Local News Source: WDRB story lacks newsworthiness
When listing the seven basic yardsticks of journalism, usually "Newsworthiness" comes up first. However, in the WDRB story "Coach Walz buys a round for 2500 fans", newsworthiness doesn't come to mind. This story is about the University of Louisville women's basketball coach who paid for drink vouchers to be given to the first 2500 fans attending the women's basketball game to thank them for their support. The promotion is called "Thirsty Thursday", and the picture in the story shows the Budweiser logo. This is more of an advertising piece than a news item. Not only is WDRB promoting Anheuser Busch products, but they also are encouraging people to attend the women's basketball game... hoping that they make the cut for a free beverage, courtesy of Coach Walz. Additionally, WDRB didn't earn any bonus points when they missed the opportunity to add the public service message of "enjoy your beverage responsibly".
http://www.wdrb.com/story/23975238/coach-walz-buys-round-for-2500-fans
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Local News Source: WDRB
WDRB values the importance of reporting international stories that give their audience a global view of the world. Their segment, "All Around the World in 60 Seconds" is a quick look at headlines from around the world. Although there is not enough time devoted to the segment to provide in-depth detail, it is a way to introduce viewers to important topics impacting the world. From a financial standpoint, this allows for WDRB to present news stories without the expense of traveling to the location. All that is required is a voice-over of the news anchor to read the headlines while showing edited video footage from the parent station. This international minute of news is not necessarily a way to grab the attention of viewers, but these stories add sophistication for those who have an interest in world events or for the immigrants of the community who are eager for news from their homeland. Fortunately, WDRB has what other TV news stations lack...A look at the stories that impact the world. (Unfortunately, WDRB does not feature any of these international headlines on their website.)
http://www.wdrb.com/category/123963/news
WDRB values the importance of reporting international stories that give their audience a global view of the world. Their segment, "All Around the World in 60 Seconds" is a quick look at headlines from around the world. Although there is not enough time devoted to the segment to provide in-depth detail, it is a way to introduce viewers to important topics impacting the world. From a financial standpoint, this allows for WDRB to present news stories without the expense of traveling to the location. All that is required is a voice-over of the news anchor to read the headlines while showing edited video footage from the parent station. This international minute of news is not necessarily a way to grab the attention of viewers, but these stories add sophistication for those who have an interest in world events or for the immigrants of the community who are eager for news from their homeland. Fortunately, WDRB has what other TV news stations lack...A look at the stories that impact the world. (Unfortunately, WDRB does not feature any of these international headlines on their website.)
http://www.wdrb.com/category/123963/news
Classmate Review: Taylor Swift surprise
http://emilyjournalism1.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-am-not-happy-camper.html
In this post by Emily, she describes a story by WAVE3 about a young girl who received Taylor Swift tickets in her happy meal. This story is not newsworthy at all, and should not be on the WAVE3 website. I liked how Emily stated that this story only affects the girl and no one else. I am sure that there were plenty of newsworthy stories that could have been presented instead of this one. The reaction of the girl made it just a youtube hit, but, for some reason, WAVE3 decided to put it on their website. This story should not have found its way into the news. The viewing audience deserves better.
http://emilyjournalism1.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-am-not-happy-camper.html
In this post by Emily, she describes a story by WAVE3 about a young girl who received Taylor Swift tickets in her happy meal. This story is not newsworthy at all, and should not be on the WAVE3 website. I liked how Emily stated that this story only affects the girl and no one else. I am sure that there were plenty of newsworthy stories that could have been presented instead of this one. The reaction of the girl made it just a youtube hit, but, for some reason, WAVE3 decided to put it on their website. This story should not have found its way into the news. The viewing audience deserves better.
Class discussion: Movies
The movie theater provides an overwhelming experience for viewers. In a dark room with no distractions, with surround sound audio and a huge screen, people can really enjoy the movie so much more than they would watching it at home. According to John Vivian, "human skepticism gets lost in the darkened cocoon of a movie-house auditorium, compounding the impact of what's on-screen." Movies create a very social experience. Not only will a person go to a movie with friends or family, but he/she may also share laughs and tears with the strangers in the theater who have the same emotional reactions. Movies typically have more special effects and higher quality visuals than TV due to the big budget and extended length of time to make a feature film. Movies provide varied genres and edgier content than what is offered on network TV. People of all ages are drawn to the movie theater experience.
