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Dinner for One

I would inform my chief about the “dinner client” case and his or her request. However, if my source requires money, and my newspaper reimburses my costs, I have no choice and let him enjoy his dinner alone. If the source wants to chance his or her mind, he or she can invite me for another dinner and tell me the facts.

The Worst Trip of My Life

I think I would inform my chief about the case because I do not want to be responsible for losing an important advertiser. Furthermore, I know that I have to report the truth because I am a journalist and journalists do not tell fairy tales about bad air lines. Hence, I think my travel editor knows the best and that is why I would wait for his or her answer and then write an article about the air line.

Error in My Story

I know it is important to correct a mistake, however, if there is no budget to correct the mistake I leave it alone because I really do not want to risk a pay rise. I would only change my mind if more complaints followed. In other words, I would not publish the source’s story from a different angle.

Teenager Prostitute

I do not think that I would run this story because I do not want to endanger her life or to make her more miserable. However, I would advise her to seek help so she would be able to talk about her issues, and she might find a different job. Furthermore, I think I would try to find a different news angle to make the public aware how children suffer, without identifying sources or victims. I really think it is important to pay attention on child and teenage violation in order to stop this crime.

Daily Miracle vs. Reality

The daily Miracle gave me a good introduction to journalism and I really tried to answer its questions. However, to be honest, I am not sure if all my answers really apply to reality because reality brings new circumstances, and therefore new issues. I think many of my answers were really brave. I am not sure, whether I always asked my chief or editor if new problems arose; it would always depend on my chief because there are” good” and “mean or bad” chiefs in the world, who can get mad or annoyed whenever you ask them for help or advice. Another point is that I really have to do a work experience in this field to experience how it is like to work under pressure, and how it will affect my writing if I work in a newsroom with a lot of people. I am concerned because during my test in journalism I lost my self-confidence and my feeling for writing. I was too concerned with the time and with the other people around me, instead of focusing on my story. Hence, I should face reality and do something against it; otherwise I should strike a new path.

Working in Converged News rooms

It is relevant for media companies to regulate cross-media ownership laws in order to enable journalists to work for different media like newspapers, television, radio and the web. Web, especially, is a new form of publishing that includes print, sound and vision. Hence, converged news rooms require multiskillness in different media which have different laws and defamations; journalists need to know those new skills and rules. In other words, journalists need to take courses regularly in order to become familiar with different media and at the same time to be able to report the same story in different ways for different media. Furthermore, they need to be up-to-date with the different laws and defamations. Online news, for instance, are published internationally, hence, different rules and laws apply for online publishing than for publishing news via newspapers or television. Then, if the converged newsroom is not governmental, it is important that journalists become familiar with advertisement; they need to be able to attract more advertisement companies in order to be sponsored. There is no doubt, that converged newsrooms are more dynamic and flexible, hence, they require more education and skills. Therefore, it is important that journalists in the future will be provided by the government and private companies with the required education before they can work in converged newsrooms.

Being a Superjournalist is a Myth

If the journalist only wants to work as print journalist because he feels uncomfortable to work for the television, I think the journalist would not do the job. As a print journalist it is more likely that one works for the web, instead of working for the television and the radio. In other words, in the future more and more companies will have cross-ownerships; however, this does not mean that the journalist has to be a “super-journalist” who can produce news for all the different media at the same time. One has to be aware that different media require different forms of writing and publishing, it would be too much work for one journalist. Furthermore, if one journalist would do the job for all the different media, the unemployment rate of journalists most likely would increase. However, if a company asks a print journalist to report on television, the journalist should protest against the company because journalists cannot be “all things to all media at once.” It is important to response to the future, but at the same time it is important to know the borders. Fairfax journalists, for instance, “held stop meetings to protest management requirements“during April 2000, because they knew that journalists have certain rights and that they do not have to accept everything. Even though, the idea of being a “superjournalist” is a myth, journalists should be able to speak in public and therefore practice to be more self-confident.

Journalistic Convergence Is the Future

Journalistic convergence is not just a trendy fad; it is the future. Journalists in the future will more and more work for different media. Companies who fail to produce and create good products will go broke, but converged newsrooms that produce and create quality will grow and develop further. Through development they are able to attract more users. The web can be compared with the mobile phone. The quality of mobiles has also attracted more users and its usage in general has increased over time; especially, as the mobile converged with different media like the internet or digital cameras. The same will happen to the web. I think the future will surprise us with more digital technologies which will lead to more convergence with old media forms in order to attract more users.

Relaxed cross-media ownership

Relaxed cross-media laws would lead to more convergence between different media. However, media companies have to face the danger that more news might be for free and that they do not make enough profit. Therefore, it is important that journalists improve their writing to attract advertisers that could sponsor them because nobody wants to work for free. Another way might be to increase taxes in order to promote converged newsrooms but I do not think that the society would be happy about this idea.

