News Post #12

“Sarah Palin boasts choosing anti-abortion fundraiser over White House Correspondents’ Dinner”

This Politico article, written by Jedd Rosche, reports on Sarah Palin’s attendance at a fundraiser for anti-abortion advertising group Heroic Media. The event took place in Bethesda, Md., only miles away from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Palin told the crowd at the anti-abortion fundraiser that she had the opportunity to attend the dinner, but that she “chose life” instead. Palin went on to criticize other potential presidential candidates of their attendance at the dinner, saying the “nerd prom” didn’t have the same appeal for her as it did for those such as Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, and Jon Huntsman. Palin described the dinner as a symbol of the meshing between the celebrity, the news, and the political arena. The remainder of the article reports Palin’s talking points at the fundraiser. Palin spoke for 45 minutes to a crowd of “Jews for Sarah” and encouraged them to continue their “positive pro-life messages” in the media. Palin said that anti-abortion activists need to remain consistent in the media and “infiltrate it.” Palin continued to praise Heroic Media’s use of billboards, online advertising, and social media, specifically praising work against Planned Parenthood and ACORN. At the close of the article, the writer reports on Sarah Palin’s comment on her daughter, Bristol, attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Palin said she told her daughter to “grit her teeth” if she hears Palin jokes at the dinner. The closing paragraph of the article informs readers that the event was closed to the press, but Politico purchased a ticket for the event. The writer of the article was present at the event. No other sources were given in the article.

The article does an accurate job of reporting on Sarah Palin’s speech at an anti-abortion fundraising dinner. However, the initial focus of the article is Palin’s decision to speak at the anti-abortion event instead of attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The article uses a hard news approach, providing the most important information in the article’s opening paragraph. Quotes are used in the second paragraph. In the fourth paragraph, the article’s focus turns to Palin’s speech at the fundraiser, and the writer reports specific talking points of her speech. The article wraps well with the inclusion of Palin’s comments about her daughter’s attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. By including this, the author brings the article full circle and effectively concludes the article’s main point. The final paragraph informs readers that the event was not open to the press. Overall, the article effectively reports on the Palin event.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/54018.html

News Post #11

“Sarah Palin to GOP: ‘Fight like a girl’”

This article, written by Andy Barr of Politico, reports on a speech given by Sarah Palin at a tea party rally in Wisconsin on Saturday. According to the article, Palin critiqued congressional Republicans by saying that they need to “fight like a girl,” and cut spending deeper and faster. In her speech, Palin pointed out the University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team, which recently won the national championship. Palin specifically discussed the GOP’s pledge to cut $100 billion in spending, and the party’s later decision to only cut $60 billion. Palin said that the $38 billion reached in the compromise was full of “accounting gimmicks,” and was “politics as usual.” Palin also took several stabs at President Obama, saying that Obama is unserious about cutting government spending and simply trying to win reelection in 2012. The final three paragraphs of the article discuss the background of the speech, which was given at a two-hour tea party rally in the snow. Palin was introduced by Andrew Breitbart. After being introduced, Palin praised the activists at the rally. In addition, Palin showed her support for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for his recent legislation regarding state employee unions. The article ends with Palin’s praise of Walker, saying, “Hey folks, he’s trying to save your jobs.” No sources were given in the article.

This Politico article uses a hard news approach to report highlights of Sarah Palin’s speech in Wisconsin. The writer’s decision to use a quote in the headline proves effective in catching the reader’s attention, and the opening paragraph with the same quote encourages readers to continue reading the article. Although a partial quote is used in the headline and first paragraph, a full quote is used in the second paragraph. In fact, the majority of the article is dominated by quotes from Palin, effectively allowing her speech, not the writer, to tell the story.  Background of the story is given in the sixth paragraph, informing readers of the context of Palin’s speech. The writer includes that Palin’s speech was 15 minutes long. It is worth noting that of the numerous topics likely covered in the speech, the writer decides to include Palin’s support of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Including this part of the speech in the article not only reinforces Palin’s conservative political views, but also allows readers to connect with a topic that received national attention for weeks.  The article ends with a solid quote praising Governor Walker. Overall, this article was engaging, well written, and nearly void of political bias.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/53308.html

News Post #10

“Gabrielle Giffords’s office ‘making plans’ for shuttle launch”

