Indiana University School of Journalism » 2008 » September

School loses longtime supporter

SoJ Web Report — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:08:31 +0000

Photo by Ann Schertz

Virginia Savage at the 2007 scholarship awards ceremony.

Services:
Friday, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Funeral: Saturday 1 p.m.
Day Funeral Home, Bloomington

Contribute to the Chris Savage Memorial Scholarship Fund through IU Foundation.

Read a tribute by School of Journalism Dean Brad Hamm.

Longtime School of Journalism supporter and alumna Virginia M. Savage, 88, died Friday in Bloomington after a three-year battle with cancer.

A journalist and educator, she was born Oct. 31, 1919, in Salem, Ind., to Walter Garfield Mead and Elsie May (Chenoweth) Mead. She was bitten by the journalism bug early: As a grade school student, she wrote an article about building a bird nest that was published in the Indianapolis Star.

After graduating high school at 16, she came to Indiana University to major in journalism, receiving a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1940. Here, she met her future husband, Stephen G. (Chris) Savage, who at that time was writing for the Indiana Daily Student. Married in 1941, the couple moved to Evansville and then to Fort Wayne, where both worked at local newspapers.

They carried their habit of working together through World War II when Chris entered the Army in 1943 and Virginia joined the WAVES of the U.S. Navy. She attended Midshipmen School at Smith College in Massachusetts and then was then stationed in New Orleans and Miami, working as an ensign and an overseas cable censor.

Once discharged, the couple moved to Louisville, where Chris worked for the Courier-Journal and Virginia concentrated on their new daughter. In 1946, the couple returned to Bloomington, where Chris was headmaster of dormitories and, later, instructor at the School of Journalism.

As the family expanded to four children, Virginia was busy as a homemaker, but returned to college in the late 1950s to pursue a master’s degree in education. She once again joined Chris in his profession and spent 27 years as an elementary teacher in the Monroe County schools. Chris died in 1964, leaving Virginia to raise and educate their four children, then ages 12 to 20.

Once her children were grown and she had retired from the public schools, Virginia returned to her first love, journalism, and took a job as reporter for IU’s news bureau. She joined several journalism groups, including Bloomington Press Club, Theta Sigma Phi and the Ernie Pyle Society, a group of retired area newspeople who gather for lunch once a month. Members jokingly called Virginia “Ernie’s Call Girl” as she took on the duty of calling all members to alert them to the next meeting date and location.

She also was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the University Club, the IU Alumni Association, Retired Teachers Association, the Monroe County Historical Society, the Indiana Historical Society, the National Audubon Society, the Mental Health Association, Tri Kappa and Trinity Episcopal Church.

Her ties to the School of Journalism continue today with the Chris Savage Memorial Scholarship set up in memory of her late husband. Each year, Virginia Savage has attended the spring scholarship ceremony in order to meet the student recipient of the award and share some of her memories of her husband and the profession they both found so rewarding.

She is survived her four children, a sister, two sisters-in-law, three grandchildren, three great-granddaughters and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances.

Friends may call at the Day Funeral Home in Bloomington 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be sent to the family at Mem.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Chris Savage Memorial Scholarship at the IU School of Journalism. Contributions may be made through the IU Foundation.

School will miss Savage’s spirit, dedication

by School of Journalism Dean Brad Hamm

Virginia Savage was a wonderful member of the IU journalism family for nearly eight decades, and we will miss her energy, spirit and dedication. She arrived on the Bloomington campus as a teenager in the 1930s and regularly attended events in the building until 2008.

I told her often about meeting alumni around the country over the past three years who would recall visiting her home. Other alumni contacted her directly. Her husband, Chris, taught journalism until his death in 1964. Chris and Virginia were hosts to many students and were respected and beloved by hundreds of IU graduates.

Over the past few years, Virginia came to Ernie Pyle Hall regularly for alumni events or other occasions. I often would see her visit the collection of photographs, now in our Weil Library, of faculty emeriti. Sometimes she brought family or friends to see the black-and-white photograph of Chris.

In March, she sat with the most recent Savage family scholarship winner, Stefanie Smith, at our Journalism Scholarship Day. All of us in the School of Journalism family — from the students in the 1930s and 1940s to the students, faculty and staff today — extend our condolences to the family and many, many friends of Virginia M. Savage. She brightened the lives of many, and fortunately, we were able to tell her so.

Weaver attends agenda-setting seminar

Gena Asher — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:19:10 +0000

Roy W. Howard Professor David Weaver participated in a one-day seminar Sept. 19 at the University of Texas at Austin commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original agenda-setting study done in Chapel Hill, N.C., by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw.

