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