Regional Cover Story

We think that this article was put on the front page because it uses the  News Determinant pertaining to the use of locals in the story.
In the cover story of  "Charge and Deliver" in The Denver Post two local people are producing energy efficient electric buses for the city.
We think that this post made the front page because it involves a local company with people that work in the area. This captures the readers attention because the story involves people and places which the readers can recognize and relate to. Not only does the story revolve around local people but it is also in a response to an address by President Obama regarding more efficient energy

Joe Ravalese & Mason Harvey

Anchorage Daily News

Medicare Clinics Short of Patients- This article is timely because when the problem is fixed, it will not matter anymore.

Whale of a Tale- This is about local actors getting to go on the red carpet because of the new movie "Big Miracle". This would be local because it is about local people allowed on the red carpet.

Welfare realities Run contrary to common perceptions- this is a prominent article because it is about things going on in the government, about leaders and political parties.

Max and Reilly Front Page of New York Post

Headlines:
1.(Most Important) Patriot games: Tom talks trash
Tom Brady, the quarterback of the New England Patriots, is talking smack about winning the Super Bowl. He is already planning a victory party.
Timeliness is what makes this article the most imnportnat of the three.

2. Mighty Mitt: Surges to 15-point lead in Fla.
Mitt has a fresh lead against the other Republican candidates in Florida. It looks as if his chances of winning the Republican primary have just skyrocketed.
This is importnant because Mitt could become our future president.

3. (Least Importnat) Thigh's the limit!
Lea Michele was caught in a scadalous dress at the SAG awards in LA last night. The dress has a long thigh-high slit up the side.
This is not extremely importnat, but she is a romodel a=nd should be dressing more appropriately.

Los Angelos Times: New Determinants

"Florida Polls Show a Romney Surge"
This article is timely because of the upcoming elections. Its prominent because the presidential elections are a very important event in the country at this time, and the results have a major consequence at this time.

"New Focus on Sherriff's Official"
This article tells of a local event concerning the safety of Los Angelos County. It is timely because it is a new angle of an old conflict concerning the sherrif.

"Taking a Risk on With Sanctions on Iran"
This article is timely because the situation in Iran is changing daily, and is prominent because it concerns the world, and is an important topic. However, it is a controversial topic with conflicting opinions between people of both the United States and Iran, and people within each country.

By Rachel D. and Natalie G.

Fire At Local High School

On January 18^th, two students, Pat Johnson and Chris Nelson, set the local high school on fire. The girls started the fire in a chemistry room on the first floor. The school custodian, Jeff Gregory, was leaving school when he noticed smoke coming from the classroom at 9:36 pm. After entering the room, he recognized the two girls, and was then violently hit and knocked unconscious for a moment. Jeff went to the hospital for his injuries.

The two girls have confessed to the crime, and school has been cancelled until February 15^th. Ten rooms and all their contents were burned in the fire, and the damage is estimated at $10 million. Insurance will cover much of the damage, according to the Assistant Principal Marjorie Carlson. She says that there is a possibility that the schedule may have to be changed into shifts in order to accommodate the students after February 15^th, but no further information is available until the Principal, who is out of town, returns.

Both girls have confessed to starting the fire. Jeff believes the girls should be punished, as their actions have caused tremendous damage to both the school, and his personal health.

So far, there have been no charges made against the girls.

News Determinants

Go to the Newseum. On the right hand side, click on "Today's Front Pages." 

You and your partner may choose any newspaper in your assigned section of the country. After you have chosen your newspaper, look closely at the articles that were printed on the front page. Using the handout about news determinants, discuss which news determinants influenced the editor's choice to print the story. 

Log into the blog, and create a joint post in which you identify at least three stories from your front page. For each: 

1. Write the headline of the story and a brief explanation of what it is about (often you'll get a good sense in the first paragraph--the lead). 

2. Explain which news determinants influenced the newspaper's choice to print the story. 

First Article

On January 18, Custodian Jeff Gregory caught the smell of smoke while working around 9:30 p.m. at an unnamed high school; he rushed to the sight of where it was coming from. When he arrived at the scene, he saw two students, Pat Johnson and Chris Nelson standing by the flames. When Mr. Gregory began to approach the two students Pat grabbed a baseball bat, broke the custodians arm and then knocked him unconscious. When he awoke he saw flames, beginning to engulf the classroom as well as spread to others, he then proceeded to make his way to the hospital.

Later that night police caught the two arsonists, however, the damages to the high school building were extensive. When the fire department finally put it out, a total of ten classrooms were damaged. Luckily no one was hurt by this tragedy. “Currently school is closed and is planning to reopen on February 15,” said the Assistant Principle. Responding to the question, “What will happen when school resumes February 15.” The Assistant Principle responded, “Schedules will have to be rearranged and we are planning to impose two shifts of schooling. A lot of work will need to be made up.

