Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Assignment # 11
Go to a busy public place with a notebook in hand. Develop your ear for dialogue by writing down snatches of overheard conversations; imagine how they could be used in a story. Post at least five overheard quotes along with accompanying story ideas in a new blog entry.
[I overheard people talking to each other in the reading room of the Kennedy Library. People are allowed to eat and talk in this particular area so I eavesdropped on a few interesting conversations]
1) “Why do u buy movies and not rent them?”
STORY IDEA: Netflix is the New Blockbuster (story about how Netflix is the most efficient way to rent movies nowadays)
2) “Jon, have you ever been to the z-club?”
STORY IDEA: Up and Coming Bars in SLO (story about smaller bars in San Luis Obispo that not very many people know about)
3) “Were going to go to a party up there on Foothill and California”
STORY IDEA: Infamous Party Streets at Cal Poly (story about the most popular 'college party' streets near campus)
4)“We took his dresser and tipped it upside down so all of his clothes would fall out…we were drunk so we were thinking, ‘oh this is going to be so awesome..’ ”
STORY IDEA: Cal Poly College Pranks (story about the current pranks students do to each other on and around campus)
5)“I understand this stuff so much better when teachers lay it out clearly, but he speaks in such a roundabout way”
STORY IDEA: How Students Learn Best
(story about the effective teaching methods through the students' eyes)
[I overheard people talking to each other in the reading room of the Kennedy Library. People are allowed to eat and talk in this particular area so I eavesdropped on a few interesting conversations]
1) “Why do u buy movies and not rent them?”
STORY IDEA: Netflix is the New Blockbuster (story about how Netflix is the most efficient way to rent movies nowadays)
2) “Jon, have you ever been to the z-club?”
STORY IDEA: Up and Coming Bars in SLO (story about smaller bars in San Luis Obispo that not very many people know about)
3) “Were going to go to a party up there on Foothill and California”
STORY IDEA: Infamous Party Streets at Cal Poly (story about the most popular 'college party' streets near campus)
4)“We took his dresser and tipped it upside down so all of his clothes would fall out…we were drunk so we were thinking, ‘oh this is going to be so awesome..’ ”
STORY IDEA: Cal Poly College Pranks (story about the current pranks students do to each other on and around campus)
5)“I understand this stuff so much better when teachers lay it out clearly, but he speaks in such a roundabout way”
STORY IDEA: How Students Learn Best
(story about the effective teaching methods through the students' eyes)
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Assignment # 10
Noting the top five reasons journalists visit a company Web site (see below), conduct your own usability study of five companies that interest you. On each site, search for basic PR information and note your findings in a new blog entry.
1. Find a PR contact (name and phone number)
1. Find a PR contact (name and phone number)
2. Check basic facts about the company (name a top executive, and state the address of the company’s headquarters)
3. Check the company’s ‘spin’ on events (what kind of news would most affect/concern the company?)
4. Check financial information (any of the following: the company's yearly earnings/projections/budget etc.)
5. Download images to supplement a story (each company’s description on your blog must be accompanied by a representational image from the Web site)
6. The Web site address
COMPANY 1: Time Warner Inc.
1) PR Contact:
Corporate Communications Mark Harrad (203) 328-0613 Maureen Huff (203) 328-4807
1) PR Contact:
Corporate Communications Mark Harrad (203) 328-0613 Maureen Huff (203) 328-4807
2) Top executive: Richard D. Parsons is the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Time Warner Inc.
Address of company’s headquarters:
Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY10019-8016
212.484.8000
Address of company’s headquarters:
Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY10019-8016
212.484.8000
3) company’s spin on events:
Time Warner Cable Inc. to Host Business Update Conference CallFebruary 26, 2007
NEW YORK – Time Warner Cable Inc. will host a conference call for investors on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, beginning at 10:00 am ET, to discuss its business and its outlook for 2007.
4) Financial information:
In 2006 and 2007, Time Warner plans to reduce costs by $1 billion across their businesses. Time Warner Cable anticipates its 2007 full-year Free Cash Flow will be in the range of $800 million to $1 billion.
Time Warner Cable Inc. to Host Business Update Conference CallFebruary 26, 2007
NEW YORK – Time Warner Cable Inc. will host a conference call for investors on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, beginning at 10:00 am ET, to discuss its business and its outlook for 2007.
4) Financial information:
In 2006 and 2007, Time Warner plans to reduce costs by $1 billion across their businesses. Time Warner Cable anticipates its 2007 full-year Free Cash Flow will be in the range of $800 million to $1 billion.
5)
6) Website: http://www.timewarner.com/corp/
COMPANY 2: Verizon
1) Corporate Strategy, PolicyJim Gerace908-559-7508James.Gerace@VerizonWireless.com
PR contact: Bobbi Henson, 972-718-2225
1) Corporate Strategy, PolicyJim Gerace908-559-7508James.Gerace@VerizonWireless.com
PR contact: Bobbi Henson, 972-718-2225
2) Top Executive: Ivan G. SeidenbergChairman and Chief Executive Officer
Headquarters Address:
Verizon Communications Inc.
1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle
3) news release:
NEW YORK - The standard for consumer and small-business Internet access is going up again with Verizon's introduction Monday (Feb. 26) of an up-to-50 Mbps FiOS Internet service in parts of five counties in the Tampa, Fla., area. This marks the sixth state where Verizon, the company building the nation's most advanced digital all-fiber-optic network, is now providing this unprecedented speed.
PR contact: Bobbi Henson, 972-718-2225
Headquarters Address:
Verizon Communications Inc.
1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle
3) news release:
NEW YORK - The standard for consumer and small-business Internet access is going up again with Verizon's introduction Monday (Feb. 26) of an up-to-50 Mbps FiOS Internet service in parts of five counties in the Tampa, Fla., area. This marks the sixth state where Verizon, the company building the nation's most advanced digital all-fiber-optic network, is now providing this unprecedented speed.
