WOW! This chaper was quite intense compared to the other chapters we have read so far. I almos felt like I was reading a summarized acount of the media chapter in Law 101. SO much information was presented in the book, and a lot of the information seemed hard to comprehend. Yes the chapter was presented in a simple manner, but the description of the ctories covering court proceedings proved overwhelming. Well, let's start from the beginning. Okay the chapter begins one of the most captivating examples in the book so far. I actually went online to find out the end of that story. Which means that the journalist did a great job with the story. But essentially the book said it is necessary to follow all the basic rules of journalism- answer the five Ws and insist on accuray in the report. But what intrigued me the most was the the tip box on p271. Thebox listed "Be sensitive to victms and their families" as the last item in the box. I would give that tip the same importance as the need to provide an accurate report. I do understand that as journalist our job is to deliver information to the public. But in a sensitive situation like a crime or fire, it is necessary to consider the mental state of the victim. I enjoyed how the authors addressed the vraious situations in which a reporter would need to write a story- deadline rpeortin vs. the other kind. This reminded me of the news updates on online news website. And reminded why i especially like the part on the webpage that reports the time when the report was filed (uder the byline it says 13 minutes ago).
What I amespecialy concerned about is the idea of reportign amidst chaos. The book did not provide many tips, except that we need to do the job to the best of our ability. And the diagram on p282 just freaked me out. It was weird such an intimidating diagram in a journalism book. The entire chapter was quite informative, and I quite agree with James Grimaldi-- crime reporting can really teach you the ropes of the job because it tests almost every journalism lesson oyu have learned. The information on court proceeding was also quite useful.
I think the main point ot take out of this chapter is the need to understand the fragility of reporting on issues like crimes, court trials, disasters, etc. Yes they will make for great stories, but we need to master the ways these situations can make for great accurate and effective stroies.
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I agree. A lot of this sadvice in the book is really vague and convoluted. Maybe that is just the way we need to apporach things. Without any expectations or pre-determinations, but I think it is still lame how they give us this terrible situation and go Seee SEE??? He wasn't prepared! At the end of the day, all they give you is, stay on your toes. Egh, not very helpful if you ask me.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4027347337751147150&postID=7370399221877013193
Oops, accidentally posted the link, never mind that.
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