The movie theater provides an overwhelming experience for viewers. In a dark room with no distractions, with surround sound audio and a huge screen, people can really enjoy the movie so much more than they would watching it at home. According to John Vivian, "human skepticism gets lost in the darkened cocoon of a movie-house auditorium, compounding the impact of what's on-screen." Movies create a very social experience. Not only will a person go to a movie with friends or family, but he/she may also share laughs and tears with the strangers in the theater who have the same emotional reactions. Movies typically have more special effects and higher quality visuals than TV due to the big budget and extended length of time to make a feature film. Movies provide varied genres and edgier content than what is offered on network TV. People of all ages are drawn to the movie theater experience.
Class Discussion: Music
Music changed significantly with recording technology. This technology allows music to pass through time and space and causes it to became a commodity that can be bought and sold. This has led to music becoming big business. With recording technology, musicians can upload their songs to the internet, or they can record a song for mass distribution. As more people purchase the CDs, download songs from itunes, listen to them on Pandora, or see and hear the music on youtube, it causes the artists to become more well-known and have a broader following. Although a person may be listening to their CD or on their ipod alone, this still is a communal experience because others may be purchasing and enjoying the same music. Artists no longer have to travel long distances to spread their message and their music --only to have listeners forget the song after only hearing it live once. Success of an artist's music is determined by public acceptance and demand of the recordings. Many industries were created because of this, such as studios, record stores, equipment, and physical record production. Because of recording technology, the music industry has created fortunes and made billionaires.
Music changed significantly with recording technology. This technology allows music to pass through time and space and causes it to became a commodity that can be bought and sold. This has led to music becoming big business. With recording technology, musicians can upload their songs to the internet, or they can record a song for mass distribution. As more people purchase the CDs, download songs from itunes, listen to them on Pandora, or see and hear the music on youtube, it causes the artists to become more well-known and have a broader following. Although a person may be listening to their CD or on their ipod alone, this still is a communal experience because others may be purchasing and enjoying the same music. Artists no longer have to travel long distances to spread their message and their music --only to have listeners forget the song after only hearing it live once. Success of an artist's music is determined by public acceptance and demand of the recordings. Many industries were created because of this, such as studios, record stores, equipment, and physical record production. Because of recording technology, the music industry has created fortunes and made billionaires.
Local New Source: The "Troubleshooter"
WAVE3 News has a feature where a man called "The Troubleshooter" investigates wrongdoings, and he tries to make it right or bust someone in the act of a crime. While the "Troubleshooter" technically covers crime, his pieces are usually over the top and melodramatic and not newsworthy whatsoever. However, "The Troubleshooter" has a lot of qualities that give WAVE an advantage over all of the other news stations. "The Troubleshooter" gives WAVE a better chance of finding an original story that no one else has yet picked up on, and the feature's popularity also gives WAVE a chance to get away with reactive (passive) reporting. Using social media, people can send messages or emails the "The Troubleshooter" about stories that other members of the WAVE3 news team can also pick up and use. "The Troubleshooter" has more time to work on his stories, so that he can offer a full explanation and get multiple sources for his report. "The Troubleshooter" is beneficial to WAVE because of how well the audience reponds to him. Viewers enjoy seeing the "Troubleshooter" act as an advocate for those who have been taken advantage of, as he uses the influence of the media to right the wrongs that have been done. Even people watching other news programs may be inclined to change the channel and watch. Because of the "Troubleshooter" feature, WAVE needs significantly less amount of information to fill the rest of the show. Consequently, WAVE sacrifices important news stories from being told to make time for "The Troubleshooter", who almost never covers newsworthy information. Recently, the "Troubleshooter" reunited a family with their lost pet and exposed a man for conning people out of reward money. The good news is that typically with the "Troubleshooter's" help, there is a happy ending.
