The Facts of Life...or uh, a News Feature.

Both reading chapter 12 and listening to Dave teach us about the importance of reporting and accuracy started getting me thinking about how I am going to start pursuing my news article feature. Right now, I am still deciding what exactly I am going to write about. However, one thing that I completely understand now is, a news article should report only the true, confirmed facts. As Sara stated in her blog, one source doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a trustworthy article. She is so true. There are people who are going to say anything just to be on the news—even if it is telling a complete lie. Additionally, as Sara stated, there are a million other things that can go wrong with writing and reporting any story.

According to MacLean in chapter 12, the reporting basics are: Accuracy, Precision and Balance. I think that the accuracy one is a given; but, as far as precision and balance, those two never really came to my mind when writing news stories. However, after reading chapter 12, I now totally agree and understand where MacLean is coming from. It is extremely important to report and accurate story, be precise at what you are reporting and at the same time, show some form of balance or fairness when interviewing for stories. It is important to show “both sides” to a story, just for different perspectives.

The checklist in the book by Craig Silverman is something I will entirely use while writing my news feature. While I have yet to fully decide on a story for my feature, this chapter helped me to expand my ideas about what would actually make for a good story—and how to go about searching, interviewing and writing the story.

Relating this to real life obviously will come into play since I will soon begin to write a news feature for this class. However, interning at a profession large market news channel, I experience the things chapter 12 talks about each day I am at 7News. While there, I fully see and participate in the process of gathering information for stories and calling the right people/digging for more information to officially confirm that the story is indeed 100% accurate, balanced and precise. I know that 7News isn’t the best news station, trust me; however, I must say, they are pretty good about making sure each story they air, does not make the air until we know for sure that every bit of information within the story is accurate and newsworthy.

While I do not have the same exact checklist as shown in chapter 12, I do however, have something similar to follow when I receive a news tip or find something online interesting enough to pursue to get it on the air. This checklist is similar to the one from chapter 12, just not as specific. Basically, the checklist includes asking the who, what, where, when, why and how—and getting as much information/facts as possible. Then, it is my job to go about calling the right people needed (i.e. police, fire, schools, etc.) to get confirmation on the specific tip received. This is a fast pace job that requires a lot of effort and work, but, it’s something that is crucial to keeping the story accurate, precise and balanced as possible.

7 Is My Newscast.

So, if you haven't already found out, I am currently interning at 7News, Boston. It is such a great internship. This is my 4th time interning, as I did 3 semesters at FOX25 in Boston. I would have stayed with FOX25, but, figured it would be good to get one or two more internships in at a different news station...just to get my name in with a different place. Being my Senior year and all, I am doing everything I can to continue to build up my resume and prep myself for when it comes to start applying for career jobs. It's really nerve-wracking and stressful at times, but, in the end I know it is only going to benefit no one but myself. 

One of my jobs while at 7News is to work in the "cyber center" of the studio. Here, I help with updating 7News's website with stories locally, nationally, worldwide, entertainment, sports, etc. While I was in there today, one of the reporters was doing a story live-to-tape right behind me. If you watch this video til the very end, you will see me. haha This is kind of geeky, but, figured it would be kind of cool to show. Yes, I did know that Hank (the reporter) was behind me doing her story; but, no...I had no idea I was actually in the shot! But, it was cool to see myself on TV later on when I was watching! lol

Having interned at FOX25 and currently at 7News really has been fun. I have met a lot of awesome TV personalities whom all have helped me in some way, shape or form. Whether it is putting in good words, help with editing my paper resume and video resume, etc.  I am glad to have had these opportunities.

Anyway, I just hope that with everything I have been doing, once graduation comes, I can get a job as a TV reporter within a year following graduation. Wish me luck!!!

Show Your Media Literacy!

I found this video which I thought was pretty interesting and a bit entertaining as well. I am posting this because this video somewhat relates to just we have been talking about. For starters, it covers a good chunk of the different types of media/media literacy. I found it to be a good video and I hope you all do. If you have a few minutes, you all should take a look. Not only could you enjoy it; but, you might also learn a bit from it.

My opinion of this video? Well, I loved it. haha First, I loved the music (kind of reminded me of the original Nintendo) Also, I love how it would should an image of a particular Media such as a digital camera, google...Then in a creative way, said things like "everyone can contribute", etc. It was cool how they also lead each Media with certain topics, such as "access/gather, evaluate/make sense, create/produce...and so on.