Crystal Ball Promises More Quality

My crystal ball would say that newspaper, television, radio and web have to become friends in order to create more quality. They have to converge more and more in order to survive. If new technology appears on the market, it will converge to new forms. Furthermore, my crystal ball also says that old media forms will not disappear, but coexist in their own right, however, they will “grow” and improve in order to reach more quality; television, for instance, will become digital and provide better sound and visual techniques. The same happened to “Mr. Walkman” who became “Mr. mp3-player” that now competes with “Mr. i-pod.” All in all, it says if media is willing to respond to the future, more quality can be produced and they do not have to worry in order to survive on the market.

Universities Require More “Multiskilling”

Multiskilling is important for the future. Journalists who are able to work across different media will more likely get a job in the future. Hence, multiskilling should be integrated into journalism studies. Students could experience different writing styles and at the same time become familiar with different media. They would feel more comfortable and self-confident. Furthermore, it would be easier to make decision because many students do not know, whether they prefer to work for the print or the sound media. However, the courses should start with introductions so that students could get an overview. Later on, students should decide which skills they want to improve because they have to feel comfortable and self-confident in order to produce excellent work. Last but not least, it is very important that students are proactive and are willing to advance their skills or to learn new skills. This includes writing, usage of cameras, recorders and computers (including CAR) and to get familiar with new media forms like facebook and so on. All in all, multiskillness always improves better job opportunities.

Internet and Web Are the Society

It depends what one expects from life. If you are really interest in the media, it is more likely that you are relying on the internet and the web. I do not think that the older generation that did not grow up with the web will really adjust to it. My parents, for instance, are really afraid of computers and they have no clue how to use this technical device. In other words, there are people who can able survive without the internet.

However, nowadays children grow up with the internet and the web; it is naturally for them to use those devices, especially in school Hence, I think it is more likely that our society will more and more rely on the internet and the web; it will become more important in our lives. I think one can compare the internet with mobiles. In its infancy, people did not really depend on the mobile, but today everyone has a mobile. Furthermore, mobiles become more dynamic; they have more technical devices. They include digital cameras, mp3 players and internet. However, the have not replaced the home telephone. The same will or has already happen to the internet; the internet will develop more new technical devices and make the use of internet more dynamic, flexible and easier to access. However, this does not mean that the internet will replace the other media like newspapers, radio and television.

Honest Mistake

I should be careful with my decision because Australia has strict defamation laws and if disagree with publishing a full story, I might be charged with a high payment. Of course, the defamation laws vary from state to state, so if the media does not assist to run a full story, I must face the consequences. However, if I were a newspaper editor in New South Wales and my reporter made an honest mistake that had defamed someone and the person defamed was not satisfied with my apology, I would run a full-page feature story promoting her business because I do not want be sued.

Supporting a Public Figure Defence

I think it is important to support a public figure defence it order to get more rights. The public has the right to know what is going on and if journalists have to fear defamation action just because some celebrities or politicians feel offended by a journalist, who more likely reports the truth about a person than lies about him or her, it does not legitimize to threaten journalists. A journalist’s job is not to tell fairy tales, he or she only wants to reveal the truth and I think celebrities and politicians should learn to deal with it. I think it is time to change the Australian system because everyone should have the right of free speech as long as nobody is discriminated.

No Fair Comment, No Protection

My principle is to keep sources confidential. However, if a confidential source told the wrong facts, I would change my opinion because I do not think that my newspaper should take responsibility for this person and that my newspaper should be sued for defamation. In other words, I would identify the source because I was willing to help her or him by giving him the chance to give a fair comment. Hence, it is not my fault if this person does not accept my help. My source should face the consequences and not my newspaper. Finally, if I reveal the identity in court, the story angle could change because of new information and I would have something to write about.

Work Experience

Work experience opens first gates to the real work. Through internships and placements students can experience how their subject skills might be useful in the work place. There, students will be able to learn to transfer their skills which they had learnt at university such as research, reading, writing, analytical thinking and more importing working under pressure with deadlines. Work experience enables students to use their skills in practice and to realise that their academic studies make sense. Students who for example, study English or history may worry about the future because they do not study a profession like teachers or journalists do. Another advantage of placements is that students are able to learn new skills and they get to know other people. Moreover, students can find out whether they really like to work one field or whether they prefer another profession. Students only can benefit from work experience. Through work internships a students will belong to the community of their placement and hear of jobs opportunities and other events. My humble self did a volunteer job and a short-term internship at CanStage Theatre in Canada and I still receive job-postings via email. My best advantage was that I won some new interesting friends. We are still in contact via “skype” or “facebook.” In short, I had a great time at CanStage because I experienced how it is to work behind the scenes and I experienced some meet-and-greets with the press. It was fun to see how a play comes to life, especially when the media was involved. Visit http://www.canstage.com to experience CanStage yourself.

