Indiana University School of Journalism » From the news pages:

PRSSA meeting to focus on event planning

Gena Asher — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:10:28 +0000

NABJ launches service projects, sets networking objectives (Nov. 10)
PRSSA workshop features resume critiques, professional advice (Nov. 7)
Four students to attend PRSSA conference (Nov. 4)

The IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Ernie Pyle Hall auditorium (EP 220) to discuss "Event Planning 101: You think you know but you have no idea."

Guest speaker will be Valerie Pena, executive director and chief of staff for the Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Indiana University.

For more information, e-mail PRSSA member Darcy Marlett.

Newspaper editors tell how they guide narrative storytelling

Sarah Hutchins — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:52:23 +0000

Photo by Jessica Haney

John McCormick (foreground) of the Chicago Tribune joined Tim Franklin of the National Sports Journalism Center in explaining an editor’s role in working with long-form feature stories. The two talked to a narrative storytelling class Thursday.

Star editor advises using data to 'cut through the noise' (Nov. 15)
Buck meets with students
to share career advice (Nov. 12)
Fox Sports' Buck talks
on lifelong love of sportscasting (Nov. 11)

Longtime newspaper editors Tim Franklin and John McCormick talked to students in visiting professor Tom French’s J460 Narrative Journalism class Thursday to shed light on an editor’s perspective of the craft.

Franklin, director the IU National Sports Journalism Program and a former editor of the Baltimore Sun, started the class with some insights into the future of narrative journalism. Staff cuts and shrinking news space have reduced the amount of narrative and enterprise reporting in publications.

"The reporters left behind feel increasing pressure to crank out blogs, tweets and multimedia," Franklin said.

While daily demands take precedent at traditional print publications, Franklin said locally based journalism organizations in print and online have the potential to focus on enterprise journalism.

"The successful publications left are increasingly recognizing that they holy grail of success is unique narrative reporting," he said.

Both Franklin and McCormick, deputy editorial page editor at the Chicago Tribune and former Midwest bureau chief for Newsweek , emphasized the importance of being an "idea machine."

"Put yourself in the position to be proactive," Franklin said. "Give you editor confidence that you’re in control."

Franklin and McCormick also discussed six phases of narrative journalism.

Develop a quality idea.

A good narrative story should be novel, necessary and narrowed.

"The best ideas come from reporters who have done research and interviews, looked through archives," Franklin said. "They spot a trend before it happens or find an issue."

At Newsweek, McCormick said editors asked three questions about stories. Is it surprising? Will it have impact? What’s the cover language? It’s crucial that reporters and editors understand the point of the story early.

Exploratory stage.

This is the stage where projects materialize or die, Franklin said. Reporters should do factual and personal research to gauge where the story is headed.

McCormick said it’s important for reporters to keep the editor interested in the project.

"It might be the biggest thing in your life," McCormick said, "but it’s not the biggest thing in your editor’s life."

Photo by Jessica Haney

Franklin (left) and McCormick outlined six steps editors and reporters should follow in developing the narrative story."Every great writer needs an editor," Franklin said.

Outline.

If a reporter’s story survives the first two stages, Franklin said he encourages an outline. This can be a skeleton of the longer story or a plan for the different parts of a series. This is also the stage when reporters and editors should map out the time and resources the publication will commit to the project.

Full emersion reporting.

Reporters should begin to identify subjects that will be the focus on the story and find secondary sources and documents.

McCormick warned students about "falling in love with your best sources." Just because a source is open and likeable doesn’t mean he or she is the right subject. Ask about weaknesses, he said.

In addition to indentifying a subject for the story, McCormick said reporters should collect the tiny details that can help create a "cinematic experience" on the page.

Writing stage.

For Franklin, this is the most enjoyable part of the process. However, he warned student to resist the temptation to empty their notebooks onto the page.

Photo by Jessica Haney

Franklin said working with an editor means a reporter will develop and write a better story. Reporters, though, must not be defensive about their work but rather understand the working partnership.

