Indiana University School of Journalism

Faculty, grad students participate in MAPOR conference

Gena Asher — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:46:25 +0000

Martin article on college coaches in research journal (Nov. 17)
Kothari paper on framing Darfur set for publication (Nov. 12)
Adjuncts' work in IU alumni magazine (Nov. 12)

Three faculty members and seven graduate students head to Chicago Friday and Saturday to attend the 2009 Midwest Association for Public Opinion Research conference in Chicago.

Roy W. Howard Professor David Weaver said this is the highest number of journalism researchers to attend the conference in his 33 years of participation.

Here’s the line up:

Weaver is one of the judges of the MAPOR Fellows Student Paper Competition and is attending the meeting.
Professor Lars Willnat will present a paper entitled “How the World Sees America: Political and Cultural Dimensions of Anti-Americanism.”
Assistant professor Joann Wong will present a paper entitled “How Newspapers and Voter Contact Impact Voters: Testing a Model of Political Knowledge and Voter Turnout.”
Doctoral student Jason Martin’s paper is "Predicting Political Knowledge from Online Media Use and Discussion." He also will moderate a paper session on political participation and public opinion that includes Wong’s paper.
Doctoral student Lanier Holt will present two papers: “Ladies First? Did Gender and Incumbency Make a Difference in the Newspaper Coverage of Two 2006 Senate Elections?” and “Black Like Me? Comparing and Contrasting How the Media Framed the Campaign Coverage of Jesse Jackson and Barack Obama.” He also will moderate a research paper session on views of country, home and abroad that includes papers by Willnat and Yunjuan Luo.
Doctoral students Seong Choul Hong and Chang Hee Choi will present a jointly authored paper, “Inter-Media Frame Building: The U.S. Beef Import Case in South Korea.”
Doctoral student Mohammed al-Azdee’s paper is "Agenda-Setting Theory in 2008 when President Bush was in His Last Year in Office."
Doctoral student Yunjuan Luo’s paper is "International News Exposure and the American Public’s Perceptions of China." Yunjuan Luo also is moderating a paper session on international public opinion.
Master’s student Shin Haeng Lee’s paper is "Selective Exposure to News Media: Individual Predispositions and Online News Consumption." The paper was based on a final paper for J660 Public Opinion. Lee said professor Lars Willnat’s comments on the paper helped shape the final product.

Martin article on college coaches in research journal

Gena Asher — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:48:29 +0000

Doctoral student Jason Martin’s article, "When It Comes to Headlines, Winning Really is Everything," was published in the fall 2009 edition of the Newspaper Research Journal.

The article examines the visibility of college football coaches in newspaper sports journalism. A survey of national print media found strong correlations between a coach’s career longevity, his won-loss record, and the number of his team’s appearances in the Associated Press poll rating the top 25 college football teams and the number of times that coach was mentioned in newspaper and wire reports.

The article began as Martin’s master’s thesis under the direction of Roy Howard Professor David Weaver.

Kothari paper on framing Darfur set for publication (Nov. 12)
Adjuncts' work in IU alumni magazine (Nov. 12)
Showcase features Cookman's technology in teaching work (Nov. 12)

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.

Hatley Major conducting experiments for health policy research

Jessica Birthisel — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Photo by Jessica Haney

Assistant professor Lesa Hatley Major is conducting research to find out how framing health news affects news consumers’ attitudes. She received an OVPR grant to support the work.

NSJC launches new Web site sports media news, commentary (Sept. 15)
NSJC hosts panel on sports media boom (Aug. 29)
School sets fall Speaker Series (Aug. 26)

Assistant professor Lesa Hatley Major recently received a $38,150 grant from the Office of the Vice President for Research in order to study the presentation of health news and its influence on media audiences’ attitudes about health problems.

The grant was awarded through the 2008-2009 Faculty Research Support Program (FRSP). According to Donna Carter, program administrator, Hatley Major was the first journalism applicant for the grant, which seeks to support development, expansion and enhancement of research by faculty at Indiana University Bloomington, and to improve the faculty’s ability to garner external funding.

With the assistance of research assistant and doctoral student Stacie Meihaus Jankowski and additional financial assistance from the School of Journalism, Hatley Major will conduct a series of experiments throughout the 2009-2010 academic year. She says she anticipates holding one experiment this semester and two in the spring semester.

Using adult volunteers from a multi-county region, Hatley Major’s experiments will explore the ways that the presentation of news (referred to in research as the “framing” of news) influences the ways audience members think about health problem causes and solutions. She will create Web sites that present healthcare news stories about obesity and lung cancer using different types of language (“frames”) and then see how her subjects’ attitudes about who is responsible for the health problems are affected by the specific stories they read.

The study will include 140 subjects in the first experiment and twice as many in the second and third experiments. Participants will come to Ernie Pyle Hall to read the stories and answer the questions, a process Hatley Major anticipates will take approximately one hour to complete.

“This research is taking it to the next level,” said Hatley Major, not only because of the study of emotion (or affect, as it’s often referred to in research), but also because of a focus on policy-level outcomes. As she wrote in her proposal, “[It] is groundbreaking because it expands theory in mass communication and social psychology.”

In order to consider the policy implications of health communication, Hatley Major is collaborating with Robert Goidel, professor and director of public policy and research in the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University. Goidel and Hatley Major began working together on this topic during Hatley Major’s dissertation work at LSU.

“Some health practitioners say we need to not only focus on individual intervention for health care problems, but also look at the larger picture of public health,” said Hatley Major. “That’s why this research is also looking at outcomes at the policy level.”

School of Journalism Dean Brad Hamm said the FRSP grant is seed money. This is the university’s way of saying that the project has potential for external funding, he said.

“This leads to the professor’s ability to attract external research funding in the future,” said Hamm, explaining that IU is dependent on external funding. “It’s an endorsement of faith that there’s potential there.”

These initial three experiments are only the beginning of a set of research initiatives outlined in Hatley Major’s proposal. Based on the findings of these experiments, Hatley Major said she plans to generate two publications in peer-reviewed journals, to give two presentations at national communication conferences, and to write two grant proposals for additional external funding in order to more closely examine physiological responses to combined news frames.

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."

Buck meets with students
to share career advice (Nov. 12)
Fox Sports' Buck talks
on lifelong love of sportscasting (Nov. 11)
Via Skype, data specialist describes using numbers in reporting (Nov. 10)

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.”

Kothari paper on framing Darfur set for publication

Gena Asher — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:30:57 +0000

Doctoral student Ammina Kothari’s paper "Framing of Darfur Conflict in The New York Times: 2003-2006,” has been accepted for publication for the April 2010 issue of the Journalism Studies journal.

The paper, which won second top student award in the International Communications Division at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference last summer, is based on research from Kothari’s master’s thesis completed at the University of Oregon and revised during an independent study with associate professor Amy Reynolds.

Martin article on college coaches in research journal (Nov. 17)
Adjuncts' work in IU alumni magazine (Nov. 12)
Showcase features Cookman's technology in teaching work (Nov. 12)

Indiana University School of Journalism

Faculty, grad students participate in MAPOR conference

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Martin article on college coaches in research journal

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Lab, library closed over break

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SPJ contest deadline Jan. 27

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Hatley Major conducting experiments for health policy research

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

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School mourns loss of Beth Wood

A message from School of Journalism Dean Brad Hamm:

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Hutchins wins second place in Keating competition

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Kothari paper on framing Darfur set for publication

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