PR contact: Bobbi Henson, 972-718-2225
4) For the year 2006, Verizon reported earnings of $6.2 billion.
5)
6) <http://www22.verizon.com/>
COMPANY 3: SONY
1) PR contact: Corporate PR - Public Relations Department
Sony Corporation 03-5448-2200
COMPANY 3: SONY
1) PR contact: Corporate PR - Public Relations Department
Sony Corporation 03-5448-2200
2) Top Executive: Chairman and CEO Howard Stringer
Headquarters Address: 1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan
Headquarters Address: 1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan
3) Spin on Events:
January 5,2007
Sony Corporation announced the introduction of the sub brand name "x.v.Color", and its compliance logo, for products which conform to "xvYCC", the international standard for wide color space within moving images. Going forward Sony will promote "x.v.Color" among the industry as a unified brand name borne by future compliant products.
January 5,2007
Sony Corporation announced the introduction of the sub brand name "x.v.Color", and its compliance logo, for products which conform to "xvYCC", the international standard for wide color space within moving images. Going forward Sony will promote "x.v.Color" among the industry as a unified brand name borne by future compliant products.
4) Financial Info.: Consolidated Sales and Operating revenue in the year 2005 were 7,510,600 million yen
5) 
COMPANY 4: APPLE
1) PR contact:
Katie CottonVice President of Worldwide Corporate Communications
katiec@apple.com
Natalie KerrisApple(408) 974-6877mailto:974-6877nat@apple.com
1) PR contact:
Katie CottonVice President of Worldwide Corporate Communications
katiec@apple.com
Natalie KerrisApple(408) 974-6877mailto:974-6877nat@apple.com
2) Top Executive: Steve Jobs CEO, AppleHeadquarters Address:
Apple
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
408.996.1010
Apple
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
408.996.1010
3) Spin on Events:
Cisco and Apple Reach Agreement on iPhone Trademark
SAN JOSE and CUPERTINO, California—February 21, 2007—Cisco and Apple® announced that they have resolved their dispute involving the “iPhone” trademark. Under the agreement, both companies are free to use the “iPhone” trademark on their products throughout the world. Both companies acknowledge the trademark ownership rights that have been granted, and each side will dismiss any pending actions regarding the trademark. In addition, Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications. Other terms of the agreement are confidential.
Cisco and Apple Reach Agreement on iPhone Trademark
SAN JOSE and CUPERTINO, California—February 21, 2007—Cisco and Apple® announced that they have resolved their dispute involving the “iPhone” trademark. Under the agreement, both companies are free to use the “iPhone” trademark on their products throughout the world. Both companies acknowledge the trademark ownership rights that have been granted, and each side will dismiss any pending actions regarding the trademark. In addition, Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications. Other terms of the agreement are confidential.
4) Financial Info.: Apple’s financial results for its fiscal 2006 third quarter ended July 1, 2006. The Company posted revenue of $4.37 billion and a net quarterly profit of $472 million, or $.54 per diluted share.
5) 
6) website: <http://www.apple.com/investor/ >
COMPANY 5: Nike
1) PR contact: Members of the press with media related inquiries may call (US) 1-212-367-4447. This phone is answered during business hours (EST) and is also checked frequently for messages.
1) PR contact: Members of the press with media related inquiries may call (US) 1-212-367-4447. This phone is answered during business hours (EST) and is also checked frequently for messages.
2) Top Executive:
Philip H. Knight, Chairman of the Board of DirectorsMark Parker, President & Chief Executive Officer, NIKE, Inc.Charlie Denson, President, NIKE Brand
Headquarters Address:
Nike World HeadquartersOne Bowerman DriveBeaverton, OR 970053)
Philip H. Knight, Chairman of the Board of DirectorsMark Parker, President & Chief Executive Officer, NIKE, Inc.Charlie Denson, President, NIKE Brand
Headquarters Address:
Nike World HeadquartersOne Bowerman DriveBeaverton, OR 970053)
3)Spin on Events:
NikeGO Head Start Comes to Charleston, WV to Fight Childhood Obesity Epidemic
One of 12 New Cities For NikeGO Head Start Campaign in 2006-2007
Charleston, WV (13 February, 2007) – Charleston is the latest stop for NikeGO Head Start, a first-of-its-kind initiative to get kids physically active starting at a young age. Nike and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) along with SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) announced today that Charleston is one of 12 new sites where the program will be offered in 2006-2007. The NikeGO Head Start training for Charleston is taking place through the Kanawha County Schools Head Start and will be conducted at the Coonskin Park Clubhouse at Coonskin Drive in Charleston, WV. The training will take place on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 starting at 8:30 a.m.
NikeGO Head Start Comes to Charleston, WV to Fight Childhood Obesity Epidemic
One of 12 New Cities For NikeGO Head Start Campaign in 2006-2007
Charleston, WV (13 February, 2007) – Charleston is the latest stop for NikeGO Head Start, a first-of-its-kind initiative to get kids physically active starting at a young age. Nike and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) along with SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) announced today that Charleston is one of 12 new sites where the program will be offered in 2006-2007. The NikeGO Head Start training for Charleston is taking place through the Kanawha County Schools Head Start and will be conducted at the Coonskin Park Clubhouse at Coonskin Drive in Charleston, WV. The training will take place on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 starting at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Assignment # 9
The Enron Scandal
In the year 2001, U.S. history’s biggest bankruptcy led to the demise of former American energy corporate company called Enron based in Houston, Texas. The ironic part is the “Fortune” magazine named Enron ‘America’s Most Innovative Company’ for six consecutive years prior to their downward spiral from 1996 through 2001. Known as one of the world’s leading electricity, natural gas, pulp, paper and communications company, Enron claimed to have a revenue of $111 billion in 2000, the year before its bankruptcy. “In just 15 years, Enron grew from nowhere to be America's seventh largest company, employing 21,000 staff in more than 40 countries,” says BBC news.