This Politico article, written by Meredith Shiner, details the recent release by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’s office of her plans to attend her husband’s upcoming shuttle launch. The shuttle, Endeavor, is scheduled to launch April 29 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Gifford’s husband, Mark Kelly, is expected to command the shuttle. The statement issued Friday said Giffords was “making plans” to attend the shuttle launch pending medical approval from TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital. Giffords has been at the hospital since the end of January after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. The statement issued by her office said the hospital would have the final word on whether or not Giffords can attend the launch. Additionally, her office said the dates of her travel have not been determined. However, her staff noted that Giffords would not meet with the media or issue a statement from Florida if she is able to attend the shuttle launch. Members of her staff will instead hold a press conference, where her chief of staff and communications director are expected to speak on her behalf. The article ends by reminding readers that attending the shuttle launch has been a goal of Giffords for a long time. In addition, Shiner writes that doctors describe Giffords recovery as “miraculous.” No sources are given in the article. It is assumed that Politico had access to the statement issued by Rep. Giffords’s office.

The article uses a hard news approach to relay information about Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’s plans to attend her husband’s shuttle launch. The article is very straight and to the point. It simply relays the information given to journalists. Full quotes are not used until the fourth paragraph, and this paragraph is the only paragraph in the article to have a direct quote from the statement issued by Giffords’s office. In the second to last paragraph, there is an instance of careless repetition by the author. She writes, “Giffords’ chief of staff Pia Carusone and Communications director C.J. Karamargin, Giffords’ communications director are expected to speak on her behalf.” Also, the author switches between writing “Giffords’” and “Giffords’s.” The article also assumes that the reader is aware of Giffords’s current health situation. There are instances in the article where clarification or background could be beneficial to the reader’s understanding of the topic. However, the article’s closing paragraph wraps the story well by reminding readers of how unusual Giffords’s speedy recovery has been. Overall, the article does a fair job of reporting the news, but it is written carelessly and with many mistakes.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/52813.html

News Post #9

“Obama ’12 launch likely next week”

This Politico article, written by Glenn Thrush and Mike Allen, details Barack Obama’s upcoming announcement of his reelection campaign. The campaign headquarters will be based in Chicago. The campaign will likely file registration papers on Monday, but those with the Obama campaign will not commit to a specific date in case a world event could overshadow the campaign kickoff. The announcement will be given electronically. The article goes on to discuss details of the campaign and its launch. David Axelrod, who returned to Chicago after spending two years in the White House as senior adviser, will lead the campaign.  According to the article, campaign organizers have been planning to launch the campaign at the beginning of the second quarter to show large fundraising gains in their first report to the FEC. Obama is scheduled to raise money in Chicago on April 14. Jim Messina, the likely campaign manager for the 2012 election, has been holding donor meetings around the country. The campaign expects to raise $750 million to $1 billion. The article closes by stating that Politico originally reported that Obama would file for reelection in April, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago-Sun Times reported Friday that papers would be filed on Monday. While sources were used in the article, they are simply referred to as “sources.”

The article does an excellent job of reporting on Obama’s upcoming reelection campaign announcement. It presents the information with little bias and is very straightforward in its explanation. The article uses a hard news approach, and the most critical information is effectively given in the first paragraph. Throughout the article, background is accurately given concerning Obama’s campaign. Very few quotes are used in the article. In fact, it is not until the last four paragraphs that quotes are used. Had there been more quotes, perhaps from a member of the campaign committee or a political scientist, the article could have gained more credibility. Overall, the article effectively reports on Obama’s upcoming campaign announcement.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/52416.html

Print Response Post

      The print journalism group did an excellent job presenting both newspapers and magazines as a form of mass media. They began their presentation with discussion on the history of the print industry and the technological advances the industry has made. Specifically, they discussed the Partisan Press and the first printing machines. Next, the group focused on the changes over time between older newspapers and modern newspapers. They pointed out differences in layout, color, and pictures between the two examples. The group also dedicated a significant amount of time to the creation of a successful news story. In order to be a good news story, the story must be clear, precise, modest, and efficient. News worthy stories have an impact on people, are timely, prominent, close in proximity to the reader, present conflict, are bizarre, or involve money or currency. Many news stories that are written follow the inverted pyramid method, with the most important information being presented in the first and second paragraphs. The group also presented magazines in their presentation and discussed the different types of magazines, as well as how the magazine industry has evolved. Perhaps the most interesting part of the presentation was near the conclusion. The group presented articles and opinions that predicted the future of the print journalism industry. Although mostly considered to be a dying industry, the authors argued in their writings that journalism will never die but instead will only modernize and reform. Overall, the group did an adequate job of presenting the history, details, modernization, and future of print journalism. 

