1. Week 6: Journalism 2001 October 17, 2005

2. North Dakota Proposal! Grand Forks Herald: Grand Forks Herald: –http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/12892698.htm http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/12892698.htm Fargo Forum: Fargo Forum: –http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=105555&section=News

3. Review of last week’s news Hard News: Hard News: (murders, city council, government, etc.) –Major local stories –Major national/international stories –Major sports stories Soft News: Soft News: (retirements, school programs, human interest) –Local stories –National/international stories –Sports stories

4. A classmate has a letter published in the Duluth News-Tribune! 1. True 2. False

5. Mayor Herb Bergson hired Julio Almanza as interim Chief Administrative Officer. Almanza is former: 1. Police Chief 2. Superintendent of Schools 3. Mayor of Superior

6. The Vikings are now 1-4. 1. True 2. False

7. Several Viking players are excellent off-the-field role models. Do you agree? 1. Yes 2. No

8. Do you think the Vikings’ scandal will help or hurt the chances for a new stadium for the Gophers, Twins and Vikings? 1. Help 2. Hurt 3. Won’t matter

9. Do you think the media coverage of the Vikings’ scandal has been fair, sensational or inaccurate? 1. Fair 2. Sensational 3. Inaccurate

10. Kerry Rodd, play-by-play announcer for Bulldog hockey on KDAL-AM 610, was fired last week. 1. True 2. False

11. Mesaba Airlines filed for bankruptcy last week. 1. True 2. False

12. Wordiness, attribution, allegedly Retrieved the money: recovered Retrieved the money: recovered Full name in lead Full name in lead Editorializing: thanks to excellent work Editorializing: thanks to excellent work Exhibiting suspicious behavior: acting suspiciously Exhibiting suspicious behavior: acting suspiciously Attribution Attribution Looking through the windows of parked cars lined along the street: Looking in parked cars Looking through the windows of parked cars lined along the street: Looking in parked cars Wall kicked in and an illegal entry had been made: Wall kicked in Wall kicked in and an illegal entry had been made: Wall kicked in Was found with: had Was found with: had

13. Style errors: Style errors: –States –Ages –Addresses Run-on sentences Run-on sentences Recovered all of the approximately $741.10: recovered the $741.10 Recovered all of the approximately $741.10: recovered the $741.10 Made contact: talked Made contact: talked Pockets overfilled with money: full pockets Pockets overfilled with money: full pockets Admitted Admitted Had stolen: is charged with Had stolen: is charged with

14. Review: Writing a summary lead Usually a single sentence Usually a single sentence No more than 35 words No more than 35 words Bottom line: Bottom line: –Use a single sentence of no more than 35 words to summarize an event

16. Chapter 25: Law First Amendment First Amendment First Amendment First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

17. Judith Miller, who was jailed for refusing to identify a source in the naming of a CIA agent, is a reporter for what newspaper? 1. Washington Post 2. New York Times 3. Los Angeles Tribune

18. Do you agree with Judith Miller’s decision to testify before a grand jury after spending 86 days in jail? 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly Disagree

19. Latest Judith Miller developments… Let’s check the New York Times website Let’s check the New York Times website –http://www.nytimes.com

20. Libel Libel: Communication of false information that damages an individual in his or her profession, business or calling. Libel: Communication of false information that damages an individual in his or her profession, business or calling. –Five requirements for libel action:  Publication  Identification  Harmful to reputation  Proof of falsity  Proof of fault

21. “Red Flag” Words: Libel & Privacy adulteryblackmail confidence man drunkard AIDSblockheadcorruptionex-convict alcoholicbooze-houndcowardfraud altered records briberycrook gambling den Ambulance chaser brotheldeadbeatgangster Atheist buys votes deadheadgay bad moral character cheatsdefaultergraft Bankrupt child abuse divorced groveling office seeker bigamistcollusiondouble-crossedherpes blacklisted con artist drug abuser hit-man

22. hypocritemanipulaterape/rapist stool pigeon illegitimate mental illness scam stuffed the ballot box illicit relation mobsterscandalmongersuicide incompetent moral delinquency scoundrelswindle infidelitymouthpieceseducertaken informerNeo-Nazi sharp dealing thief insider trading paramourshysterunethical intimate peeping Tom slacker unmarried mother intoleranceperjurer smooth and tricky unprofessional Jekyll-Hyde personality plagiaristsmuggler unsound mind kept woman pockets public funds sneaky unworthy of credit Ku Klux Klan price cutter sold influence vice den liarprofiteering sold out villain Mafiaprostitutespy fawning sycophant

23. Classes of libelous words Words imputing the commission of a criminal offense Words imputing the commission of a criminal offenseAvoid: John Doe was taken into custody Wednesday for murdering Sally Smith Tuesday night. Better: John Doe was taken into custody Wednesday in connection with (or in the investigation of) the Tuesday night slaying of Sally Smith.