"You’re not stenographers," he said. "You’re storytellers."

Writing will illustrate the best, the worst and the missing elements of a story. Very often reporters will have to go back and do follow up reporting at this point.

Editing and publication.

"Every great writer needs a great editor," Franklin said.

An editor is a fresh set of eyes and can look at the story like a reader. Writers should assume disinterest, McCormick said. Every word is a chance to fight for the reader’s attention. Franklin cautioned students to not get defensive when working with an editor at this stage.

"It’s not about you," he said. "It’s about the story and the reader."

Lab, library closed over break

Gena Asher — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Via Skype, data specialist describes using numbers in reporting (Nov. 10)
Lab hours set for Thanksgiving break (Nov. 19)
Students using new Sony video cameras (Sept. 26)

Both the library and multimedia lab at the School of Journalism will be closed over the Thanksgiving break, Nov. 25-29.

The library is closed Nov. 25-29 and reopens with regular hours Nov. 30.

As for the multimedia lab, the last chance for over-the-break checkouts is Monday, Nov. 23, first come, first served. If you need equipment over break, go to the lab as early as possible this day. Equipment is due back to the lab Nov. 30 at noon.

The lab will be closed for checkouts Tuesday, Nov. 24. Students still may use computers in the lab. The lab will be closed completely Nov. 25-29 and reopens with regular hours Monday, Nov. 30.

SPJ contest deadline Jan. 27

Gena Asher — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:32:14 +0000

Hutchins wins second place in Keating competition (Nov. 15)
Student publications win more than 50 awards (Nov. 4)
IU students, publications named Pacemaker finalists (Sept. 6)

Get your materials together in time for the Jan. 27 deadline to apply for the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards.

The contest recognizes exceptional work by student journalists in print, radio, television, photography and online media. The contest is open to anyone enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. and studying for an academic degree in 2009.

To be eligible, work must have been published or broadcast during the 2009 calendar year.

For more information, visit the SPJ Web site or contact awards coordinator Lauren Rochester at (317) 927-8000 ext. 210 or awards@spj.org.

Experts Workshop matches alumni, students for critique sessions

Shannon McEnerney — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:46:17 +0000

Photo by Jessica Haney

Andrew Countryman, assistant business editor at the Chicago Tribune, counseled MJ Slaby on her clips during Friday’s Experts Workshop. The event brought three alumni to campus to advise students.

Hutchins wins second place in Keating competition (Nov. 15)
Four students to attend PRSSA conference (Nov. 4)
Board to hear IDS editor-in-chief candidates (Nov. 4)

At first sophomore Stephanie Kuzydym was intimidated. She didn’t know what to expect as she waited to consult with IU alumnus Larra Overton, a reporter for WTWO-TV and Big Ten Network.

But intimidation gave way to comfort as soon as Kuzydym met Overton and the two sat down to talk, with Overton sharing her experiences and offering Kuzydym advice for how she can improve her skills.

“She made the atmosphere so comfortable and it was even more comforting to know she is an IU alum,” Kuzydym said. “She shares the same grounds and knows what life here is about.”

Overton (BAJ ’05) was one of three alumni who visited the School of Journalism on Friday to meet, consult with and offer students to suggestions on how to improve their skills.

Andrew Countryman (BA ’83, MA ’91)), assistant business editor at the Chicago Tribune, and Scott Goldberg (BAJ ’94), vice president at Fleishman-Hillard public relations firm in Chicago, were the other two alumni providing students with direct feedback. Students chose which expert in accordance with their career goals. Countryman represented print, while Goldberg represented public relations and Overton covered broadcast. All students submitted portfolios with clips, resumes and cover letters in advance so the experts arrived having already seen and written comments about each of the student’s portfolios.

This Expert’s Workshop is the first formal program of its kind. Director of Undergraduate Studies Michael Evans formulated the idea when he realized that Bloomington was at a geographical disadvantage from New York and Los Angeles, where inviting professionals into the classrooms to meet with students is easy. Creating a specific program may be a way to encourage this kind of interaction here.

