Twitter Me This

Twitter is something that is new to me but I think it is a great way for news sources to update their audiences on things that are happening right now.

After looking at my classmates' Twitter sites I three headlines to discuss that I felt were written in active voice, concise while still fully explaining the story and answered the 5Ws and the H.

Headline #1 comes from SabrinaL and reads: 'Towson's Go Green plan reduces confusion' and the story that follows reads : 'By December, an estimated 2,800 recycling containers will be placed around campus to accommodate all objects in need of recycling.' This is written in active voice and is short yet explains the main part of the story. The 130 word story and the headline also answer the who: Towson's Go Green Plan, What: 2,800 recycling containers, Where: on campus, When: by December, Why: to reduce confusion and How: by placing the containers around campus.

Headline #2 also comes from SabrinaL and reads 'Budget cuts cause University of Maryland to freeze hiring. " and the story that follows reads:'USM, in a memo sent out late Thursday night, forced this freeze in anticipation for budget cuts due to the struggling economy.' Also written in active voice answers the Who: University System of Maryland , What : freeze hiring, Where: Maryland, When: Thursday and Why: Budget cuts.

Headline #3 comes from SabrinaL and reads 'Tigers lose to No. 4 Spiders, 45-14' and the story reads 'Quarterback Sean Schaefer’s game losing four interceptions resulted in a 24 point gain in Richmond’s favor, 45-14, Saturday afternoon. ' The Who: Sean Schaefer/Tigers, What: lose game 45-14, Where: , When: Saturday and Why: 4 interceptions .


These headlines are all good examples.

So Long "TRL" Hello "F'N MTV"

MTV's 'Total Request Live' ending in November

MTV is ending it's hit show TRL after a 10-year run. Executives feel that it is time to give the show a break because of loss of viewers. They plan to substitute it with a newer show titled 'F'N MTV' hosted by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy.

I believe this story was produced with the help of a press release because it is more of an announcement. Many times companies use press releases to get media outlets to annouce major changes that are occuring within that may not be common knowledge.

Ike survivors may wait weeks for hot meals, baths

This story has to deal with the thousands of survivors after hurricane Ike not having the neccesities that need to return to their everyday lives after the storm. They say it might be weeks before their communities regain electricity and water for things such as baths and even longer for their service stations to be refilled with gasoline.

I believe this story was produced by original reporting because no one have to send out a notice that these things are happening to these people reporters have been covering Ike from the beginning and they just happen to be there for the aftermath and able to interview residents.

What's News?

I believe the following stories from the front page of baltimoresun.com are newsworthy because they have some of the traditional news values that are needed to reach an audience and be relevant.

Fire destroys city playground:
This story is newsworthy because the destruction of this playground has impacted this community greatly. There is no longer a safe place for children to play and the members of the community will have to rebuild what was originally a $350,000 project.The story is also unusual. Its is not everyday that you hear about a playground burning to the ground.The story was timely it happened on the day that it was on the front page in the afternoon.The proximity also makes it newsworthy the Baltimore sun mainly viewed by Maryland citizens and this fire took place in a community in Maryland.This story also appeals to human interest. People will feel sorry for this community that put all their hard work into building a place where children could feel safe while playing only to have it burn down only 3 years later.

Details announced for Oct. 4 Michael Phelps homecoming:
This story is newsworthy because it is about a Maryland Citizen who also happens to be a celebrity so it has proximity and prominence.

1 dead, 5 hurt in shooting in East Baltimore:
This story is newsworthy because at the time that is was on the front page it was extremely timely the shooting occurred at around 9:30pm and the story was on the site by 11:00pm

* All of these stories were taken from the frontpage of baltimoresun.com on 9/9/09

Why So Serious?

I think the fact that Jared Silfies carries around the Elements of Style book as a part of his journalism kits makes it clear that he is very serious about his reporting and does not want to make any mistakes that would cause people to question his credibility. This also shows dedication to his craft that he would take the time to pay attention to detail.

What's In Your Backpack?

After looking at at few of the portfolios on the list I chose to focus on the works of Kelly West. West has worked freelance for many publications such as the New York Times, Daily Morning News, USA Today etc. Like Jared Silfies I believe she carries a notebook, laptop, and videocamera. Other things she may carry are digital cameras both for video and still photos. Schedules for sports events that she wants to cover, and an audio recorder for interveiws.

Who Am I?

Hi everyone!
My name is Leah Martin and I am a senior public relations and advertising major that is taking this journalism class for fun. I'm originally from Long Island, New York but have been living here in Maryland for about 3 years. I'm a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. When I graduate my dream job is to work in the PR department of a magazine. Ideally I would love to work for Seventeen or any of the "teen" magazine that the Hearst Corporation publishes. I'm pretty excited about starting this blog because I read blogs all the time and I think it will be fun to have one of my own. I hope to get a lot out of this class and really improve my journalism skills.

Until next time,

Leah :-)