Week 5: Journalism 2001 February 25, 2008 Find the misspellings…… 1. 2. 3. Bayfeild Strawberrys Both! Review of last week’s news  Hard News: (murders, city council, government, etc.) – Major local stories:

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Transcript Week 5: Journalism 2001 February 25, 2008 Find the misspellings…… 1. 2. 3. Bayfeild Strawberrys Both! Review of last week’s news  Hard News: (murders, city council, government, etc.) – Major local stories:

Slide 1

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 2

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 3

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 4

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 5

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 6

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 7

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 8

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 9

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 10

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 11

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 12

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 13

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 14

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 15

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 16

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 17

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 18

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 19

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 20

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 21

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 22

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 23

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 24

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 25

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 26

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 27

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 28

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 29

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 30

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 31

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 32

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 33

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 34

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 35

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 36

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 37

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 38

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 39

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 40

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 41

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 42

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 43

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp



Slide 44

Week 5: Journalism 2001
February 25, 2008

Find the misspellings……
1.
2.
3.

Bayfeild
Strawberrys
Both!

Review of last week’s news


Hard News:
(murders, city council, government, etc.)
– Major local stories: UMD scare
– Major national/international stories
– Major sports stories



Soft News:
(retirements, school programs, human interest)
– Local stories
– National/international stories
– Sports stories

Announcements


Gerard Baker Reception
– British journalist for The Times of London
– Working in Washington, D.C.
– What did you learn about British journalism?

Review of last week’s assignments


Watch wordiness!
– Avoid full name in lead unless prominent person
– Attempted robbery
– Were let out of school: classes dismissed



Style errors








Datelines
Numerals: When starting sentence, spell out
Correct names
24-year-old: ages
Disc jockey, not disk jockey
States
Time: a.m., p.m.

A 24-year-old student is reportedly in stable
condition after he was shot in his left arm during
an attempted robbery around 1 a.m. at a
Vineland radio station where he works as a disc
jockey.
An armed assailant shot a 24-year-old college
student early this morning during an attempted
robbery at a small radio station in Vineland, N.J.
A Stockton State College student and radio
station D.J. is undergoing surgery to remove a
bullet in his left arm, after a man bearing a
revolver entered WKQV-FM and demanded his
wallet.

2,500 Farragut High School students were released from
classes early Friday after gang fights throughout the building
resulted in three cut and bruised students, while 20 other
students were arrested for disorderly conduct.
A scuffle in the lunchroom Friday at Farragut Career Academy
High School resulted in 20 arrests, three injured students and
an early release of school due to the several gang-related
fistfights that escalated.
Several gang-related fistfights broke out at Farragut Career
Academy High School on Friday resulting in the arrests of 20
students.
On Friday 20 Farragut Career Academy High School students
were arrested after an outbreak of gang related fistfights
occurred stemming from a scuffle in the lunchroom, leading
to an early dismissal to ensure students’ safety.

Review: Writing a summary lead
Usually a single sentence
 No more than 35 words
 Bottom line:


– Use a single sentence of no more than 35
words to summarize an event

Hard News 1 Story:
Due next Monday, March 3
Work in teams to interview Duluth citizens
 Each reporter writes own story
 Interview 5-10 Duluthians


– Might not use all sources in story
– List all sources, with contact info, at end of
story


Stories will be posted on class website:
– Last fall’s website: Fall Jour 2001 Website

Hard News 2 Story:
Due Friday, March 14


Select a meeting to cover from story list





Duluth City Council: Tuesday, 2/26, 7 p.m.
Duluth School Board: Tuesday, 2/26, 6:30 p.m.
Schools Budget Meeting: Tuesday, 3/4, 5 p.m.
Superior Common Council: Tuesday, 3/4, 6:30 p.m.
Duluth
– St. Louis County Board: Tuesday, 3/11, 9:30 a.m.
– Other: Arranged

Length of story pitch (Due 2/20): three
paragraphs, about 200 words
 Include the 5 Ws and H: what makes this story
newsworthy
 Complete article due: March 14


Hard News 2 Tips


Any problems?