Evans said based on this workshop’s success, he plans to host one each semester in the future, given the positive response from this one. Overton, Countryman and Goldberg were the first three Evans contacted, and each responded to him immediately with a “yes,” he said. Dean Brad Hamm also supported the idea, Evans said.

Overton said she was flattered and honored to be asked to participate.

"It’s always a pleasure to go back to the journalism school and it was especially an honor to provide feedback to the talented group of students we have at the journalism school," she said.

Students said they benefited from the event beyond the chance to listen to an outside professional’s advice and perspective. Senior Lindsay Gruen said she is trying to network to get jobs. An aspiring public relations journalist, she met with Goldberg.

“My professors have told me that 90 percent of jobs out there aren’t published,” Gruen said. “I’m trying to network and I thought the workshop would be a good opportunity.”

Senior Lauren Clason said Countryman’s advice was helpful. As a journalism student interested in business reporting, Clason appreciated business editor Countryman’s tips on what was missing from her stories. From Clason’s portfolio clips, he posed questions a reader may have and talked about ways to include more complete information.

Junior Zina Kumok, an IDS basketball reporter who also met with Countryman, said she received ideas that she hadn’t thought about.

“Not that the IDS isn’t a great place, but it’s nice to have someone with 20 years of experience look at your stuff rather than someone who’s 20 years old,” Kumok said.

Kumok asked Countryman about her upcoming interviews for internships at the Associated Press and the Chicago Tribune. She asked if she should mention her study abroad experience in London, where she interned, and Countryman told Kumok yes, because employers are looking for well-rounded candidates with different types of experiences.

“It was good to receive feedback I haven’t received before,” Kumok said.

One of Kuzydym’s favorite aspects about the workshop was the chance to learn about Overton and her experiences.

“I’m really interested in the Big Ten Network because now it is everywhere around campus,” Kuzydym said. She was intrigued by Overton’s path to achieve the position she has today.

Photo by Jessica Haney

WTWO-TV and Big Ten Network broadcaster Larra Overton talked to students considering broadcast careers.

“I wondered what it is like to be a woman in a male dominated industry,” said Kuzydym, who said she didn’t take many notes because she wanted Overton to keep talking.

One of Overton’s tips that Kuzydym did write down was that people and emotion should drive stories.

“I love that,” Kuzydym said.

Overton said this was the most important piece of advice she conveyed to all the students she met with because she has learned throughout her broadcast experience to find ways to incorporate emotion into her stories.

"I really wanted to pass on to them the importance of making sports stories interesting to everyone, not just sports fans," Overton said. "In any sports story, you are going to have a winner or a loser, but what is unique most often is the emotion that was played throughout the game."

Overton also helped Kuzydym look at her clips in a new way.

“I realized that one of my clips that I thought was strong is not as strong, and I have stronger ones,” Kuzydym said. “She saw stuff in my articles no one else has.”

And while the workshop’s surface motive was to help students improve their craft, the workshop’s ulterior motive was introducing students to those working in the field, Evans said. Assuming the conversations go beyond paper, the students will be able to make contact in that industry and know that person.

“To be able to communicate and explore options in the industry is a huge, huge benefit,” Evans said.

Star editor advises using data to ‘cut through the noise’

aaalbrec — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:30:01 +0000

Photo by Jenny Porter

The Indianapolis Star’s Steve Berta talked to students about using data to drive investigative pieces. He called that process "the heartbeat of some of the best journalism in America."

Newspaper editors tell how they guide narrative storytelling (Nov. 23)
Buck meets with students
to share career advice (Nov. 12)
Fox Sports' Buck talks
on lifelong love of sportscasting (Nov. 11)

As media production and consumption evolves into an increasingly 24-7 phenomenon due to the likes of Twitter, blogging and online dependence, one time-honored adage rings true: Despite pressing deadlines, journalists must always do their research.

