Journalism chapter one

Journalism
Alyssa McComb

What is meant by the term Media Convergence?
Media convergence is when a paper company converts its writing into something that can be accessed on the web. It’s taking any form of writing and converting it into another form. One example would be turning the Herald Tribune into a web site where all the articles and more can be accessed online. Another media convergence is if you take a video that is normally on the television, into a web video available online.

What is a blog?
A blog is a personal journal that contains opinions, reflections, and personal comments. One or more people can own a blog writing about whatever they want. In a blog, usually, people may reply to the original blog, giving their opinion. Blogs are very controversial, many people in the media question if these opinionated personal journals can be called journalism. One blog I found was: www.apertureblade.com, and it’s a blog about photographers and semi-photographers wanting to improve their photography skills.

How has the web changed the nature of news?
The web has changed the nature of news in many ways. For one, now news can be delivered at a much faster rate. Because the news in now available on the web, it can accessed to your convenience. At your home, at school, at work, whenever, the news is always on the web and waiting for you to read it. News can be found on news sites, blogs, videos, and so much more on the web.
What is meant by public journalism and how has it changed the entire journalism industry?
Public journalism is an approach to news that allows anyone and everyone to report the news with their opinion included. This way you can get news from someone who feels the same way about things as you do. Although some like this idea, critics call it biased journalism and think it should not be allowed.


What do you believe it takes to be a journalist in today’s world?
I think its takes determination, organization, deliberance, and most importantly, passion. To be a good journalist, a person has to want to write, has to enjoy what he/she’s doing. If there is no passion, then I don’t think anyone can be a successful journalist.

Why are ethics so important in journalism and especially today?
Ethics are important in journalism (especially today) because there is always a line where to stop when writing. If a person is not careful, then they could hurt or offend others. Good journalists know when to stop, when to draw the line, and when enough is too much. There are many sensitive subjects that journalists tend to talk about, and that’s fine, just as long as they know what not to say.

What is the coaching way in journalism?
The coaching method is a list in which journalists can follow in order to obtain/receive information. There are a couple steps journalists take when following the coaching way. First they have to conceive the idea, and at this stage is when they would develop an idea for a story to report/write. The next step is to collect the data, then construct the article, and lastly correct and edit their work.
Booker High News story- Budget Cuts More Than Money
With the summer finally over, students were anxious to begin school again. The idea of new teachers, new classes, and new assignments buzzing in their heads. After a long morning bus ride, and nearly running to their lockers, they were ready to start a wonderful new year at Booker High. But when the students returned to Booker’s familiar campus on that long awaited Monday morning, they were all dismayed. What they expected to be didn’t happen. A lot of kids had the same teachers as they did last year, same rooms, and no promise of a fun year to come. Confusion flushed the student body in one huge wave. How could this happen? Where are all the things the new year is supposed to bring? As if that wasn’t enough, there was more bad news. A lot of the known and beloved teachers left, and most elective classes were cut. It was then when they realized what the cause of all of this might be. Nothing else made sense to craft such a monstrosity. Two big words flashed into everyone’s head: Budget Cut. Now it was disappointment that came over the once eager students. Those two words meant so many things. After a while teachers began mentioning the cut as well. The students were crushed. No fun electives, no parties, and no new teachers. The new year didn’t look so good anymore.

Why are visuals so important in a news story?
Visuals often aid a new story. Pictures help create and illustrate what the article is talking about. But with an article with vivid descriptions, and beautifully written scenery, a picture is not necessary.

What photo or visual would you use to accompany your news story? Describe it. I would use a picture taken in a classroom with a teacher instructing their class. Preferably the students taking their natural poses at their desks and the teacher standing up by the board, teaching something. I feel that this visual aid will help illustrate

Go Green

Today it seems everyone and everything is being converted into something Eco friendly. I wonder if its just a trend, or if its because of the global issues going on with our world today and this is some new found realization. I myself have always, even as a young girl, been concerned with whats best for our envirment. At a young age i became a vegetarien, i recycled, and tried my best to spread my goals to my community. But still, I am curious as to why al of a sudden everyone is so concerened? Why now?