been affected by a computer bug that has forced them off the network.
“It’s a “blended threat.” “It works more like a worm than a virus, but it’s neither one.”
A blended threat might include keystroke loggers, which keep track of all typed passwords, credit card numbers and other secure information.
This information is from Symantec’s Web site:
A blended threat combines characteristics of computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses and malicious codes.
Lead 1 exercise
Lead Exercise No. 1
Journalism 175
Based on the information below, write a one-paragraph lead aimed for publication in Tuesday’s Centurion. Use a Newtown dateline. Follow AP style and pay attention to spelling and grammar.
A storefront window was smashed Sunday night.
The building is at 236 State St., Newtown.
Newtown Borough Police Corp. Mark Argiro reported Monday that witnesses who were in the 200 block of State Street said they heard the window break and saw a car drive away from the area. They said there were three men in the car.
Police will review surveillance tapes taken by cameras posted on Beaver Street to see whether the car was caught on tape. If it was, police will try to identify the license plate.
The car was a white Ford Tempo, the witnesses said.
The cost to replace the window and a laptop computer screen that was damaged by falling glass is about three-thousand dollars, insurance adjusters said.
It will take 3 weeks to replace the window.
The building is owned by the Friedman Real Estate Group. It is being leased by the Bucks County Democratic Party for its campaign headquarters.
One worker was in the office at 9:30 when she heard a loud noise. She was not hurt.
The office will remain open, a party official said Monday.
Journalism 175
Based on the information below, write a one-paragraph lead aimed for publication in Tuesday’s Centurion. Use a Newtown dateline. Follow AP style and pay attention to spelling and grammar.
A storefront window was smashed Sunday night.
The building is at 236 State St., Newtown.
Newtown Borough Police Corp. Mark Argiro reported Monday that witnesses who were in the 200 block of State Street said they heard the window break and saw a car drive away from the area. They said there were three men in the car.
Police will review surveillance tapes taken by cameras posted on Beaver Street to see whether the car was caught on tape. If it was, police will try to identify the license plate.
The car was a white Ford Tempo, the witnesses said.
The cost to replace the window and a laptop computer screen that was damaged by falling glass is about three-thousand dollars, insurance adjusters said.
It will take 3 weeks to replace the window.
The building is owned by the Friedman Real Estate Group. It is being leased by the Bucks County Democratic Party for its campaign headquarters.
One worker was in the office at 9:30 when she heard a loud noise. She was not hurt.
The office will remain open, a party official said Monday.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Assignments due Sept. 29
1. News clip illustrating verification.
2. Read AP Stylebook, Pages 180-275.
3. Write complete stories for “Leads 1 and 2”
4. Outline Centurion story – sources (two minimum, background) . Remember elements of story discussed in text's Ch. 2.
2. Read AP Stylebook, Pages 180-275.
3. Write complete stories for “Leads 1 and 2”
4. Outline Centurion story – sources (two minimum, background) . Remember elements of story discussed in text's Ch. 2.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Assignments due for Sept. 22 class
1. Read AP Stylebook pages 91-179
2. Read Ch. 2 of Mencher text
3. Write Lead 1 .
4. Submit clipping of one hard news story, identifying the news elements (workbook, Page 2) .
5. Come up with one idea for a Centurion story – provide some details: applicable news elements, sources of information .
2. Read Ch. 2 of Mencher text
3. Write Lead 1 .
4. Submit clipping of one hard news story, identifying the news elements (workbook, Page 2) .
5. Come up with one idea for a Centurion story – provide some details: applicable news elements, sources of information .
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Assignments for 9/15 class
- Read AP Stylebook, pages 3-90;
- Read Workbook Ch. 1;
- Read text Chapters 1, 5;
- Clip one story with a HARD NEWS LEDE and provide 5 Ws and H, typewritten and attached to clipping, with your name on it.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Journalism 175 Syllabus
REQUIRED BOOKS AND MATERIALS
News Reporting & Writing by Melvin Mencher (buy it used)
The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual (buy it used)
Newswriting on Deadline, by Tony Rogers (buy it used)
A USB flash drive and a reporter's notebook (provided) Make sure to follow instructions regarding removing key drives.
Bring your flash drive to EVERY class and carry a reporter's notepad with you at all times. You never know when you'll come across a news story - an armed robbery or a fire, for instance - in progress.
ABSENCES, PLAGIARISM, ETC.
ABSENCES: Attendance will be taken and chronically absent students will see their grade in the class quickly drop. If you have to miss class and have a legitimate excuse, let me know as soon as possible, preferably by e-mail. Also, if you miss class, it's up to YOU to find out what assignments you missed by checking my blog or by e-mailing me.
LATENESS: Chronically late students will be dropped a letter grade.
LATE WORK: Deadlines are crucial. Unexcused late work will be dropped a letter grade. Work that's one week late will get a grade of F.
