Ch. 11 & 12

Oh, Press Releases: the "other" side to Journalism (chapter 11)--

To start, I don't think Press Releases are examples of good journalism.

Qualifying that, press releases are a good START for journalists. But what's written in a press release is not always news: more like what a business wants you to know about their company--only the good news.

As I was talking to my friend yesterday about press releases, and how I didn't think it would be good to have an internship as a journalism major where you spend the majority of your time writing press releases, I guess it would be good to at least know the major concepts behind the writing.

After all, I use them as a first source. I should at least know the basics of how to write a release.

And here I go, off to learn:

Well, there are 3 types--announcements, cause-promoting, and image-building.

Know what's news. Know the structure and workings of newsrooms. Know the people in the news media and the jobs they hold. Know the style of writing for the medium (ie: TV, radio, newspaper, magazine, internet)

*Sigh* That chapter was a nice review on what to do with a press release. It means that I'm doing what I'm supposed to do for Newswatch. phew.

Ch. 12: Speechses, News Conferences & Mtgs.

(This chapter would have been good to read before our assignment to report on a public meeting)

Speech: a public talk. Someone speaks to an audience in person, on radio, or TV.
News conference: called; not to the general public, but to the news media.
Meetings: not held with an audience in mind, although an audience may be present.

For speeches, news conferences, and meetings, prepare ahead of time: do your research on the speaker, presenter, or people holding the meeting. Know what they'll be talking about, etc. Be a smart reporter (you should've already know to do some research ahead of time; a book shouldn't have to tell you that)

Know how to take notes w/abbrev. Good thing I was a stage mgr, and have my own abbrevs. I sometimes take notes in symbols, or in AIM-speak. w/e floats my boat. Or helps me pay attn. Either or.

Notice the participant--what they're wearing, how they act. Also note how the audience reacts.

YAY!!! The Missouri Group says: "Even when covering routine, boring events, you are allowed to use your imagination."
I smiled and cheered on the inside when I read this.