http://www.wave3.com/category/1253/troubleshooter
WAVE3 News has a feature where a man called "The Troubleshooter" investigates wrongdoings, and he tries to make it right or bust someone in the act of a crime. While the "Troubleshooter" technically covers crime, his pieces are usually over the top and melodramatic and not newsworthy whatsoever. However, "The Troubleshooter" has a lot of qualities that give WAVE an advantage over all of the other news stations. "The Troubleshooter" gives WAVE a better chance of finding an original story that no one else has yet picked up on, and the feature's popularity also gives WAVE a chance to get away with reactive (passive) reporting. Using social media, people can send messages or emails the "The Troubleshooter" about stories that other members of the WAVE3 news team can also pick up and use. "The Troubleshooter" has more time to work on his stories, so that he can offer a full explanation and get multiple sources for his report. "The Troubleshooter" is beneficial to WAVE because of how well the audience reponds to him. Viewers enjoy seeing the "Troubleshooter" act as an advocate for those who have been taken advantage of, as he uses the influence of the media to right the wrongs that have been done. Even people watching other news programs may be inclined to change the channel and watch. Because of the "Troubleshooter" feature, WAVE needs significantly less amount of information to fill the rest of the show. Consequently, WAVE sacrifices important news stories from being told to make time for "The Troubleshooter", who almost never covers newsworthy information. Recently, the "Troubleshooter" reunited a family with their lost pet and exposed a man for conning people out of reward money. The good news is that typically with the "Troubleshooter's" help, there is a happy ending.
http://www.wave3.com/category/1253/troubleshooter
Class discussion: Television
TV has influenced American society dramatically. Watching TV has made Americans more sedentary, which means sitting for a long period of time without moving around too much. The TV shows, one after another, can cause people to watch for hours without realizing the time, because of how captivating TV can be. This goes hand-in-hand with the fact that TV has made America a more indoor society. People do not need to leave the house as often for entertainment, church, or much needed fresh air when they have the magnetic pull of TV, with programming 24 hours a day. Even though watching a TV show can be a solitary experience, the fact that many individuals are watching the same show across the nation can create a shared culture among American citizens. This is not only through news and sports, but also fictional television series. Someone living in one part of America can travel to the opposite part of the country and make a comment about "Breaking Bad", for example, and it would provide a connection to another individual who also watched the series. Television may not be the most productive use of time, but it allows for the sharing of cultural experiences.
TV has influenced American society dramatically. Watching TV has made Americans more sedentary, which means sitting for a long period of time without moving around too much. The TV shows, one after another, can cause people to watch for hours without realizing the time, because of how captivating TV can be. This goes hand-in-hand with the fact that TV has made America a more indoor society. People do not need to leave the house as often for entertainment, church, or much needed fresh air when they have the magnetic pull of TV, with programming 24 hours a day. Even though watching a TV show can be a solitary experience, the fact that many individuals are watching the same show across the nation can create a shared culture among American citizens. This is not only through news and sports, but also fictional television series. Someone living in one part of America can travel to the opposite part of the country and make a comment about "Breaking Bad", for example, and it would provide a connection to another individual who also watched the series. Television may not be the most productive use of time, but it allows for the sharing of cultural experiences.
Class discussion: Radio
Demassification refers to the breaking down of an industry into smaller parts. In the radio industry, this was a necessary shift to appeal to certain audiences and remain relevant.
Radio reached its peak of popularity in the 1940s when correspondents would report back details of World War II. Radio was able to offer breaking news before newspapers could issue special editions.
After World War II, and with the invention of television, many actors as well as the audience left radio for TV. The comedies, dramas, variety shows and quiz shows that were a big draw for radio listeners, were now available for viewing on TV. As a consequence, radio switched to recorded music, versus live performances. This saved on expenses, and it allowed the radio industry to co-exist with television. However, in order to keep the listeners, radio stations had to tailor their programming to attract different groups. This resulted in the radio industry's efforts to reach certain target audiences.
