So my big story of the quarter got published today. I put it in my other blog too. The web site version is available here.
I'm really happy with the story, and so is the teacher. I spent a lot of time meeting with him and contacting the various sources I needed to get the story across. It's difficult when lawyers, districts and unions won't talk to you but I did the best that I could.
I also asked the Hayward Daily Review if they'd like to run it, and I've submitted a shortened version for them. What sucks about news is that there are times where you're limited to 300-500 words and there is no way you can tell the whole story in so few words. You leave out vital information which either confuses the reader or gives them the wrong impression. They'd have to go out of their way to get the whole story, and even then, how many people would actually do that?
Anyway, it's kind of depressing that all Bay Area newspapers are owned by one media company. Except for the Chronicle, and they're losing a million dollars a week so it's only a matter of time before they disappear. So really, our news is being delivered the same way but under a different logo.
2 comments:
Well put. Your comments reminded me of a joke by comedian Tom Kenny where he made fun of USA Today. He wondered what it would be like being a serious reporter like a Wooward or Bernstein and working for USA Today where the editor yells at you after submitting your report. "20 words! What are you trying to do? I didn't ask for a novel! Take out everything but the verbs. Our readers want action action action!" If you would like a bleak (but very interesting) analysis of media consolidation and the news industry in general check out the movie Manufacturing Consent if you have a couple of hours.
lol, that's pretty funny actually... and so very true.
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