COLLEGE PLAGIARISM POLICY: http://www.bucks.edu/catalog/ppolicy.html
QUIZZES
There will be open-book quizzes on the AP Stylebook and weekly news quizzes, so read at least one newspaper or news Web site daily.
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
You will be required to write leads and stories in every class and for homework, including some for the Centurion. All stories should be e-mailed to me at reedw@bucks.edu E-mail your Centurion articles to centurio@bucks.edu and a copy to me. You will also do a number of in-class articles and newswriting exercises.
GRADES
Your final grade will be based on writing assignments, quizzes, class participation and extra credit work. Writing assignments count the most.
EXTRA CREDIT
You can earn extra credit by writing extra stories for the Centurion, and/or by becoming an editor.
News Reporting & Writing by Melvin Mencher (buy it used)
The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual (buy it used)
Newswriting on Deadline, by Tony Rogers (buy it used)
A USB flash drive and a reporter's notebook (provided) Make sure to follow instructions regarding removing key drives.
Bring your flash drive to EVERY class and carry a reporter's notepad with you at all times. You never know when you'll come across a news story - an armed robbery or a fire, for instance - in progress.
ABSENCES, PLAGIARISM, ETC.
ABSENCES: Attendance will be taken and chronically absent students will see their grade in the class quickly drop. If you have to miss class and have a legitimate excuse, let me know as soon as possible, preferably by e-mail. Also, if you miss class, it's up to YOU to find out what assignments you missed by checking my blog or by e-mailing me.
LATENESS: Chronically late students will be dropped a letter grade.
LATE WORK: Deadlines are crucial. Unexcused late work will be dropped a letter grade. Work that's one week late will get a grade of F.
COLLEGE PLAGIARISM POLICY: http://www.bucks.edu/catalog/ppolicy.html
QUIZZES
There will be open-book quizzes on the AP Stylebook and weekly news quizzes, so read at least one newspaper or news Web site daily.
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
You will be required to write leads and stories in every class and for homework, including some for the Centurion. All stories should be e-mailed to me at reedw@bucks.edu E-mail your Centurion articles to centurio@bucks.edu and a copy to me. You will also do a number of in-class articles and newswriting exercises.
GRADES
Your final grade will be based on writing assignments, quizzes, class participation and extra credit work. Writing assignments count the most.
EXTRA CREDIT
You can earn extra credit by writing extra stories for the Centurion, and/or by becoming an editor.
Stories: Grading standards
Grade A: A perfect story that is well-written and to the point, with a lead that succinctly sums up the story; one that observes AP style and is free of grammar, punctuation and spelling errors; a story that is well-reported, thorough and has no major "holes" or omissions of fact; one that is objective and fair, that gets both or all sides of a story and is free of bias, distortion and libelous content.
B: A story that is reasonably well-written but has some flaws, such as a lead that fails to sum up the story or some overly wordy passages; one that may have a few AP style or grammar, punctuation and spelling errors; an article that is slightly less well-reported and thorough, with perhaps minor omissions of fact; one that is objective and fair, that gets most sides of a story and is free of bias, distortion and libelous content.
C: A story that has substantial writing flaws, such as a lead that fails to sum up the story, overly wordy or confusing passages; one that has a number of AP style or grammar, punctuation and spelling errors; an article that is not well-reported and has important omissions of fact; one that to some extent is not objective or fair, that does not get both or all sides of a story and may contain bias.
D: A story with major writing flaws, including a poorly worded lead and wordy or confusing passages; one that contains many AP style or grammar, punctuation and spelling errors; one that is poorly reported and has important omissions of fact; an article that is biased, unfair and not objective, or that contains libelous content. Also, any article containing plagiarized material.
F: Any story handed in one week after deadline. Any article containing plagiarized material. A story failing to correct mistakes noted in previous assignments, in class and in instructor's feedback.
B: A story that is reasonably well-written but has some flaws, such as a lead that fails to sum up the story or some overly wordy passages; one that may have a few AP style or grammar, punctuation and spelling errors; an article that is slightly less well-reported and thorough, with perhaps minor omissions of fact; one that is objective and fair, that gets most sides of a story and is free of bias, distortion and libelous content.
C: A story that has substantial writing flaws, such as a lead that fails to sum up the story, overly wordy or confusing passages; one that has a number of AP style or grammar, punctuation and spelling errors; an article that is not well-reported and has important omissions of fact; one that to some extent is not objective or fair, that does not get both or all sides of a story and may contain bias.
D: A story with major writing flaws, including a poorly worded lead and wordy or confusing passages; one that contains many AP style or grammar, punctuation and spelling errors; one that is poorly reported and has important omissions of fact; an article that is biased, unfair and not objective, or that contains libelous content. Also, any article containing plagiarized material.
F: Any story handed in one week after deadline. Any article containing plagiarized material. A story failing to correct mistakes noted in previous assignments, in class and in instructor's feedback.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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