News Post #8

“Jim DeMint: Principles trump candidate in 2012”

At Rep. Steve King’s conservative principles conference in Iowa, Sen. Jim DeMint told the crowd to “get it right this time” with a Republican presidential nominee. DeMint also urged the crowd to identify “the right principles” in a candidate before they pick their favorite. DeMint, who has ruled out a 2012 run, was the keynote speaker at the rally. DeMint said he hoped that Iowa would be the first state to “redirect our country to the principles that we want our candidate to carry.” DeMint further described the Republican nomination as being not a personality contest and not a contest over who has the best speech. The article then describes DeMint as a major political mover in the Republican Party. It discusses his backing of conservative tea party candidates in 2010 and specifically mentions his support of Joe Miller, the Alaska Republican candidate for Senate that ousted Sen. Lisa Murkowski. The writer also refers to DeMint as “key” in 2012 for his ability to raise money for candidates. Near the close of the article, DeMint is reported to have urged the crowd to pay close attention to the GOP candidates in the coming year, referencing specifically how they debate in Congress, how they hold conservative values, and how they stand on foreign policy and Libya. The article closes with a quote from King, where he says that he hopes the conference will be a “multiplying” force in making Obama a one-term president. It is assumed that Politico writer Maggie Haberman, the story’s author, was present at the event. No other sources are given.

The article does an adequate job of reporting on Sen. Jim DeMint’s speech in Iowa. The article uses a hard news approach, with the first paragraph introducing DeMint and the second paragraph providing the first quote of the story from DeMint. While Haberman does do some writing and concluding of her own, the majority of the story develops through quotes. In paragraph five, the article transitions to political analysis and mentions the value of DeMint in the 2012 election. While this part of the article is beneficial, it does not quote an expert in the field of political science. An interview would have been helpful in establishing the credibility of these political conclusions. Finally, the article ends with a quote from Rep. Steve King. King says that he hopes the conference will be beneficial in preventing Obama’s reelection. This quote is an excellent way to end the story, but because King is barely even referenced until the final paragraph, it leaves the reader wondering what other information King could provide. Overall, the article does an excellent job of reporting on DeMint’s keynote speech.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51994.html

News Post #7

“In India, Sarah Palin bashes President Obama”

At the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, India, Sarah Palin criticized President Obama, saying there would have been “less dithering, more decisiveness” on Libya if she were president. India Today Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie was questioning Palin at the conference. Palin said, “I won’t criticize what [Obama’s] foreign policy has been. But certainly there would have been more decisiveness.” Palin went on to describe the “rich tradition” in America of defending those fighting for freedom, saying Obama should have declared support for the opposition to the Libyan dictator earlier. However, Palin supported much of Obama’s plan, agreeing that ground troops should not be used and a no-fly zone should be implemented. The article goes on to discuss the rest of Palin’s questions. The writer, Andy Barr, describes her as being at ease with other questions about her “beloved tea party.” Additionally, when asked about a potential run in 2012, Palin said it is too early to make a decision. Palin also described herself as “pretty independent” from many in the Republican Party. Finally, the article discusses the one-of-a-kind introduction Palin received from Purie. Purie described her as the “sexiest brand of Republican politics” and said she has a “creative vocabulary.” The article ends with Palin describing Purie’s introduction as an “exemplification” of the kind of welcome she’s received in India. No sources, except for the writer, are given in the article.

This article uses a hard news approach to discuss the comments by Sarah Palin in India. The articles initial focus is the hypocrisy of Sarah Palin’s criticism of Barack Obama abroad. The author presents the information in a somewhat left-leaning slant and is extremely critical of Palin. The article could have easily been presented in a different way, outlining the events of the entire conference instead of focusing on one comment. However, this comment likely increased readership with the headline it uses. The first paragraph states the purpose of the article, including a brief quote from Palin. The first full sentence quote is not used until the third paragraph. The article moves from topic to topic smoothly, and ends with a summary of Palin’s feelings on Purie’s awkward introduction. Overall, the article comes off as uniquely critical of both Palin and her tea party.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51587.html

Periodical Comparison

Communication, Culture & Critique is a scholarly journal first published in March of 2008. According to the journal’s inaugural editor, Karen Ross, the journal exists to provide “an international forum for research and commentary that examines the role of communication in today’s world.” Topics explored in the journal include text and print-based media, broadcast, the Internet, games, and mobile telephones. Materials included in the journal are “research-informed articles, theory-focused essays, commentaries on evolving and topical issues, research notes, media reviews, and other scholarly contributions.” In addition, the editor hopes to publish issue-themed editions of the journal. According to its inaugural issue, Communication, Culture & Critique exists to not only inform readers, but also to provide thought-provoking works that produce question, debate, and dialogue. Contributors to the journal include scholars with “differing levels of seniority, experience, and background.” The journal is published by Blackwell Publishing Limited. To date, there have been four volumes and 13 issues of the journal, with four issues being published per year, one every quarter. Subscriptions to the journal are available through the publisher. According to Wiley Online Library, a database for scholarly journals, annual subscriptions to the journal with access in both print and online cost 100 dollars per year. For individual issues to be obtained, a quote is required from the publisher. For these research purposes, access to the journal was available via the Samford University library website.

