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.