And some of the best research that leads to ground-breaking stories rests on data, according to Steve Berta, senior editor at the Indianapolis Star, who talked about how quantitative methods can result in good journalism during a campus visit last week.

Investigative journalism that includes this type of fact-searching is “the heartbeat of some of the best journalism in America,” he told students in assistant professor W. Joann Wong’s J502 Quantitative Methods Research for Journalists class.

“Journalism, done well, is a search for the truth,” said Berta, who oversees public service, which includes state, metro and business desks.

Investigative journalism has enabled Berta and the Indy Star staff to expose many of the state’s “social ills,” he said. Most recently, The Star inspected over 900,000 records in its investigation into police recommendation of gun permits to those who have committed crimes. Garnering the highest readership rating of any story at The Star, the report also caught the attention of Gov. Mitch Daniels and was applauded even by some Second Amendment activists.

“We’ve done more watchdog journalism than ever in the past two years,” said Berta. “It’s the kind of thing that can create change.”

Berta explained his two primary investigative methods: “shoe-leather” journalism and data analysis. Before any number-crunching occurs, the journalist must first get in direct contact with all potential sources. Then, and only then, can the data mining begin, he said.

“You find something out for yourself … and then lay it at the feet of the decision-makers,” said Berta of the process. What counts, he said, is “what you do with the facts.”

Berta told journalism students to gain experience from several internships and to “get yourself the best editor you can find.” He said the newspaper requires at least three internships on the resumes of any new hires.

“We won’t hire anyone who doesn’t have at least three internships under their belt,” he said.

In his work, he said the challenge is the “to cut through the noise and get at the truth.”

“Trust the data,” he told students looking at entering the field. “Don’t just consider yourself another voice among the noise.”

School mourns loss of Beth Wood

SoJ Web Report — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:40:31 +0000

The School of Journalism community mourns the loss of senior lecturer Beth Wood, who died Nov. 14 from complications of treatment for lung cancer.

Wood, 58, taught public relations at the graduate and undergraduate levels and was a leader in service-learning classes in the School of Journalism that assisted many area nonprofits. She was a two-time winner of the Trustees Teaching Award in the School of Journalism.

In 2004, she helped launch the IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and led it to become the seventh-largest student chapter in the world. In 2008, she led the successful effort for Indiana University to become one of only 20 universities to receive certification from the Public Relations Society of America.

She was a 1973 graduate of the IU School of Journalism and earned her law degree from the IU School of Law in Indianapolis in 1977. She joined the School of Journalism faculty in 2002.

Prior to joining the school, she spent 12 years in law firm marketing, the last six of which were with Barnes & Thornburg, Indiana’s largest law firm. She also worked in corporate communications for Eli Lilly & Co. She was an adjunct faculty member at the School of Journalism at IUPUI, teaching public relations and communications law from 1981 to 1985.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the School of Journalism for either the Beth Wood Award in the School of Journalism for international travel for students or the Joan Wood Lecture Series in the College of Arts & Sciences to celebrate women in science and showcase careers in biology. Joan Wood was Beth’s twin sister.

To make the gift, visit the School of Journalism section of the IU Foundation Web site at this link. You may designate your gift in the "additional comments" section.

A message from School of Journalism Dean Brad Hamm:

Beth was a remarkable teacher, colleague and friend. She was dedicated to her students and proud of their accomplishments in life and work.

I admired her talent as a professor, her energy and passion for life, and her genuine concern for others. And I know that her friends and students in Bloomington and throughout the state, nation and world share in the profound sadness that we feel. At the same time, we celebrate all that Beth meant to our lives.

Despite the challenges over the past few years, she remained as positive and upbeat as ever.

On behalf of the School of Journalism family, I extend our deepest sympathy to her husband, Dr. Dan Drew, a valued colleague and broadcast journalism professor for many years in the School of Journalism until his retirement in 2006, and Beth’s sister, Kenna Wood, and her mother, Helen Wood.