Both Pat Johnson and Chris Nelson have been arrested however, no charges from the school have been pressed. In and interview with Sherri Bigalow, a classmate of the two troubled students Sherri said that, “That day Chris had been cheating off Teacher, Tom Baker’s test.” The same teacher’s classroom was the first to be set on fire. Sherri also stated that, “Pat usually follows whatever Chris does.”

Currently, there has been no evidence found for the cause of the fire, yet crews continue to search. Many students of the high school are eager to retrieve belongings from the building, but a date for that to occur has not been set. The main focus of the school says Assistant Principal is, “to rebuild the classrooms and catch up on work.”

Questionable Source

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20563143,00.html

This source is questionable, because it never gives a direct source, or a trustworthy one. It will say "a source said" it has to have a reliable source to be a good news article.

http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/report-casey-anthony-church-hideout

This story is about a few "sources" (only one name is given) who believe that Casey Anthony is hiding out in a church.

This is an example of bad journalism because the picture is not exactly flattering and there are no trustworthy sources, just one one woman who claims to have seen Casey Anthony although the person had their head covered and their hand in front of their face.

Questionable Source.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20562063,00.html

This article sort of confused me because "a source" says that they split up, and that same source says that they're going to get back together and are inseparable... confusing.

Questionable Journalism?

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-william-to-join-kate-middleton-on-caribbean-vacation-2012211


This article is about Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton recent decision to potentially go on a Caribbean vacation. The article is a bit questionable because of the repeated reference to an unnamed source which brings down the reliability of the article itself as to where they are getting their information.


Mason

Questionable Source

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20563721,00.html

This is a questionable source because in the article whenever referring to where any information came from, the Journalist claimed it came from "a source close to them," ("them" meaning Heidi Klum and Seal). Also, the title of the article (as well as the article itself) are both very opinionated, saying that "Heidi and Seal Have Not Split- Yet." This begins suspicion if the source is real, and poses us to question what information from the article is not directly from the Journalist's opinion, if there is even any that is not.

Questionable Journalism

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20560695,00.html

This is about Joe and Nick Jonas going to a bar with some former American Idol winners and from a "source" apparently Nick was "making out" with one of them. People is a popular magazine that tells gossip about everything thats going on in Hollywood.

Questionable Journalism

Perez Hilton is a very famous "journalist" or, better yet, celebrity gossiper. He finds information from sources and makes them juicier for entertainment. However, often times, with this "juicy gossip", comes unknown sources and anonymous eyewitnesses. This appears in the following article about Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. There is a quote from an un-named source, and the title can be perceived as something completely different than what the article is actually about.

Relationship News from Perez Hilton

Questionable Journalism

This article exhibits questionable journalism in multiple ways. The title of the article is misleading, suggesting that Miley Cyrus has already gotten the lead of the show, when in reality, she has only expressed interest in the part. The only source the article names is an interview from The Sun, even though they have other information that did not come from the interview. There is also no author for the article.

http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/887917-miley-cyrus-to-play-carrie-bradshaw-in-sex-and-the-city-prequel-series

Questionable Article

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/why-katy-perry-will-never-forgive-russell-brand-2012191

This is a questionable article because whenever a quote is said or accusation made the evidence which supposedly the Journalist got it from was referred to as source of person. By not stating the name or specifics about the source the information was obtained from and just listing it as, person, people or source  it is difficult to be sure whether the information is actually true and the article should be questioned.

Who Cares and Why?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/world/europe/italian-cruise-ship-accident-raises-questions-about-crew-and-captain.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=cruise%20ship&st=cse

I believe that journalists decided to report this because it is a good example of taking something that is enjoyable and fun and having it turn into a nightmare within such a short period of time. I think that this was published in order to make people more aware of the tragedies that can happen and the dangers of cruise ships. In the future, this story will probably have a major influence on cruise business after such a shocking tragedy. Many people will question whether they feel safe to go on a cruise.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/us/politics/south-carolina-raises-new-doubts-about-republican-contest.html?ref=us

I believe that this article was published because it is a very influential part of the presidential race. No longer is Mitt Romney winning the Republican slot by a strong lead. After the primary in South Carolina where Romney was defeated by Newt Gingrich, it was apparent that Romney did not have such a far lead against his rival. This will be affecting millions of voters whose votes will all count in the race that is now projected to go strong into the spring. No longer is the Republican candidate position blatantly obvious, only the upcoming votes will tell which candidate will take the seat.

