The Role of Journalism
Journalism plays a substantial role in our society, although the specifics of its role can be changed from time to time. Depending on the reason a certain piece is being written, to what audience, and to what effect, it can play slightly different roles.
In the broad sense Journalism is meant to be a way of communicating a marketplace of ideas. Our country is meant to be built on freedom of the people, and only by knowing truth can we really be free. In order to find the truth we must, first be educated about the world around us and also be able to see others ideas and perspectives on the issues and events at hand. None of us can experience everything first hand and it is difficult for us to look at things from different points of view than our own. Thus we must rely on other sources, such as the media to help aid us in our understanding, and then be able to decipher the truth out of what the media tells us. Through all of this we are far more likely to find truth wherever it may lie.
Journalism is and has been one of the most important tools in shaping ideas all over the world, whether it be for the good of the people or in some instances not. We are far better and educated by having a journalistic society and being able to weed out truth from propaganda.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Assignment #2 Press Release to Story
Press Release to Story
I am very interested in the snowboard industry, and one of my favorite companies is Etnies shoes. Etnies is also the parent company of Thirty Two, who makes snowboard boots. The press Release I chose from Etnies corporate website was a rundown of a snowboard event they had sponsored called “Goofy vs. Regular.” GVR is a competition of pro snowboarders with a team that rides “regular,” or left foot forward, competing with a team that rides “goofy,” or right foot forward. Snowboarders argue about which way is better to ride, but it all comes down to what feels more natural to the rider. The official press release can be found at, http://etniessnow.com/blog/2008/02/25/official-gvr-press-release.
The first Article I chose was found on Transworld Snowboarding Magazine’s website (http://transworldsnowboarding.com/article.jsp?ID=1000042750). Transworld is the largest and most successful snowboard publication out there. Their magazine empire covers virtually all of the main action sports. Transworld actually sponsored the “regular” team in the event. The “regular” team ended up taking home the victory in the competition. This made for some definite gloating on Transworlds part. The entire article was devoted to bragging about how the “regular footers” stomped their competition. They even went so far as to say that “regular” was definitely the better way to ride, which in snowboarding is like saying right handed people are better writers than left handed people. This type of gloating and support is expected on the part of a sponsor to a certain extent. At the same time, from a journalistic standpoint, Transworld showed little integrity. One positive thing was mentioned about a “goofy” team rider throughout the entire article. Transworld showed their vested interest in a big way, and overall the article painted a negative view of their competition, not necessarily a positive view of their team.
The second article I found off of the same press release was found on the Snowboarder Magazine website (http://snowboardermag.com/features/news/gvr-goofy-regular-etnies/). Snowboarder is the second largest snowboard publication and is in direct competition with Transworld. The difference I found in Snowboarders account of the event was very factual and contained more information from the actual press release itself. Snowboarder focused more on actually reporting the event. The article went over the event course in detail and gave praise to all involved in the event. This article was written very journalistically and is very balanced. It’s interesting to see how a publication with no financial interest in the subject can do a much better job of reporting than one which has a profit to make from the event reported. Overall this article was very positive and easy to read.
These two magazines were very obviously a target audience of the press release. Etnies had Transworld promoting the event all along with all sorts of features and hype leading up to the event. This type of promotion came free to them since Transworld was also a sponsor of the event. Snowboarder however, reported on the event because they knew it would be of interest to their readers, which made for better reporting. Etnies understood that Snowboarder would want to report their event, because of all the hype that Transworld had created in the minds of snowboarders. Etnies press release was effective, not because it was an outstanding press release, but because the event was worth reporting on. Even snowboard magazines don’t want to be left behind on a story.
I am very interested in the snowboard industry, and one of my favorite companies is Etnies shoes. Etnies is also the parent company of Thirty Two, who makes snowboard boots. The press Release I chose from Etnies corporate website was a rundown of a snowboard event they had sponsored called “Goofy vs. Regular.” GVR is a competition of pro snowboarders with a team that rides “regular,” or left foot forward, competing with a team that rides “goofy,” or right foot forward. Snowboarders argue about which way is better to ride, but it all comes down to what feels more natural to the rider. The official press release can be found at, http://etniessnow.com/blog/2008/02/25/official-gvr-press-release.
The first Article I chose was found on Transworld Snowboarding Magazine’s website (http://transworldsnowboarding.com/article.jsp?ID=1000042750). Transworld is the largest and most successful snowboard publication out there. Their magazine empire covers virtually all of the main action sports. Transworld actually sponsored the “regular” team in the event. The “regular” team ended up taking home the victory in the competition. This made for some definite gloating on Transworlds part. The entire article was devoted to bragging about how the “regular footers” stomped their competition. They even went so far as to say that “regular” was definitely the better way to ride, which in snowboarding is like saying right handed people are better writers than left handed people. This type of gloating and support is expected on the part of a sponsor to a certain extent. At the same time, from a journalistic standpoint, Transworld showed little integrity. One positive thing was mentioned about a “goofy” team rider throughout the entire article. Transworld showed their vested interest in a big way, and overall the article painted a negative view of their competition, not necessarily a positive view of their team.