Other comments:

From Kallie J. Bonnell, BAJ ‘06:
During my tenure at IU (2002-2006), Beth was an incredible advocate for advancing the public relations curriculum at a time when the school was more focused on print journalism. Her determination and ambition allowed for the creation of a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. I was a charter member and, with Beth’s encouragement, I became chapter president. The in-class experiences and professional experiences Beth brought to my education built an excellent foundation for which I am extremely fortunate and grateful. I cannot imagine a more dedicated professor.

From Kevin Caldwell, BAJ ‘08:
Beth was an outstanding educator, but she was much, much more. She was a special friend. I have her contact information on my cell phone and know she had mine, too. Her words of advice and encouragement went beyond the classroom walls. Although I now live and work in New York, I kept in contact with Beth and she frequently gave students interested in fashion or New York my contact information. Because they were coming from Beth, I knew these fellow Hoosiers were motivated, smart and genuine people. Beth was brilliant.

From Miranda McCage, BAJ ‘07:
Beth brought the real world into the classroom. She constantly wove a variety of topics, guest speakers, projects and work with nonprofits into her classes to help us understand how to juggle a variety of work each day. She timed us as we wrote press releases. She inspired us to create professional quality work. She expected us to succeed, and she didn’t mince words telling us so. Because of her, we rose to the challenge.

Beth’s incredible energy made her classes exciting. You’ll never found students snoozing in Beth’s classes. She bounded around the classroom, and her expressions, gestures and one-liners kept us alert and tuned in. There are few teachers who can perform like Beth. I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it.

I have many wonderful memories of Beth, but here’s my favorite:

After a public relations class, Beth called me aside and, very seriously, asked that I follow her to her office. I kept thinking: “What is this about? Did I do something wrong?”

Finally, when I finally sat down across from her desk, Beth picked up the phone and called Barbara Coffman of the IU Foundation.

After a few more moments of nervous anticipation, Beth and Barbara shared some amazing news. They had heard that I was paying my way through school and struggling to manage my jobs and commitments. They had done something about it. Without my knowledge, they had worked together to help me receive a scholarship.

Just typing this story makes me tear up. I’ll never forget their kindness.

From Mandy Johnson, BAJ ‘07
The IU School of Journalism has lost one of its best and the students have lost a true mentor. She was a leader in the school and I am so glad I got to experience several of her classes and her mentoring.

As faculty adviser, Beth was the key in launching and maintaining the IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Having PRSSA on campus is vital for any public relations or journalism education program. Many employers don’t consider hiring PR students if their résumés don’t mention membership in PRSSA.

Beth recognized the importance of having a chapter and her leadership as the faculty member overseeing PRSSA provided new opportunities for students who wanted to take their education to the next level. Beth provided full-time support to the campus organization and was the driving force behind its growth. She encouraged students to become involved and she was a cheerleader for the organization. She opened the door for PRSSA to make a difference in students’ educational and professional lives by implementing the organization’s networking event opportunities, bringing in professional speakers, holding PR workshops, conducting interview and résumés workshops and more.

From Cory Nelund
Beth Wood was a superior educator. I learned more than I ever thought possible in her Public Relations Writing course. Her methods of teaching are superb. My writing improved 100 percent in 15 weeks. Professor Wood took time to meet with each student one-on-one and go over individual projects. She pointed out the good and the areas where we needed to improve without crushing our spirit. The time that she gave me as an individual student was so helpful.

She could be tough but, at the same time, she was nurturing. Thanks to her, my grammar and my level of confidence improved. With the writing skills and knowledge I gained from her, I’m confident that I can work successfully work in public relations and achieve my goals and dreams.

From Jennifer Evans, BAJ ‘08
Beth Wood was superior. I have known Beth since my freshman year at IU when I joined the first-ever IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which Beth spearheaded. Beth reached out to so many people and truly inspired me to follow in her footsteps and study public relations.