Weaver chaired a roundtable on the psychology of agenda setting. McCombs and Shaw chaired two other roundtables on new research areas and new media Weaver is on leave this semester as the Park Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Routledge publishes The Global Journalist (May 13)
School research group launches survey (May 10)
Faculty, student work set for AEJMC presentation (May 10)

Ethics panelists share policies, experiences

Ariel Tung — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:55:47 +0000

Photo by Ariel Tung

From left, former broadcaster Cheryl Jackson, Herald-Times editor Bob Zaltsberg and Hirons and Co. COO Jim Parham were panelists at an ethics discussion Friday.

Panel on women in news set for Monday (April 19)
Panel discusses media coverage of LGBT community (April 17)
Lehrer draws on many presidential debates to analyze political process (April 15)

Three area media veterans defined their ethical policies in their industries and talked about their own experiences as members of a panel Friday in the Ernie Pyle Auditorium.

Career Services Director Marcia Debnam arranged the panel for students in her J492 Media Internship class, but anyone was welcome to attend.

The three panelists were Bob Zaltsberg, editor of The Herald-Times; Cheryl Jackson, an adjunct lecturer in journalism and former WRTV-6 Indianapolis anchor and reporter; and Jim Parham, chief operating officer at Hirons and Co. Advertising and Public Relations in Bloomington.

Zaltsberg explained the code of professional conduct in the H-T newsroom. Journalists are expected to keep honesty at the back of their minds and are accountable for checks and balances in their stories.

“In reporting a story, always ask yourself, what potential harms in the story could be?” he advised. “The public’s perceptions are as good as our practices. Therefore, we seek not to manipulate the truth for our own gains.”

Parham said it is important for reporters to work with public relations companies in getting good contacts for their stories. However, he stressed that it is not ethical for a reporter to adapt their stories from press releases. Zaltsberg agreed by saying that contacts from a PR company should be the source in the stories, not viewpoints of a PR company.

Cheryl Jackson said it is important for journalists to learn how to separate opinions from facts. In her working experience, she tried not to let her personal opinions affect her stories. She warned that reporters who spun stories would get a reputation for it.

“Give people a chance to tell their stories. Sometimes, we listen to one side of the story and forget about the other side. Always tell both sides of the story,” Jackson said.

During the Q&A session, a student wanted to know what Zaltsberg thinks of reporters who compromised truthfulness by not investigating their stories thoroughly. Zaltsberg admitted this could happen, especially when reporting crime stories. Reporters tend to believe whatever they hear from the police officers, he said.

Zaltberg added that he once was personally affected by an ethical issue. A WRTV-6 reporter once recorded an interview with Zaltsberg without seeking his permission.

“Lawfully speaking, he did nothing wrong,” Zaltsberg said. “Indiana has a one-consent policy when it comes to audio recording. He did not have to seek my permission. However, ethically speaking, a reporter should inform the interviewee if any audio recording is taking place.”

Students using new Sony video cameras

Shannon Ryker — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:43:14 +0000

Photo by Shannon Ryker

Sophomore Courtney Miller demonstrates some of the features of the new Sony camera she used in Africa over the summer.

Multimedia

Multimedia lab closed Sunday, Monday (Jan. 15)
Lab, library set finals week hours (Dec. 7)
School adds 35 HD video cameras to lab inventory (Dec. 4)

Journalism students now have access to some of the best video equipment on the market. Last spring, in conjunction with the university’s agreement with Sony that allowed schools to purchase Sony equipment at a discounted rate, the School of Journalism bought three Sony XDCAM PMW-Ex1 camcorders for student use.

“These cameras are professional. They are full high definition and have a higher resolution than most consumer grade products,” said Scott Myrick, the director of the Scripps Howard Foundation Digital Imaging Lab, or multimedia lab, at the School of Journalism. He used one of the cameras when he accompanied students in the Footsteps of Ernie Pyle class as they traveled to England and France over spring break. “Right now, the cameras are mostly being used by students in upper level broadcasting classes or for special projects.

Courtney Miller, a sophomore majoring in journalism and international studies, used one of the Sony cameras for a documentary she videotaped over the summer. She and 12 other students went to South Africa with the student chapter of the One Here, One There organization.

“We donated 100 laptops to schools in South Africa and taught the children there how to use them. I really wanted to film this experience to help raise social awareness of what our organization does,” said Miller.

Photo by Shannon Ryker

Multimedia Lab Director Scott Myrick used one of the Sony’s during spring break as he traveled with a class that went abroad.