Who Cares and Why? (late)

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/19/politics/gop-debate/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Editors decided to report about this because it's very important for the presidential run. After Rick Perry dropped out, the final four (Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul) battle up for another Republican debate. People all over America care about this because this could affect future events such as, whose going to go head to head with President Obama? Most of the people who are running could be very persuasive in there presidential run, and it could be costly for President Obama's re-election.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/7479184/2012-nfl-playoffs-new-york-giants-eli-manning-practices

Editors decided to report about this because there are many Giants fans in the world, and Eli Manning being sick probably worries many people, since the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers is approaching quickly. Eli is very important to the team's success, and even though David Carr (backup QB) seemed to be doing well at practice, Eli told coaches and his trainer that he was feeling better. The article said that this sickness will not affect Eli's performance on Sunday and this makes Giant's fans extremely happy.

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2011/08/10/rumor_patrol_joe_jonas_and_rihanna_dat

This article is a questionable source of journalism because it frequently uses the word "source" and won't actually say who confirms what. This leads me to believing that these "sources" are questionable authorities on the matter. Like all celebrity magazines, this one is based on "sources" and not named people. Therefore it shouldn't be trusted.

Who cares and Why?

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/16/chocolate-explainer/?hpt=wo_t4

Alright so this article is about the human cost of chocolate. I clicked it because, well who doesn't enjoy a good piece of chocolate? However, what came up next surprised me. The author chose to write about this story because it is important for us to know what goes on in the world around us instead of being so focus on just us. I feel like most people won't care about this article, because everyone likes chocolate, but I think it is an important article, because in this country many people do what they want not thinking about how it affected the people around them. So maybe just think the next time you eat chocolate, about theses boy little boys and girls.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/zappos-amazon-sued-customer-data-breach-15387817#.TxgUQZhcKwc

I chose this article, because I was going to buy a pair of shoes from here this weekend, before my mom informed me of what was happening with Zappos. The author wrote this article because it is important for people to know what has happened before others go and make the same mistake. I think many people who buy Zappos shoes will enjoy reading this article so that they do not buy a pair and be in harm by giving them personal information.

Reilly's Post: Who Cares and Why?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/even-big-companies-cannot-protect-their-data/?ref=technology
     
In a generation full of technology, internet security is an extremely important factor in our lives. But now we must all take a second look at what we are doing online, as it is not always safe even though it may appear to be. This is an important article all because it is informing us that we should be more aware of our online activities because it is not just the "sketchy-looking" sites that have security issues- even well-known sites like Zappos.com and Amazon.com are being breached.


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/us/teenagers-sharing-passwords-as-show-of-affection.html?pagewanted=2&ref=us&src=me

Again, living in a generation of technology can be a disadvantage because there is never 100% security. This article talks about how teenagers are more commonly sharing their passwords with their (boy/girl)friends; this causes alot of people to get emotionally hurt, as some friendships end badly and accounts are abused. A lot of people think nothing of sharing passwords, and many kids believe that sharing keeps their friendships strong, as they have nothing to hide. This aritcle reminds teens that it is neccessary to keep all passwords personal, as cyberbullying is already an issue in teens, and sharing password can only add to this problem. This publisher was trying to give this bit of advice to teens- in a voice other than their parents'.

Who cares and why?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/dining/paula-deen-says-she-has-type-2-diabetes.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=paula%20deen&st=cse

This story is about the popular chef, Paula Deen, from The Food Network who had become infamous for her remarkably unhealthy recipes.  According to the Today Show, she has type 2 Diabetes.  The author of this article published it because it was a major thing for such a popular chef to get the disease and because her recipes were so unhealthy many people predicted this would happen.  The article would appeal to these people because they would want to know that this happened so that they could say "I told you so".

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/wikipedia-plans-to-go-dark-on-wednesday-to-protest-sopa/?scp=4&sq=SOPA&st=cse

This story is about Wikipedia taking down the site for a day to protest the SOPA anti-piracy bill which the government is trying to pass.  This was written by because the bill is highly controversial and many people believe it would have negative effects.  The fact that a website as popular as Wikipedia decided to shut down for a day is a sign of how many people are against the bill.  This effects anyone who is connected to Wikipedia, which is most students who have to look up a quick fact for school.  By the website going dark for a day, nobody can access the information on it and therefore could be in some trouble.

Who Cares and Why

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/travel/cruise-ship-passenger-safety/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Editors decide to report and publish articles like these so that people can be aware of the incidents that are happening around them and for a story that is as unusual as this one it is important that people understand what happened. It is an important article because people need to know that incidents like these can still occur even in the most advanced ships. Its pretty big news because an incident like this one where people were killed hasn't occurred in recent years.


http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/18/sopa-internet-blackout/?hpt=us_c1

Editors decide to report and publish articles like these because this topic in particular affects anybody who uses the internet which nowadays is the majority of people. This is an important topic because the passing of this act could affect millions of people in the United States and many people believe it is an infringement on their first amendment rights. If passed this act could potentially block many of the websites thousands of americans use daily


Mason

Who Cares and Why?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-program-sanctions-russia-israel-attack.html?ref=world

The editor decided to publish this because everyone cares about war. War sells papers, especially nuclear war, with the threat of destroying the world as we know it. It is also a part of the world that the United States are a part of and if something big happens there, it could affect us.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/world/europe/rescuers-search-for-survivors-in-italian-cruise-ship-accident.html

People have been talking about this for days, and about whose fault it was, and who should be blamed, and the article shows that it was the captain's fault for trying to flaunt the ship and go off the planned course.The editor published this because it is a disaster, and a disaster that could have been averted, which is even worse, and that makes people care.