ABC Privatised

No, I do not think ABC should be privatised. If it becomes privatised, balance among the programs is jeopardized; the programs would be too subjective. Apart from that the audience would not trust ABC if it is commercialised. On the other hand, it would save taxes. Another reason is that if ABC becomes privatised it will have impact on broadcast journalism. Journalists would undergo a change; more codes would control their reports. Their reports could lose value and quality. The reports could become more event-orientated and dramatic than issue-orientated. Journalists might write “cash on comment” stories. This would also reduce the value of their story. It would not be a “tell the truth” or “reveal a big story” report rather a commercialised report. Apart from that, I do not believe that the government funding process could be made less political. ABC is the government and the government is political; ABC without political interference is impossible.

Broadcast Teams Need Objectivity

If I would be a television news director with two strong job applications, I would hire the male in order to have more balance among my broadcast team. If the male joins the team, the team will consist of four females and at least two males. If I hired the woman, there would be five women against one man. I think I would risk that our reports would become too subjective in a feminist way. Through the man my team would become more dynamic. He could help to bring more objectivity into our team. Plus, men think differently; they have another point of view. In other words, they approach things from different angles than women do. Apart from that, I do not think that the age plays an important role. If one works for the media business, it is important that one can work with people of all age groups. All in all, I think that skills and experience are the most important criteria.

Web Is The Best Communicator

My best communicator is the web. It is dynamic because it involves all communicators. It provides sound, video, photographs, graphics and texts; it is one converged medium.
It is also always up-to-date and I can do more research if I want. The information is not limited. I can gather information national and international. I am able to choose only the items of interest. In other words, I am more flexible. I can filter news myself. I am able to “rewind” or reread the news which is impossible on the television or the radio.
I do not depend on time schedules in order to watch news. I can use the web whenever I want to get the information I want or need. Then, if I get sick of reading, I just can listen to the web radio or watch web television.

Last Federal Election Campaign In Germany

I’m sorry but I was not in Australia during the last federal election campaign in Australia.

Hence, I will focus on Germany.

The last federal Election in Germany was in November 2005. It focused more on issues than on personalities. Our political parties said that they will solve issues such as improving the environment or reducing the unemployment rate. However, I think it would be better if they would have had presented the concepts of their solutions. Apart from that, I think it is important to vote, especially if one gets the chance to vote. Hence, I think that our political parties forgot to place emphasis on how important elections are. Through elections one has the chance to change the parliament. I think many people are not aware of that. Unlike in Australia, in Germany one does not get charged, if one does not vote. In other words, I think it would be a good idea to introduce this law because people would engage more with politics.

Speaking Skills: The Importance Of Voice

In the future journalists will not only work for one media. The future will become more dynamic and faster. Hence, it is more likely that the workplace will emerged to one converged medium that involves all three communications. This means journalists should learn other skills than writing. One of the other important skills is speaking. Voice plays always an importance role. It reflects reliability and confidence. It is important for interviews and presentations. If journalists are unable to control tone and rhythm; or they cannot speak in front of other people, they should definitely take lessons or go to toast masters in order to practice their speaking. Otherwise, it is difficult to catch somebody’s interested and to involve them into one’s story. Furthermore, journalists in the future will more often work as freelancers who have different jobs at once. In other words, they might work for the newspaper and a broadcast team. Therefore it is essential that journalists are able to govern their voice. Controlling their voice means that journalists should not speak too slowly or quickly, and emphasise on the wrong words, or sound artificial. Furthermore, it is important that the voice is clear, authorities and convincing. Nervousness should be avoided; journalists should avoid tones that are nasal or lacking richness, and strange sounds like ‘hms.’ In general, if a journalist lacks speaking skills, it is time to look for help because journalists of the future should be flexible and response to change; even though they will never work for a broadcast team, good speaking skills and a good voice are more professional.

Police Reporter

If I was a police reporter and a young man would tell me a story about an off-duty police officer who has bashed him, I would investigate the story further to ensure that the man was telling the truth. As a journalist I know that it is my duty to report the crime. Further, the story sounds newsworthy. The police officer appears unprofessional; he is part of the government and he is supposed to protect citizens. Morever, I would consult my chief-off-staff and tell him if I report the story that the police will not talk to me again. In other words, I let him decide. If he wants me to publish the story, I will do it because I want to keep my job.

Suicidal woman

I do not want to endanger her life. Hence, I would be careful. In other words, I would not identify her in my report if I tell her story. I would write the story in passive voice to create a distinct separation between the crime and the suspect. This way, the defendant could not be recognized. All in all, I think the story sounds to be more like curiosity rather than a right to know story.