Basically, this video helps to show the ways of media and how one should/can go about living in the media world. Media is everywhere you look in many shapes and forms. Additionally, I feel that this is a good video that highlights the varieties of 'Media Literacy' in classrooms across the world. The goal of this video was to answer the question "What does media literacy look like in your classroom and how do you make it part of developing your students' Literacy." I feel that the video does help to interpret and show what teaching of media literacy is like in classes. This does include journalism classes because a lot of what is in this video such as "create/produce" and "evaluate/make sense" all relate to what a journalist should do when it comes to writing, editing and reporting on a story; Whether it is in print, radio or on television. These steps are all the same and are important to remember in any career of journalism. 

Overall, I highly enjoyed this video clip and feel it is beneficial in explaining the media world we live in--and how it is a good thing to be Media Literate.

Your thoughts???

This Is Litter, Too!

Hmm, I guess as I sit here, the first thing that comes to my mind for a general blog is something that I have been seeing while going about my usual days.

So, lately, I have been seeing these signs around my hometown and even here around Bridgewater that’s says "This is litter, too!”---referring to cigarettes. I found this rather interesting and intriguing because I have always hated when I see people just throw their cigarettes on the ground when they are finished. Some aren’t still lit which obviously poses a problem because this leads to fires from time to time. Clearly, this really is just as bad at littering other trash items as well.

I am glad that these signs have been popping up on every street sign at the corner or near highly populated areas on streets and in neighborhoods. It is time that people start to understand and realize that throwing cigarettes is a serious action--that needs to end. I mean, is it really that hard to make sure the cigarette is fully put out, and then to throw it in the ash trays or trash bins located around town? Pure laziness if you ask me.  I mean, I am not a fan of smoking cigarettes, but, I have no problem with people who do, as long as they do it responsibly—this means disposing of it in the proper, safe way.

I guess what I am trying to say here is, has anyone else seen these signs? Do you agree with what I am trying to say? I mean, I know this is something fairly little; but, it really can do major damage sometimes. I hope that these signs help to get people to think twice before throwing that cigarette out of their car window or just throwing it down on the ground when walking. Seriously people, is it really that hard???

Yay or Nay on my thoughts?!

A Developing Story.....

As I am sure many others would agree with me when I say that this week’s reading was very beneficial in helping me to begin to narrow down my ideas for writing my news feature. Chapter 11 discussed what qualifies as a good starting point for a story. One thing I learned that I need to do is sign up for RSS. I have heard of RSS before; but, I never realized just how important RSS can be to someone going into the field of Journalism. This will without a doubt help me brainstorm ideas for possible news features in the future. Chapter 11 also mentioned ways in which to share information that could possibly be useful in a story. Even though you have to be careful in what you read these because it may not always is 100% accurate, fact or truth, but, things such as Blogs, Blackboard, Facebook, Twitter, etc. are all updated regularly, which can also help you gain a tip of an idea for a possible story. However, a good story cannot be created unless it is filled with quality information, facts, etc. but is also straightforward, interesting and gets to the point without rambling on or being too unclear You have to know your limits. In other words, if I am giving a tip from someone regarding a story of a body found in Massachusetts, I wouldn’t know where to even begin because that tipster hasn’t really giving me enough information to even want to start writing. If this tipster were to say “there was a young women’s body found dead around 355 Beacon Street in Boston last that is a more developed story idea.  Now, I have enough information to want to write a story on and continue further with research and finding out a bit more information involving this story idea. Sometimes, a good, detailed story idea is right under people’s nose and they won’t even know it. Just stop and look around once in a while and you could have a potential great story right underneath you.

A great example of this in the “real world” would be how a lot of television stations are advertising news aps for the iPhone and Droid, texting and/or calling in to a certain phone line or email regarding a tip on a possible story. Some news stations, in particular, 7News (I know first hand since I intern there) sometimes rely and love it when people call in with a story idea that is NOT too broad and has enough information for them to then do some more digging and research and then get it on the air. In fact, I can actually say that at least 1 story you see on 7News DOES come from the tip line. No lie. In fact, a lot of ‘Help Me Hank’ or other ‘special’ investigative stories are from tipsters.

Qualities of Journalism...