The irony became not too ironic when Enron was revealed for accounting fraud and the leading accounting firm behind the scandal was Arthur Andersen. Books had been audited Andersen during the collapse of Enron which cost investors over $60 billion dollars according to “TIME” magazine. Before being subpoenaed, workers at the firm illegally destroyed a large, yet unknown amount of documents relating to the Enron company
On January 9, 2002, The United States Department of Justice began a criminal investigation of Enron. After being exposed in corporate fraud, it was found that profits were inflated and debts were not reported in the company’s financial statements. According to “BBC News” The congressional hearing began on January 24, 2002 which gunned for three key players: Andrew Fastow, (Enron’s former chief financial officer) Kenneth Lay (Enron’s former chief executive and chairman since 1986), and David Duncan (Enron’s chief auditor at Andersen). Congressional investigators told “TIME” magazine that David Duncan and other directed workers shredded important documents when it was his job to audit Enron’s accounts.
Before the scandal, Enron shares were considered a blue chip stock and were worth $90.00, but dropped to .30 cents after the scandal was revealed. President Bush was also good friends with Kenneth Lay who donated $2 million dollars to his campaigns. Currently, Enron still exists without any assets as a shell corporation.
In the year 2001, U.S. history’s biggest bankruptcy led to the demise of former American energy corporate company called Enron based in Houston, Texas. The ironic part is the “Fortune” magazine named Enron ‘America’s Most Innovative Company’ for six consecutive years prior to their downward spiral from 1996 through 2001. Known as one of the world’s leading electricity, natural gas, pulp, paper and communications company, Enron claimed to have a revenue of $111 billion in 2000, the year before its bankruptcy. “In just 15 years, Enron grew from nowhere to be America's seventh largest company, employing 21,000 staff in more than 40 countries,” says BBC news.
The irony became not too ironic when Enron was revealed for accounting fraud and the leading accounting firm behind the scandal was Arthur Andersen. Books had been audited Andersen during the collapse of Enron which cost investors over $60 billion dollars according to “TIME” magazine. Before being subpoenaed, workers at the firm illegally destroyed a large, yet unknown amount of documents relating to the Enron company
On January 9, 2002, The United States Department of Justice began a criminal investigation of Enron. After being exposed in corporate fraud, it was found that profits were inflated and debts were not reported in the company’s financial statements. According to “BBC News” The congressional hearing began on January 24, 2002 which gunned for three key players: Andrew Fastow, (Enron’s former chief financial officer) Kenneth Lay (Enron’s former chief executive and chairman since 1986), and David Duncan (Enron’s chief auditor at Andersen). Congressional investigators told “TIME” magazine that David Duncan and other directed workers shredded important documents when it was his job to audit Enron’s accounts.
Before the scandal, Enron shares were considered a blue chip stock and were worth $90.00, but dropped to .30 cents after the scandal was revealed. President Bush was also good friends with Kenneth Lay who donated $2 million dollars to his campaigns. Currently, Enron still exists without any assets as a shell corporation.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Assignment #8
SUMMARY LEADS:
1) CLEVELAND, Ohio (CNN) -- A passenger jet skidded off a runway and smashed through a fence while landing Sunday in windy and icy conditions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
à The weather has increasingly become more icy and wind causing accidents to occur.
2) LONDON, England (CNN) -- The British police protection officer responsible for Prince Harry has flown to Iraq to begin making security arrangements for the royal soldier's deployment to Iraq amid fears for his safety, according to British press reports.
à In any instance, war is dangerous, but Prince Harry has extra protection as he goes off to face the dangers in Iraq.
3) PANIPAT, India (CNN) -- Witnesses have described the horrific scenes which followed two explosions on an Indian passenger train early Monday which killed at least 67 people.
à "I saw flames leaping out of the windows," said Vinod Kumar Gupta, the assistant manager in the Dewana station, who pulled the signal ordering the train to stop as it passed through the village shortly after the explosions had occurred.
FEATURE LEADS:
4) NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AP) -- Chilly temperatures did not deter the revelers who turned out Sunday to watch the parades roll through the city on the last weekend before Mardi Gras.
à No matter how cold the weather got, it did not stop the many who gathered to celebrate Mardi Gras last weekend in New Orleans.
5) NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Police called to a Long Island man's house discovered the mummified remains of the resident, dead for more than a year, sitting in front of a blaring television set.
à Vincenzo Ricardo appeared to have died of natural causes at the age of seventy after police discovered his mummified body sitting in front of a television set for over a year in the Hampton Bays area of New York.
6) (CNN) -- Robert Thompson, head of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University, hates the phrase "famous for being famous." You can't be famous for your celebrity, he says; you have to somehow achieve fame in the first place.
à Anna Nicole Smith has been the most covered media story in every news station, she is such a huge celebrity, yet her fame was achieved through marrying an elderly man and becoming a part of lawsuits for his riches after he died, and being a playmate.
1) CLEVELAND, Ohio (CNN) -- A passenger jet skidded off a runway and smashed through a fence while landing Sunday in windy and icy conditions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
à The weather has increasingly become more icy and wind causing accidents to occur.
2) LONDON, England (CNN) -- The British police protection officer responsible for Prince Harry has flown to Iraq to begin making security arrangements for the royal soldier's deployment to Iraq amid fears for his safety, according to British press reports.
à In any instance, war is dangerous, but Prince Harry has extra protection as he goes off to face the dangers in Iraq.
3) PANIPAT, India (CNN) -- Witnesses have described the horrific scenes which followed two explosions on an Indian passenger train early Monday which killed at least 67 people.
