Unfortunate but True

Check out this story on digg. http://www.10000words.net/2009/09/10-ugly-truths-about-modern-journalism.html
Thanks Mr. Manriquez for sending it to me.

Newspaper Exchange Critique due Monday

Be prepared to briefly explain something you liked in the paper you critiqued and how we might try something similar in our paper.

Please turn in the staff position sheets on Monday, so I can announce the positions on Tuesday. That sheet does not list an Opinion/Editorial page editor which is something I would like to have (although it could be handled by the Editor-in-Chief). Neither does it list an Entertainment page editor. This could be part of the features page if the features editor feels confident about assigning music/movie/video game stories and reviews, or it could be handled by a separate editor if there is someone who is interested. Oh yeah, we also need a copy editor, whose job it is to proofread everything after it has been edited by the editor who assigned the story.

Remember to check the AOL account at crimsonchron@aol.com. When I get newspaper-related email from people I forward it there. There's some sort of call-in interview for one of the stars of the movie FAME at 4:30 p.m. on Monday if someone wants to do it. Read the email for details.

Check out this website

Click on the link at right and you can read the front pages of nearly 800 newspapers from around the world. They are arranged alphabetically, but you can sort them by region. You can also print the front page and visit the newspaper's website for more information. How do news stories in Los Angeles compare to Tuscaloosa, Austin, or Anchorage? Which layouts do you find pleasing? Which do you find cluttered or busy?

The Newseum is a museum in Washington, D.C. devoted to the news media. There's also lots of interesting content on its main page.

Are you a guard dog?

Hope you are all enjoying your vacation. I'm at the University of Texas, Austin learning about high school journalism. This morning the editor of the Houston Chronicle told us high school journalists need to be watchdogs of the students interests. Student journalists shouldn't be lapdogs that want to sit in important people's laps and lick their faces, said editor Jeff Cohen. Nor should they be attack dogs, unnecessarily biting people. "You want them to be guard dogs growling, or guide dogs," Cohen said.

Final Issue June 9

We are slowing down a bit this week and next so you can study for your AP exams. The following week is the California Standards Test, so we will be on a special schedule. All stories will be due on or before May 22.
Think about what stories you want to write for this final issue. Check with your sources on your beat and make sure you are aware of all upcoming events. We will firm up our budget (story assignments) on Tuesday.