Quill is the national magazine of the Society of Professional Journalists. According to the magazine’s online website, Quill offers “concrete techniques that help journalists become more effective in their profession, provides insight on the long-term impact of new developments in journalism, documents efforts to ensure press freedoms and includes new about the Society.” Additionally, the magazine includes six feature sections in each issue: ethics, freedom of information, diversity, journalism education, international journalism, and industry trends. In a 2001 survey of readers, of the 21,000 readers of the magazine, the majority of them are professionals in print and broadcast. The magazine was originally published in December of 1912 as the formal publication of Sigma Delta Chi, the forerunner to the Society of Professional Journalists. Today, Quill is published six times a year by the Society of Professional Journalists. Annual subscriptions to the magazine are 72 dollars. To date, there have been 99 volumes of the magazine. Access to the magazine is also available online through the Society of Professional Journalists’ website. For example, for the January/February 2011 issue, access is available through a downloadable PDF, with the issue broken into three parts. Advertising is also available in the magazine. A page on the magazine’s website details the advertising rates.

Both Communication, Culture & Critique and Quill are publications often referenced by journalism professionals. However, between the two publications exist two primary differences. First, the nature of each publication is very different. As mentioned previously, both publications are referenced by journalism professionals, but each publication serves very different purposes. Communication, Culture & Critique is an academic journal with articles submitted by various scholars in the field of communication. This journal is likely to be used by individuals studying in the field of communication in higher education or those pursuing other academic endeavors. In contrast, Quill is a magazine published with journalism professionals as the primary audience. It includes articles more likely to be read on a regular basis rather than used as a reference in academic research. Next, each publication discusses very different subject matter. Communication, Culture, & Critique looks at issues from an analytical level. It specializes in studying communication in today’s world and serves as a forum for discussion through its inclusion of thought-provoking and inquisitive articles. On the other hand, Quill serves as a publication for professional journalists. It serves to update readers on trends in journalism, advances in journalism ethics, and education. While Communication, Culture & Critique serves a purpose on the academic level, Quill primarily focuses on the professional level.

To illustrate the differences between the two publications, an example of an article from each publication is examined. First, an article from Volume 2, Issue 1 of Communication, Culture & Critique is examined. The article, “A Battle of Visions: Dueling Images of Morality in U.S. Political Campaign TV Ads,” is written by professors from the University of Florida and University of Missouri. The article discusses political campaign advertising and examines the Missouri senatorial election in 2006. The article applies symbolic convergence theory and fantasy theme analysis to critically analyze the senatorial election and political campaign advertising. In contrast is a recent article published in the January/February 2011 issue of Quill magazine. The article, written by Elissa Yancey, is a how-to article for professional journalists detailing how to best teach a class at a university or give a guest lecture at a professional conference. The article outlines five tips created by the author after her experiences giving lectures in a university and professional setting. 

News Post #6

“Romney’s move in New Hampshire”

In this Politico article, written by James Hohmann, Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign in New Hampshire takes center stage. The primary sources in the article are personal interviews and materials obtained by the writer. The article begins by stating that this Saturday night Romney will be “unofficially” kicking off his 2012 campaign in New Hampshire. Romney will speak to about 300 activists at the Carroll County Lincoln Day Dinner in Bartlett. Additionally, the article points out a recent endorsement from state Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, who will emcee the event held Saturday night. In his endorsement, Bradley told Politico that Romney could lead the country better than anybody. The article also includes one quote from State GOP spokeswoman Christine Baratta, who referred to Saturday night’s speech as a “big deal.” Politico obtained an excerpt of Romney’s speech for Saturday night. In the speech, Romney will discuss the economy, Obama’s damaging policies, and “putting Americans back to work.” The remainder of the article is devoted to political commentary from political scientist Andrew Smith, Director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Smith tells the writer that Romney will “fit right in” with the voters of the state, but not necessarily the activists of the state. Smith goes on to tell Politico that his speech Saturday night may be given to a somewhat hostile crowd, but the event will be critical to Romney’s success in New Hampshire. Romney has an excellent base in the state and will no doubt have a high-turnout primary. The article ends with a quote from Smith: “Everyone knows that he’s been running for president since 2007 and hasn’t stopped.”