à "I saw flames leaping out of the windows," said Vinod Kumar Gupta, the assistant manager in the Dewana station, who pulled the signal ordering the train to stop as it passed through the village shortly after the explosions had occurred.
FEATURE LEADS:
4) NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AP) -- Chilly temperatures did not deter the revelers who turned out Sunday to watch the parades roll through the city on the last weekend before Mardi Gras.
à No matter how cold the weather got, it did not stop the many who gathered to celebrate Mardi Gras last weekend in New Orleans.
5) NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Police called to a Long Island man's house discovered the mummified remains of the resident, dead for more than a year, sitting in front of a blaring television set.
à Vincenzo Ricardo appeared to have died of natural causes at the age of seventy after police discovered his mummified body sitting in front of a television set for over a year in the Hampton Bays area of New York.
6) (CNN) -- Robert Thompson, head of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University, hates the phrase "famous for being famous." You can't be famous for your celebrity, he says; you have to somehow achieve fame in the first place.
à Anna Nicole Smith has been the most covered media story in every news station, she is such a huge celebrity, yet her fame was achieved through marrying an elderly man and becoming a part of lawsuits for his riches after he died, and being a playmate.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Assignment # 7
Interview Practice: Contact one local business owner (can be a part-owner) and answer the following questions in a new blog entry. Some sample questions (think of more on your own):1. Why did you decide to go into business?2. How long has your business existed?3. What is your average customer profile?4. One anectdote/story about your business (i.e. a memorable day, an order mix-up, a memorable customer, etc.).
Sunny San Diego sure has a lot of local bars; but, The Pennant located in south mission beach is one to remember with its everlasting beach-gathering feel and upstairs deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The owner known as Dick bought the joint in 1979 after approaching the former bar owner who was on his knees picking up shattered glass off the floor . Being at the “right place at the right time,” Dick explains how he caught the “frustrated” bar owner on a bad day, offered to buy the place, and--“boom” as he puts it--he gave the old guy a down payment on a Monday morning.
His favorite part about owning his own business besides being his own boss is that he can come to work wearing shorts sand sandals. Aside from the laid back atmosphere of the bar, there is also a grill towards the back that serves different dinners throughout the week. There is a different themed dinner each night: Spaghetti Monday, Taco Tuesday, and meatloaf on Wednesdays; weekend nights serve hamburgers, fries, salads, and chicken tenders.
While the locals love eating the food, a lot of customers come to watch sports games. The beach bar has a television set in every corner and every niche including a projector screen the size of half the wall. Just this past super bowl in 2007, a local news station shot coverage of customers socializing and getting ready to watch the game.
Between the mix of older locals in their 50’s and 60’s watching games on TV and socializing, the weekends attract a young crowd from USD and San Diego State University. Dick likes to play music; of his favorites are “Rock n roll, Old rhythm and blues, country-western, but I hate hip-hop and rap-crap…ever listen to the words? Its so ugly.” Besides not liking rap music, Dick loves everything about his bar from his friends who have been going there for over 30 years to the perfect location less than 100 yards walking distance to the beach.
Sunny San Diego sure has a lot of local bars; but, The Pennant located in south mission beach is one to remember with its everlasting beach-gathering feel and upstairs deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The owner known as Dick bought the joint in 1979 after approaching the former bar owner who was on his knees picking up shattered glass off the floor . Being at the “right place at the right time,” Dick explains how he caught the “frustrated” bar owner on a bad day, offered to buy the place, and--“boom” as he puts it--he gave the old guy a down payment on a Monday morning.
His favorite part about owning his own business besides being his own boss is that he can come to work wearing shorts sand sandals. Aside from the laid back atmosphere of the bar, there is also a grill towards the back that serves different dinners throughout the week. There is a different themed dinner each night: Spaghetti Monday, Taco Tuesday, and meatloaf on Wednesdays; weekend nights serve hamburgers, fries, salads, and chicken tenders.
While the locals love eating the food, a lot of customers come to watch sports games. The beach bar has a television set in every corner and every niche including a projector screen the size of half the wall. Just this past super bowl in 2007, a local news station shot coverage of customers socializing and getting ready to watch the game.
Between the mix of older locals in their 50’s and 60’s watching games on TV and socializing, the weekends attract a young crowd from USD and San Diego State University. Dick likes to play music; of his favorites are “Rock n roll, Old rhythm and blues, country-western, but I hate hip-hop and rap-crap…ever listen to the words? Its so ugly.” Besides not liking rap music, Dick loves everything about his bar from his friends who have been going there for over 30 years to the perfect location less than 100 yards walking distance to the beach.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Assignment #6
Part I -- Identify the shamed journalists in the mugshots above, and describe why each was fired. Hint: they worked for (from left to right) The New Republic, The New York Times, USA Today and The Washington Post.Part II -- The Mustang Daily even found itself embroiled in a plagiarism scandal last year. What were the details of the incident? (BONUS QUESTION: What ethical dilemma did local media (Mustang Daily, New Times and SLO Tribune) face when reporting this story)?Part III -- Identify the 'character' of each organization or individual listed below. Some questions to answer: What do they do? Who pays them? What is their agenda, if any? Who’s interest are they serving? 1. Corpwatch2. Globalwitness3. Laborstart4. Associated Press5. Reuters6. Electronic Authorization Partnership7. David Romero8. Jack T. O'Conell9. Julie Rodewald10. Deborah Linden\
PART I:
Stephen Glass from The New Republic was fired because of a discovery made by his editor that he fabricated sources in many of his stories. He was first questioned by another reporter who suspiciously looked into his story about a hacker convention. As it turns out, the convention did not exist and the software company he cited was fake. He even went to lengths as to create a bogus website for the fictional software company.
Jayson Blair from The New York Times was fired because he plagiarized material and fabricated quotes and scenes throughout the fours years he worked for the newspaper. He was caught plagiarizing from a fellow reporter whom he worked with at his college newspaper at the University of Maryland.