Celebrity

As a journalist I do not care whether a citizen or a celebrity is charged in an open court. In other words, I would report on the celebrity. Like a celebrity, a citizen can also lose his job. I do not distinguish between them. It would be unfair to the other ordinary citizen, if I did. Finally, it sounds newsworthy, especially, if the celebrity would be a politician like G. Bush.

High-profile Murder Trial

The story appears very newsworthy. If there is enough time I would investigate the story. However, I would definitely consult the experts to tell them about the situation that two jury members have accepted bribes from two corrupt high-ranking police officers. It is unfair if the suspect does not get a fair process. Finally, I would consult my chief-of-staff and tell him that I have a newsworthy story that reveals how our system operates. If he allows me to publish the story, I will take responsibility for the consequences. If the story is true and I do not report on it, I could not call myself a journalist. Plus, I would support the police officers. In other words, I would be responsible that the subject was charged because of corrupt officers.

Journalists Must Be Engaged With Media

Journalist must know everything. If journalists want to inform the public, they must be well informed. They should develop both general and specific knowledge from wide variety of sources. If they work for the newspaper, they should know about their newspaper. If they work for the radio, they should listen to their radio station. In other words, journalist should get informed before they leave for work. It is important, especially, if someone wants to comment a story, they need the background knowledge. Apart from that, journalists should read other newspapers such as local and national ones. This way they know what the concurrence is reporting on and whether they missed some breaking news. Another reason is that journalists get a wider knowledge. Further, they can become more critical and can be quick at repartee. It is also a good way to gather story ideas. To get gather story ideas, and to stay informed, journalist should consult all media. In other words, it is important to listen to the radio which includes the public and commercialised radio. Apart from that, they should watch public and commercialised television and engage with the internet, which is very dynamic because it involves all three media. Journalist should always carry a notebook with them and keep a journal to gather or develop ideas. Furthermore, it is essential to gather contacts and talk to them now and then.
All in all, it journalists should not focus only one medium but on all media. They must be flexible, always make notes and engage with new media.

The Story of the Year

Since the chief-staff makes the decision, I would tell him that I might have the story of the year. Plus, that there is the issue that another media could have the story as well. Even though, it is a slow news day today I would explain him that I need at least two days on the story. This way I could do more investigation and create a better hook for the story. At the same, I could beat the other media which has the same story. If the other media is broadcast, the society might already know the news. However, if the chief-of-staff disagrees, I will give my best to write a strong story in one day.

The Loss of 120 Jobs

As a journalist it is my duty to report on the filth in the kitchen. On the one hand, I really do not want that 120 people lose their jobs and on the other hand I do not want that more guests and staff become sick. However, my responsibility is to inquire into the story, to warn the public and to consult the public health department in order to protect the people. Otherwise, I would be a bad journalist. Besides that I would keep my sources confidential because I would not like to put their lives at risk; people who lose their jobs can become very unpredictable and aggressive. Additionally, if the resort’s manager refuses to comment, I would state it in my article.

The Production Process Has To Be On Time

If I was the late sub-editor for a daily newspaper, and a solicitor prohibits to publish the defendant’s name because of a judge’s order, and there is no time to call anyone without delaying the production process, I would delete the name of the defendant; even though the solicitor sounds drunk. Additionally, if there is enough room on the front page, I would state that circumstances require to keep the defandant’s name confidential. If I publish the defendant’s name, I might get into trouble if the judge had prohibited to publish the name. Additionally, I would not have had enough time to find another front page story. My job is to ensure that the editorial department meets its deadline to satisfy the production and distribution processes. To ensure that the solicitor was not lying, I would consult the solicitor or judge the next day to clarify the issue.

Police vs. Editor Angle

The editior is my gatekeeper and not the the police officer. As junior journalist, I would listen to my editor because he or she decides what is being published. I do not think if I write from the police’s angle that my editor would publish the story. Besides that I really do not wan to lose my story because I have not listen to my editor. I think he knows the best because it is his job.

Police Media

The NSW Police Media releases information to the media to let them know what is going on, to warn the public and to ask for assistance. They decide what is relevant to know about a case. According to Mr. Tamplin who is a police officer in Hunter Valley, journalists think differently. Journalists think that they should receive the same information in order to decide themselves which information is relevant. The NSW Police Media, however, disagrees and tries to restrict information. Especially, if evidence is lacking or if a subject needs to be protected. Police needs to keep their information for investigation as Mr. Tamplin explained. Thus a lot of information is generalised. For instance, the police would not release details of a particular gun used in a crime because it could hinder investigations. Furthermore, the police always try to find evidence before a case is being published. If a car accident happens and a man dies, they take a blood test in order to find out whether the dead man was driving the car or not.
All in all, I think it was really interesting to hear a police officer’s view on media releases. However, I do not really agree the way the police operate. In my opinion, the police should release more information that is useful or helpful to the public, especially if a crime happens.