Today, with a push of a button, you can hear country music, as well as various other music formats such as oldies, rock, top 20, as well as religious, sports, talk, and news programming. The radio industry must constantly be changing to meet listeners' changing needs. As listeners bring their iPods into their cars to listen to their own music, instead of what is on the radio, the industry once again is challenged to adapt in order to remain relevant.
Demassification refers to the breaking down of an industry into smaller parts. In the radio industry, this was a necessary shift to appeal to certain audiences and remain relevant.
Radio reached its peak of popularity in the 1940s when correspondents would report back details of World War II. Radio was able to offer breaking news before newspapers could issue special editions.
After World War II, and with the invention of television, many actors as well as the audience left radio for TV. The comedies, dramas, variety shows and quiz shows that were a big draw for radio listeners, were now available for viewing on TV. As a consequence, radio switched to recorded music, versus live performances. This saved on expenses, and it allowed the radio industry to co-exist with television. However, in order to keep the listeners, radio stations had to tailor their programming to attract different groups. This resulted in the radio industry's efforts to reach certain target audiences.
Today, with a push of a button, you can hear country music, as well as various other music formats such as oldies, rock, top 20, as well as religious, sports, talk, and news programming. The radio industry must constantly be changing to meet listeners' changing needs. As listeners bring their iPods into their cars to listen to their own music, instead of what is on the radio, the industry once again is challenged to adapt in order to remain relevant.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
News Media Critique
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/09/24/california-lawmakers-move-to-shield-illegal-immigrants-from-deportation/
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/09/24/california-lawmakers-move-to-shield-illegal-immigrants-from-deportation/
Fox News.com article by William La Jeunesse titled, “California Lawmakers Move to Shield Illegal Immigrants from Deportation” violates the “Fairness” yardstick of journalism.
The article explains that the state of California will soon decide if it will enact “The Trust Act” bill which will allow state police to protect innocent illegal immigrants from being automatically deported if they are charged with (but not convicted of) misdemeanor crimes.
The reporter uses only one side of this story and uses inflammatory quotes to describe the situation. In the opening paragraph, instead of being called the “Trust Act”, the journalist describes it as the “So-called Trust Act” which causes the reader to interpret that maybe “Trust” is not involved…only “so-called Trust”.
There is only one sentence allowed for the proponents’ point of view, saying that “…the bill applies to illegal immigrants arrested for minor crimes.”
However, the majority of the article quotes those individuals who are opposed to this bill, and it uses the quotes that seem very disturbing without giving the other side of the argument. The former Immigration Customs Enforcement Director Julie Myers Wood is quoted as saying, “…the proposed law applies to those convicted of child abuse and assault…and the system could allow dangerous criminals to re-offend.” She is also quoted as saying, “You’re going to have a high likelihood of individuals who pose a significant public safety risk who are released into the community…” These quotes could cause irrational reactions from the readers.
If FoxNews.com were being “Fair and Balanced”, the journalist should have interviewed an individual from California’s Hispanic community or people and lawmakers who support the bill. It also would have been interesting to hear from Gov. Jerry Brown. The Governor will sign or veto the bill on October 16. Until then, the subject of immigration will be a hot topic, and hopefully the media will not violate the principles and yardsticks of journalism when they report on this important issue.
http://graysonsmit.blogspot.com/2013_09_01_archive.html
"Fox's Porsche Funeral"
I completely agree with you Grayson, I think this is not interesting at all and that it serves no point being even on Fox's website. Lets not forget that the Kenyan mall shooting was only two days before this article was published, so it is not like they had nothing to write about. I mean this is just pathetic. I could maybe see this article on E News or something like that, but definitely not Fox News. This should have never been posted and maybe next time Fox should actually think and not post a silly article like this again.
"Fox's Porsche Funeral"
I completely agree with you Grayson, I think this is not interesting at all and that it serves no point being even on Fox's website. Lets not forget that the Kenyan mall shooting was only two days before this article was published, so it is not like they had nothing to write about. I mean this is just pathetic. I could maybe see this article on E News or something like that, but definitely not Fox News. This should have never been posted and maybe next time Fox should actually think and not post a silly article like this again.
http://emmamtravis.blogspot.com/
"Photographers of 9/11"
I completely agree with you about the photographers on this tragic day. Though this is an event that most Americans would probably like to put away and never look at it again, it is history, and we must document it. I can't imagine the fear running through these photographers' heads when they held their cameras up to a building filled with flames. I also do not remember this day as well as I would like to due to the fact that I was only 3 when this tragic event took place. I really enjoyed this video and hopefully we can watch more videos about photographers like this one.
