Freshman basketball player, Todd White, passed away this of unknown causes this morning.  Fifteen-year-old White passed out while running during practice and he was pronounced dead shortly after this at Central Valley Memorial Hospital.  All efforts to revive him failed.  According to his trainer, Mike Way, White had no previous known illnesses.  The county coroner will be preforming an autopsy later this afternoon to determine the cause of death.  Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family of this child. 

Secretary of Interior, Grace Green, announced a new energy plan while at Western Governor’s Conference meeting in Salt Lake City, UT.  Green was on a three-day tour of the western United States.  This plan is to cost $800 million and according to Green it is a way to make America greener as well as reduce the country’s oil dependence on foreign countries.  The plan is a five-year program that will supposedly ease licensing of nuclear power plants by reducing strip mining.

After 36 years of dedicated teaching, 58-year-old education professor died.  Elizabeth Billson had suffered from cancer for 10 years before her early death.  She is estimated to have taught around 10,000 students during her almost 4 decade career.  Billson was an excellent teacher, and was awarded last years “Outstanding Professor” award. 

Two drivers left uninjured after a two truck head on collision on the I-59 last night.  The accident occurred in a construction zone where the zones were very narrow, causing the trucks to brake but still collide head on.  Both drivers were cited for reckless driving and speeding.  The accident caused a major traffic jam and the highway was stopped both ways for three quarters of an hour.  Due to the fuel spillage from both trucks there is now a major oil slick on the highway.  It is estimated that there was a loss of about $10,000 in goods from the thawing of the content of one truck that was refrigerated. 

Chapter twelve details the relationship between writing and the law.  The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides much needed protection for the writer from the law. This is the freedom of speech act, basically stating that Congress has no right to make a law that would infringe on the people’s right to freedom of speech.  This does not mean however that this is not still a point argued in court today. 

            In writing it is easy to take other people down with words.  Defamation is a legal term for ruining the reputation of a person.  Media is where this is largely found in modern day, because it is so easy to say whatever one wants.  This includes libel, which is defined as written defamation and slander.

            In the U.S. this is generally not seen as a crime, but as a civil suit in which one can be sued for their words.  There are five elements necessary in a libel suit, publication, identification, defamation, fault, and damages. 

            The affirmative defenses against a libel suit include: truth, qualified privilege, statute of limitations and constitutional privilege.   Writers can also be sued when it comes to invading a person’s privacy, copyright and trademarks, and fair use of copyright.

            Chapter thirteen discusses getting a job in the mass media.  While there are plenty of jobs to be found in this field, it is not always easy to snag the job one desires because of demand.  Journalism is often the first job thought of in the media, but this job demands long hours and hard work, as well as considerable skill.

            If one desires to break into the field of media there are several things needed.  First, they have to be able to build an audience and show that they can gather the attention of the masses.  They also should have their own professional website that shows off their skills and professionalism.

            Such a website should include: a home page, resume page, interests, samples of one’s professional work, and contact information.  This will show an employer everything they need to know about you before they hire you. 

            Networking is a massive part of landing a first job.  If people do not know who you are then you will not be found to be hired.  This includes being strongly motivated to get out there.  Journalism is a highly competitive field. 

HW 4/1

Photojournalism is an increasingly growing field thanks to modern technology and the ease of use of digital film and photography.  Armed with a simple smartphone almost anyone can take a picture.  However, there are many aspects of photojournalism that separates this field from the average picture taker. 

There are three types of shots associated with photojournalism: long range, mid range, and close-up.  This is just one of the things of three in this field.  The rule of thirds is a way that photojournalists use to compose their photograph into something that is more dynamic than a simple picture.

Photojournalists also make use of writing cutlines.  These can be anything from a long and descriptive paragraph to a simple one-liner (called a “skel line”).  Cutlines are important because they enhance the picture.  What is said about a picture can often completely sway the viewer’s opinion on it.

There are varying ethics associated with photojournalism.  Taking your own picture is a huge one.  Photojournalists carry a heavy weight in every photograph they take.  With each photo is an extremely powerful message that can be conveyed.

Photographers must also be sure to be sensitive about the photos they take and distribute, both being sure to be representing the truth through these pictures as well as censoring the content for situations that could offend.

Graphics and charts are also a large part of the media side of journalism.  Correct use of these elements can greatly enhance a story.  Showing statistics in a picture is a much better way to get readers to comprehend the gravity of any of your statistics.