Week 4: Journalism 2001Week 4: Journalism 2001February 13, 2006February 13, 2006

Its, it’s or its’. Which is Its, it’s or its’. Which is correct?correct?

1.1. ItsIts

2.2. It’sIt’s

3.3. Its’Its’

AnnouncementsAnnouncements

UMD Networking Night 2006UMD Networking Night 2006– Wednesday, February 15Wednesday, February 15– 5-6:30 p.m.5-6:30 p.m.– Technology Village Lobby, 11 E. Superior St.Technology Village Lobby, 11 E. Superior St.– To register: carserv@d.umn.edu or call 726-7985To register: carserv@d.umn.edu or call 726-7985

UM Job FairUM Job Fair– Monday, February 20Monday, February 20– Bus leaves UMD at 7:30 a.m., returning at 5:30 Bus leaves UMD at 7:30 a.m., returning at 5:30

p.m.p.m.– To register: Career Services at 21 Solon Campus To register: Career Services at 21 Solon Campus

Center, carserv@d.umn.edu or call 726-7985Center, carserv@d.umn.edu or call 726-7985

Review of last week’s newsReview of last week’s news

Hard News:Hard News:(murders, city council, government, etc.)(murders, city council, government, etc.)– Major local storiesMajor local stories– Major national/international storiesMajor national/international stories– Major sports storiesMajor sports stories

Soft News:Soft News:(retirements, school programs, human interest)(retirements, school programs, human interest)– Local storiesLocal stories– National/international storiesNational/international stories– Sports storiesSports stories

Derelictions in “housekeeping” helped drive Derelictions in “housekeeping” helped drive the combined number of federal safety the combined number of federal safety citations last year at Northeastern Minnesota citations last year at Northeastern Minnesota taconite operations to the highest level in 26 taconite operations to the highest level in 26 years.years.

1.1. TrueTrue

2.2. FalseFalse

1.1. TrueTrue

2.2. FalseFalse

The number of people visiting many of The number of people visiting many of Duluth’s traditional tourist attractions has Duluth’s traditional tourist attractions has slowly eroded since 2000.slowly eroded since 2000.

Duluth is not ready to take another shot at Duluth is not ready to take another shot at hosting the Minnesota Vikings training hosting the Minnesota Vikings training camp.camp.

1.1. TrueTrue

2.2. FalseFalse

Which Northeastern Minnesota company Which Northeastern Minnesota company recently celebrated its 100recently celebrated its 100thth year in year in business:business:

1.1. St. Mary’s Duluth ClinicSt. Mary’s Duluth Clinic

2.2. Minnesota PowerMinnesota Power

3.3. University of Minnesota University of Minnesota DuluthDuluth

Review 2/6 summary lead Review 2/6 summary lead assignmentassignment

Overall continued progress!Overall continued progress! Best to use one-sentence summary leadBest to use one-sentence summary lead Style errors:Style errors:

– DatelinesDatelines– State abbreviationsState abbreviations– DollarsDollars– AddressesAddresses– TitlesTitles

GrammarGrammar– SpellingSpelling– Run-on sentencesRun-on sentences– In-complete sentencesIn-complete sentences– AgreementAgreement– That/whichThat/which

Another winter storm slammed into Northern California Thursday morning Another winter storm slammed into Northern California Thursday morning bringing snow to Mount Hamilton and the Coast Range mountain areas bringing snow to Mount Hamilton and the Coast Range mountain areas along with hail and torrential rains to already saturated roadways.along with hail and torrential rains to already saturated roadways.

A winter storm brought intense weather conditions throughout California A winter storm brought intense weather conditions throughout California Thursday morning that caused numerous car accidents and an increased Thursday morning that caused numerous car accidents and an increased risk of mudslides.risk of mudslides.

A smoldering cigarette was blamed for a house fire on Lawler Avenue A smoldering cigarette was blamed for a house fire on Lawler Avenue that caused $50,000 in damages.that caused $50,000 in damages.

The Skokie Fire Department responded Friday night to a cigarette-started The Skokie Fire Department responded Friday night to a cigarette-started house fire on Lawler Avenue which caused $50,000 in damage, but no house fire on Lawler Avenue which caused $50,000 in damage, but no injuries.injuries.