The article takes a hard news approach and begins with a strong, yet somewhat lengthy lead. However, the second half of the lead refers to a major endorsement Romney won in New Hampshire, but does not give the name of the endorser. The reader assumes that the individual endorsing Romney will be revealed in the second paragraph, but it is not. Instead, the second paragraph discusses where the Romney event will be held, and the story does not address who endorsed Romney until the third paragraph. The order of the paragraphs is unusual and confusing. If rewritten, the second paragraph should discuss who the individual is endorsing Romney. For the remainder of the article, the story flows well. Beginning with a quote in the fourth paragraph, the article consistently has quotes throughout. Perhaps the strongest aspect of the article is the contribution from political scientist Andrew Smith. Smith gives insight into the political environment of New Hampshire and what the event Saturday means for Romney. His contribution educates the reader and gives readers a better understanding of what Romney’s speech means for his political future. The story ends with a quote from Smith. The quote wraps the story well, referring to the history of Romney’s campaigns in New Hampshire. By including this quote, the story leaves the readers with a resolution to the article, yet also instills in them a curiosity to continue following Romney’s campaign.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/50705.html

March of Dimes

March of Dimes is Saturday, April 30.

Advertising Response Post

            The advertising group covered key topics and issues in the advertising industry during their presentation on Monday. The presentation began with a brief class activity, where classmates pointed out key differences between several sets of two advertisements shown on the television screen. Next, the group discussed the history of the advertising industry, its evolution and use today, how ads can appeal to customers, well-known advertising agencies, product placement in television, and jobs in the advertising industry. The group placed the most emphasis and importance on the ways advertisements appeal to customers.

            The group discussed the 15 ways advertisements can appeal to customers during the middle portion of their presentation. They are the needs for sex, affiliation, nurture, guidance, to aggress, to achieve, to dominate, prominence, attention, autonomy, escape, to feel safe, aesthetic sensations, satisfied curiosity, and physiological needs. The class took part in an activity where each student received an advertisement and discussed the needs of individuals that were targeted in each advertisement. For example, an advertisement for Durex, a condom producer, took advantage of the need for sex and the need to feel safe in its advertisement. Another example included a girl in a bikini holding a life-size bottle of Coca-Cola, another appeal to the need for sex. Throughout the activity, the need for sex was the overwhelmingly most common need targeted by advertising agencies. Although several other needs were common in other advertisements, such as the need for prominence and need for autonomy, the need for sex was not only the most common, but the most consistent need addressed by advertisements from both decades ago and today.

            Throughout the advertising group’s presentation, class activities and interactions helped show the evolution of the advertising industry. From its initial beginnings in the 18th century to today, advertising has adapted to the modern-day market and its need for advertisements. By taking advantage of the 15 ways advertisements appeal to customers, the industry will no doubt continue to be a major mass medium for years to come. 

News Post #5

“In his weekly address, President Obama warns Congress against shutdown”

This Politico article, written by Abby Phillip, is a news post summarizing a portion of President Obama’s weekly address. The weekly address is the only source used by the writer. The article focuses specifically on Obama’s warning of a government shutdown. The deadline, March 4, is only days away, and both parties have yet to agree on a compromise for a short-term federal budget. Obama was quoted as saying that both Republicans and Democrats need to compromise in order to avoid the government shutdown, and said that neither party will get what they want. Republicans are proposing a short-term continuing resolution that includes cuts to the federal budget, while Democrats have proposed a bill that would temporarily extend the government’s spending level. Obama also said in his address that he is willing to consider any new ideas from either party to help reduce the deficit, as long as those ideas don’t cut much-needed investments. Additionally, Obama noted in his address that his administration has already begun making cuts by freezing non-discretionary domestic spending for the next five years, foregoing federal employee salary increases for three years, and slashing the budgets of programs designed to help low-income neighborhoods. The article ends with a quote in which Obama refers to the nation as a family; a family that has to live within its means.