24. Words that impute infection with a loathsome communicable disease of any kind that would tend to exclude one from society. Words that impute infection with a loathsome communicable disease of any kind that would tend to exclude one from society. Is this news?: John Doe, who was elected Wednesday to be president of the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was treated last summer for a venereal disease, the Daily Bugle has learned.

25. Words that impute inability to perform, or want of integrity in the discharge of, duties of office or employment. Words that impute inability to perform, or want of integrity in the discharge of, duties of office or employment. Don’t write: Public school groundskeeper John Doe is unfit by temperament and intelligence to adequately perform his duties, sources who wish to remain anonymous said Wednesday. Words that prejudice a particular person in his or her profession or trade. Words that prejudice a particular person in his or her profession or trade. Don’t write: Attorney John Doe, who will represent the widow in the embezzlement case, is the most incompetent lawyer in town, according to courthouse observers.

26. Defamation by implication Implication created by the reporter’s organization of facts. Implication created by the reporter’s organization of facts. John Jones was seen entering the Shady Oaks motel yesterday with a woman. The motel is located in a known prostitution area.

27. Quotations Reporter/news medium must assume responsibility for the statement if it is used Reporter/news medium must assume responsibility for the statement if it is used –The fact that information was provided by a source does not necessarily mean that it is correct. –Beware of off-the-record tips passed along by sources, even high-ranking officials or law enforcement officers.  Don’t write: Police said that the alleged crook is in custody.  Instead: Police said that the man charged with the crime is in custody.

28. Defenses against libel Conditional defenses Conditional defenses –Privilege of reporting: Fair, accurate reporting of official proceedings –Fair comment and criticism: Applies to opinions about matters of public concern –Neutral reportage: Report charges made by one responsible person or organization about another when both parties are involved in a public controversy

29. Absolute libel defenses Statute of limitations Statute of limitations –Two years in Minnesota Truth Truth Privilege of participant Privilege of participant –Participants in official proceedings Consent or authorization Consent or authorization Self-defense or right of reply Self-defense or right of reply

30. Partial defenses Publication of a retraction: Clear admission of erroneous reporting Publication of a retraction: Clear admission of erroneous reporting Facts showing no gross negligence or ill will Facts showing no gross negligence or ill will Facts showing that the reporter relied on a usually reliable source Facts showing that the reporter relied on a usually reliable source

31. The actual malice standard The New York Times rule The New York Times rule –New York Times Co. v. Sullivan: 1964  Supreme Court: To collect damages, a public official would have to prove the defendant acted with “actual malice;” knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. –1967: Supreme Court said that public figures, in addition to public officials, also have to show actual malice to recover libel damages. Bottom line: More protection from libel action if plaintiff is a public person.

32. Checklist for dealing with libel Be aggressive – but don’t take foolish risks Be aggressive – but don’t take foolish risks Be fair – keep an open mind Be fair – keep an open mind Seek advice if you are unsure of your turf Seek advice if you are unsure of your turf

33. Where to learn more Minnesota statutes Minnesota statutes Minnesota statutes Minnesota statutes U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court Federal circuit courts Federal circuit courts Federal circuit courts Federal circuit courts Online legal research Online legal research Online legal research Online legal research

34. What’s misspelled? 1. Croisant 2. Breakfast

35. Chapter 14: News Releases What is a news release? What is a news release? –Announcements  New line of products  Events  Promotions  Public service announcements –Cause-promoting  Fundraising  Volunteers –Image-building  Politicians  Corporations

36. Evaluating news releases Does it have news value? Does it have news value? –Local, regional or national Is it trying to gain free publicity? Is it trying to gain free publicity? Is it worth following up? Is it worth following up? –Story and/or photograph Can it be trusted? Can it be trusted?