Direct Quotation

I would choose the direct quotation because it is accurate. Yet, it is unclear and embarrassing to the speaker, I am reporting the truth and representing the speaker honestly.
If I chose an inexact quotation to present the speaker more eloquent than he really he/she is, I would lie. Indeed, I do not want to manipulate a person’s image. Besides an interviewee knows that a journalist will use his/her quotations, so the interviewee should know what he/she wants to say.
However, if it always depends on the person I interview. If I interview a citizen who has been unexpectedly interviewed and he/she would be embarrassed I would not publish the quote. If the quotation comes from a prominent like George W Bush, I would not hesitate to publish it.
All in all, a journalist is always able to paraphrase a statement, if the interviewee feels uncomfortable, and clarifies that he/she is unhappy with the quotation. In the end, the journalist knows how important the quotation for his/her story is to decide whether it is important to include it or not.

A Treaht of Public Exposure

To be honest, I do not think that a journalist is justified to intimidate a source by threatening him/her.
No matter if the journalist likes or dislikes the source, it is more professional if a journalist threats a source with respect. However, there is nothing wrong to be pushy or insistently to get information.
All in all, an journalist has the advantage to be in the position to get information and if he/she is clever enough he/she will be able to get information without threatening a source.

Personal chemistry

I disagree that using one’s personal chemistry is professional. However, if a journalist is in need to get information, it is an easy strategy; yet not reasonable. In my view, a journalist should use his/her knowledge and skills in order to get information.
Katie Holmes in “Thank you for Smoking” is a negative example for a journalist. She shows how easy it is to get information if a journalist uses personal chemistry. Alias Heather Holloway, Katie Holmes investigates against a smoking industry. To receive information for her big story, she sleeps with the lobbyist of the smoking industry. The lobbyist trusts her and gives her all the information she needs. When reading the newspaper, he learns that Heather has tricked him by using her personal chemistry. Even though, I do not think that it is reasonable to use personal chemistry I think it is almost unavoidable. Everyone uses his/her personal chemistry in some way to get information, whether it is consciously or unconsciously. This does not mean that one has to sleep with an interviewee or the source. Using personal chemistry can also mean flirting, flattering or charming someone.

Potential dangers

If a journalist does not keep distance to a source he/she could endanger the source’s life. Sometimes a source needs to be confidential to ensure his/her private life. Otherwise, the source could lose his/her family, job, health and so on. Of course, it always depends on the information and how ‘hot’ the story really is. For instance, if a journalist interviews a subject who knows about a murder or corruption, or is involved in such a case, the journalist can put the subject’s life at risk. The police, for instance, could put the subject in court or jail the subject. The police could even in court or jail the journalist if the journalist protects his/her source. Another danger could be that the source endangers the journalist’s life if the source feels threatened or afraid.
All in all, a journalist takes duty of his/her source, meaning that the journalist has to protect the source’s job, health or welfare. If the journalist comes to close to the source, his/her own life is jeopardised and the source’s.

George W Bush

I think George W Bush is the most inarticulate, word-mangling public figure in the news at the present. As the president of the United States of America, George W Bush has a big impact on people’s life world wide so I do not think that one should feel sorry of him if he uses poor language. As a prominent figure who takes the duty of our lives, he should watch his language.
Due to the fact that language characterise a person and contributes to tone and theme, I disagree with changing George W Bush’s direct quotes. If one would change his quotes, he/she will manipulate George W Bush true character and represent a wrong image of him. George W Bush could, for instance, appear to smart or funny than he really is. It is always important that a journalist asks the interviewee what he really means, if he/she does not understand what the subject is trying to say.
See http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blbushisms.htm to learn on political humour “Bushism.”

Two Jobs, One Decision

If I graduate with a degree in journalism, I need to be flexible; meaning that I have to take risks. Hence, I would choose the job which is based in my capital city. My decision is easy to explain. I am single. I prefer this job because the mobility is easier and I save money on fuel. Then, I earn almost twice the pay. Moreover, I would be able to use my university skills, practise and improve my skills. Furthermore, I would see, whether I really like to work for an online publication project or not. It is also possible that my editor will be content with my work so he/she will renew my contract. On the other hand, I would gain work experience in a different field. After six months, I would see which job is more challenging and exciting in order to write new applications. However, if I would be a mother I would take the other job that offers small but financially stable. As mother I have to take responsibilty and be flexible. I would be flexible in terms of moving away so I do not have to drive several hours to work.

What do I do if I need an Spontaneous Interview

First of all, I would not rely on the information of the local politician. It does not mean that he/she is right about my subject. This means, I would test whether he/she is right. In other words, I would try to get interview face-to-face. If this does not work I would suggest an interview on the phone. Then, if my subject does not agree, I would write her an email with my questions so she could prepare her answers for the interview. However, I would notice that I need to meet her personally. This way I would have the chance to ask other question than the ones I had emailed her before.
Even thought, my interview would not be spontaneously, I would not have to be wary on the nonexistent email policy.