Jack Kelley from USA Today was fired after evidence proved he had fabricated sources and his credibility was questioned when a story surfaced about a Cuban woman who supposedly died in a boat in an attempt to flee Cuba. The woman whose photo he submitted turned out to be a Cuban hotel worker. She never fled from Cuba and she was perfectly alive and well.
Janet Cooke from the Washington Post was fired when the discovery of her Pulitzer prize-winning story “Jimmy’s World” about an 8 year old heroin addict was fictional. She made up the elaborate story when she tricked her editors into letting the “mother” become an anonymous source. When she won the Pulitzer Prize, discrepancies showed up in her resume and she admitted to having made up the story.
PART II:
In August of 2005, a journalism student named Rebecca Laman was caught plagiarizing in three articles of the Mustang Daily, which include a profile of the Cal Poly men’s barbershop quartet, Men-So Forte; “July Fourth do’s and don’ts” and a movie review of “Fantastic Four.” The chairman of the journalism department, George Ramos was distressed, but handled the situation by making sure the student was punished by the university. Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, the university was not able to comment on the case, but the school’s plagiarism policy at Cal Poly is considered a “serious violation.” Rebecca Lama requested that her name not be printed in the newspaper, but the tribune did anyway.
BONUS: The ethical dilemma the SLO Tribune faced was whether or not they should identify Rebecca Laman as the writer who plagiarized for the Mustang Daily even when she requested not to be named. They decided to print her name because under the basic standards of journalism, she was considered a “newsworthy individual.” The Mustang Daily is a key source of information for Cal Poly students and she wrote dishonorably for the publication. Just because she is a student, she should not receive any less scrutiny for committing an unethical violation.
PART III:
1. Corpwatch is an organization whose mission is to investigate and expose corporate violations of human rights, environmental crimes, fraud, and corruption around the world. The people who work for Corpwatch want to foster global justice, independent media activism, and democratic control over corporations.
2. Globalwitness is a non-governmental organization that highlights worldwide links between natural resource exploitation conflict, poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses. The organization does not have any political affiliation and the income comes from private trusts and foundations.
3. Labourstart is an online news service of the international trade union movement. It has conducted dozens of global online campaigns on behalf of unions, which have lead to companies and governments to release jailed trade unionists and negotiate with unions. 4. The Associated Press is an American news agency owned by newspapers, radio, and TV stations in the United States. The Associated Press Stylebook has become the basic standard for news writing in the United States. 5. Reuters is a news service that provides reports from around the world to newspapers and broadcasters. The main focus of the service is to supply the financial markets with information and trading products, which include market data, currency rates, research, and analytics. 6. Electronic Authorization Partnership develops processes for certifying digital-certificate providers. It was established by the Federal ID Credentialing Committee7. David Romero is the mayor of San Luis Obispo and is paid by the city.
8 Jack T. O'Conell is the state superintendent of public instruction in California.
9. Julie Rodewald is the county clerk recorder for San Luis Obispo. She is paid by the city. 10. Deborah Linden is the police chief of San Luis Obispo and is paid by the city.
PART I:
Stephen Glass from The New Republic was fired because of a discovery made by his editor that he fabricated sources in many of his stories. He was first questioned by another reporter who suspiciously looked into his story about a hacker convention. As it turns out, the convention did not exist and the software company he cited was fake. He even went to lengths as to create a bogus website for the fictional software company.
Jayson Blair from The New York Times was fired because he plagiarized material and fabricated quotes and scenes throughout the fours years he worked for the newspaper. He was caught plagiarizing from a fellow reporter whom he worked with at his college newspaper at the University of Maryland.
Jack Kelley from USA Today was fired after evidence proved he had fabricated sources and his credibility was questioned when a story surfaced about a Cuban woman who supposedly died in a boat in an attempt to flee Cuba. The woman whose photo he submitted turned out to be a Cuban hotel worker. She never fled from Cuba and she was perfectly alive and well.
Janet Cooke from the Washington Post was fired when the discovery of her Pulitzer prize-winning story “Jimmy’s World” about an 8 year old heroin addict was fictional. She made up the elaborate story when she tricked her editors into letting the “mother” become an anonymous source. When she won the Pulitzer Prize, discrepancies showed up in her resume and she admitted to having made up the story.
PART II:
In August of 2005, a journalism student named Rebecca Laman was caught plagiarizing in three articles of the Mustang Daily, which include a profile of the Cal Poly men’s barbershop quartet, Men-So Forte; “July Fourth do’s and don’ts” and a movie review of “Fantastic Four.” The chairman of the journalism department, George Ramos was distressed, but handled the situation by making sure the student was punished by the university. Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, the university was not able to comment on the case, but the school’s plagiarism policy at Cal Poly is considered a “serious violation.” Rebecca Lama requested that her name not be printed in the newspaper, but the tribune did anyway.
BONUS: The ethical dilemma the SLO Tribune faced was whether or not they should identify Rebecca Laman as the writer who plagiarized for the Mustang Daily even when she requested not to be named. They decided to print her name because under the basic standards of journalism, she was considered a “newsworthy individual.” The Mustang Daily is a key source of information for Cal Poly students and she wrote dishonorably for the publication. Just because she is a student, she should not receive any less scrutiny for committing an unethical violation.
PART III:
1. Corpwatch is an organization whose mission is to investigate and expose corporate violations of human rights, environmental crimes, fraud, and corruption around the world. The people who work for Corpwatch want to foster global justice, independent media activism, and democratic control over corporations.
2. Globalwitness is a non-governmental organization that highlights worldwide links between natural resource exploitation conflict, poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses. The organization does not have any political affiliation and the income comes from private trusts and foundations.