37. What is Public Relations? Promoting an organization, institution or corporation Promoting an organization, institution or corporation UMD Communicators Council UMD Communicators Council UMD Communicators Council UMD Communicators Council –University Relations University RelationsUniversity Relations –Natural Resources Research Institute Natural Resources Research InstituteNatural Resources Research Institute –Minnesota Sea Grant Minnesota Sea GrantMinnesota Sea Grant

38. Which releases will be used? No set formula No set formula –Interests of reporters, editors –How many people affected Usually rewritten Usually rewritten –Eliminate “fluff:” self-serving, promotional info –Embarrassing if two media use exact same wording –Often raise additional questions

39. Emailed releases www.pressrelease.net www.pressrelease.net www.pressrelease.net www.eReleases.com www.eReleases.com www.eReleases.com –How to write a press release How to write a press releaseHow to write a press release  Concise  Well-written  Factual  Honest  Timely

40. Using news releases Boiling down a handout Boiling down a handout –Determine 5Ws and H –Find the lead –Eliminate fluff –Avoid free ads –Determining local news value

41. Another wayward sign! What’s the correct spelling? 1. Souvenirs! 2. Souvanirs

42. Chapter 15: Speeches, news conferences

43. Covering a speech Preparation: Preparation: –Research subject, speaker –Prepare questions –Catch the speaker early –Advance texts  Research easier, but speakers often wander from text –Tape recorder  Use for backup of quotes

44. Steps to follow during the speech Take copious notes Take copious notes –Quotations: mark notes Make observations Make observations –Clothing, mannerisms Listen for news Listen for news –What makes this speech special? Listen for summaries Listen for summaries Follow-up questions Follow-up questions

45. Writing the speech story Questions to answer: Questions to answer: –What is the key point? –What are the other major points? –Which quotes are the best? –Is any of this news? –When is the deadline?

46. Organizing the information Organizing the information –Inverted-pyramid news stories  Summary lead: –35 words, usually one sentence  Second paragraph: –Back up lead with strong quote, paraphrase  Third paragraph: –Continue developing lead, or write transitional paragraph (possibly bullets)  Fourth paragraph or after the bullets: –Continue developing lead, or developing bulleted items  Balance of the story: –Quotations, paraphrases  Final paragraph: –Try to end with direct quotation –Never: “he/she concluded”

47. News Conferences Gang interview Gang interview –All reporters get same information Why call a news conference? Why call a news conference? –After a crisis –Explain controversy –Make an announcement –Can control what’s given to reporters

48. Covering a news conference Do your homework! Do your homework! –Read news releases –Research old stories –Research speaker –Talk to editors –Talk to other reporters  What will not be covered

49. Advance story Advance story –Brief story announcing event –Often only coverage of event Questions and answers Questions and answers –Television reporters often have the edge  Speakers wants to be seen as well as heard –Arrive early for a good seat

50. News conference as media event Presidential news conference Presidential news conference –Began with Theodore Roosevelt –Today major news event  Reporters also want to be seen and heard  Draws 300 reporters, usually lasts 30 minutes

51. Online speech sources Great American Speeches: PBS Great American Speeches: PBS –www.pbs.org/greatspeeches/ www.pbs.org/greatspeeches/ The History Channel The History Channel –http://www.historychannel.com/speeches/ http://www.historychannel.com/speeches/ infoUSA infoUSA –http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/speeches.ht m http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/speeches.ht mhttp://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/speeches.ht m

52. An awfully long day…

53. Assignments due today (10/17) Out of Class Assignments: Out of Class Assignments: –Hard News Assignment –Sports Story Pitch; final article due 10/31 In Class Assignments: In Class Assignments: –Questions for next week’s speaker –Sports Editing worksheet

54. Speaker 10/24 Tom Wilkowske, reporter and editor of the Wave at the Duluth News-Tribune Tom Wilkowske, reporter and editor of the Wave at the Duluth News-Tribune –University of Minnesota Journalism Graduate –Editor of the Minnesota Daily, 1986-87 –Reporter for the Winona Daily News –Publications Editor, UMD University Relations –Reporter at Duluth News-Tribune Write three questions and email them to Lucy Kragness at: lkragnes@d.umn.edu Write three questions and email them to Lucy Kragness at: lkragnes@d.umn.edulkragnes@d.umn.edu Remember to bring questions to next week’s class Remember to bring questions to next week’s class

55. Due 10/31: News Release/Public Relations Assignment Story Pitch Length of story pitch: three paragraphs, about 200 words Length of story pitch: three paragraphs, about 200 words Include the 5Ws and H Include the 5Ws and H Option 1: Select a news release from the UMD website to expand into story Option 2: Prepare news release promoting an event/cause about an organization you are involved with

56. Egradebook Doublecheck assignments correct in egradebook: Doublecheck assignments correct in egradebook: –http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

57. Portfolio Store academic information on your Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100 mb of storage. Store academic information on your Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100 mb of storage. Access Electronic Portfolio at: https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j sp Access Electronic Portfolio at: https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j sp https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j sp https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j sp