Confront The Colleague

If a colleague has copied information from a website, I would confront him. In other words, I would ask him to admit that he has made mistake; meaning that he has to go to the editor to tell him what he has done. I think my colleague should write an official excuse to our readership and clarify what and why he has committed that crime of plagiarism. If he/she disagrees with me, I would tell that I will go to the boss to report on his/her case. It is possible that my colleague has plagiarised several times. This would mean that he endangers the newspapers’ reputation and existence, and therefore my own job.

The Hotmail Address

If a foreign source that is on the run from the police sends me an email to bring down the government and they do not reply on my request, I would call the police and inform them on the email. Bring down the government could mean that the foreigner plans an assault.
In general, as woman I would not go by myself to an unpopulated area to put my life at risk. The foreigner could also be someone on whom I wrote a report in the past. He/she might plan to take revenge on me.

Find the Right Quotation

If I am unsure about the quotation, would try to contact the sources and ask them about the quotation. This way I could find out which source is the right one and to ensure that I use the right quotation. Another possibility is that I do some research in newspaper archives or libraries that might have articles in which this particular attribution on Daniel Defoe’s book “Robinson Crusoe” was made.

My Radio Interview

During my studies at the University of Bremen I had the opportunity to produce a story for the on campus radio. My fellow student and I decided to report on the Master program issue of our university. We thought the story is newsworthy because the myth was that our university would not offer a master program for students who study German. Consequently, many students were concerned. Especially those who wanted to become teachers because they depended on the master program. As radio journalists we wanted to clarify the issue and to report on it.

To get information on that topic, we decided to have an interview with the deputy of the German faculty. At first, we emailed him in order to schedule a date for an interview and to inform him who we are and what we want. The deputy of the faculty was happy to give us an interview. It was an interview for the radio so we recorded it. However, we did not have enough material to make a story out of it because we had forgotten to recharge the battery; the recorder did not record the complete interview. Consequently, we had to email the deputy to ask for another interview. He agreed. However, this time we emailed the interview questions to him; so he could get prepared and answer the question straight to the point during the recording. We decided to do that because the first record of his interview showed that he had very long thoughts and many “hms” or other disturbing sounds. Hence, this way we saved time. Of course, it was really embarrassing that we were not prepared at first interview and that we had to admit that we had made a mistake. Moreover, it was embarrassing to bother the deputy for another interview. I do not think that the deputy was really happy about it. However, we learnt that it was time-saving to email him the interview questions. It was helpful because we did not have to filter the information that much. We just needed to cut out his “hms” and other strange sounds, and to edit his voice a bit to keep the rhythm.

To make our story round, we had to create balance. Hence, we recorded more original sounds. This time we interviewed female and male students in order to display their thoughts and concerns on the master program. Then, near the end of the production, we added all information and edited the material to a five-minute-story. Finally, we created a balance of sound so that the story could be broadcasted.

All in all, I learnt that this job really requires a good sense of hearing and a sense of balance. Balance plays an important role in order to produce a good radio story because radio stories not only need balance of at least two parties, but also balance of female and male voices. Otherwise the radio story would sound too flat or too subjective. Apart from that; I learnt that I not only have to be prepared but also to be multi-skilled; because radio journalists work with technologies such as recorders and cutters.

Paper Chase Story

I do not want to spend too much time in my office; therefore I would visit the government offices and interview some politicians. Further, I would like to visit people from the government. This way I could analyse the politician’s body language during the interview; a politician could act nervously during the interview. I could include that information somewhat in my story. Finally, I do not mind to work under deadline pressure.

Corruption Story

However, the organised crime story sounds very interesting I prefer to write on the corruption story as I would not like to put my life at risk.

I am an Ego

No, I would not share my ideas or best questions with other journalists at a media conference. I prefer to interview the subject personally. This way I can ensure that it will be my story. Further, I can avoid that other journalists, like radio journalists, steal my ideas and broadcast them right away.

The Government

The government owns the information. It can control the media. The government provides journalists with information under the Freedom of Information Acts. However, if the information can be used negatively against the government, the government is not free to provide journalists with information; journalists could use the information to criticise the government.

Newsworthy

I would visit the conference that has more impact and public interest. Furthermore, the conference story has to be equivalent, relevant and interesting to the society; and create a hook.
If both conferences provide the same interest or quality of information, I would visit the conference which interests me most.