            The article, written with a hard news approach, is a descriptive news article of President Obama’s discussion on the approaching government shutdown on March 4. In it’s entirety, the article is extremely objective, and uses very little descriptive words or opinions from the writer. The article includes a brief quote in the first paragraph, and quickly includes a quote in the second paragraph of the story. As a whole, the article uses more quotes than the average article, allowing the quotes, more than the writer, to tell the story. The article is very descriptive, and includes views of the ideal proposals from both parties. Finally, the article ends with a strong quote. In the quote, Obama compares the nation to a family, discussing the family’s need to keep finances in order. Ending with a slightly lengthy, yet strong quote proves to be the most effective way to end this article.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/50241.html

Film Analysis Post

Movies have become a regular part of our everyday lives. Whether it be seeing a movie at a theater, watching a movie on television, or seeing a preview for an upcoming film, movies have changed the way society thinks. Beginning in the late 1800s, movies began to transform our nation, and have since had major effects on the job market and made key technological advances.

            Eadweard Muybridge was the first to produce motion picture in film in 1877. In the film, Muybridge used 12 cameras to capture a horse’s movements as it ran along a track. Although Muybridge’s film was played without sound, movies began to use background music and words on the screen to convey the message of the film. Forty years after Muybridge’s film, the first motion picture with sound was produced. Since then, the movie industry has made leaps and bounds as a major mass medium. Although severely effected by the television industry in the 1950s, film has remained a significant industry. In 1966, the Motion Picture Association of America introduced its rating system; the same rating system we use for movies today.

            With the advancement of the movie industry, the job market in film production has increased tremendously. Although actors and actresses have the most visible roles in movies, several other individuals work behind the scenes in the film industry. These positions include screenwriters, producers, directors, production agents, and marketing and administration agents. Although these positions are the most well-known, several other positions such as make-up artists, boom operators, extras, and cameramen all play pivotal roles in determining a movie’s success.

            Film has made significant advances in technology since its initial inception in the 1800s. First, the introduction of high definition televisions and 3-D projections has effected the way viewers watch television.  Although created in the 1950s, 3-D has picked up steam in recent years, becoming a regular part of popular movies, such as the recently released film Avatar. Additionally, high definition televisions and widescreen televisions have changed the makeup of cameras and the way programs are shown on television. Perhaps the most significant change in recent year is the ability to watch movies on internet databases, such as Netflix. With this growing industry of movie viewing online, travelling to movie theaters is becoming increasingly less common.

            It is evident that the movie industry has evolved tremendously since its inception in the 1800s. Since then, the industry has involved in a number of ways. Film has established itself as a major mass medium, created numerous jobs, and made significant technological advances. With such significant advances having already taken place, the industry is likely to continue to evolve in the future.  

Television Response Post

The television group presented a wide-scale analysis of the television industry, discussing its past, present, and future. Specifically, the group covered the history of television, it’s effects on culture, the progression of television programming since the 1950s, changes in technology, and careers in the television industry.

            The group presented in most detail the cultural effects of television. First, the group discussed the social learning theory: the tendency of audiences to emulate what they see on television. As an example, the group showed a clip from School House Rock, pointing out the tendency of young students to learn national history through the program’s songs. Next, the group discussed the stereotypes produced from television programs, such as MTV’s Skins. Third, the group presented the cultivation theory, the theory that people who spend more time watching television are more likely to receive the real world in the way it is depicted on television, and used a clip from Criminal Minds as an example. With the clip, the group brought to light the tendency of individuals to become more aware of crime as a result of crime dramas. Next, the group discussed the tendency of individuals to have emotional attachments to characters in a show, a concept defined as para-social relationships. Finally, the group discussed the role of television as an outlet to get away from the stresses of every day life. To illustrate this, the group showed an eyebrow-raising clip from the show Jerry Springer.

            The group also showed a number of television clips from the 1950s, clips from the 1980s, and clips from today. Perhaps missing from the presentation was the similarities among television shows from each time period. While the differences were evident and quickly pointed out, the similarities of each television program were not. The aspects of television that have withstood the test of time could have been an interesting and unique contribution to the presentation.

            On the whole, the group did an excellent job presenting television as a form of mass media. The details of television, from its inception to its modern-day uses, were presented to the class well, inspiring critical thinking and discussion among the class. With the information the group presented, the upcoming trip to NBC-13 will be even more interactive and informative as we see the hands-on uses of the topics the group discussed. 