– City Council meeting on Tuesday, 2/26
– Where park? Where go? What time? How to read agenda?
Background information?



Tips:

– In text, review:









 Writing the Meeting Story: An Inverted-Pyramid Story: p. 319-320
 Organizing an Inverted Pyramid: Guidelines to Follow: p. 65-66

Just use said: he said, she said
Keep paragraphs short: no more than two sentences, three max
Story length: 8-10 paragraphs, 350-400 words
Write strong summary lead of one sentence, 35 words or less
Need attribution from sources; just name OK for source list
Sit together at meeting! Ask for handouts! Take lots of notes!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions after the meeting
Review class lecture notes at:
 www.d.umn.edu/~lkragnes

What I’ll be looking for (p. 65-66):
Write a terse lead
 Provide background
 Present news in order of descending
importance
 Use quotations early and throughout
 Use transitions
 Do not editorialize
 Avoid “the end”


Statesman Guide to Writing

Chapter 22: Courts


Federal Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– U.S. Court of Appeals
– U.S. District Courts
– U.S. Bankruptcy Court



Minnesota Judicial System
– Supreme Court
– Court of Appeals
– District Courts

Types of court cases


Criminal Cases
– Enforcement of criminal statutes
– Brought by state or federal government
against a person for committing a crime such
as murder, armed robbery



Civil cases
– Legal disputes between individuals,
businesses, state or local governments,
government agencies
– Commonly include suits for damages from
auto accidents, breach of contract, libel

Criminal Cases


Basic criminal process:
– Indictment/information filed: Criminal charge
– Warrant issued for arrest
– Arraignment: Criminal charge is read to
accused
– Preliminary hearing/Grand jury: Probable
cause
– Second arraignment: Plea entered
 Plea bargaining, jury date set

– Trial by judge or jury
– Jury reaches verdict

Civil cases


Basic civil process
– Plaintiff files a complaint
– Defendant served with a summons
– Defendant files pleading
– Depositions taken
– Appearances before judge
 Settlement often reached

– Trial scheduled: Either jury or judge
– Verdict

Checklist for covering courts
Learn the judicial system
 Learn the record-keeping system
 Provide sufficient background for the
reader
 Double-check facts
 Use complete names, addresses or
occupations


– Johnson story example

Review of story examples
BN engines run into coal train
 Woman, 49, is accused of aiming gun at
deputy
 Charities fight for funds
 Pollution forces Sheridan to replace shale
with sand
 Drive for museum tax dropped
 Sawmill stories


Chapter 15: Weather & Disasters


Covering weather
– USA Today: Sets standard
 Colorful, comprehensive

– How does it affect the readers?
– Explaining technical information
– Weather forecasting services
 National Weather Service
 AccuWeather

Types of weather stories


Forecasts
– State, local forecasts
– Long-term



Same as hard news stories
– Select appropriate lead
– Structure concise, easy-to-understand first
sentence
– Quotations from authorities near top of story
– Tell readers what they want to know: how
weather will affect them



Travel conditions, closings
– Road conditions
– School closings



Record-breaking weather
– Storm records



Unusual weather
– Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis



Seasonal, year-end stories
– Go beyond statistics

Weather terms: AP Style


Weather terms section
– Comprehensive section based on National
Weather Service

2004 Stylebook:
A term often used incorrectly for seismic sea
wave. Scientists call them tsunamis, a term
that is not widely used and should be
explained if used.

2005, 2006 Stylebook:
Use tsunami, but explain the term.

Checklist for weather stories
Develop sources with National Weather Service
 Keep in touch with the:







State Patrol
State Department of Transportation
Local law enforcement agencies
Local agencies responsible for snow removal, storm
cleanup
– Institutions affected by weather: schools, utilities,
airports, National Guard, hospitals, train stations, bus
companies, taxi companies, Post Office


Interview local residents caught in the weather

On-line weather sources
“Ask the experts” page on USAToday.com
 CNN.com
 National Weather Service:


www.NWS.NOOA.gov

AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com
 Weather Channel: weather.com
 UMD home page: www.d.umn.edu


Weather story examples
Tornado at coal mine
 Flash flood in Buffalo
 Blizzard stories
 Snowplows hit the skids


Covering disasters


Elements of disaster coverage
– The first bulletins
– Writethrus: Complete stories, update bulletins
 1st Lead-Writethru, 2nd Lead-Writethru, etc.