Review: Writing a summary Review: Writing a summary leadlead

Usually a single sentenceUsually a single sentence No more than 35 wordsNo more than 35 words Bottom line:Bottom line:

– Use a single sentence of no more than Use a single sentence of no more than 35 words to summarize an event35 words to summarize an event

Let’s rewrite the leads!Let’s rewrite the leads!

Review: Lucy Kragness Review: Lucy Kragness interviewinterview

Overall tough to condense all the info!Overall tough to condense all the info!– Some “untrue” facts!Some “untrue” facts!

Use spellchecker, AP StylebookUse spellchecker, AP Stylebook Common style errors:Common style errors:

– TitlesTitles– YearsYears– NumeralsNumerals– State namesState names– Degrees: master’s, bachelor’s, Ph.D.Degrees: master’s, bachelor’s, Ph.D.– FreelanceFreelance– Tornados or tornadoesTornados or tornadoes– The Associated PressThe Associated Press

Use last name on second referenceUse last name on second reference Watch editorializingWatch editorializing Verify factsVerify facts Paragraph lengthParagraph length GrammarGrammar

– AgreementAgreement– Run-on sentencesRun-on sentences– When to use hyphensWhen to use hyphens

Attribution: she said strongestAttribution: she said strongest WordinessWordiness Don’t be afraid to use quotes!Don’t be afraid to use quotes!

Editing marksEditing marks

Let’s review editing marks in Let’s review editing marks in Stylebook:Stylebook:– page 410page 410

Lucy Kragness was glad when the journalism minor returned to Lucy Kragness was glad when the journalism minor returned to UMD in the 2005 spring semester. It meant that the longtime UMD in the 2005 spring semester. It meant that the longtime freelance writer and photographer could return to a job she enjoys: freelance writer and photographer could return to a job she enjoys: teaching.teaching.

For the first time in ten years, journalist veteran Lucy Kragness has For the first time in ten years, journalist veteran Lucy Kragness has returned to teach at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. “I enjoy returned to teach at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. “I enjoy teaching,” Kragness said. “It’s fun to watch the light bulb go off.”teaching,” Kragness said. “It’s fun to watch the light bulb go off.”

She’s back. After UMD cut the journalism program ten years ago, She’s back. After UMD cut the journalism program ten years ago, Lucy Kragness, a journalism teacher here at UMD and volunteer Lucy Kragness, a journalism teacher here at UMD and volunteer adviser to the Statesman, was forced to find a new job. She said adviser to the Statesman, was forced to find a new job. She said the class was cut simply due to a budget cut and the subsequent the class was cut simply due to a budget cut and the subsequent retirement of department head.retirement of department head.

After a ten year break Lucy Kragness will return to the University of After a ten year break Lucy Kragness will return to the University of Minnesota Duluth bringing with her real world news experience and Minnesota Duluth bringing with her real world news experience and a rejuvenated desire to teach.a rejuvenated desire to teach.

The Watergate scandal shaped America’s political landscape. It The Watergate scandal shaped America’s political landscape. It also inspired student Lucy Kragness to pursue a career in also inspired student Lucy Kragness to pursue a career in journalism. Thirty years later, she returns to the classroom to share journalism. Thirty years later, she returns to the classroom to share her experiences and knowledge with this generation’s aspiring her experiences and knowledge with this generation’s aspiring journalists.journalists.

Another its, its’ or it’s?Another its, its’ or it’s?

1.1. It’sIt’s

2.2. Its’Its’

3.3. ItsIts

Bottom line on it’s or itsBottom line on it’s or its

Use it’s: when mean it is, it hasUse it’s: when mean it is, it has All other uses: itsAll other uses: its

No such word as its’No such word as its’

Useful websitesUseful websites

Grammar, writingGrammar, writing– Purdue’s OWL (Online Writing Lab)Purdue’s OWL (Online Writing Lab)– Guide to Grammar and Writing, Capital Guide to Grammar and Writing, Capital

Community College FoundationCommunity College Foundation– Guide to Grammar and Style, Jack LynchGuide to Grammar and Style, Jack Lynch

JournalismJournalism– Beginning Reporter ResourcesBeginning Reporter Resources– Power ReportingPower Reporting

Let’s look at run-on Let’s look at run-on sentencessentences

Go to this link:Go to this link:– http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htmhttp://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm

What are typical reporting What are typical reporting beats?beats?