News Post #3

“Robert Gibbs: ‘I hope you had fun, too”

Written by Politico writer Carol E. Lee, this article outlines the events of Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' last working day in the White House. It is evident that Lee is the primary source of information for the article; however, Mike Allen also contributed to the article, as noted at the article's close. The article begins by describing the end of his time in the White House as a “fitting end to a colorful tenure,” and goes on to point out that Robert Gibbs’ last day was also the last day for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Lee writes that White House staffers were not only scrambling to deal with the events in Egypt, but also preparing the final ceremonies outlining Gibbs’ departure. President Obama joined Gibbs in the White House Briefing Room on his last day. The president joked about the coincidence of Gibbs and Mubarak both leaving the same day, followed by a story about the tie he borrowed from Gibbs before speaking at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. The speech, the writer notes, catapulted him into the national spotlight. Obama returned the framed tie to Gibbs at the press briefing. Unlike many other press secretaries, Gibbs was also a long-time key advisor to Obama in his campaigns and in the White House, a key role that very few of his predecessors filled. Lee also points out several key events that Gibbs covered during his time as Press Secretary, including the oil spill in the Gulf, the economy, war, unemployment, the party crashing of a state dinner, and tragedies at Fort Hood and Tucson, Ariz. Lee briefly writes of Gibbs habits and personality. Gibbs, an Alabama native, was known for his refusal to answer questions and back-and-forths with reporters. Gibbs was also well known for being late to briefings, and Lee devotes several paragraphs to the breakdown of the three-hour delay of Gibbs’ last briefing. He was also the first White House press secretary to create a Twitter account, @PressSec. After his last day, Gibbs will begin work with Harry Walker Agency as a paid speaking circuit, as well as working with Obama’s presidential campaign in 2012. Gibbs also plans to spend more time with his family, pointing out that he plans to walk to the bus stop with his son on Monday. The writer quotes Joe Lockhart, a former Clinton press secretary. Lockhart notes that perhaps the most difficult part of the transition out of the White House will come after his last day, saying that it will be difficult to watch the news and not immediately prepare for “political combat.” In closing, Lee writes that Gibbs caught many reporters off-guard at the end of his final press briefing, telling all of them, “I will miss you.”

In the article, Lee chooses to write in a more story-telling fashion rather than using the hard news approach of quickly relaying the crucial information of the story. Without previous knowledge, the title of the article and first paragraph give no indication of what the topic of the article may be. By the second paragraph, Lee states the purpose of the article: the departure of Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. However, she cleverly weaves in the coincidence of Gibb’s departure also falling on the same day as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s departure. Quotes do not begin until the fifth paragraph, with a quote from President Obama about Gibbs’ necktie. After pointing out the major events of the press briefing, Lee effectively points out the highlights of Gibbs’ career and his future plans after leaving the White House. Perhaps most effectively, Lee quotes a former press secretary for President Bill Clinton, introducing the hardships Gibbs’ will face after departure. With such a strong quote, Lee hooks the reader into continuing to read, even though the story has already become lengthy. The article also ends with an effective quote, one that was both shocking to reporters and readers alike. Although extremely wordy and long, the article successfully gives a recap of Gibbs’ final briefing and brief history of his time as a press secretary.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49378.html

News Post #2

“Grand event marks Ronald Reagan’s 100th”

This article, written by Johnathan Martin and James Hohmann of Politico, is a summary article of the ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library held in honor of what would have been Reagan’s 100th birthday. Martin and Hohmann identify no source in the article, leading to the assumption that at least one of the writers may have been present at the event.  Taking place in Simi Valley, California, Reagan’s native state, the writers are quick to praise Reagan’s longtime supporters that planned the events and festivities in his honor. Most notably, the writers devote several paragraphs to Reagan’s aging wife, Nancy Reagan. At age 90, Nancy Reagan took part in every aspect of the ceremony Sunday, including the placement of a wreath on her late husband’s gravesite. As often occurs, Nancy Reagan referred to the late president as “Ronnie,” and the writers echoed the often-heard sentiment of how close the couple seemed to be.  James A. Baker III, a former Chief of Staff to Reagan, was the keynote speaker at the event. Baker noted that today’s environment is similar to that faced by Reagan during his administration and encouraged those in office to reach across the aisle much like Reagan did. Baker said to the crowd that “Reagan’s biggest legacy may have been that he challenged us to have big dreams about where we’re going.” Gary Sinise, the actor known as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump also spoke at the event. Additionally, musicians such as Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, the Beach Boys and Greenwood sang “Happy Birthday” in memory of the late president. The ceremony also included a 21-gun salute, a Marine color guard and band, and a four-jet fly-over. The article also included commentary from former Vice President Dick Cheney after the ceremony, who chose to focus more on Reagan’s record on foreign policy than his personality, pointing out his advancements in relations with the Soviet Empire. At the conclusion of the article, the writers include a sentimental quote from Nancy Reagan about her feelings of the day and memories it brought.

