Chapters 8 and 9 of Covering Crime and Justice talk about covering criminal and civil courts. To be perfectly honest, I have never been able to fully understand the court system, legal jargon, etc. As I've mentioned before, having parents that are both lawyers should have given me some sort of understanding of all of this, but long story short, I just have never been able to understand the complexities of the legal system.
The chapters did help to teach me a lot about the courts that I didn't know though. For example, in Chapter 8, they talked a lot about what goes on before a trial actually takes place. I did not realize that there was so much to pre-trial proceedings. The section that laid out exactly what happens during a trial was particularly interesting to me. I never realized how specific an actual trial is. I feel that this is probably useful information to know were I to be reporting on a court case. That's what I felt was most helpful about these chapters. In order to report effectively, you need to do your background research. Particularly when reporting on something as specific as a court case.
Chapter 14 in the book talked all about beat reporting. I actually found this chapter to be pretty interesting, seeing as I have always sort of thought having a beat to cover would be pretty fun. Reporters need to have a broad understanding of a number of topics, and I feel that covering beats adds to a reporter's well-roundedness. As embarrassing as it is to admit this, Almost Famous is my favorite movie, and may have had something to do with my initial interest in journalism. Ever since then, I have always thought that it would be too much fun to cover a music scene beat of some sort.
Now, while this idea is still incredibly enticing, I have come to believe that covering other beats would be equally interesting. I have always thought that I might be able to excel pretty well with an environmental beat.
The idea of beat reporting just makes a lot of sense to me. Having a "specialty", in a way. Why have a reporter who has no idea about a certain topic write an article on it when you could have someone write it who knows a lot about the subject?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Chapters 1, 5, and 7.
So, time to respond to this week's massive amounts of reading on crime reporting. Actually, I did find the reading to be pretty informational and interesting.
Chapter One:
Chapter One basically outlined the basics of the crime beat; what it is, how it's approached, etc. One thing, specifically, that I found interesting was where the different technical terms used in crime reporting were defined. It is very important to be accurate in any reporting, but especially in the crime beat, seeing as there are s many terms that could be used incorrectly. I feel like the reading laid this all out pretty well, making something that is easy to get confused, be easily understood. For example, I never really knew the differences between "civil cases" and "criminal cases." After defining these differences, the reading defines terms like, larceny, fraud, theft, burglary, etc. Again, this was helpful, seeing as I have never really known the differences between these things. To be a crime reporter, you need to fully understand the ins and outs of crime, so as not to misinform during your re-telling of what happened.
Another part of chapter one that grabbed my attention was the section in which the moral aspects of crime were discussed. This is something that has always interested me. Why exactly is crime reporting so successful? Why do crime stories demand so much attention? As the reading points out, crime is interesting. The stories involve all of the juicy elements that people want to read about. But couldn't this affect how we report on them? It would be so easy to write a crime story and emphasize all of the most interesting details. But is this moral? This is why I don't think I could ever truly excel at the crime beat. Yes, these stories should be publicized, but it is so easy to publicize them for the wrong reasons.
Chapter Five:
Chapter Five was all about interviewing victims for a crime story and how this act should be approached. This is one of the reasons that I'm not sure if I could really make it in the crime beat. I'm able to be understanding, I am able to be compassionate, and it's easy for me to talk to someone, to gain their trust. But if someone has just been through something traumatic, I wouldn't want to make them feel like their privacy was being invaded, I feel like this would be the hardest part of crime reporting. If someone knows that your prime goal is to write a story on an event that happened to be particularly traumatic or upsetting for them, how trustworthy could they possibly be? The reading mentions that reporters need to create a rapport with the victims before interviewing them, but I still feel as though the line between this and insincerity could be very thin.
Chapter Seven:
Chapter Seven is all about the court beat. I feel like this would be one of the most difficult beats to cover; for me, anyhow. In order to cover courts, I feel like it would be essential to truly understand how the legal system works, and how court events would work. And these are things that are not exactly easily understood. Both of my parents are lawyers, and I still have such a hard time understanding the legal system, despite how often I am surrounded by it.
One thing that caught my attention in this chapter is that, yes, court reporting can be confusing, long, and boring. However, the chapter encourages the reporter to make it into everything it can be. The court is one of the only places in which a reporter has no more rights than anyone else observing. So, when not allowed to ask questions, you listen intently, make sure that your reporting is accurate. However, in addition to all of this, report not only on what is being said, but on what is going on around you. Pay attention to people's reactions, body language, how people interact. I feel that this is good advice not only in court reporting, but in reporting in general.