Journalistic Instinct and Work

To be a journalist means hard work as a journalist needs something to write about. A good journalist makes his or her own decision and creates his or her own angles of a story. So if you are a journalist, you need to find a story and to work at it. It is important that a journalist knows how to get information. A journalist needs to know how to access databases, to use a library, court records and so on. That includes research, investigation, developing questions for an interview, usage of technology such as cameras and recorders. To make it short, a journalist should be study the topic he or she reports on. Further, a journalist should treat his or her contacts well and to respect their confidence.

Additionally, a journalist must be communicative as it is his or her job to interview people. That includes leaving the office to interview people face-to-face. It is important that a journalist should not accept every answer he or she gets, he or she needs to question answers to get more information and to criticise the information. Another aspect is that a journalist should ensure fair and balanced coverage of different point of view.

In short, intuition plays an important role for getting a good story as there are too many journalists in the world who compete with one. However, intuition does not exclude hard work. A journalist needs the ability to get and to filter information; and to know what information is different from other. His or her job is not only to communicate and to reveal new issues.

Reporting on Crime with Pictures

I think it is a good reason to use pictures in a story because pictures call attention. Readers are attracted to pictures because they display a scene or a person clearly, thus reader can get a simple idea what the story is about. However, if a terrible crime such as a double murder happens, a journalist should be careful how he or she publishes the picture. Otherwise, he or she might harm bereaved people.

I do not mind if a picture of a murder is depicted, yet it should not be displayed in colour if the scene involves too much blood or other brutal scenes like in a splatter movie. However, more important is that all involved people like family members or friends should be informed about the crime before the story appears in the newspaper. I would not be happy to learn from the newspaper that a crime has happened to my friend or family member.

There are also people who disagree to publish pictures of crime scenes like murder, especially, those who are related to the victim. I understand that is difficult to deal with a situation like that, yet if everybody would think like that, a journalist could stop taking pictures. There is always someone who is related to someone, like family members, friends, people from work and neighbours.

All in all, crime or murder is a serious issue which should be treated with respect, so if a journalist reports on issues like that he or she should be careful with pictures. Further, he or she should only report the facts and avoid the usage of adjectives to dramatise the story. A journalist’s job is to report what has happened and not to write a thriller.

Journalism means studying

The job of a journalist is varied and exciting. A journalist can work for a newspaper, a radio station, a television station or an internet platform. However, a journalist must have very good language skills as he or she works under pressure. A journalist must be able to act fast, and at the same time remain accurate. A journalist decides what and in which way the information is communicated to the readership, thereby he or she is not allowed to falsify the information or to make any mistakes; otherwise he or she has to deal with the consequences. A journalist takes the responsibility to educate himself or herself with the latest grammar, and further with the writing style of the newspaper he or she is working for. An editor does not want to spend to much time to assist the journalist and to revise a journalist’s report for grammar mistakes and writing style. Moreover, studying a topic intensively is very important, too. At the same time a journalist should have the ability to study new topics accurate and fast; therefore it is essential to have advanced language skills, otherwise one would lose too much time. If a journalist wants to sound reliable he or she should have a news voice. Further, he or she should be able to comment the news critically which requires advanced knowledge of the topic he or she reports on. All in all, if one wants to be a journalist you need to be aware that one has to study your whole life and practise, practise, practise.

Sophisticated Language Is Important

Newspapers should expect a high standard of education. A university degree is therefore important as it improves students’ skills such as language, research, critical thinking, and so on. Sophisticated language as well as accuracy is essential if one serves the public. The reason is that newspapers influence the reader’s writing and function somewhat like a grammar or dictionary book.

Newspapers in Germany do expect advanced language skills and a good edcution as their readership is high; therefore they require the best writing skills one can have; otherwise people would stop buying the newspaper. It is the same with books. No one would buy a book with many grammar mistakes in it; it would be unreliable.

Interpretation needs Knowledge

If a reporter has enough knowledge of the topic he or she can intrepret the news events as long as it is necessary; however, his or her research must be well-done in order to comment on an event. The interpretation should be written towards the end of the report. As a reader I want to read the facts at first. If one is interested in further details he or she can continue reading.

Globalisation

Although American English is a worldwide language, it is not the official language in Australia. Therefore, it matters if a reporter writes in American English language and this way misspells the Australian language. It is not accurate in my view, even though Australian might understand the American language, they have their own culture.

Newspapers are accurate

I think newspapers are accurate; it is their job to be accurate. There are enough people who want to do that job. If one is not accurate he or she might be substituted by a new journalist.

Admit the mistake

If the mistake is serious I would admit it. Readers read the newspapers to learn the truth; they do not want to accept mistakes. Hence, a serious mistake would be a lie and could take consequnces in the aftermath. For instance, if a name is misspelled and one needs further information about that person it will be hard to do research with a false name.
I even think, I would open a newspaper section in which I could write on mistakes from other newspapers. I would gather mistakes from different newspapers and publish them in my section.