3. Labourstart is an online news service of the international trade union movement. It has conducted dozens of global online campaigns on behalf of unions, which have lead to companies and governments to release jailed trade unionists and negotiate with unions. 4. The Associated Press is an American news agency owned by newspapers, radio, and TV stations in the United States. The Associated Press Stylebook has become the basic standard for news writing in the United States. 5. Reuters is a news service that provides reports from around the world to newspapers and broadcasters. The main focus of the service is to supply the financial markets with information and trading products, which include market data, currency rates, research, and analytics. 6. Electronic Authorization Partnership develops processes for certifying digital-certificate providers. It was established by the Federal ID Credentialing Committee7. David Romero is the mayor of San Luis Obispo and is paid by the city.
8 Jack T. O'Conell is the state superintendent of public instruction in California.
9. Julie Rodewald is the county clerk recorder for San Luis Obispo. She is paid by the city. 10. Deborah Linden is the police chief of San Luis Obispo and is paid by the city.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Assignment #5
Story ideas surround you. All you have to do is observe your surroundings and you will find news stories to write about. A walk through your campus is a start. Answer the following questions about a couple buildings on campus (in a new blog entry). 1A. For whom were the buildings named? 1B. Are there plaques on benches, walls, doorways named for people who meant something to your university? 1C. Who were they? 1D. What did they do? 1E. When did they live, die or contribute something to your school? 2A. Are there signs around campus about construction? 2B. What is being built or renovated?
JULIAN A. MCPHEE UNIVERSITY UNION (bldg.65)
1A) My favorite building on campus is the Julian A. McPhee University Union named after former Cal Poly President Julian McPhee. The McPhee University Union opened in 1971 and provides a central location for students on campus. Inside the UU are many student resources such as the Women’s Center, Greek Life office, Rose Float office, Chumash Auditorium, lounges, El Corral Bookstore, ASI Business office, Craft Center, a bowling alley, etc.
1B) Just steps after walking inside the building, there is a large self-portrait of President McPhee on the immediate right side. Directly underneath the portrait is a plaque with his name engraved above the timeframe of his dedicated career at Cal Poly (1933-1966).
1C) Julian A. McPhee was President from 1933 through 1966, which continues to be the longest term in the history of Cal Poly.
1D) Dr. McPhee did many things while working as President, which include helping Cal Poly develop from a small junior college into a statewide highly praised university. Many historical changes took place in this era such as admittance of women students, a four-year curriculum, and the GI Bill of Rights.
1E) President McPhee retired in 1966.
H.P. DAVIDSON MUSIC CENTER (bldg. 45)
1A) The music building located next to Spanos Theatre is the music building named after H.P. Davidson who founded the Cal Poly Music Department in 1958.
1B) Outside of the building is a bench dedicated to a former student who is deceased. The plaque on the bench says, “William J. Kwan Jr./ October 18,1982-August 11, 2003/ Son, Brother, and Friend/ He brought us love, laughter, and music.”
1C) William J. Kwan Jr. was a student who I am assuming tragically died at a young age.
1D) He seems to have been a student who both excelled and studied music at Cal Poly.
1E)He did in was born in 1982 and died at the tender age of twenty-one years old in 2003.
2A) Yes, there are signs around Campus about a Renovation and Replacement in Phase IIB.
2B) Across the way of the Graphic Arts building on S. Perimeter is a fenced up area where the Engineering/Architecture renovation is currently taking place. I do not know when the renovation will be finished, but it looks to be in the beginning stages because behind the fencing is just flat land.
JULIAN A. MCPHEE UNIVERSITY UNION (bldg.65)
1A) My favorite building on campus is the Julian A. McPhee University Union named after former Cal Poly President Julian McPhee. The McPhee University Union opened in 1971 and provides a central location for students on campus. Inside the UU are many student resources such as the Women’s Center, Greek Life office, Rose Float office, Chumash Auditorium, lounges, El Corral Bookstore, ASI Business office, Craft Center, a bowling alley, etc.
1B) Just steps after walking inside the building, there is a large self-portrait of President McPhee on the immediate right side. Directly underneath the portrait is a plaque with his name engraved above the timeframe of his dedicated career at Cal Poly (1933-1966).
1C) Julian A. McPhee was President from 1933 through 1966, which continues to be the longest term in the history of Cal Poly.
1D) Dr. McPhee did many things while working as President, which include helping Cal Poly develop from a small junior college into a statewide highly praised university. Many historical changes took place in this era such as admittance of women students, a four-year curriculum, and the GI Bill of Rights.
1E) President McPhee retired in 1966.
H.P. DAVIDSON MUSIC CENTER (bldg. 45)
1A) The music building located next to Spanos Theatre is the music building named after H.P. Davidson who founded the Cal Poly Music Department in 1958.
1B) Outside of the building is a bench dedicated to a former student who is deceased. The plaque on the bench says, “William J. Kwan Jr./ October 18,1982-August 11, 2003/ Son, Brother, and Friend/ He brought us love, laughter, and music.”
1C) William J. Kwan Jr. was a student who I am assuming tragically died at a young age.
1D) He seems to have been a student who both excelled and studied music at Cal Poly.
1E)He did in was born in 1982 and died at the tender age of twenty-one years old in 2003.
2A) Yes, there are signs around Campus about a Renovation and Replacement in Phase IIB.
2B) Across the way of the Graphic Arts building on S. Perimeter is a fenced up area where the Engineering/Architecture renovation is currently taking place. I do not know when the renovation will be finished, but it looks to be in the beginning stages because behind the fencing is just flat land.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Assignment #4
A Good Lead: Browse through a variety of print media (online or otherwise) and copy/paste three leads (must be in the first two sentences of story) that stand out to you as especially curious, engaging, humorous, off-the-wall, etc. Write a short paragraph under each lead describing why you chose it. Post as a new Blog entry.