Chapter One:
Chapter One basically outlined the basics of the crime beat; what it is, how it's approached, etc. One thing, specifically, that I found interesting was where the different technical terms used in crime reporting were defined. It is very important to be accurate in any reporting, but especially in the crime beat, seeing as there are s many terms that could be used incorrectly. I feel like the reading laid this all out pretty well, making something that is easy to get confused, be easily understood. For example, I never really knew the differences between "civil cases" and "criminal cases." After defining these differences, the reading defines terms like, larceny, fraud, theft, burglary, etc. Again, this was helpful, seeing as I have never really known the differences between these things. To be a crime reporter, you need to fully understand the ins and outs of crime, so as not to misinform during your re-telling of what happened.
Another part of chapter one that grabbed my attention was the section in which the moral aspects of crime were discussed. This is something that has always interested me. Why exactly is crime reporting so successful? Why do crime stories demand so much attention? As the reading points out, crime is interesting. The stories involve all of the juicy elements that people want to read about. But couldn't this affect how we report on them? It would be so easy to write a crime story and emphasize all of the most interesting details. But is this moral? This is why I don't think I could ever truly excel at the crime beat. Yes, these stories should be publicized, but it is so easy to publicize them for the wrong reasons.
Chapter Five:
Chapter Five was all about interviewing victims for a crime story and how this act should be approached. This is one of the reasons that I'm not sure if I could really make it in the crime beat. I'm able to be understanding, I am able to be compassionate, and it's easy for me to talk to someone, to gain their trust. But if someone has just been through something traumatic, I wouldn't want to make them feel like their privacy was being invaded, I feel like this would be the hardest part of crime reporting. If someone knows that your prime goal is to write a story on an event that happened to be particularly traumatic or upsetting for them, how trustworthy could they possibly be? The reading mentions that reporters need to create a rapport with the victims before interviewing them, but I still feel as though the line between this and insincerity could be very thin.
Chapter Seven:
Chapter Seven is all about the court beat. I feel like this would be one of the most difficult beats to cover; for me, anyhow. In order to cover courts, I feel like it would be essential to truly understand how the legal system works, and how court events would work. And these are things that are not exactly easily understood. Both of my parents are lawyers, and I still have such a hard time understanding the legal system, despite how often I am surrounded by it.
One thing that caught my attention in this chapter is that, yes, court reporting can be confusing, long, and boring. However, the chapter encourages the reporter to make it into everything it can be. The court is one of the only places in which a reporter has no more rights than anyone else observing. So, when not allowed to ask questions, you listen intently, make sure that your reporting is accurate. However, in addition to all of this, report not only on what is being said, but on what is going on around you. Pay attention to people's reactions, body language, how people interact. I feel that this is good advice not only in court reporting, but in reporting in general.
Monday, October 22, 2007
My Comments
1) Moira, "Obama's Energy Crisis Plan"
http://moirasnewsblog.blogspot.com/
2) Briana, "Let's Try Something New. . ."
http://brianaword.blogspot.com/
3) Kayla, "Obama...come on...just wear the damn pin!"
http://kaylasnewsblog.blogspot.com/
4) Bryan, "Hillary vs. Everyone"
http://bryannews1.blogspot.com/
5) Ryan, "Truthiness in '08"
http://6078287.blogspot.com/
6) Hannah, "election $$$"
http://hperk.blogspot.com/
7) Laura S., "Beauty Parlor Politics"
http://lauraswanson.blogspot.com/
8) Antonina, "Thats it im turning Democrat"
http://ladyantoninakrystyna.blogspot.com/
http://moirasnewsblog.blogspot.com/
2) Briana, "Let's Try Something New. . ."
http://brianaword.blogspot.com/
3) Kayla, "Obama...come on...just wear the damn pin!"
http://kaylasnewsblog.blogspot.com/
4) Bryan, "Hillary vs. Everyone"
http://bryannews1.blogspot.com/
5) Ryan, "Truthiness in '08"
http://6078287.blogspot.com/
6) Hannah, "election $$$"
http://hperk.blogspot.com/
7) Laura S., "Beauty Parlor Politics"
http://lauraswanson.blogspot.com/
8) Antonina, "Thats it im turning Democrat"
http://ladyantoninakrystyna.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 15, 2007
Gore '08?
So, Al Gore won a Nobel Peace Prize for his global warming work the other day. In addition to this, Gore has received an Oscar and an Emmy. And now he's being encouraged to run for president also?
