Week 4: Journalism 2001Week 4: Journalism 2001February 12, 2007February 12, 2007

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’

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

Review 2/5 summary lead Review 2/5 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– AddressesAddresses

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

SKOKIE, Ill. – A house on Lawler Avenue caught fire around 7 p.m. SKOKIE, Ill. – A house on Lawler Avenue caught fire around 7 p.m. Friday after homeowners left home with a cigarette still Friday after homeowners left home with a cigarette still smoldering in the bedroom.smoldering in the bedroom.

SKOKIE (Ill.) – A half lit cigarette sparked a fire in a house at 7:00 SKOKIE (Ill.) – A half lit cigarette sparked a fire in a house at 7:00 p.m. last night causing no injuries but $50,000 worth of damage to p.m. last night causing no injuries but $50,000 worth of damage to the house itself.the house itself.

Friday night a home on Lawler Avenue went up in flames because Friday night a home on Lawler Avenue went up in flames because a cigarette was left burning on a pillow.a cigarette was left burning on a pillow.

Investigators believe a smoldering cigarette apparently left on a Investigators believe a smoldering cigarette apparently left on a mattress and pillow caused the fire on Lawler Avenue in Skokie mattress and pillow caused the fire on Lawler Avenue in Skokie just after 7 p.m. Friday night.just after 7 p.m. Friday night.

A smoldering cigarette left in a home on Lawler Avenue Friday A smoldering cigarette left in a home on Lawler Avenue Friday night caused a house fire and $50,000 in damage.night caused a house fire and $50,000 in damage.

No one was home Friday night when a neighbor of a house No one was home Friday night when a neighbor of a house reported a fire that was caused by the remains of a cigarette reported a fire that was caused by the remains of a cigarette burning on a pillow.burning on a pillow.

A severe winter storm on the coast of Northern California A severe winter storm on the coast of Northern California caused hundreds of fender-benders and left the area with icy caused hundreds of fender-benders and left the area with icy roads and frigid temperatures.roads and frigid temperatures.

On Thursday morning northern California was hit with another On Thursday morning northern California was hit with another winter storm that brought snow, hail, torrential rains, and winter storm that brought snow, hail, torrential rains, and standing water on roadways.standing water on roadways.

SAN FRANCISCO – Relentless snowfall continued in Northern SAN FRANCISCO – Relentless snowfall continued in Northern California Thursday morning, bringing with it colliding cars and a California Thursday morning, bringing with it colliding cars and a threat of natural disaster.threat of natural disaster.

Although there is a promise of dry and sunny weather Friday, Although there is a promise of dry and sunny weather Friday, the latest winter storm that hit Northern California Thursday the latest winter storm that hit Northern California Thursday morning has left behind icy roads and frigid temperatures, morning has left behind icy roads and frigid temperatures, which have created numerous hazards for residents and drivers.which have created numerous hazards for residents and drivers.

Blankets of snow, driving hail, and heavy torrential rains Blankets of snow, driving hail, and heavy torrential rains pounded into Northern California’s mountain ranges again pounded into Northern California’s mountain ranges again Thursday morning, adding to the mounting concerns of potential Thursday morning, adding to the mounting concerns of potential catastrophic mudslides and slippery roadways.catastrophic mudslides and slippery roadways.

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

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 (how to spell Kragness?), Use spellchecker (how to spell Kragness?), AP StylebookAP Stylebook

Use past tense, third personUse past tense, third person Common style errors:Common style errors:

– TitlesTitles– YearsYears– NumeralsNumerals– State namesState names– Degrees: master’s, bachelor’sDegrees: master’s, bachelor’s– FreelanceFreelance– InternetInternet

Use last name on second referenceUse last name on second reference Watch editorializingWatch editorializing Verify factsVerify facts Paragraph length: 2-3 sentences maxParagraph length: 2-3 sentences max 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 420page 420

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

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 20:Chapter 20:Local Government and Public Local Government and Public

MeetingsMeetings 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

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

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

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

Local government budget Local government budget processprocess

Cover the steps in the processCover the steps in the process Develop sources of informationDevelop sources of information Different types of budgetsDifferent types of budgets