She approached one of the deans in the School of Journalism with her idea for this documentary and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to use one of cameras.

“I think the school is more than willing to help out any of the students in fulfilling their dreams,” she said.

Amy Reynolds, the associate dean for research and graduate studies, said she appreciates partnerships with manufacturers such as Sony.

“They were very generous with the discount they gave us,” she said. "To have this kind of equipment available for our students is remarkable, and without Sony’s program for providing this equipment to us at a discounted rate, it would have been much more difficult to get this equipment into the hands of our students."

Miller, too, valued having access to the equipment.

“I was so nervous walking around the airport in Africa, knowing how much money all the equipment I had cost. I didn’t let it out of my sight,” she laughed.

Fall Newswire available

Gena Asher — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:16:54 +0000

Download Newswire (PDF format, 1.7MB

The Fall 2008 issue of Newswire is appearing in mailboxes of alumni and friends, and now is available in PDF format online. Check out Alumni News and Events to see previous issues.

Law, wine bring St. Louis alumni together (May 15)
Take It Easy Open July 28 (May 9)
New graduates celebrate with receptions, ceremonies (May 9)

Hutchens: ‘You’re only as good as your sources’

Heather Brogden — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:22:48 +0000

Photo by Heather Brogden

Indianapolis Star sportswriter Terry Hutchens shared his 30-plus years of experience with students in J200.

Panel on women in news set for Monday (April 19)
Panel discusses media coverage of LGBT community (April 17)
Lehrer draws on many presidential debates to analyze political process (April 15)

A man walking into a newspaper office dressed in a chicken suit would definitely stand out, but only for his appearance and not his qualifications. In today’s media world it takes a lot of experience and skill for a writer to set himself apart in the eyes of his future employer.

Terry Hutchens, sports writer for The Indianapolis Star, used this example while visiting adjunct lecturer Irene Bushaw’s J200 Reporting, Writing and Editing I class Tuesday morning. He told students the best way to set themselves apart is to be good reporters and have great sources.

“When you become a professional, everyone can write, but it doesn’t mean you are a good reporter,” Hutchens said.

Hutchens, who has been in the media industry for 30 years, said there are three tricks to being a good reporter: hard work, thinking outside the box and using the freedom to request information.

Although these three attributes would help push any reporter to the top, the most important aspect to being a journalist, according to Hutchens, is having great sources.

“You’re only as good as your sources,” Hutchens explained.

With that in mind, he advised the students to value connections made throughout a career. He explained that the relationships can lead to surprising and beneficial outcomes later. Anyone you talk to or meet is a potential source.

Hutchens knows the importance of a good source. As a sports writer covering Indiana University ‘s football and basketball teams, Hutchens includes coaches in his source list.

Hutchens recounted tales of last-minute stories saved because he was well connected with IU and was able to obtain information right before deadline. Being able to count on your sources, he explained, was what made him a successful reporter.

“When you have those kinds of sources, it’s a great confidence thing,” Hutchens said.

Arbutus looking for writers

Gena Asher — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:48:11 +0000

Anyone interested in writing for the Indiana University yearbook, the Arbutus, may attend an orientation meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Arbutus office in Ernie Pyle Hall, first floor. Contact editor Lea Wilcox for details.

PRSSA team wins Contiki contest (May 14)
Journalists for Human Rights chapter seeks photos for calendar (April 15)
Yahoo's global design director visits Monday (March 29)

School launches new job, internship search site

Riya V. Anandwala — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:54:49 +0000

Photo by Riya V. Anandwala

Career Services Director Marcia Debnam encourages students to try the new job and internship search site.

Experts Workshop provides networking, feedback (Nov. 15)
Sign up for Courier-Journal recruiters (Nov. 1)
Apply for magazine internships by Nov. 12 (Nov. 1)

Journalism students can dig in for better internship opportunities on the School of Journalism’s new site, www.iujournalismcareers.com, which includes a large database with as many as 842 employers from the media industry.

The old job and internship listings on the school Web site have been replaced by this new search engine.

"Students are constantly worried about internships. Our attempt is to provide them the best way to find opportunities." said Career Services Director Marcia Debnam.

"It is mainly the employers who approach us to be added in the directory. I want people to be aware of this new system that we have in place,” she said. “Some employers still follow the traditional method of sending out brochures to make us aware of the vacancies."

Debnam said this new Web site provides easy access for students and employers. While students used to have a smaller sample to choose from, this search engine has a variety of categories from which specified job type or geographic area can be selected. The site also has some materials for preparing resumes and contact letters and other tips for the job or internship search.