Ever since I met her, Beth and I stayed in touch. I took two Beth Wood classes, and we’ve always stayed very close. We exchanged e-mails often, met for lunch or dinner. She took me to Hoosier Chapter Public Relations Society of American (PRSA) luncheons in Indianapolis. Her dedication to my education and future inspired me to reach out and help others with their personal and professional careers.

Beth worked hard to bring in real clients who needed real campaigns. For many projects I worked on in Beth’s classes, we were able to actually win bids and our campaign was put to use around Bloomington.

Beth made her classes fun, exciting and entertaining. I learned a lot from Beth, and I always looked forward to her classes.

She remembered names and responded to e-mails. Today, because of Beth, I always send handwritten thank you notes.

Another lesson from Beth? She treated every situation as an opportunity to build her network of friends. Today I work for the City of Indianapolis and meet a wide variety of people, and I always treat every introduction as potential for future projects, sponsorship, donors and friends.

From Maria Karapetyan, MA ’08
When I started working with Beth as her faculty assistant, it was my first semester as a grad student at the IU School of Journalism School and I had no prior teaching experience.

Beth trusted me. She gave me the confidence to work with students and to pursue my own education and career goals.

After graduating, I sought out Beth’s advice before my first job interview. Because of her, I felt ready professionally and psychologically. I was prepared to take on new challenges.

Beth used her experiences and brought in working professionals as guest speakers to relate classroom learning to the students’ future work environment. She also reached out to students who needed more guidance. She helped students build their confidence and their portfolios.

Beth always told her students: Be professional and keep your moral principles and values. I still practice that lesson today.

From Daryl Witte, BAJ ‘07
One of Beth Wood’s most striking traits was her ability to instill confidence and pride in her students. This is important because graduates need to have loads of confidence for the job hunt following graduation, especially in these challenging times. From my experience, I think Beth believed in me and my abilities more than I did.

Furthermore, Beth’s courageous return to campus following a deeply challenging illness was a true testament of her love and dedication to her students, her profession, and Indiana University.

From Lauren Regan, BAJ ‘07
Beth Wood was my mentor and my friend. She was a special teacher who went above and beyond teaching in the classroom. Beth’s care for her students goes beyond the walls of Ernie Pyle Hall.

My greatest lesson from Beth: Pave your own path! Once you know the fundamentals, work toward what will make you happiest, not what people tell you to do with your life.

I never realized how well Beth prepared me until I started an internship after college. I found myself pulling out worksheets I saved from her classes and the PR Style Book she insisted we would use "one day." Her guidance and words of wisdom are an integral part of the way I write.

Jaclyn Gutmann, BAJ ‘07
When I was a sophomore at Indiana University, I wanted to go into advertising. I found Beth Wood’s Advertising Guidebook, with tips on how to stay involved in the industry, what classes we should take and other things to consider. I made an appointment with Beth right away, and had I not, I might not be where I am today. Beth advised me to stay as involved as possible and meet as many professionals as I could during my time at Indiana. That summer, I took on my first unpaid internship just to get my foot in the door. The next year I became very involved in PRSSA and the AAF National Student Advertising Competition. I met Jim Parham and landed an internship with Hirons and Company. As a senior, I worked closely with Beth as the vice president of PRSSA.

I now work in corporate communications for Raytheon Company. I use Beth Wood’s advice every day. I stay involved, I try to make as many contacts as possible and ask as many questions as I can. Had it not been for Beth’s advice and guidance, I may not have pushed as hard as I did, and I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Jennifer Hurtubise, BAJ ‘06
Beth Wood was a great educator. She did so much more than just teach from textbooks. She provided real world examples and brought in professionals to help students gain a true understanding of the profession. She also gave students in her public relations classes an actual client and class project, which makes the class much more interesting, interactive and educational. You felt as though you were really working on something that would make a difference rather than just another assignment for a grade.

Beth was the main reason the IU School of Journalism’s public relations curriculum has been certified by the Public Relations Society of America and that we have one of the top PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) chapters.

