Fox Reporter Argues With Religious Nut
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
In a recent news broadcast by Fox News, an interview got heated when a female news reporter got into an argument with a guest associated with the Westboro Baptist Church.
The latest in news-industry issues, as written by multimedia journalism and integrated marketing communication students at Simpson College.
In a recent news broadcast by Fox News, an interview got heated when a female news reporter got into an argument with a guest associated with the Westboro Baptist Church.
Creating a video blog can become challenging for many people based on how unnatural it feels. Fortunately, there is a new program that was recently created called CuePrompter.
The CuePrompter program is an online teleprompter that allows you to copy and paste your script into your computer. Once doing so, the Cueprompter takes over and allows you to feel like the television reporter you have always wanted to be.
The great thing about Cueprompter is that it gives more assistance to the user by letting you set your script and talking points. Doing so allows things to run smoother since it is on a teleprompter, rather than in essay format in a Word document.
Another beneficial aspect of the Cueprompter is that it allows you to control the speed of how fast the text scrolls across your screen. This can improve people’s speaking skills because it can help us slow down our pace if we speak too fast or speed up our pace if we speak too slow.
CuePrompter also allows you to pick the font, color and size. This will come in hand for those of you who have trouble seeing because it allows you to adjust it to your specific personal needs.
This program can also come into play for interviews, conference calls and any other situation that you need help speaking in front of people.
The best part about this is that it is free!
Photo Credit: Creativecommons
Out of the tens of thousands of blogs out there, as a beginner, yours probably doesn't stand out among the most known ones. To make yours stand out there are a few things every blogger should know.
2. You must know what your end-used is searching for. They come to your blog for a reason, and what is it exactly? Most of the time, the best blogs are the personal ones rather than commercial. Personal ones can be more touching, like diaries or personal experiences.
3. Confidence is key. Your blog must provide confidence and hope to visitors so that you can turn them into loyal readers or subscribers in a short span of time.
4. Proof. Writing your blog like a commercial one without proof may upset your readers. Try to write your personal experience including some main aspects in the ways you adopted, the mistakes you committed, the sources you referred to, etc... This can increase your readers and even your page rank.
Unlike other blogs, personal blogs make readers believe that the blog is completely true and it is solely for them. Creating this feeling in the readers mind is not a simple task. But if you follow the tips above then you are already on your way to success.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons.
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An article recently posted at Suite101 posed an interesting question: How can media and news outlets report the truth when they depend on sponsors that keep them in business being happy?
The point is that any news organization's decision regarding what stories to run or who to investigate will take into account how those investigations or stories might affect the groups giving them millions of dollars.
This is especially true in a modern setting when print media needs every bit of revenue anyone will throw at it. Organizations can no longer just decide to drop a sponsor for the sake of reporting the truth.
Because of all this financial pressure companies are able to do more than just keep the media from covering something: it can actually dictate what the media covers. This whole situation is even more complicated because of the wide outreach many conglomerates have, one large company really controlling dozens of others that have a wide range of interests and ventures.
The question is how can journalists still maintain a commitment to the truth with all of these outside influences "pressuring" them to say one thing or another? Without a significant change in the nature of journalism, the best anyone can hope for now is that no one is corrupt and that a PR-damaging story doesn't surface about someone barely related to a sponsor.
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With the sun shining and the busy time of finals approaching, many college students are feeling a lack of time to complete everything.
Online news consumption is becoming more popular through technological advances. There has been major talk amongst individuals about the future of journalism.
Social Media plays a vital role in our lives today along with e-commerce businesses. Managing one social media account can be a full-time job let alone managing multiple social media pages.

Interviews are one of the most important parts to journalism. Without interviews journalists stories become less reliable, and that is something that people look for when they read news articles. Some journalists come by this journalism task naturally, while others will never get used to the task of giving an interview.
Many journalists struggle with their first time interviews for many reasons. They may struggle with asking personal questions, or might have a hard time with speaking with strangers. For whatever the reason there is good news for the journalists who struggle with this journalism trait. There is good news though, there are basic techniques that you can practice in order to become more comfortable with giving an interview while becoming better at the task as well.
These are the following keys to a successful interview:
1. Come prepared
Bring the necessary tools such as notepad and a recorder to take notes. Make sure you do research on the the idea of your story, so that you understand the basic terms. Brainstorm the questions that you want to ask the interview before the actual interview.
2. Maintain control
It's important to get great quotes, but if the person you're interviewing starts talking off subject don't be afraid to steer them back in the right direction.
3. Stay natural
Stay loose so that you are easy to talk to. One of the most important things is to make sure that you you make eye contact, because nothing makes a source more nervous then a reporter staring down at their notebook the entire interview.
4. Have a good introduction and a great end to the interview
In the beginning don't jump into asking questions immediately, because if you talk a little before hand it will allow the source to feel like they can open up to you. If those sources feel comfortable like that you will be able to get some quality quotes. When ending an interview make sure that your source has nothing else to say about the subject. Before you part make sure that any questions you have about the interview are answered so when you are writing the story you don't have questions about your notes.
With these tips on how to do the best interview you are sure to do a great interview, and most importantly have no worries of doing any less then a great interview.
Photo credit: Creative Commons
As everyone knows, The New York Times paywall went into place for online content March 28th.
