Melan Shannon
2/19/18
Communicating in a Crisis
The exercise on the “Pictionary” story with two added developments gave us the opportunity to write as actual journalists would, with stories changing as life does.
Pictionary Story
- First and foremost: What’s unusual about the story? That is what you use to characterize your lead! (what’s unique about the inmate fight story is that it all started over a game of Pictionary)
- Be selective with your quotes: Does it add to the story? As the professor said, some quotes that seem unnecessary can give the story “color”.
Ex. “We don’t do Pictionary in my prison. These guys will be scrubbing toilets for six months.”
Crisis Control: Notes on Developments of a Story
- Think about a time (or times) you were 95% done with something but then realized you really weren’t done...that’s life and that’s how writing in a newsroom is sometimes!
- When it comes to a story being updated, whether it’s once or twice, the new information is the most important information.
*You have to assume the reader doesn’t know about the original story.
A Different Type of Storytelling: Intro to Public Relations
“Every organization has a story to tell-and it’s the job of PR professionals to tell it.”
- There are distinct difference/similarities between writing for the news vs. writing for PR. We have to be mindful of this.
*Main difference: Journalists serve the general public and PR specialists serve organizations.
News stories will be as objective and accurate as possible, while PR messages will be structured towards specific clients. (Reference handout: “What is Public Relations?)
- The ultimate goal of the PR person: “generating goodwill toward the client.”
What’s a Press Release?
- A PRESS RELEASE IS NOT A NEWS REPORT!
- It is a message crafted by a PR person that is representing a particular organization.
*Press release first priority: deliver the message (you can still be strategic about this)
(Reference handout: “How to Format a Press Release”)
- No “psychic distance” between you and your client. You are the company.
Make the company look as good as possible! (with integrity)
Ex. “The Death of Little Mickey”
-Include info on other animal deaths to provide clarity + so it doesn’t get out another way
- Your headline needs a strong action verb, without that it’s just a label.
*The lead can include the same words from the heading.
In conclusion, we did a good amount of work and were tossed in many directions to ultimately come back to news writing. This is good experience because it mimics what writing for the mass media is actually like. You may have to switch between writing news stories and press releases. Basically, writing styles shouldn’t intersect unless it’s intentional.
Homework
1. Complete the “Pictionary” story with the two added developments: screwdriver/death
(sent in email by Professor) This is due by 5 PM tommorow, Wednesday. 2/21/18
2. Read Chapters 9, 11, 12 (Top 3 Takeaways each) Read: Writing to be Heard Pg.173-174; Do radio story, P. 195, “Historic Document” Due next Monday!
3. Read all handouts:
1. “What is Public Relations?” packet
2. Journalism Code of Ethics
3. “News Releases that Make News” by Professor Piacente
4. Review: “How to Format a Press Release”
Posted by Melan Shannon
2/19/18
Communicating in a Crisis
The exercise on the “Pictionary” story with two added developments gave us the opportunity to write as actual journalists would, with stories changing as life does.
Pictionary Story
- First and foremost: What’s unusual about the story? That is what you use to characterize your lead! (what’s unique about the inmate fight story is that it all started over a game of Pictionary)
- Be selective with your quotes: Does it add to the story? As the professor said, some quotes that seem unnecessary can give the story “color”.
Ex. “We don’t do Pictionary in my prison. These guys will be scrubbing toilets for six months.”
Crisis Control: Notes on Developments of a Story
- Think about a time (or times) you were 95% done with something but then realized you really weren’t done...that’s life and that’s how writing in a newsroom is sometimes!
- When it comes to a story being updated, whether it’s once or twice, the new information is the most important information.
*You have to assume the reader doesn’t know about the original story.
A Different Type of Storytelling: Intro to Public Relations
“Every organization has a story to tell-and it’s the job of PR professionals to tell it.”
- There are distinct difference/similarities between writing for the news vs. writing for PR. We have to be mindful of this.
*Main difference: Journalists serve the general public and PR specialists serve organizations.
News stories will be as objective and accurate as possible, while PR messages will be structured towards specific clients. (Reference handout: “What is Public Relations?)
- The ultimate goal of the PR person: “generating goodwill toward the client.”
What’s a Press Release?
- A PRESS RELEASE IS NOT A NEWS REPORT!
- It is a message crafted by a PR person that is representing a particular organization.
*Press release first priority: deliver the message (you can still be strategic about this)
(Reference handout: “How to Format a Press Release”)
- No “psychic distance” between you and your client. You are the company.
Make the company look as good as possible! (with integrity)
Ex. “The Death of Little Mickey”
-Include info on other animal deaths to provide clarity + so it doesn’t get out another way
- Your headline needs a strong action verb, without that it’s just a label.
*The lead can include the same words from the heading.
In conclusion, we did a good amount of work and were tossed in many directions to ultimately come back to news writing. This is good experience because it mimics what writing for the mass media is actually like. You may have to switch between writing news stories and press releases. Basically, writing styles shouldn’t intersect unless it’s intentional.
Homework
1. Complete the “Pictionary” story with the two added developments: screwdriver/death
(sent in email by Professor) This is due by 5 PM tommorow, Wednesday. 2/21/18
2. Read Chapters 9, 11, 12 (Top 3 Takeaways each) Read: Writing to be Heard Pg.173-174; Do radio story, P. 195, “Historic Document” Due next Monday!
3. Read all handouts:
1. “What is Public Relations?” packet
2. Journalism Code of Ethics
3. “News Releases that Make News” by Professor Piacente
4. Review: “How to Format a Press Release”
Posted by Melan Shannon
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