Martin and Hohmann use a hard news approach to summarize the events of the ceremony to commemorate Ronald Reagan’s centennial birthday. While the first paragraph states the purpose of the story, the rest of the article unfolds in a story-like fashion, providing a play-by-play of the ceremony for the audience. The writers are respectable of the late president, and, rather than criticizing him, are intentional about continuing the praise he received during the ceremony. Quotes are not used until the sixth paragraph, but are consistently used throughout the remainder of the article to present new points and backup points already presented. In the final paragraph of the article, the authors effectively wrap the article with an emotional quote from the late president’s wife, conveying and affirming the overall theme of remembrance and respect shown towards Reagan.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/48951.html

In-Class Writing: 1/31/2011

Website Analysis

Politico.com, the online version of the Politico newspaper, is largely concerned with politics, through both elections and policy work. The site is mostly devoted to politics on a national level, focusing on the presidency, Congress, and lobbying in Washington. Additionally, the site features an opinion area and community section, where readers can create and contribute to forums on issues of national politics. A video section exists, as well as a section titled “Politico Click,” an area devoted to political gossip. The site often creates special sections devoted to specific topics. For example, politico.com recently created, “2012 Live,” a section specializing in the upcoming presidential election in 2012.

“Pawlenty hits Obama on Egypt response”

This news article, written by James Hohmann of Politico, outlines potential presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty’s criticism of the slow response to the Egypt crisis by the Obama Administration. Using a hard news approach, Hohmann states the main purpose of the article in his first sentence, and continues to give the location of Pawlenty when he was speaking and a more detailed description of who he is in the second paragraph. This is followed by quotes beginning in the second paragraph and continuing throughout the story. These quotes, which back up the title and initial paragraph of the article, were received from MinnPost.com. Pawlenty specifically criticizes Obama’s slow approach to the issue with Egypt, citing his recent State of the Union address, in which he hardly spoke of foreign policy, as evidence of his shortcomings. Additionally, Pawlenty goes on to describe his own credentials in foreign policy, discussing recent trips to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his recent hire of a former Bush assistant on foreign policy. The article concludes with a quote from Pawlenty that he made in a recent radio interview in Des Moines, Iowa, a recent stop on his book tour. In the quote, the theme of criticism against the Obama Administration’s approach to foreign policy continues.

In the article, Hohmann’s hard news approach seems to be the most effective. He clearly states the purpose of the article in very few words in his first paragraph, and backs up his information with direct quotes from Pawlenty. His approach is clean and concise, and his decision to wrap the article with a strong ending quote proves effective. Hohmann is also effective in subtly inserting his opinion into the article. He describes Pawlenty as an “all-but-declared presidential candidate,” and writes that Pawlenty is often eager to add his own personal experience in the Middle East. These additions, though they contain some evidence, are presented as being subjective to the author’s opinion. For example, another writer may not emphasize how “eager” Pawlenty seems to be to discuss his experience in the Middle East. Overall, however, Hohmann writes with little to no bias or opinion in the rest of his article.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/48524.html

“Mitt’s in the money”

            In the article titled “Mitt’s in the money,” writer Kasie Hunt of Politico outlines Mitt Romney’s financial position as he enters into 2011, and compares him to two other top possible presidential competitors, Sarah Palin and John Thune. Hunt writes that Romney currently has approximately $1.4 million of cash on hand after raising $6.3 million last year, trailed by Sarah Palin, who currently has $1.3 million and raised $4.5 million in 2010. Thune, however, has over $7 million of cash on hand after facing no opposition in his recent Senate reelection. Though no source is attributed in the article, several sources revealing financial information of Romney’s political action committee were used, potentially from the Federal Election Commission or another government agency. The article goes on to discuss the sources of Romney’s cash flow, and contributes this money to several state-based PACs of Romney’s. In closing, the article describes where Romney’s money seems to be going: other candidates and conservative causes. Additionally, it provides a breakdown of the sources of his money, with federal accounts having slightly more money than state-based PACs.

            Hunt’s article maintains its basis on statistics throughout, including numbers and dollar amounts in every paragraph used in the article. The article is straight to the point, and provides no analysis of the numbers or any sort of expert opinion on what the numbers may mean. Although the title, “Mitt’s in the Money,” is vague and almost demands a subtitle or preview of the article, Hunt’s first sentence quickly states her point: potential candidate Romney currently has more money than almost any other contender in the presidential race. Hunt’s use of details to provide the origin of the money proves helpful in giving readers a look at where the former governor may be campaigning the most, where his base may be, and where he may be looking to open headquarters if he decides to declare his candidacy.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/48512.html