"Photographers of 9/11"
I completely agree with you about the photographers on this tragic day. Though this is an event that most Americans would probably like to put away and never look at it again, it is history, and we must document it. I can't imagine the fear running through these photographers' heads when they held their cameras up to a building filled with flames. I also do not remember this day as well as I would like to due to the fact that I was only 3 when this tragic event took place. I really enjoyed this video and hopefully we can watch more videos about photographers like this one.
"Music Inventions" in-class discussions-
Even though we talked a lot about the Phonograph and the Gramophone, I wish we would have gone into more depth about what these machines looked like. Talking about the wax and the tinfoil, I understood how they worked, but it would have been helpful to put a mental image to the words. I think it also what have been really cool to get an example of how clear they would sound and how they would function. I still enjoyed Mr Miller's instruction very much, but I wish we went into more depth with visuals and audios.
"Music before and after Mass Communication" in-class discussion-
I enjoyed our discussion in class about music. It was interesting to learn that before mass communication, it was so much different than after it. It caused me to reflect on how music turned from spreading a message to a profitable business where you could actually earn money doing it. Also, how music came from always being live to eventually being able to listen to it over and over until you were sick of it. It is so crazy how it turned from a way of telling stories between tribes into a business where if you were talented you could receive millions of dollars.
I enjoyed our discussion in class about music. It was interesting to learn that before mass communication, it was so much different than after it. It caused me to reflect on how music turned from spreading a message to a profitable business where you could actually earn money doing it. Also, how music came from always being live to eventually being able to listen to it over and over until you were sick of it. It is so crazy how it turned from a way of telling stories between tribes into a business where if you were talented you could receive millions of dollars.
"Newspapers" in-class discussion-
The class discussion about newspapers was very eye-opening. I was especially intrigued about the story of John Peter Zenger, creating his own newspaper and accusing the king of misuse of power. Mr. Zenger was sent to trial, and he was nearly given the death penalty until his lawyer proved that everything he said was true. So he was set free because the judge came to a conclusion that you can say whatever you want, as long as it is true. It was one of the first times freedom of speech was used.
The class discussion about newspapers was very eye-opening. I was especially intrigued about the story of John Peter Zenger, creating his own newspaper and accusing the king of misuse of power. Mr. Zenger was sent to trial, and he was nearly given the death penalty until his lawyer proved that everything he said was true. So he was set free because the judge came to a conclusion that you can say whatever you want, as long as it is true. It was one of the first times freedom of speech was used.
"Magazines" in-class discussion-
Before hearing Mr Miller's class discussion, I never really realized how important magazines were...how they were the next big invention after newspapers. Magazines had something for everyone, which made them a huge seller. Everyone in the family wanted to read part of it. Also magazines had some major innovations like investigative and photo journalism. Unlike newspapers, magazines' pages were made of way better paper, which made the pictures clearer. Photographers could finally display their work in front of millions. Also, investigative journalism thrived which shined a light on corruption. Unlike newspapers that came out everyday, magazines came out less often which gave journalists more time to write their stories. I found the topic of magazines to be fascinating.
Before hearing Mr Miller's class discussion, I never really realized how important magazines were...how they were the next big invention after newspapers. Magazines had something for everyone, which made them a huge seller. Everyone in the family wanted to read part of it. Also magazines had some major innovations like investigative and photo journalism. Unlike newspapers, magazines' pages were made of way better paper, which made the pictures clearer. Photographers could finally display their work in front of millions. Also, investigative journalism thrived which shined a light on corruption. Unlike newspapers that came out everyday, magazines came out less often which gave journalists more time to write their stories. I found the topic of magazines to be fascinating.
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