Post on 05-Dec-2014
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Blogging
Reporting & Writing for Online MediaJennifer Brannock Cox
Why Blogs?
Why are many newspapers adopting asking reporters to blog?
Transparency Persona Attracting readers who prefer this platform
Why Blogs?What are some advantages/disadvantages of blogging?
Little editing Speed required Time consuming Can get lost in the shuffle
Keep readers informed, up-to-date Allows producers to use the paper for more newsworthy topics Conversational style appeals to some readers Allows reader access to behind-the-scenes information
Why Blogs?How do blogs differ from traditional articles?
They can:Use first-personUse a conversational toneUse a mix of past and present tenseExclude a quoteBe informational rather than tell a story
BUT, they can also employ traditional article techniques, too!
News Event
Use of first-person (conversational)
Use of feature lede and nut graf
Contains a link to relevant information
Tone is a blend of conversational and news-speak
Feature Blog
Playful, fun
Public service
Incorporates community content
Allows reporters to create a persona and become more accountable in the process
News Blogs
Sources similar to a news story
Uses quotes (but only one)
An abbreviated version of a story that might appear in the paper
Column Blogs
Appeals to a very targeted audience
Allows the reporter to be personal, and, therefore, personable
Uses photos, first-person, and a mix of other news styles
Blogging EthicsTake your own photos – do not use pictures from
the web
Use appropriate language
Don’t burn sources
Don’t editorialize
Don’t become a PR lackey
Don’t libel – you do not have license to say whatever you want just because it’s your blog
Blogging SpecificsUse 4-8 journalistic grafs
Be aware of your tone – conversational, newsy, fun...
Must contain one link per post to relevant information
Do not re-write press releases – make at least one phone call
Posts should show your versatility – features, reviews, hard news, columns, etc.
Look at the rubric online for reminders of criteria
For ThursdayTalking about using audio
Readings are posted online
Come to lab next week with at least 5 minutes of audio (from an interview on your beat) to edit
If you don’t have a recorder, let me know now