With my first semester of Communications classes under my belt, and the summer classes soon ending, I have learned so much about the journalism industry. Completing classes such as Law and Ethics in Communications, Advanced Writing for the Media, and Media Theories and Effects, I have experienced and tried my hand in many issues and styles of journalism. And that is just the beginning. The Law and Ethics course sparked my interest the most, as I played the part of a mock lawyer defending my “college newspaper” in a libel trial, which led to my final paper discussing libel laws for online uses, including the recent SOPA controversy. I became much more involved in local and national events these last few months, thanks mainly in part to my professors asking I read a newspaper every day (which I still try to do.) Another huge change in my communications career happened when I finally got off my high horse and signed up for a Twitter account. Since then, I don’t believe I have ever been more interested in news and stories, nor been slapped with so much information in one space at one time. Yes, these last two semesters have made me ever more sure of what I wish to do in my life and where I want my future to be: communications and media. Continue reading
journalism
Journalists Now Carry Everything They Need – In a Backpack!
VideoJournalism was a powerful tool in the growing years of our country. It inspired thought and influenced political matters. What was just 100 or so papers and printers has progressed into a far more complex institution and idea. It is not simply a printer, editor, or writers per se. It includes photographers, graphic designers, copy editors, printers. layout designers, etc.
The last decade has introduced a technological era that has altered the approaches of journalism. There are more ways to gather information and sources for stories, advancement to the style and mechanics of print, and a broader field of information and “scoops” available.
What’s My Line?
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Mike Keefe, Cagle Cartoons
This campaign season has brought up numerous questions about the responsibilities, or roles, of the media. Throughout this country’s history, the media continues to play a larger and more important role. Whether its our own government attempting censorship during the revolution, or breaking boundaries in Vietnam, the media represents our society across many mediums and is a vital part of our democracy. Recently, in the last decade maybe, the appreciation of journalism has turned. Either we are too liberal, too conservative, or too intrusive in others lives. However, there shouldn’t be any doubt what our duties are as journalists and what our place in society is, if everyone follows the principles and ethics of journalism, and laws and precedent from history. Continue reading
Taking Chances
StandardI would consider myself a traditionalist when it comes to my opinions of the world of journalism that I have studied. During my four years in high school, I was an active member of the yearbook staff. I loved every second of those years. While I was only enrolled in basic Journalism classes, I felt that they were more like real offices with deadlines and meetings. I loved having to go around to different events to snap key moments on our Cannon camera. I thoroughly enjoyed drawing our layouts by hand, editing the pages, and organizing the photos. However, my senior year – the year I became editor-in-chief – our procedures for producing our book had changed, and were moved from the traditional paper layouts, to an online website through our representative publisher. I was the last person to jump on board with the change. I disliked everything being online and digital, and missed the physical capabilities of working by hand. It was then that I realized how much technology will change our whole world. Continue reading
C.K. 