"The Web site’s resource links and ideas are motivating and encouraging. The site makes the big task of the search feel more manageable," said first year master’s student Emily Loftis.

Getting started:

Log on to iujournalismcareers.com.
Click on register.
Create your profile.
Click on Students/Alumni seeking Jobs and Internships.
Log in with your user name and passphrase.
Upload your resume by clicking on My Account > My Documents > Upload resume.
Once your profile opens up, from the menu bar, click on Job Search.
Enter keywords related to the job profile you are looking for.
Select the industry from 15 categories, such as newspaper, broadcast or advertising, type of job, internship or job, and select your degree.
Your search list appears.
One also can search through the Employee Directory on the menu bar.

Poynter applications available

Gena Asher — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:10:38 +0000

Applications are available online for the Poynter Scholarship, one of the School of Journalism’s top academic awards that provides funds as well as a summer internship on the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times.

Students who are juniors and are pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (B.A.J.) degrees at Indiana University, Bloomington, are eligible. The recipient of the scholarship and internship is chosen by a committee of journalism faculty appointed by the dean. The award is made on a basis of outstanding scholarship and dedication to news-editorial journalism.

All who apply for the Poynter Scholarship/Internship also must sign up for an interview with St. Petersburg Times internship recruiter Nancy Waclawek, who will visit campus this fall. Sign up with Career Services Director Marcia Debnam and learn submission requirements.

The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 22. To apply, click on the Forms page and scroll down to the application.

More:

Read more about this and other scholarship on the Scholarships page.
Questions? Contact Linda Long, (812) 855-9248, or visit her in the Ernie Pyle main office.

Take It Easy Open July 28 (May 9)
Apply for Murray scholarship by April 27 (April 23)
Nearly 90 students earn scholarships, awards (April 18)

Melton shares PR expertise with two classes

Chris Sauer — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:46:08 +0000

Courtesy photo

Sarah Melton, Mavericks’ communications director, visited Tuesday.

Panel on women in news set for Monday (April 19)
Panel discusses media coverage of LGBT community (April 17)
Lehrer draws on many presidential debates to analyze political process (April 15)

Growing up in Indiana, Sarah Melton always knew she wanted to attend Indiana University. However, she could have never predicted her life coming “full circle” and talking to current students about her life experiences.

Melton, B.S. ’99, director of basketball communications for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association, visited Tuesday and spoke to a combined group of students from lecturer Beth Wood’s J321 Principles of Public Relations class and Ralph Winslow Visiting Professor Jim Bright’s J428 Public Relations Planning and Research about her career.

After attending IU and working with the sports information director in the athletic department, Melton received an opportunity she could not refuse. Greg Elkin, who had previously worked with Melton at IU, accepted a job as the head of the Mavericks PR department. He had an assistant job open, and he offered it to Melton, who took it.

Melton talked about the importance of gaining experience in any way possible.

“For pennies, for nothing, for a lot of money, it doesn’t matter. Do anything to get involved with the field you are interested in,” said Melton. “You have to get involved and have experience.”

Melton’s experience helped to land the head PR position with the Mavericks after Elkin left to take another job. Melton is one of only three female public relations directors working for NBA teams. While Melton has had a few isolated problems because of her gender, she said that taking her job seriously, while leaving some room for fun, is the key to gaining respect

“Women can do this job and they can do it just as well as men,” said Melton.

Melton talked about her work, including relating a story about how to deal with potentially negative situations. One of the Mavericks, Josh Howard, made some comments that some deemed as unpatriotic and the video ended up on YouTube.

Melton discussed how to deal with people who sometimes seem to say the wrong thing. She also explained her work with such crisis communication situations and how to deal with the ever-evolving new media, including blogs.

Melton also enjoys traveling and has been a part of eight NBA All-Star Games, an NBA Finals series. She follows the team to game locations during the season. However, she realizes she can’t keep up this schedule forever.

“I’m 32 years old and I know eventually I want to settle down and have a family,” said Melton. “However, I will never forget the experiences I have had because of Indiana University and the Dallas Mavericks.”

Indiana University School of Journalism » 2008 » September

School loses longtime supporter

School will miss Savage’s spirit, dedication

Weaver attends agenda-setting seminar

Related

Ethics panelists share policies, experiences

Related

Students using new Sony video cameras

Multimedia

Related

Fall Newswire available

Related

Hutchens: ‘You’re only as good as your sources’

Related

Arbutus looking for writers

Related

School launches new job, internship search site

Related

Getting started:

Poynter applications available

Related

Melton shares PR expertise with two classes

Related