There are many supporting the idea of Gore joining the presidential campaign even if it is a little late in the game. So far, Gore has said that it is highly unlikely because he feels that Hillary Clinton is unbeatable. However, that hasn't stopped people pushing the idea. After obtaining the kind of recognition that he has since losing to Bush, I don't see ow returning to politics would help him.
However, one thing that his Nobel Prize has done, is that it has taken the issue of the environment and raised it from a footnote back into a major concern of the Democrats.
There are many supporting the idea of Gore joining the presidential campaign even if it is a little late in the game. So far, Gore has said that it is highly unlikely because he feels that Hillary Clinton is unbeatable. However, that hasn't stopped people pushing the idea. After obtaining the kind of recognition that he has since losing to Bush, I don't see ow returning to politics would help him.
However, one thing that his Nobel Prize has done, is that it has taken the issue of the environment and raised it from a footnote back into a major concern of the Democrats.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 covered "other basic stories", which our book says would include accident, fire, crime and court stories. In this chapter, I got a new realization of exactly how formulaic journalism can be. There is a style, a format, an equation involved in any kind of reporting.
While I do think that the subject matter is more important than the correct format, the way in which the chapter says these stories should be written does make sense. There's the obvious; collect your basic information [who, what, where, etc.] But what I actually liked about the chapter was that it says the best way to report a story like this is to be at the scene in order to provide description. Based on your deadline, if you have time, you should include description and color into these stories, and get some follow up information, more interviews, etc.
However, I feel that you need to become fairly accomplished before you can get the leisure of writing a lengthy crime / accident / fire story whose deadline isn't the day of / the day after the incident.
I can see what the book means about libel being something to look out for in stories of this nature especially. With the commotion of a crime scene or the scene of a fire, it is important to make sure that all of your information is correct; names, quotes, what caused the fire, what the crime was, etc. This is especially true in the case of court stories. I could see how sitting through a court case could be difficult. Despite how hard something like a court case could be to follow, it is immensely important to make sure the facts stay straight.
While, personally, I don't think that I would particularly enjoy or excel at these kinds of stories, I feel that the book did a good job of outlining how they should be done.
While I do think that the subject matter is more important than the correct format, the way in which the chapter says these stories should be written does make sense. There's the obvious; collect your basic information [who, what, where, etc.] But what I actually liked about the chapter was that it says the best way to report a story like this is to be at the scene in order to provide description. Based on your deadline, if you have time, you should include description and color into these stories, and get some follow up information, more interviews, etc.
However, I feel that you need to become fairly accomplished before you can get the leisure of writing a lengthy crime / accident / fire story whose deadline isn't the day of / the day after the incident.
I can see what the book means about libel being something to look out for in stories of this nature especially. With the commotion of a crime scene or the scene of a fire, it is important to make sure that all of your information is correct; names, quotes, what caused the fire, what the crime was, etc. This is especially true in the case of court stories. I could see how sitting through a court case could be difficult. Despite how hard something like a court case could be to follow, it is immensely important to make sure the facts stay straight.
While, personally, I don't think that I would particularly enjoy or excel at these kinds of stories, I feel that the book did a good job of outlining how they should be done.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Archbishop Raymond Burke would deny Giuliani communion
In an Associated Press article recently, it was reported that Roman Catholic Archbishop Raymond Burke declared that he would deny Rudy Giuliani communion because of his views on abortion.
The Archbishop decided that anyone whose views go against those of the church should be denied communion. This is the same man that said during the 2004 elections that he would deny Kerry communion. While, personally, I do not believe that this has anything to do with the election, seeing as I highly doubt any of the candidates are about to go and approach Archbishop Raymond Burke for communion anytime soon, but it could hurt Giuliani by taking away the religious vote from him.
Personally, this just makes me sad though; that this is news. First of all, politics and religion should not mix. Who cares if Giuliani's abortion views do not coincide with that of the church? Church and state should be separate matters, but it feels more and more these days like they really aren't, which is upsetting.
The Archbishop decided that anyone whose views go against those of the church should be denied communion. This is the same man that said during the 2004 elections that he would deny Kerry communion. While, personally, I do not believe that this has anything to do with the election, seeing as I highly doubt any of the candidates are about to go and approach Archbishop Raymond Burke for communion anytime soon, but it could hurt Giuliani by taking away the religious vote from him.
