Class 9 ­‑‑ Teaching Notes
Nov. 10


Assignments due Nov. 17

1. News clip – Reaction story: comments about a news event or situation, such as Obama’s election, Phillies winning the World Series, smoking ban in public bldgs.

2. Write 700-word story: reaction to Lower Bucks Campus in light of 40 percent increase in fall enrollment. Get specifics, not general comments. What do they like, dislike the most?


Advance story
Should have:
-- who is speaking
-- what he’s speaking about
-- where and when
-- open to the public
-- background of James Sell AND the campus
-- number of students
-- cost of bldg.
-- when it opened
-- unique features: green bldg.

Avoid jargon – “portal communications”

Full-length stories

Need the local angle – gives it relevance, impact.
1. Student, staff interviews
2. Back up comments. How do you measure general statements? Seek stats
-- Lower Bucks a success – enrollment up 40 percent.
-- Sept. a good month for Nirvana – how many new members? Percentage, comparison to comparable period.

Interviewing -- questions
1. Phrase them so they can’t be answered with “Yes” of “No.”
2. Keep them on topic – remember the point of the story
3. Look ahead – what plans do you have? what’s in the works?
4. Ask open-ended question (dream project? “anything to add”) – might get a surprise.
5. Don’t ask questions that are easily researched, but do confirm even basic info.