Beth was genuine. She really cared about us as students and about our careers. She helped us succeed. She wanted to know where we were and what we were doing personally and professionally. She was one of the few professors I continued to stay in touch with and, thanks to Beth, I continued to have a personal connection with the IU School of Journalism. If I ever needed help, I knew that I could count on her.

Hutchins wins second place in Keating competition

SoJ Web Report — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:37:24 +0000

Courtesy photo

Sarah Hutchins won second place in the Keating feature writing contest over the weekend. She is shown at her desk during her internship in London last summer.

SPJ contest deadline Jan. 27 (Nov. 16)
Experts Workshop matches alumni, students for critique sessions (Nov. 15)
Student publications win more than 50 awards (Nov. 4)

Journalism senior and INside magazine features editor Sarah Hutchins placed second and received $1,250 for her work in the 23rd Annual Thomas R. Keating Feature Writing Program in Indianapolis Friday and Saturday.

Margaret Sutherlin of DePauw University won first place. Five other IU students competed, including Natalie Avon, Lauren Clason, Stephanie Doctrow, Sean Morrison and John Seasly.

The Indianapolis Press Club Foundation-sponsored Keating writing challenge annually features 10 finalists representing Indiana’s best college journalism students, according to the Indianapolis Star’s new release.

Judges chose the 10 who competed from a record number of 61 entrants from Indiana colleges. The 10 finalists were dropped off at the Indianapolis convention center Saturday morning and given four hours to develop and write a feature story on the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. The Indianapolis Star provided space in its newsroom for the finalists to write their stories.

The program is named in honor of Tom Keating, a former Indianapolis Star columnist and Lilly Endowment executive who died in 1985 at age 45.

Hutchins and IU student Courtney Miller won two of the four scholarships the foundation presents during the Keating weekend.

Hutchins won one of two Maurice and Robert Early Scholarships worth $1,000 for what judges cited as her “especially impressive work record that showed her dedication to journalism.” Hutchins has worked at the IDS, Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis and other publications. Judges said her clips interested them most because of her writing style.

Miller won the Walter E. and Mary E. Hemphill Scholarship of $1,750 for her work in video, including her work in South Africa. Judges said they were impressed with her goals to create films and documentaries focusing on human rights and post-conflict reconstruction. They also lauded Miller’s essay, which said she approaches these topics “as a journalist, not an activist.”

NABJ launches service projects, sets networking objectives

Shannon McEnerney — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:26:04 +0000

Photo by Shannon McEnerney

NABJ president Ashlee Green led last week’s meeting to discuss the group’s service projects and plans for next semester. Members have been working with a campus group this fall and plan to work with high school students next semester.

PRSSA meeting to focus on event planning (Nov. 23)
PRSSA workshop features resume critiques, professional advice (Nov. 7)
Four students to attend PRSSA conference (Nov. 4)

The members of the IU Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists met Monday to discuss their current service project and to look ahead to next semester, but Thanksgiving break was also on their agenda, too.

The members are looking to use the break for anything but relaxation. Instead, they view the time away from classes as a chance to network and meet with professionals in their respective hometowns to build connections that may lead to summer internships.

Inspired by a guest speaker in one of her classes, NABJ president Ashlee Green said building professional relationships is a goal for the chapter as it looks to activities next semester.

But immediate plans are to finalize work on their service project that taps into their communication talents. Members are producing materials and working with the the IU Archives of African American Music and Culture for the upcoming conference, “Reclaiming the Right to Rock: Black Experiences in Rock Music,” Nov. 13-14.

This service project allows the members to work in advertising, marketing, public relations and reporting. Green said IU professor Portia Maultsby, director of the archives, presented the project to members at an earlier meeting. Since then, the members have been handling the conference’s promotion and letting local groups and areas know about the event through Facebook, flyers and other promotional materials.

But the group’s service isn’t done. Green said members will be going to this weekend’s conference and reporting on the various sessions and happenings throughout the days to help record the conference experience for the IU Archives of African American Music and Culture.