– Reporters use instinct: “nose for news”
– Including essential information
– Coordinating coverage
– Getting the latest lead

Two problems for reporters


A pitfall of instantaneous coverage
– To beat competition, facts often not double
checked



Interviewing victims’ families
– Research by Karen McCowan, reporter for The
Arizona Republic
 Many relatives didn’t mind being interviewed after
a disaster

Covering September 11


First bulletins
– Radio, TV, Internet

When did you learn the news?
 How 9-11 Changed the Evening News:


– http://www.journalism.org/node/1839

Journalism Case Studies
 Today:
Intruding on grief:
Does the public really have a "need to know?"
Go to:

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethi
cs/invading-privacy/intruding-on-grief/
- Compiled by University of Indiana School of Journalism

Another wayward sign!

What’s misspelled?
1.
2.
3.

Additional
Availible
Restrooms

Chapter 23: Sports


Evolution of sports writing
– Sports pages consistent
 Contest coverage, personality profiles, features, columns
 Go beyond the game: Vikings scandals

– Flowery prose: Grantland Rice, Nashville Daily News,
1901
– Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune
 Still cliches – strive for middle ground
 WWII put sports into better perspective: 5Ws & H

– 1970s and 1980s: More balanced approach
– Best sports writing: Includes statistics, essential
ingredients (5Ws & H), more analytical

High School Sports Coverage


Terry Henion, Omaha World-Herald
– “Kids playing kids’ games”



Reporters must keep stats
– No sports information directors

Not really covering, more documenting
 Stringers: College students covering high
school sports
 Quotes from losing, winning coaches &
players


Reporting Sports


Working with statistics
– Box scores
– Team statistics
– Individual statistics
– Beware of becoming “statistic junkie”
– Review statistics for trends: play-by-play
charts



Going beyond statistics
– Watch coaches on sidelines, nervous parents
in stands
– Policies for post-game interviews
 Cool-down time

– Talk to coaches
– Talk to players
– Talk to trainers

A showcase for good writing
 Beyond the game – contracts, courtrooms,
boardrooms


Checklist for sportswriters









Go with a summary lead if warranted, but more
room to be creative.
Avoid chronological approaches
Blend facts, turning points, quotations, statistics,
analysis
Avoid cliches: cliffhangers, take it to ‘em
Avoid “ridiculous” direct quotations: we whipped
‘em good
Use vivid description when appropriate
Double-check spellings
Do your homework

Online sports sources


National Collegiate Athletic Association:
– www2.ncaa.org

National Basketball Association:
www.nba.com
 National Football League:
http://www.nfl.com
 Major League Baseball: www.mlb.com
 ESPN: www.espn.go.com


Sports Story Due:
Monday, March 31
Story pitch due 2/20: No more than three
paragraphs, or 200 words
 Go with classmates when interviewing
after the game
 Contact Bob Nygaard, Sports Information
Director
 UMD sports schedules


– Detailed information at:
 www.umdbulldogs.com

Out-of-class assignment due: 3/3


AP Stylebook Editing
– Sports Section
– Weather terms

Tonight’s assignment


City Council Meeting
– We’re going to watch the Duluth City Council meeting
from last March 19
– Complete an inverted pyramid story of no more than
300 words in class:
 email by end of class to [email protected]

– OK to use computer to take notes
– Relax! All will receive 10 points
 EXCEPT: Style errors will be deducted!

– Who’s on the City Council:
http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/ccmembers.html

Egradebook


Doublecheck assignments correct in
egradebook:
– http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook

Portfolio
Store academic information in your
Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100
mb of storage.
 Access Electronic Portfolio at:
https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.j
sp