– Capital budgetsCapital budgets– Operating budgetsOperating budgets

Writing the budget storyWriting the budget story

Bottom line – the total budgetBottom line – the total budget Last year’s budgetLast year’s budget Percentage increase or decreasePercentage increase or decrease Breakdown of expensesBreakdown of expenses Reasons for increase or decreaseReasons for increase or decrease Breakdown of budget revenuesBreakdown of budget revenues Details on impact of tax increases or Details on impact of tax increases or

decreasesdecreases

Public Information OfficersPublic Information Officers

Blessing and a curseBlessing and a curse Good source of informationGood source of information Develop relationshipDevelop relationship Establish “call-back” rulesEstablish “call-back” rules Remember their roleRemember their role Be skeptical, but remember they’re Be skeptical, but remember they’re

great resourcesgreat resources

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 prepared; ask for copies of handoutsAlways be prepared; ask for copies of handouts Make note of story possibilitiesMake note of story possibilities Read other coverageRead other coverage Write to inform, not to impress: Inverted pyramidWrite to inform, not to impress: Inverted pyramid Use your brainUse your brain Ask questions!Ask questions!

Story Pitches for Hard News Story Pitches for Hard News 1 and 2 Assignments: Due 1 and 2 Assignments: Due

2/142/14 Length of story pitches: no more than Length of story pitches: no more than

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

this story newsworthythis story newsworthy Deadlines for complete articles:Deadlines for complete articles:

– Hard News 1: February 26Hard News 1: February 26– Hard News 2: March 19Hard News 2: March 19

Mosquito spraying story example, Mosquito spraying story example, county commission storycounty commission story

Sample Hard News PitchSample Hard News PitchThe City of Duluth Commission on Disabilities meets The City of Duluth Commission on Disabilities meets

on the first Wednesday of every month at 3:00 p.m. in Room on the first Wednesday of every month at 3:00 p.m. in Room 106A at the Duluth City Hall.106A at the Duluth City Hall.

These meetings should be very important to anyone These meetings should be very important to anyone who has a disability. It is at these meetings that many issues who has a disability. It is at these meetings that many issues are decided upon and in order to have a voice it is important are decided upon and in order to have a voice it is important to attend and speak out. to attend and speak out.

According to the agenda listed, the October 4th According to the agenda listed, the October 4th meeting will begin with a review of the notes and upbringings meeting will begin with a review of the notes and upbringings from the September 6th meeting. It will then move on to a from the September 6th meeting. It will then move on to a introduction of the correspondents which include the U of M- introduction of the correspondents which include the U of M- Communiversity Personal Grants, People with Disabilities for Communiversity Personal Grants, People with Disabilities for Change minutes, and the Duluth HOPE VI Newsletter. >From Change minutes, and the Duluth HOPE VI Newsletter. >From there on the meeting will be discussing signage requests, there on the meeting will be discussing signage requests, and the parking meters on 2nd street between 3rd and 4th and the parking meters on 2nd street between 3rd and 4th Ave. W and 3rd Ave. W between 2nd and 3rd street. As well Ave. W and 3rd Ave. W between 2nd and 3rd street. As well as Accessibility issues and Committee reports. The meeting as Accessibility issues and Committee reports. The meeting will end with any other business need mentioning.will end with any other business need mentioning.

Chapter 21: Police and FireChapter 21: 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

Using departmental recordsUsing departmental records

Accident forms, coverage of accidentsAccident forms, coverage of accidents– Injured, severely injured, fatalitiesInjured, severely injured, fatalities– Time, locationTime, location– NamesNames– Results of chemical testsResults of chemical tests– Ambulance serviceAmbulance service– DiagramsDiagrams– Driver statementsDriver statements– Other details: road conditions, seat beltsOther details: road conditions, seat belts

Offense reports, crime Offense reports, crime coveragecoverage

Limited access to forms recording Limited access to forms recording crimescrimes

A rape storyA rape story– Offense reportOffense report– Talk to officers involvedTalk to officers involved– Check if other rapes reportedCheck if other rapes reported– Telephone hospital for victim’s conditionTelephone hospital for victim’s condition

A day on the beatA day on the beat

AssignmentsAssignments On-the-scene coverageOn-the-scene coverage Making the roundsMaking the rounds Writing the storiesWriting the stories

– Developing the lead: Deaths go firstDeveloping the lead: Deaths go first– Constructing the storyConstructing the story– AttributionAttribution– Describe the sceneDescribe the scene– Using vivid detailsUsing vivid details

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

Journalism Case StudiesJournalism Case Studies

Today:Today:– Stop! This is a warning. . .Stop! This is a warning. . .