Practice makes perfect. Something I am sure we have heard many times in life before, right? Well, how about accuracy, initiative, originality, creativity, balance and worthiness?  All of these words are used frequently throughout this chapter. All of these words are crucial to making a Journalist a true, passionate Journalist. I like how this chapter mentioned that discovery, examination, interpretation, style and presentation are all skills crucial to good, fair and honest journalism compared to being just a "mediocre writer." One thing that this chapter mentioned that I feel is definitely true, is that 50% of the work in Journalism is without a doubt, coming up with an eye-catching, interesting and entertaining story. After all, your idea of a story is what gets you to start researching and writing, right? While I know that sometimes it may be tough to create an idea to write about, but, like anything else, I feel that the more you practice, the better. Even though there will never, ever be a "perfect" writer, one can come close if he/she sets his/her mind to it, practices and never gives up and just stays on top of things--life will lead this person to exciting things.

  
Additionally, the book says that some judges of awards and even ordinary readers look for a piece that grabs their attention, is fair, and contains crucial facts and interviews with interesting people. As Lauren said, what is a writer without an eye-catching topic to write about? I mean, the actual topic is what gets you going to start writing the piece to begin with. Also, like Lauren, my biggest problem is always picking something interesting enough to keep people captivated. I always pick an idea and then feel that it is not good enough, when, based on when I ask around, everyone always says I should stick with my original topic...Sometimes, I never do and I regret it. Keeping a basic guideline or outline no question always helps me not just with writing; but, with anything I do. As mentioned above, the book focuses on 5 words--Discovery, examination, interpretation, style and presentation. While I can understand why the book feels a true, quality and excellent book Journalist needs to have those 5 present, I also feel that there is more in between the lines. 

To relate a present day item to what this chapter was talking about, I feel that (in particular) 7News tries to relate to its audience and show good presentation and style by considering themselves, "Your News Station." Not only does this try show a creative presentation; but, it also does help to get the audience to feel as if they are a positive influence and within 7's news. Not only is it 7, but other news stations do as well by having facebook fan pages to comment on news stories that can possibly make it on air, tips lines, polls for people to vote in, etc. etc. Anyone else hear what I'm saying?

Just Another Manic Monday.

So, another weekend has past and another school/intern/work week starts. Ugh. It is only Monday and I am already wanting Friday to come! Is that bad or what?! Yikes. 

Anyway, I guess I will talk to you about what is currently on my mind at the moment.

For starters, this is going to be an insane semester I have ahead of me. Not only is it my Senior year; but, I am also enrolled in 22 credits (16 of those from classes, 6 from my internship). To add to that, I am also working 15-20 hours a week at my job and to top it all off, I am interning at 7News 8 hours a day on Mondays and Fridays. So, basically, I don't have much of a life sometimes. It sucks, yes, I know. But, in the end I am going to benefit from it....Shit, I freakin' hope I do!!! While it can be stressful and shitty sometimes, I do have fun both at my job and at my internship @ 7News. Everyone I work with is extremely down to earth and really energetic and outgoing, as I am. So, even though sometimes it can be a lot of work both at my job and internship, at least my co-workers are all really nice to work it. That really does actually make my job and internship a lot better. As for my classes, they aren't too bad this semester; however, most just require a lot of busy, hard-work and a lot of effort. As for this class, COMM 240, at first, I felt like it was going to be a lot of work. But, now, I am starting to think the opposite because I am actually enjoying blogging now....which, at first dreaded the idea. haha I am actually really looking forward to this class....and the rest of the classes I am in, for that matter--even if the work is a lot at times.

One thing that I am already enjoying is having NO classes on Monday's and Friday's. Having this schedule has allowed for me to take on as much as I am involved in--such as working and interning at 7News. If I had classes all 5 days, I would not be able to continue the great experience interning at a place related to my future career. What I really can't wait for, is when we have a Monday holiday this semester. I can't wait because for Columbus Day (a Monday) we obviously have no classes. However, Monday I do not have any Monday classes so as for this particular day, having no classes for a holiday doesn't matter. However, the week of Columbus day, the Monday schedule of classes are then held on Tuesday...now, again, since I don't have classes on Mondays, that means I will get a 5 day weekend the week of Columbus day because now, I will have Tuesday off as well!  Isn't it awesome?! haha Sorry for bragging........lol

Allllright. So, hmnmm, anyone ready for the holidays yet? hahah First comes Halloween...then Thanksgiving then before you know it, finals will be here and we all will be excited for Winter Break and the Holiday Season...and snow! I personally can't wait--even though I am basically shit poor and won't be able to get that good of gifts this year. I say that because I have my Dad's, Sisters and brothers girlfriends birthday all in November, my mother's birthday in early December...and then Christmas. Yikes! It get's a bit crazy if you know what I mean! But, no matter what, I ALWAYS look forward to the Holiday Season because I just love the look, feel and smell of the air. With the decorations, music, FOOD, family fun, parties...alcohol!...and yes, even presents haha It's just a great time of the year!

