Reading for the Week

The two chapters for this week were about both news releases, and writing about speeches, and meetings. These are two crucial aspects of journalism that students should learn. There are three types of news releases that will need to be processed - one is to promote a cause, one is to announce an event, and the last is to build the image, typically of a public figure. Part of my job at Fox23 in Albany was to decipher press releases and fill in the information onto the run-down to be referred to the next day. I think the author of the text makes an important point when he recommends contacting the media representative who made the news release in order to get more important details (who, what, when, where...). I did this on a number of occasions. We must remember to pick out what is "news" instead of just transferring the information. This will allow a more broad sense, so that the journalist may successfully re-write the story. In an example, we learn about how to shape a press release to foster accuracy and more in-depth reporting. "Without saying that the news release was dishonest or misleading, the reporter corrected or clarified some of the information contained in it." This chapter lays basic groundwork for handling day-to-day news situations.
Almost every journalist will be assigned to cover a speech, news conference, or meeting at some point. It is easy to oversimplify the process by getting into a routine. However, this chapter makes a point about the necessity of preparation when attending such events. For example, when attending a conference, a journalist should understand background facts, people involved, and other circulating rumors/events that pertain to it. Of course, accuracy is stressed. The best way to be accurate is to take notes. I have developed my own form of shorthand that allows me to stay up to speed when conversations move quickly.
Finally, at the end of the chapter, there is a suggestion that the reader visits this website. I found it to be a useful resource, and reminder of the steps to take when covering a city council meeting.