Who Cares and Why?

Cruise Ship

This article reports of a beached cruise ship, a desperate situation for the passengers, and an unprofessional captain. While news of a beached cruise ship is interesting, and unusual, audio that has been found on the ship brings to light a conflict between the captain and an Italian coast guard, making the story not only factual, but mysterious as well. The story has the possibility of becoming quite popular, not because it affects millions, but because the mystery of what exactly happened on the ship will intrigue the public.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/01/17/145328987/hopes-are-fading-for-missing-in-italian-cruise-ship-disaster

British Press

British press has become overly involved, to the point of breaching personal privacy. This article is informative to millions of British, and explains how the British press is trying to reign in wild publishers. Unlike the story of the cruise ship, this article has an affect on many concerned and worried people. It tells of the measures that the British press is taking to control the unruly press, assuring worried people that the country is, in fact, acknowledging the problem.

http://www.npr.org/2012/01/17/145348645/in-britain-calls-to-regulate-a-freewheeling-press

Ethical Journalism?

Newton Left Florida After Cheating Scandal

Rihanna and Chris Brown Have Been Secretly Hooking Up

Who Cares and Why?

Rachel Dietz

Web Sites Getting Shut Down and Censored

With people in the 21st century being so heavily relied upon the internet, it is a big deal that there have recently been piracy bills which have caused some websites to be censored. This includes Wikipedia, and google, two very popular search engines on the internet. This is so important for people to be educated on because if these bills do pass, there will be significant changes in the way our society gets our information.

Sunken Cruise Ship

There has recently been a lot of talk about the cruise ship that was said to have hit a rock only 500 feet offshore. This has gotten a lot of news from the media because it is so controversial. It is so important, as readers of the news, that we understand what is going on and that certain things pose risks.

HW 1/17: Why Editors Report and Publish These Articles

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/us-usa-korea-nuclear-idUSTRE80H02C20120118

Editors decided to publish this article to inform the concerned citizens of the U.S. about the nuclear weapons situation in North Korea and that they wish to resume talks with the U.S. and its allies about cutting down it's nuclear arsenal. However, people are skeptical about resuming talks because North Korea may start talks, but only walk away from the table.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/17/us-sudan-un-idUSTRE80G22I20120117

Editors decided to publish this article to inform people about the humanitarian situation in Sudan. In parts of Sudan there's an arising crisis which may lead to a famine. This is because aid organizations are being blocked from giving aid to those who need it. Meanwhile, violence is occurring more frequently in certain parts of the country and forcing people to flee their homes.

Max Bash

Experiment

We all love Journalism!

What Makes A Great Reporter? (Yale Daily News)

What makes a great reporter?

1. Great reporters see the world as a storehouse of stories.

2. Great reporters see meaning behind ordinary events and patterns in chaos.

3. Great reporters see invisible people in action, and they talk with them.

4. Great reporters see the concrete and the specific, as do poets.

5. Great reporters remain skeptical of power and its influences.

6. Great reporters tend to distrust authority, especially authorities who try to shut off information.

7. Great reporters tend to swim against the tide of opinion.

8. Great reporters keep their own secrets and reveal the secrets of others.

9. Great reporters presume that anything can be explained clearly, and they assume the burden of doing so.

10. Great reporters are great reporters 24 hours a day.

11. Great reporters interview even their mothers, and write in a way their mothers will understand.

12. Great reporters drive to the office by a different route each day and sometimes even walk to work.

13. Great reporters listen and listen and listen and see.

14. Great reporters decline invitations to lunch with other reporters. They prefer cops, nurses, students, secretaries, and copy editors.

The Journalist's Creed

"The Journalist's Creed" by Walter Williams (dean of the world's first School of Journalism at University of Missouri) (1914)

I believe in the profession of Journalism.

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of responsibility, trustees for the public; that all acceptance of lesser service than the public service is a betrayal of this trust.

I believe that clear thinking, clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one's own pocket book is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends.

I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

I believe that the journalism which succeeds the best-and best deserves success-fears God and honors man; is stoutly independent; unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power; constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of the privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance, and as far as law, an honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship, is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world.

Welcome!

Welcome to Journalism! This blog will be place for us to carry on a dialogue outside of the classroom. Since our class only meets twice a week, you will be expected to check the blog regularly and contribute at times. You will use this blog to generate story ideas, post relevant articles, and ultimately share your own stories.