Suppressing news at police requestSuppressing news at police request

Go to:Go to:http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/gallery/ethics/http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/gallery/ethics/

supp_pol.htmlsupp_pol.html

- Compiled by University of Indiana School of - Compiled by University of Indiana School of JournalismJournalism

Chapter 22: CourtsChapter 22: Courts

Federal Judicial SystemFederal Judicial System– Supreme CourtSupreme Court– U.S. Court of AppealsU.S. Court of Appeals– U.S. District CourtsU.S. District Courts– U.S. Bankruptcy CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court

Minnesota Judicial SystemMinnesota Judicial System– Supreme CourtSupreme Court– Court of AppealsCourt of Appeals– District CourtsDistrict Courts

Types of court casesTypes of court cases

Criminal CasesCriminal Cases– Enforcement of criminal statutesEnforcement of criminal statutes– Brought by state or federal government Brought by state or federal government

against a person for committing a crime against a person for committing a crime such as murder, armed robberysuch as murder, armed robbery

Civil casesCivil cases– Legal disputes between individuals, Legal disputes between individuals,

businesses, state or local governments, businesses, state or local governments, government agenciesgovernment agencies

– Commonly include suits for damages from Commonly include suits for damages from auto accidents, breach of contract, libelauto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal CasesCriminal Cases

Basic criminal process:Basic criminal process:– Indictment/information filed: Criminal chargeIndictment/information filed: Criminal charge– Warrant issued for arrestWarrant issued for arrest– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to

accusedaccused– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable

causecause– Second arraignment: Plea enteredSecond arraignment: Plea entered

Plea bargaining, jury date setPlea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or juryTrial by judge or jury– Jury reaches verdictJury reaches verdict

Civil casesCivil cases

Basic civil processBasic civil process– Plaintiff files a complaintPlaintiff files a complaint– Defendant served with a summonsDefendant served with a summons– Defendant files pleadingDefendant files pleading– Depositions takenDepositions taken– Appearances before judgeAppearances before judge

Settlement often reachedSettlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judgeTrial scheduled: Either jury or judge– VerdictVerdict

Checklist for covering courtsChecklist for covering courts

Learn the judicial systemLearn the judicial system Learn the record-keeping systemLearn the record-keeping system Provide sufficient background for the Provide sufficient background for the

readerreader Double-check factsDouble-check facts Use complete names, addresses or Use complete names, addresses or

occupationsoccupations– Johnson story exampleJohnson story example

Review of story examplesReview of story examples

BN engines run into coal trainBN engines run into coal train Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun

at deputyat deputy Charities fight for fundsCharities fight for funds Pollution forces Sheridan to replace Pollution forces Sheridan to replace

shale with sandshale with sand Sawmill storiesSawmill stories

Due 2/14: Sports Story Due 2/14: 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

Sample sports story pitchSample sports story pitch

The sporting event that I am going to The sporting event that I am going to cover is a upcoming high school prep cover is a upcoming high school prep football game between the varsity squads football game between the varsity squads of Duluth Denfeld and Hibbing high school. of Duluth Denfeld and Hibbing high school. The game is scheduled for Friday, October The game is scheduled for Friday, October 13th at 5:15 PM.13th at 5:15 PM.

I am expecting a large home crowd, I am expecting a large home crowd, and some theatrics from fans considering and some theatrics from fans considering this is the end of Duluth Denfeld's this is the end of Duluth Denfeld's homecoming week. homecoming week.

Assignment: Due 2/19Assignment: Due 2/19

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

Make sure to copy yourself on the Make sure to copy yourself on the emailemail

In-class assignment for 10/2In-class assignment for 10/2

More editing practice!More editing practice!

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