Two Editorials

Below are the links to two editorials from yesterday's papers:

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_pass_zadroga_bill_today.html


http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/09/30/2010-09-30_freds_global_warming_fix.html

Writing the Editorial

NAME___________________________ Journalism 2010
Editorial Worksheet

Locate the opinion pages from one of today’s newspapers or a news website. Choose one of the opinion pieces and answer the following questions:

1. List the topics that are covered by today’s articles? What are their news pegs?

a.


b.


c.



2. Editorials usually fall into four categories: Explanation, Persuasion, Criticism, and Praise. Of today’s articles what types of opinion pieces are there?

a.


b.


c.


3. Choose one article. What is the thesis of this article?

Article -


Thesis -

Give the supporting reasons for the writer’s position.

Article –

Thesis –

Three Supporting reasons – 1.


2.


3.

The Power of TV News

Go the following link to see the power of TV news:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B-nSTAoJOry3OTIxZDBhODQtYTg5My00MTUxLTljNzYtY2Q5Y2YwMmM4OWIz&hl=en

Where People Get News

Before we discuss TV news further, let's look at where people get their news:

http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1725/where-people-get-news-print-online-readership-cable-news-viewers

HW: TV NEWS DECONSTRUCTION

We have talked about deconstructing newspaper articles. next week, we will talk more about TV News. I am asking you to watch the news segment below and to answer questions from your worksheet.

Please finish this by Tuesday. If you don't have internet access available, there will time to watch the segment in class on Monday.

Here is the link to the 60 Minutes news magazine assignment:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4297944n&tag=related;photovideo

Interview with a Reporter

Here are some great tips from a working resporter:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=7337

Reporting Basics

At this link, you can find very helpful information for emerging journalists:

http://handbook.reuters.com/index.php/Reporting_and_Writing_Basics

What is Newsworthy?

FIVE NEWS DETERMINANTS

Timeliness – News loses value as it ages. The closer a news event is to the publication date, the more news value it has.

Importance/Prominence – Important people are more newsworthy than others. The president of the senior class is more important than a random freshman.

Proximity – News closer to home has more value. A hurricane in the Far East is not as newsworthy as one that hits Smithtown.

Consequence – A story that directly affects your readers is more newsworthy. What is pulling at their wallets? What is affecting their health?

Uniqueness/Emotional Appeal – These types of stories usually involve three factors:
They’re odd, unusual, or out of the ordinary.
They’re about a prominent figure in a conflict (war, game, election)
They’re emotional and possible involve children or animals.

Reliable Sources

We will be analyzing a NY Times article for the sources used by reporters to gain information.

Read the following article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/nyregion/08explode.html?ref=nyregion



Then, complete the worksheet linked below and place it into your digital journalism folder.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AenSTAoJOry3ZGR0c3JoaGtfMTM1NXdydnhmZA&hl=en

Journalism and News Literacy

What is Journalism?
According to Merriam-Webster:
Main Entry:journalism
Function:noun
Date:1828

1 a: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media b: the public press c: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium

2 a: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine b: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation c: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

What is up?

Welcome to Introduction to Journalism and News Literacy. This class will help strengthen your skills as both a consumer of news and a producer of news. It is your duty as a citizen of this country and this planet to be aware of how the world around you is evolving every day and to contribute to its development.

We only have half a year, so let's get to work.