LEAD 1: AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - After a long day hunting, there's nothing like wrapping your paw around a cold bottle of beer. So Terrie Berenden, a pet shop owner in the southern Dutch town of Zelhem, created a beer for her Weimaraners made from beef extract and malt.
REASON: I found this lead-in to be quite humorous because of how odd it was. I know in the past people have let their dogs sip on some beer just for giggles, but for someone to go the lengths as to put beef extract and malt in beer is funny. It seems as if the dog owner was more considerate of her dog’s liking for the beer. I also liked how the writer personified a dog. It added the humorous touch. At first, I did not necessarily notice that the writer was speaking of a dog who is drinking beer, but then I caught on in the second sentence of the lead-in.
LEAD 2: DELRAY BEACH, Florida (CNN) -- The partially mummified body of a baby, wrapped in 1950s newspapers, was found Monday by a woman going through her deceased parents' belongings in a southeast Florida storage facility, according to police.
REASON: I chose this lead-in because I was especially curious to hear the story behind it. I am addicted to the show Law & Order (Special Victims Unit), so mystery-like stories always catch my attention. The story is very sad, but a mysterious one at that. The story had no real explanation, just guesses, but I would be interested to find out what actually happened in the 1950s when the baby died.
LEAD 3: John Sherick was driving home peacefully to Cambria with his wife, Margaret, when their Honda Element suddenly rolled off Highway 1, tore down a highway sign, crashed through some bushes and came to rest in the shrubs.
REASON: I was mostly intrigued to read the article when I saw the title “When is it time to give up the keys?” After reading the lead-in, I wanted to find out what happened to the couple. I soon realized the article was about elderly people who are no longer able to handle the responsibility of driving and how devastating it can be to them. The lead-in about the couple was an example to set up for the real issue at hand. I could relate to the message of the article because my grandpa has actually said that he would rather die than not be able to drive anymore. A couple of years ago, he had failed a written driving exam and was very upset. He passed the second time, but had he failed, his license would have been revoked.
LEAD 1: AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - After a long day hunting, there's nothing like wrapping your paw around a cold bottle of beer. So Terrie Berenden, a pet shop owner in the southern Dutch town of Zelhem, created a beer for her Weimaraners made from beef extract and malt.
REASON: I found this lead-in to be quite humorous because of how odd it was. I know in the past people have let their dogs sip on some beer just for giggles, but for someone to go the lengths as to put beef extract and malt in beer is funny. It seems as if the dog owner was more considerate of her dog’s liking for the beer. I also liked how the writer personified a dog. It added the humorous touch. At first, I did not necessarily notice that the writer was speaking of a dog who is drinking beer, but then I caught on in the second sentence of the lead-in.
LEAD 2: DELRAY BEACH, Florida (CNN) -- The partially mummified body of a baby, wrapped in 1950s newspapers, was found Monday by a woman going through her deceased parents' belongings in a southeast Florida storage facility, according to police.
REASON: I chose this lead-in because I was especially curious to hear the story behind it. I am addicted to the show Law & Order (Special Victims Unit), so mystery-like stories always catch my attention. The story is very sad, but a mysterious one at that. The story had no real explanation, just guesses, but I would be interested to find out what actually happened in the 1950s when the baby died.
LEAD 3: John Sherick was driving home peacefully to Cambria with his wife, Margaret, when their Honda Element suddenly rolled off Highway 1, tore down a highway sign, crashed through some bushes and came to rest in the shrubs.
REASON: I was mostly intrigued to read the article when I saw the title “When is it time to give up the keys?” After reading the lead-in, I wanted to find out what happened to the couple. I soon realized the article was about elderly people who are no longer able to handle the responsibility of driving and how devastating it can be to them. The lead-in about the couple was an example to set up for the real issue at hand. I could relate to the message of the article because my grandpa has actually said that he would rather die than not be able to drive anymore. A couple of years ago, he had failed a written driving exam and was very upset. He passed the second time, but had he failed, his license would have been revoked.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Assignment #3
IDEAS FOR NEWS STORY
1. Modern Technology in Relation to Romantic Relationships (Text messaging & face book)
2. Homeless Population of SLO
3. Go (RED) and Help Save Lives in Africa
4. Diversity or No Diversity? That is the Question (A Day in the Life of a Black Cal Poly Student)
Footnote: locate an antidiscrimination organization in San Luis Obispo talking about lack of diversity in the county. Also talk to Cal Poly's minority recruitment officer (Ombudsman).
1. Modern Technology in Relation to Romantic Relationships (Text messaging & face book)
2. Homeless Population of SLO
3. Go (RED) and Help Save Lives in Africa
4. Diversity or No Diversity? That is the Question (A Day in the Life of a Black Cal Poly Student)
Footnote: locate an antidiscrimination organization in San Luis Obispo talking about lack of diversity in the county. Also talk to Cal Poly's minority recruitment officer (Ombudsman).
Assignment #2
Components of the Basic News Story
1. HEADLINE: Thousands gather on Capitol steps for animal rights
2. SUMMARY LEAD: WASHINGTON-Thousand of animals rights activists rallied in the nation’s capital yesterday. Seeking to promote the humane treatment of animals in the wild, on farms and in research laboratories.
3. BACKUP: U.S. Capitol Police said an estimated 24,000 people attended a rally on the steps of the Capitol after a one-mile march down Pennsylvania Avenue under sunny skies. Organizers said more than 50,000 people from around the country showed up.