Two tabloid journalists suspected of phone hacking were released on bail last night. Neville Thurlbeck, chief reporter for the tabloid newspaper News of the World, was questioned voluntarily at Kingston police station. Ian Edmondson, former news editor of the same paper, was questioned separately at Wimbledon police station. Neither man has been charged. The two men are accused of illegally intercepting voice mail messages left on cell phones. The two men allegedly were involved in a large scheme to tap into cell phones of movie stars, professional athletes and other celebrities, even including the royal family. Another former reporter for the paper has already served jail time for accessing messages left by Prince William and Prince Harry. The entire case has been embarrassing to both the British police and the government. News International, publisher of the News of the World, said, "we will not tolerate wrongdoing and continue to cooperate fully with police." Celebrities who claim that their cell phones have been hacked include Sienna Miller and former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. The News of the World is currently the subject of several breach-of-privacy lawsuits. Photo credit: CreativeCommons.org

Considering the recent conflicts in the Middle East and in Northern Africa, and considering all of the journalists who have been restricted, had their rights confiscated or lost their lives, World Press Freedom Day this year is a significant event.
Everyone makes mistakes, including journalists too. Although some mistakes may seem minor, they are all important because you can learn from them in the end.
Photo Credit Via: Creative Commons
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Have you ever wanted to connect with other journalists? Have you ever wondered why social media has not yet embraced this idea? Worry no more.
According to a report from Mashable, the use of Facebook in the newsroom is no longer obsolete. The page, Facebook for Journalists, allows media-driven people to connect with others in a way which no other site as done before. Although the number of journalists on Facebook isn't monumentally dominant, this page allows those who want to connect with other writers and broadcasters do just that.
The growth of the world's leading social network in the world of journalism was only a matter of time. Everything in media has to adapt nowadays in order to stay successful. The advantages Facebook presents in the news world are great. It can be a landmine of sources, it can help you share your story, fill a reporter's toolbox with new opportunities, and can be distributed in newer ways in which the original forms could not.
Using this new venture can help us all as media students tremendously. The power of networking, to me, is very undersold to college kids like us. If all of us "like" the Journalists on Facebook page, it may open brand new doors that we may never have imagined. I ask that you do go like the page and explore it, because if you love journalism as much as I do, then you'll appreciate what this newbie can do for your vocation as well.
Photo Credit: Alter-Eco via Creative Commons
So seeing as we are all in BNR together, we are technically all journalism students.
After working hard on an article, the last thing you want to do is edit your story right away. Editing is viewed as a challenging task at times because not all of us know right from wrong. Therefore, I am going to share with you some tips about how to make editing more efficient.
1.The story arc matters. It is important that you make sure you catch the viewers’ attention instantly. Make the information you are sharing appealing throughout the whole article so you don’t lose your viewers’ interest.
2.Numbers need to be specific. Using the statement “about” never clearly clarifies what you are trying to say. Therefore, be specific with your numbers so your explanation of your statistic is defined clearly.
3.Give attributions. “According to” is not a good statement to use because it is not supportive with your information. Instead, it makes readers hesitant about whether or not you are stating an actual fact. If you do use the words “according to” make sure that the company or person you name after is a known source.
4.Link to sources. When explaining a study that has shown a certain statistic, you should insert a URL address in the article, or at the end. This will then allow people to see the actual statement you are trying to explain to them.
5.Presentation/organization matters. Little random facts that are similar to the topic you are discussing in the article, but not very relevant to it should be mentioned in a sidebar of the article. Do not try to force everything to go together in one piece. Organization allows the reader to follow along easily and not get frustrated with all the clutter.
Photo Credit: CreativeCommons.org
Move over Twitter: Facebook is becoming more journalism friendly. While Twitter has typically been known as the focus social network for journalists, Facebook is slowly making steps to give Twitter a run for its money.
Facebook has been hard at work keeping up with the media and journalism world. Their media page, Facebook and Media, is filled with the success stories of various media organizations who have used Facebook to gain publicity or a greater audience.
One post on the page for example, reads, "Learn how Facebook helped a news station climb to the number one rating spot."
Their most recently added page Journalists on Facebook, was created to help Facebook develop a stronger tie to journalists, much like that of Twitter.
The page serves as a resource for journalists to use to help them find sources, interact with readers, and advance stories. I think this is a good move for Facebook.
Anyone would agree that journalists show more love to Twitter than Facebook, but steps like these by Facebook could definitely give Twitter a run for its money.
No matter which of the two social network journalists prefer, it is no question both have significantly helped and contributed to the world of journalism.
For more information on Facebook's new push toward journalists, visit this link. Photo Credit: Creative Commons
After five years, Katie Couric is going to be leaving her post as CBS' evening news anchor. The reason for her departure is unknown.
Writing a blog can be tricky. Writing a great blog can be even trickier.
Our generation is constantly changing the way we get our information. From newspapers, computers, smartphones, iPods and iPads now we are constantly getting news and information on the go. The demand for information and news on the go is making many sites have to move to more mobile-optimized sites to keep up with the competition.
With the school year ending quickly, many students at Simpson College are lining plans up for a summer job.
Whether you are interviewing for jobs currently or getting ready to do so in the future, knowing traits employers look for beforehand helps enable your chances of getting a job.
A useful tip for a person before they even walk into an interview is having the proper attire on. Making sure you appear neat, tidy, and appropriate for the job shows you care about the way you present yourself in the work force.
Another great tip is to be assertive. Even though our days at Simpson are filled with activities that consume time, whether it's homework, class, or practice, finding 5-10 minutes out of the day to do a follow up on an application shows interest and responsibility.
Even the little things a person does in an interview can help his/her chances of getting a job.
Making sure you have good eye contact, a projecting voice, keeping your chin up, and sitting up straight during an interview does matter. Employers like seeing confidence in their workers because it shows great traits in a person such as communication and ability to develop interpersonal relationships with others.
Having a summer job also has positive impact because it helps build your resume for future jobs and internships.
When employers are looking over your past jobs, seeing that you may have experience in a field can help increase chances for a job.
Although it would be nice to lounge around this summer under the hot sun rays, having money under your name is a great way to build towards the future.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
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