“Hopefully, it will be a success,” Green said, adding that the chance to provide services with their media talents is beneficial to all members who are aspiring to work in some aspect of the media. Instead of asking a professional public relations organization, Maultsby contacted journalism students who share similar passions, and Green said the group was more than happy to help with services for the conference.

For next spring, Green said she hopes to invite alumna Melanie Sims, whose work has appeared in magazines such as Essence, to speak to members. She also wants to collaborate with the IU chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Public Relations Student Society of America, as well as the Indianapolis professional chapter of NABJ.

While the group’s work for the conference ends this weekend, the members will be continuing service project efforts next semester. Green said the group is working on a mentoring project with students at Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis. Plans involve high school students coming to Bloomington to spend a day with the members in order to develop a feel for college life and to explore what college journalism is like.

“I’m geeked for next semester,” Green said.

Via Skype, data specialist describes using numbers in reporting

Sarah Hutchins — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:51:06 +0000

Photo by Sarah Hutchins

Data specialist Grant Smith talked to students about using numbers in online journalism via Skype. Assistant professor Hans Ibold is using the Internet-based technology to bring several guest speakers to his class this semester.

Newspaper editors tell how they guide narrative storytelling (Nov. 23)
Star editor advises using data to 'cut through the noise' (Nov. 15)
Buck meets with students
to share career advice (Nov. 12)

As students study online journalism, they are using the latest tools to network with professionals who can guide them in their own research.

In assistant professor Hans Ibold’s J201 Reporting, Writing and Editing II class this semester, students are linking up with professionals using Skype to have virtual face-to-face talks with guest lecturers. Skype, an Internet-based service, allows the students to see the speakers on their own computers and on the projection while they have real-time conversations.

Last week, Grant Smith, a freelance journalist and data specialist, joined students to discuss the power of data in online reporting. Before freelancing for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Smith analyzed data for the Gannett News Service and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"In the newsroom, everyone has a beat," Smith said. "My beat is really data."

Using numbers can inform a story, add depth and serve as an expert source, Smith said. Students looked at Smith’s Web site and some of his work as an example for how to incorporate numbers in a story.

Data can strengthen a news story, Smith said, citing an article he worked on about pets in a Memphis animal shelter.

Analyzing numbers can also lead to a story. While working at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Smith used data analysis to discover a race gap in pothole patching. By analyzing a variety of data, Smith and several other reporters discovered that the city fixed potholes slower in minority neighborhoods.

The hard facts strengthened the story and also "bulletproofed" the article from city officials denying the claims.

However, not all data is easy to work with. Smith explained the difference between clean and dirty data.

"The FEC (Federal Election Commission) has dirty data," he said. "It’s hard to interpret in the beginning because you don’t know what it means. It’s often coded so you don’t have clear descriptions."

Dirty data requires extra scrutiny, he said. Government data is filtered through several sources and the likelihood of an error is high. Smith said the best way to deal with data is to ask, does this make sense?

Combing through data can be a labor-intensive process. Smith tries to gather as much information as possible and identify the "minimal story" he could write if nothing major comes of the analysis.

"You have to be careful what data you get," Smith said. "You don’t want to do data for data’s sake."

A lot of Smith’s work with data ends up on The Commercial Appeal’s Data Center. The Web site includes databases on a variety of topics, including education, health and public safety.

Smith said The Commercial Appeal might link a crime story to the convicted felon database, or provide readers with a link to the gun permit database when a story about a shooting runs.

"You want to make sure people understand the data so that they know the value and reporting behind it," Smith advised.

Ibold said Smith’s visit was timed to coordinate with the beginning of a two-week database journalism unit. This is the second Skype visitor for the class. Brian Hamman, assistant editor with the New York Times’s Interactive News Technology division, video-chatted with the class earlier this semester. Ibold said he is also working on confirming a third guest.

Check out these stories Smith mentioned in his talk about using data in stories:

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