The LEAD QUOTE: “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”
4. IMPACT: Peter Linck, coordinator of the march, said the ultimate goal of the animal rights activists was to stop the use of animals in scientific research. However, he conceded it was unlikely the public would adopt the stance. “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”
5. ATTRIBUTION: (backup with attribution) U.S. Capitol Police said an estimated 24,000 people attended a rally on the steps of the Capitol after a one-mile march down Pennsylvania Avenue under sunny skies. Organizers said more than 50,000 people from around the country showed up…Marchers chanted, “Animal rights now.” …Peter Linck, coordinator of the march, said the ultimate goal of the animal rights activists was to stop the use of animals in scientific research. However, he conceded it was unlikely the public would adopt the stance. “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”…Health and Human Services Secretary Louis W. Sullivan has criticized the animal-rights advocates who use violence and intimidation to block testing of animals…Sullivan said some of the greatest advances in medicine, such as the cure for polio, never would have been achieved had animals not been used in tests.
6. BACKGROUND: Organizers said “March for Animals”--the first events of its kind--was a milestone in a movement they said was once viewed as outside the mainstream. Among the groups participating were the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, the U.S. Humane Society and the Doris Day Animal League.
7. ELABORATION: Marchers chanted, “Animal rights--now.” Many carried banners and placards with pictures and slogans saying things such as “Fur id Dead” and “Animals Have Rights, Too.” Some brought their dogs…
The event attracted a wide variety of animal supporters, Linck said. They ranged from those who want protection of species, such as elephants, to those seeking to end medical testing on animals. Many were seeking changes in the way animals are raised for slaughter, as well as a band on fur clothes.
8. ENDING (FUTURE ACTION): Participants in yesterday’s march planned to lobby Congress today in support of bills that deal with animal issues.
1. HEADLINE: Thousands gather on Capitol steps for animal rights
2. SUMMARY LEAD: WASHINGTON-Thousand of animals rights activists rallied in the nation’s capital yesterday. Seeking to promote the humane treatment of animals in the wild, on farms and in research laboratories.
3. BACKUP: U.S. Capitol Police said an estimated 24,000 people attended a rally on the steps of the Capitol after a one-mile march down Pennsylvania Avenue under sunny skies. Organizers said more than 50,000 people from around the country showed up.
The LEAD QUOTE: “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”
4. IMPACT: Peter Linck, coordinator of the march, said the ultimate goal of the animal rights activists was to stop the use of animals in scientific research. However, he conceded it was unlikely the public would adopt the stance. “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”
5. ATTRIBUTION: (backup with attribution) U.S. Capitol Police said an estimated 24,000 people attended a rally on the steps of the Capitol after a one-mile march down Pennsylvania Avenue under sunny skies. Organizers said more than 50,000 people from around the country showed up…Marchers chanted, “Animal rights now.” …Peter Linck, coordinator of the march, said the ultimate goal of the animal rights activists was to stop the use of animals in scientific research. However, he conceded it was unlikely the public would adopt the stance. “In the meantime,” he said, “we want to improve the condition of animals and promote alternatives to reform society.”…Health and Human Services Secretary Louis W. Sullivan has criticized the animal-rights advocates who use violence and intimidation to block testing of animals…Sullivan said some of the greatest advances in medicine, such as the cure for polio, never would have been achieved had animals not been used in tests.
6. BACKGROUND: Organizers said “March for Animals”--the first events of its kind--was a milestone in a movement they said was once viewed as outside the mainstream. Among the groups participating were the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, the U.S. Humane Society and the Doris Day Animal League.
7. ELABORATION: Marchers chanted, “Animal rights--now.” Many carried banners and placards with pictures and slogans saying things such as “Fur id Dead” and “Animals Have Rights, Too.” Some brought their dogs…
The event attracted a wide variety of animal supporters, Linck said. They ranged from those who want protection of species, such as elephants, to those seeking to end medical testing on animals. Many were seeking changes in the way animals are raised for slaughter, as well as a band on fur clothes.
8. ENDING (FUTURE ACTION): Participants in yesterday’s march planned to lobby Congress today in support of bills that deal with animal issues.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Assignment #1
Pick a popular news story and find at least three forms of media (i.e. Website (print), Podcast (audio), and MPEG (video)) that are disseminating the story. Write a one-page analysis of the pros and cons of each medium.
Three Forms of Media: Pro's and Cons
The Story: The increasingly cold weather has caused icicles to hang off plants, but temperatures are expected to raise.
WEBSITE (print)
PROS: I knew the most details about the story and was able to go back and read lines if I didn’t catch it the first time around. I could go at my own pace because I was the one reading. Print media seems like it has the most accurate information and also has great visuals. There was a picture of an icicle hanging off a plant. The icicles looked over two feet long. The visual really captured my eye. Words combined with images helped me remmeber the most and were the most powerful.
CONS: I didn't really see any cons.
PODCAST (audio)
PROS: Understanding this form of media took the least effort. I did not have to read and I did not have to watch. All I had to do was listen.
CONS: I only remembered what I wanted to listen to. If I got bored, I would zone out and not really listen.
MPEG (video)
PROS: People are drawn to visual things. I was almost distracted when watching the telvision and not really listening to the broadcaster.
CONS: Even though I have a vivid picture in my mind, I still do not know all the details of the story.
Three Forms of Media: Pro's and Cons
The Story: The increasingly cold weather has caused icicles to hang off plants, but temperatures are expected to raise.
WEBSITE (print)
PROS: I knew the most details about the story and was able to go back and read lines if I didn’t catch it the first time around. I could go at my own pace because I was the one reading. Print media seems like it has the most accurate information and also has great visuals. There was a picture of an icicle hanging off a plant. The icicles looked over two feet long. The visual really captured my eye. Words combined with images helped me remmeber the most and were the most powerful.
CONS: I didn't really see any cons.
PODCAST (audio)
PROS: Understanding this form of media took the least effort. I did not have to read and I did not have to watch. All I had to do was listen.
CONS: I only remembered what I wanted to listen to. If I got bored, I would zone out and not really listen.
MPEG (video)
PROS: People are drawn to visual things. I was almost distracted when watching the telvision and not really listening to the broadcaster.
CONS: Even though I have a vivid picture in my mind, I still do not know all the details of the story.
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