Readers Expect a Good Intro – Find a Mentor!

The best way to learn how to write introductions is finding a mentor. A mentor is an experienced advisor, a person you can trust and rely on. You should like his/her writing and accept him/her as a teacher so he/she can teach you. This way you can improve your writing as a mentor teaches you about the “do’s and don’ts.”

It is true readers are impatient; if they want to read a story, they want to know what it is about. They want to know Kipling’s Six Strong Men – the what, when, who, where, why and how. Hence, writing the introduction is the most import summary of your report to attract the reader; it is the only chance to “seduce” him/her. Since I did an internship at a website platform for x-change programmes, I have experienced how difficult it is to write a good introduction; and I still struggle with introductions since I have not found my mentor yet.

I have difficulties in writing introductions because I think too much about what the reader wants to read. Due to the fact that there so many individual readers, I am not able to please them all. Thus, I have to focus on one readership and develop my own writing style and news voice. That means I should find another way to write introductions. If I know what I want to communicate, I should say/write it straight away; meaning that I should decide what news value is the most import in order to start my introduction. Otherwise, I spend too much time to please all the readers in the world. In other words, my job is to report facts – what has happened and not to write a novel. That means I have to choose some of Kipling’s Six Men in order to use them for the introduction. Kipling’s other Six Men appear later in the news.

If There Is no Evidence Do Not Write About It

No, I would not include the balancing comment. One rule of journalism is, if you are not sure do not write about it. Otherwise, you could get into trouble and you might admit that you made a mistake later on. This could be really embarrassing for you. Hence, if I do not know how to prove the comment, and I know that the comment is untrue it would be unfair to the reader to include it. The reader does not want to read on false facts he wants to know the truth.

The Hard Work of a Reporter Does Not Apply to the Reader

I would publish my story since I’ve worked hard for it. However, if I knew that another newspaper wanted to compete in order to reduce my news value, I would change my mind. The reason why I would not publish the story is that I do not like to lose my reputation and the same time my readership; even though I knew that my story was hard work the reader does not care; he or she wants to read a good story.

Uncontrolled Fire Threatens People’s Life in a High Rise Building!

It is important to look for dangers such as collapse of buildings, the danger of fire, and injured victims. Further, it is important to see whether there are enough men to help or to assist like fire workers, ambulance men, police men and psychologists; psychologists are important as many people might get injured and some might even die. Curious people mean danger, too. By watching the scene they could jeopardise the investigations like the fire works, ambulance men and police efforts who want to manage the situation. Another aspect is that aid men could be injured as well; or assistance could come too late if the assistance network does not work properly.

I would interview different experts like fire men, police officers, ambulance men, psychologists and architects. In addition, I would interview victims who experienced the danger, pedestrians who witnessed the fire and relatives and friends of the victims. Finally, I would ask everyone for copyright permission in order to publish my story.

To publish the story as soon as possible or to be the first reporter who reports on it, I would write the story write right away. Additionally, I would take some pictures.

The inverted Pyramid Remains the Most Effective Method

Yes, I do believe that the inverted pyramid is the best structure as it sums up the news. Readers need quick information and they want to know what the story is about before they continue reading. It works best for most newspapers like the Herald, for instance.

Inverted Pyramid Model

The inverted pyramid model applies to me because I think it is import to report the most important facts, and then the less important facts. As a reader I do not want to figure out what the most important news fact is, I want to read and to absorb it. Otherwise, I would be really annoyed. It is my nature, I am impatient, and thus, I want to be informed in the easiest and quickest way.

New journalism, on the other hand, which is characterised by reporter’s subjective view and fictional dramatized features, is fine if the reader wants to know the reporter’s subjective interpretations. However, it should not apply to newspapers sections. I prefer to read the objective facts at first, and then in an extra report the statement of a journalist. News journalism is fine for magazines or digital journals which deal with this technique predominately. However, in general, subjectivity overlaps somewhat objectivity.

Balancing Comment

A report which includes only one-sided comments is like a flat character. It is not fully developed. If you write a story you should create a “round” story which is fully developed. Otherwise, the story has too much influence from one party. The reader wants to know the positive and negative elements, in black and white. However, it is really striking to create balance in a story, it is important for criticism.

Read local, plus global

Reading the newspaper is a good way to be well informed.

My German local newspaper “Weser Kurier” is clearly divided in front page, politics, economics, world news, culture, entertainment, sports and local sections. Hence, I often read the front page at first, as it presents the headline news. Later on, I often read current affairs on politics which are followed by world and sport news. Further, I read about economics, culture and entertainment. However, it always depends on the news value; if the front page reports on a disastrous wave such as the tsunami I would read the world news at first to get more details about the impact. After that I would read about other affairs.

In other words, I usually try to read all sections because they form the society in which I live. It is good to have an overview about local and global affairs.

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