1.1. Police & firePolice & fire

2.2. CourtsCourts

3.3. EducationEducation

4.4. GovernmentGovernment

5.5. All of the aboveAll of the above

Chapter 19: City Chapter 19: City GovernmentGovernment

Municipal government systemsMunicipal government systems– Mayor-councilMayor-council

Strong: Mayor forms budget, administers policyStrong: Mayor forms budget, administers policy Weak: Managerial functions divided among Weak: Managerial functions divided among

othersothers

– Council-managerCouncil-manager City manager oversees city operations; hired by City manager oversees city operations; hired by

councilcouncil

– CommissionCommission Committee of city leaders assume executive, Committee of city leaders assume executive,

legislative functionslegislative functions

Story pitch:Story pitch:Hard News Assignment due Hard News Assignment due

2/132/13 Length of story pitch: three Length of story pitch: three

paragraphs, about 200 wordsparagraphs, about 200 words Include the 5Ws and H: what makes Include the 5Ws and H: what makes

this story newsworthythis story newsworthy

Challenges with story pitch?Challenges with story pitch?

Duluth has a weak mayor, Duluth has a weak mayor, strong council form of strong council form of

government.government.1.1. TrueTrue

2.2. FalseFalse

What’s in Duluth?What’s in Duluth?

Strong mayor-councilStrong mayor-council– City of Duluth organizational chartCity of Duluth organizational chart

What’s in St. Louis County?What’s in St. Louis County? Strong administrator-commissionStrong administrator-commission

– St. Louis County InformationSt. Louis County Information

Typical city government Typical city government beatbeat

No typical day!No typical day! City council meetingsCity council meetings

– Check agendaCheck agenda– Advance storyAdvance story– Meeting storyMeeting story

City budget processCity budget process Administrative reportsAdministrative reports Other committee, task force meetingsOther committee, task force meetings

– Vikings proposalVikings proposal

How to cover a council How to cover a council meetingmeeting

Check Check AgendaAgenda Check meeting Check meeting ActionAction Don’t be afraid to ask questions after Don’t be afraid to ask questions after

the meetingthe meeting Stay to the end: Other business can Stay to the end: Other business can

be hot news!be hot news! Take lots of notesTake lots of notes

Checklist for coveringChecklist for covering city city governmentgovernment

Learn the systemLearn the system Get to know the personalitiesGet to know the personalities Develop reliable sourcesDevelop reliable sources Be persistentBe persistent Never let friendship interfere with the jobNever let friendship interfere with the job Always be preparedAlways be prepared Make note of story possibilitiesMake note of story possibilities Read other coverageRead other coverage Write to inform, not to impressWrite to inform, not to impress Use your brainUse your brain Ask questions!Ask questions!

Chapter 20: Police and FireChapter 20: Police and Fire

Organizational structuresOrganizational structures– Duluth Police DepartmentDuluth Police Department– St. Louis County Sheriff’s DepartmentSt. Louis County Sheriff’s Department– Duluth Fire DepartmentDuluth Fire Department

Covering police, fire beatsCovering police, fire beats

Making the rounds: develop sourcesMaking the rounds: develop sources– Each city, county differentEach city, county different– Billings, Sheridan examplesBillings, Sheridan examples

Departmental recordsDepartmental records– Police log, reportsPolice log, reports– Fire reportsFire reports

Checklist for police, fire Checklist for police, fire beatsbeats

Develop, cultivate sourcesDevelop, cultivate sources Learn how to handle hostile sourcesLearn how to handle hostile sources Know the job responsibilities of sourcesKnow the job responsibilities of sources Don’t deceive sourcesDon’t deceive sources If a big story comes along, go after itIf a big story comes along, go after it Know the territoryKnow the territory Learn the terminologyLearn the terminology Double-check spellingsDouble-check spellings Check with hospital, morgue, to update informationCheck with hospital, morgue, to update information Be careful when reporting arrestsBe careful when reporting arrests Don’t confuse an arrest with filing of a chargeDon’t confuse an arrest with filing of a charge Know policy on using minors’ namesKnow policy on using minors’ names

Chapter 22: SportsChapter 22: Sports

Evolution of sports writingEvolution of sports writing– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville

Daily News, 1901Daily News, 1901– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald TribuneStanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune

Still cliches – strive for middle groundStill cliches – strive for middle ground WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & HWWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, Best sports writing: Includes statistics,

essential ingredients (5Ws & H), more essential ingredients (5Ws & H), more analyticalanalytical

High School Sports High School Sports CoverageCoverage

Terry Henion, Omaha World-HeraldTerry Henion, Omaha World-Herald– ““Kids playing kids’ games”Kids playing kids’ games”

Reporters must keep statsReporters must keep stats– No sports information directorsNo sports information directors

Not really covering, more documentingNot really covering, more documenting Stringers: College students covering high Stringers: College students covering high

school sportsschool sports Quotes from losing, winning coaches & Quotes from losing, winning coaches &

playersplayers

College sports coverageCollege sports coverage

Working with statisticsWorking with statistics– Box scoresBox scores– Team statisticsTeam statistics– Individual statisticsIndividual statistics– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play Review statistics for trends: play-by-play

chartscharts

Going beyond statisticsGoing beyond statistics– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous

parents in standsparents in stands– Policies for post-game interviewsPolicies for post-game interviews

Cool-down timeCool-down time

– Talk to coachesTalk to coaches– Talk to playersTalk to players– Talk to trainersTalk to trainers

Writing a sports storyWriting a sports story

Morning newspapersMorning newspapers– Tight deadlines, usually straightforward Tight deadlines, usually straightforward

accountaccount– Summary leads, storiesSummary leads, stories

Afternoon newspapersAfternoon newspapers– More time to write comprehensive storiesMore time to write comprehensive stories

Weekly newspapersWeekly newspapers– More time for analysis, what results meanMore time for analysis, what results mean

Checklist for sportswritersChecklist for sportswriters Go with a summary lead if warranted, but Go with a summary lead if warranted, but

more room to be creative.more room to be creative. Avoid chronological approachesAvoid chronological approaches Blend facts, turning points, quotations, Blend facts, turning points, quotations,

statistics, analysisstatistics, analysis Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it toAvoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we

whipped ‘em goodwhipped ‘em good Use vivid description when appropriateUse vivid description when appropriate Double-check spellingsDouble-check spellings Do your homeworkDo your homework

Online sports sourcesOnline sports sources

National Collegiate Athletic Association:National Collegiate Athletic Association:– www2.ncaa.orgwww2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association: National Basketball Association: www.nba.comwww.nba.com

National Football League: National Football League: http://www.nfl.comhttp://www.nfl.com

Major League Baseball: www.mlb.comMajor League Baseball: www.mlb.com ESPN: www.espn.go.comESPN: www.espn.go.com

Due 2/20: Sports Story Due 2/20: Sports Story Reporting Assignment PitchReporting Assignment Pitch

Length of story pitch: three Length of story pitch: three paragraphs, about 200 wordsparagraphs, about 200 words

Include the 5Ws and H: what makes Include the 5Ws and H: what makes this story newsworthythis story newsworthy

UMD sports schedulesUMD sports schedules– Detailed information at:Detailed information at:

www.umdbulldogs.comwww.umdbulldogs.com

Assignment: Due 2/20Assignment: Due 2/20

From information provided from a From information provided from a Tempe Police Department activity log, Tempe Police Department activity log, write an inverted-pyramid news story write an inverted-pyramid news story based on all the information available.based on all the information available.

Write your story in Microsoft Word, and Write your story in Microsoft Word, and email a copy of the story as an email a copy of the story as an attachment to: lkragnesattachment to: lkragnes

Make sure to copy yourself on the emailMake sure to copy yourself on the email

In-class assignment for 2/13In-class assignment for 2/13

Summary lead exerciseSummary lead exercise– Steps to help you:

– Identify the five Ws and H– Determine which is the most important to include.– A summary lead should contain no more than 35 words.– One sentence strongest summary lead.

Complete your assignment in Microsoft Word. Email the file as an attachment to:

lkragnes@d.umn.edu Make sure to keep a copy of the file for

yourself.

EgradebookEgradebook

Doublecheck assignments correct in Doublecheck assignments correct in egradebook:egradebook:– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebookhttp://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

PortfolioPortfolio

Store academic information in your Store academic information in your Electronic Portfolio. Each student has Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100 mb of storage.100 mb of storage.

Access Electronic Portfolio at: Access Electronic Portfolio at: https://https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.jspportfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.jsp