Anyone with me on this?!?!

OK, so what this blog totally had not point and went from story A to Z in a breeze. These were just all of the things that were on my mind at the time I was writing this. Don't like it...tough. Deal with it. haha Just kidding....

The day that changed my life.

I will never forget the thousands of men and women who sadly and tragically lost their lives 9 years ago.....Gone from home; but, certainly not gone from our hearts! God Bless America!! United We Stand!!! God Bless all of our troops that our fighting for our country as I type this blog.

 

On a side note, since the attacks occurred, there has been a lot of conspiracies thrown out in the media. My question today is, what do you believe?  Why do you believe it? For me, it is really hard to believe that there was some kind of conspiracy involved with the 9-11 attacks, other than the fact that we were attacked from terrorists who were apart of the Taliban. 

 

I will always remember 9-11...not because of the actual tragic events that occurred; but, mostly for the true heroism we all saw on that tragic day. It takes a lot of guts running into a building that is on fire; while everyone else is running out far, far away from the building as possible. I give a lot of credit to the men and women who ran into those buildings that day! For hundreds of thousands, that never came back out, but, I know in my heart are indeed, true heroes and I will never forget how they died fighting and rescuing innocent civilians from the burning flames.

 

Growing up, I have always been called "flagboy" by my family members because I love flags (don't ask) and have always been very patriotic about my country. In fact, as you probably can tell, my favorite colors are red, white and blue. I even have a huge American flag hanging up on my bedroom wall. After 9-11, my patriotism grew even more powerful and strong--which I thought could never happen because it was already so powerful. After that horrific day, I immediately went to the store to buy several packages of stick flags, posterboards to make signs, etc. With the idea from me, my parents and I decorated our house with tons of red, white and blue and signs made from me that said things like "united we stand" and "God Bless America!". I just could not stop watching and rewatching the news coverage of September 11th. In fact, even though I had always wanted to be a tv reporter since I was about 9, September 11th only made my passion for that grow stronger.

 

Even though I personally didn't lose a loved one on the day from the attacks, in a sense, I did lose a loved on. On the morning of 9-11, I was at a funeral for my Great Aunt who passed away from cancer. My entire family was in Boston that day when we got word of what was happening because the many cops, law enforcement and military men we had at the funeral (my Great Aunt's son is a cop and 2 of my Uncles work at Otis Air Force Base) all immediately just took off without saying what or why they had to leave. After the ceremony burial, my entire family went back to the funeral parlor only to realize that our country was under attack. I'll never forget that as I walked into that parlor, the first thing I saw on the TV, was the last tower collapsing. I immediately started to cry and asked my parents "what is going on?!" After then staying glued to the TV and see prior news clips of the plane hitting the tower, I just could not understand what the hell was going on and why someone would do this to our country. I was in the 8th grade and knew terrorism existed; however, I did not think that terrorism would ever occur in my own country.

 

Sigh. I just can't believe it has been nine years. Not only nine years since the 9-11 attacks; but, also nine years since I lost one of my favorite Great Aunt's. 

 

Well, I know this blog is a bit out of order and not very neatly written; but, I just wanted to get my point across that 9-11 is a day that we all never will forget. But, for me, I will never forget it because even though it was an important historic day of tragic events, I look aside that and only remember that true heroism we all saw on that day. I also remember the thousands of lives that were lost. As one of my friends says..."September 11th...Always Remember, Never Forget."

New Media?

Interesting Video about 21st Century Media!

^ Just a quick post...I was playing around with youtube and found this video. I don't have much time to comment my opinion on it right now, but, at least wanted to post the video for you all to watch and comment on before I forgot. More from me later on. Stay Tuned!

- JMB

Who is J-BETH?!?

Hey, what's going on, everyone? My name is Jeremy, a high school graduate of the Bishop Connolly High School Class of 2006, graduating in the top 15 of my class. All four years, I was a dedicated and active member of the school's JV and Varsity (junior and senior year) soccer and baseball teams. Additionally, I was also involved in several extracurricular activities such as Peer Leadership, Habitat for Humanity, Theatre Tech & Construction and Student Council. While involved with Student Council, I was the class Treasurer-both my Sophomore & Junior year and class Vice-President my Senior year. Furthermore, I was the photographer and editor of my school's yearbook. I was also an energetic member in the Theatre Club, either portraying characters in many of my schools play productions and/or helping with the building the production sets or doing the lights and sounds for the productions. 