Personally, this just makes me sad though; that this is news. First of all, politics and religion should not mix. Who cares if Giuliani's abortion views do not coincide with that of the church? Church and state should be separate matters, but it feels more and more these days like they really aren't, which is upsetting.
Libel, Orwell, 3 Mile Island
Chapter 22 was all about media law, and spent a good amount of time talking about libel specifically. The book states that the best way to avoid libel is to be truthful; what we have been taught is the most important aspect of journalism. I sometimes feel as though libel should not even be an issue, seeing as journalism is all about reporting the facts. If everyone journalist stayed truthful, and those being written about were truthful, such a thing would not even exist.
Unfortunately though, in this day and age, there are untruthful reporters. There are journalists who print false information. And there are also people who read an article in which they are quoted or written about and are dissatisfied with the way in which they are portrayed.
Our book says that if you are truthful, you have nothing to worry about and, more often than not, the legal system will take care of it and rule in favor of the press. This is somewhat comforting. However, what bothers me more than the thought of having the court rule in favor of the individual over the press is just the fact, alone, that any journalist can be accused of libel. You can be the most truthful journalist in the world, but if you happen to piss someone off, you never know what might happen.
I guess that is the risk we are willing to take as journalists though. We report as truthfully and accurately as we possibly can, present the information to the public, and then at that point it is completely out of our hands. You just need to have faith in the public and trust that you will not be questioned.
I found the Orwell reading interesting. He states that the English language is declining and offers a few pieces of advice as to how to fix it. The reason he gives for this decline of the English language is that language mimics society. Therefore, our society is declining.
I thought that the few basic rules he ends the reading with were particularly helpful. They do seem simple, but are great things to keep in mind while writing. We have all been in a situation where we are writing for a deadline, become unfocused or are just tired and have an impulse to throw in a phrase that you have heard before. The fact of the matter is, why use something that someone else has already said when you can use your own words?
The Three Mile Island reading helped to re-enforce the idea that as journalists, we are going to have to write stories about things in which we have little or no previous knowledge about. All I have to say on the subject is that it is nice to know that it wasn't just me that had some difficulty writing that story; even professionals have a hard time with some stories as well.
Unfortunately though, in this day and age, there are untruthful reporters. There are journalists who print false information. And there are also people who read an article in which they are quoted or written about and are dissatisfied with the way in which they are portrayed.
Our book says that if you are truthful, you have nothing to worry about and, more often than not, the legal system will take care of it and rule in favor of the press. This is somewhat comforting. However, what bothers me more than the thought of having the court rule in favor of the individual over the press is just the fact, alone, that any journalist can be accused of libel. You can be the most truthful journalist in the world, but if you happen to piss someone off, you never know what might happen.
I guess that is the risk we are willing to take as journalists though. We report as truthfully and accurately as we possibly can, present the information to the public, and then at that point it is completely out of our hands. You just need to have faith in the public and trust that you will not be questioned.
I found the Orwell reading interesting. He states that the English language is declining and offers a few pieces of advice as to how to fix it. The reason he gives for this decline of the English language is that language mimics society. Therefore, our society is declining.
I thought that the few basic rules he ends the reading with were particularly helpful. They do seem simple, but are great things to keep in mind while writing. We have all been in a situation where we are writing for a deadline, become unfocused or are just tired and have an impulse to throw in a phrase that you have heard before. The fact of the matter is, why use something that someone else has already said when you can use your own words?
The Three Mile Island reading helped to re-enforce the idea that as journalists, we are going to have to write stories about things in which we have little or no previous knowledge about. All I have to say on the subject is that it is nice to know that it wasn't just me that had some difficulty writing that story; even professionals have a hard time with some stories as well.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Edwards on the Rise?
John Edwards has, at this point in the race, been significantly behind Obama and Clinton as far as support and funding are concerned. However, he is now making his move in the two earliest primary states, hoping to win the nomination early on. His campaigning is now including public fundraising. Currently, Clinton is leading the national support for the Democratic party, while Obama and Edwards are fighting for that coveted second spot.
Edwards' plan is all about a schedule at the moment. Being an avid supporter of Edwards, I'm hoping that this scheduled strategy works out to his advantage. It seems that wherever he goes, he is received with lots of positive energy and support, so lets hope that pulls him through.
Edwards' plan is all about a schedule at the moment. Being an avid supporter of Edwards, I'm hoping that this scheduled strategy works out to his advantage. It seems that wherever he goes, he is received with lots of positive energy and support, so lets hope that pulls him through.
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