I'm currently a Senior at Bridgewater State University, graduating May 2011 with my Bachelors Degree in the School of Arts and Sciences. My concentration is Communication Studies: Media and Technology. While at Bridgewater State, I continue to remain an active and involved student on campus. I have been a Student Ambassador at the college since I was a Freshman. In addition, I volunteered at the town of Bridgewater’s Cable Access TV Station where I would take part in numerous roles such as writing and editing news stories for the weekly news show, reporting for the weekly news show and I even have had the opportunity to Co-Anchor the weekly news show from time to time.

While volunteering for BTV, I was also interning at WFXT-FOX25 News, Boston interning with FOX25 for three years. While at FOX25, I would assist at the assignment desk, listening to police scanners, make phone calls to police stations to confirm breaking news stories, help type up the scripts/teleprompter and 3 times a month, I had the opportunity to shadow several reporters out on the field. After three wonderful and knowledgeable years at FOX25, I decided to switch it up a little bit and as of Sept 1st of this year, am now interning with WHDH-7News Boston. My duties there are a bit different than FOX25's. My main duties are assisting at the assignment desk, prepping scripts and maintaining 7News's website. So far, I am really enjoying my time at 7. On occasion, I also help out with video taping local events for my hometown local television station (Dartmouth Community Television) as well.

 I aspire to be an investigative broadcast journalist one day, hoping I will eventually land in market seven, Boston. My dream of becoming a television personality began when I was 9, after the tragic death of John F. Kennedy, Jr. I was interviewed by a Boston television station regarding JFK, Jr’s death at the John F. Kennedy Library. About 5 years later, the horrific events of September 11^th enforced my love and interest in current events, history and broadcast journalism. Since then, I have held a passion for broadcast journalism.

I had my first tour of a television station at the age of 15, thanks in part to WBZ-TV’s Barry Burbank. Since I was 9 years old, I have had the opportunity to meet several TV personalities such as Maria Stephanos, Mark Ockerblloom, Frank Mallicoat, Sara Underwood, Harvey Leonard, Anne Allred, Pete Bouchard, Jeremy Reiner, Christa Delcamp, Jack Williams, Kim Khazei, Matt Lorch, Randy Price, Frances Rivera, Gene Lavanchy, Kim Carrigan, "VB" and many, many more. In May of 2009, I even made an appearance on FOX25 at their Dartmouth Zip Trip. There, I helped Cindy Fitzgibbon with reporting the forecast in a well, let's just say a very creative and funny manner (I was horrible!!! haha).

I love playing baseball, soccer and football. I also love acting, running, bike rides, hiking, photography, traveling, seeing new places, meeting new people and anything that keeps me busy, active and lets me live up my life like each day is my last.

I currently reside in South Dartmouth, MA with my loving and supportive parents. I have an older sister and an older brother (who live own their own...Yes, I'm the last to live at home...lol) and had an older brother who passed away from cerebral palsy when he was 4. He would be the oldest today, turning 29 this November. I also have 2 cats, Zoe and Khalo and an awesome Husky, Shadow.

hahah Wow, was the really informative or what?! Anyway, I am really looking forward to Intro. to Journalism and feel that this is going to be a fun and productive class.

What I'm all about.

Okay, this is my first blog, so bare with me. Truth is, if this wasn't a requirement for the class, I would not ever set one up. I am new to all of this and still in the process of trying to get into the hang of things. 

What I plan on doing on this blog, is basically posting my thoughts, opinions and interesting things I may find that deal with current events I have seen on the news or online. I want to my fellow peers to be able to talk about the specific currents events I post--withOUT holding back. Whether you agree with my opinion (if I post one) or not. Please, don't hold back.

As an addict of broadcast news, I feel that more college students should also watch the news on a weekly basis to stay caught up with their local, national and world wide events. Most people I know, hate watching the news, which I understand. But, at the same time, how can you stay caught up with what is going on in your town, nation and world if you don't watch the news or read anything from papers or online? I think we need to understand how important current events/history is to us and how a certain news story does significantly effect our ways of living today. 

So, my goal is to post some interesting stories-both positive and negative--and even just the insane stories that I feel can get a lot of comments and get my fellow classmates "on a roll".