The second article I found off of the same press release was found on the Snowboarder Magazine website (http://snowboardermag.com/features/news/gvr-goofy-regular-etnies/). Snowboarder is the second largest snowboard publication and is in direct competition with Transworld. The difference I found in Snowboarders account of the event was very factual and contained more information from the actual press release itself. Snowboarder focused more on actually reporting the event. The article went over the event course in detail and gave praise to all involved in the event. This article was written very journalistically and is very balanced. It’s interesting to see how a publication with no financial interest in the subject can do a much better job of reporting than one which has a profit to make from the event reported. Overall this article was very positive and easy to read.
These two magazines were very obviously a target audience of the press release. Etnies had Transworld promoting the event all along with all sorts of features and hype leading up to the event. This type of promotion came free to them since Transworld was also a sponsor of the event. Snowboarder however, reported on the event because they knew it would be of interest to their readers, which made for better reporting. Etnies understood that Snowboarder would want to report their event, because of all the hype that Transworld had created in the minds of snowboarders. Etnies press release was effective, not because it was an outstanding press release, but because the event was worth reporting on. Even snowboard magazines don’t want to be left behind on a story.
Positioning Assignment
Positioning Myself
My desire to work in public relations has stemmed from opportunities I have had in sales occupations and with speaking in public. I have realized along the way that I enjoy selling ideas to people, and coming up with new ways to help people buy in to what I am working with.
My wife and I would like to move to her home town in Star Valley Wyoming when I am done with school. This goal obviously conflicts with having a large job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a mere 300 jobs in the public relations field in Wyoming. There is a larger job market when other related fields like marketing and advertising are included. For this reason I have found that I will need to direct myself to doing public relations in Jackson Hole, which is close to where we would like to live. I will also need to diversify my education, as far as my minor is concerned.
According to the Wyoming Business Council, only 22 percent of the population in Wyoming have a college degree. This low statistic raises my marketability as an employee in general. So for the small amount of jobs available, there is a small amount of qualified competition for those jobs as well.
Jackson Hole has a need for public relations in their resort sector and also their national park, called Grand Teton. I have always loved being in the outdoors. I love to snowboard, snowmobile, hunt, and do many other activities outside. My father in law owns horse riding businesses that I work with, which are very close to Jackson ski resort and Grand Teton National Park. This has given me the opportunity, and will give further opportunities to establish good contacts in this area. My passion for the places I will be promoting and working with will also help me be an effective and motivated employee.
My desire to work in public relations has stemmed from opportunities I have had in sales occupations and with speaking in public. I have realized along the way that I enjoy selling ideas to people, and coming up with new ways to help people buy in to what I am working with.
My wife and I would like to move to her home town in Star Valley Wyoming when I am done with school. This goal obviously conflicts with having a large job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a mere 300 jobs in the public relations field in Wyoming. There is a larger job market when other related fields like marketing and advertising are included. For this reason I have found that I will need to direct myself to doing public relations in Jackson Hole, which is close to where we would like to live. I will also need to diversify my education, as far as my minor is concerned.
According to the Wyoming Business Council, only 22 percent of the population in Wyoming have a college degree. This low statistic raises my marketability as an employee in general. So for the small amount of jobs available, there is a small amount of qualified competition for those jobs as well.
Jackson Hole has a need for public relations in their resort sector and also their national park, called Grand Teton. I have always loved being in the outdoors. I love to snowboard, snowmobile, hunt, and do many other activities outside. My father in law owns horse riding businesses that I work with, which are very close to Jackson ski resort and Grand Teton National Park. This has given me the opportunity, and will give further opportunities to establish good contacts in this area. My passion for the places I will be promoting and working with will also help me be an effective and motivated employee.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Proposal Letter/Draft
KSL News
113 S 100 E
STE 123
Salt Lake City, UT
84555
Proposal Letter
The department of Journalism at Utah State University seeks $10,000 in new computers and multimedia equipment to give their high achieving students a leap forward into an ever advancing technology world. For many years, graduates from Utah State have been known for their great research skills, integrity and hard work boosting them to the top of the industry, but we wish to give them the technology skills necessary for the future of media. This is why we have come to KSL News to ask them to be a part of this cause to help USU get the needed media tools into the classrooms and into hands of our students. Once these students have this technology they can begin the training that will keep them the leaders in the industry.
USU Department of Journalism has come to KSL News to because of your dedication to journalistic integrity and we know that your assistance will only continue this pride. We know KSL-TV has accepted many of our student interns in the past based on these same principles. Just as you know, the technology in the communication field is ever changing and good journalists have to be able to adapt quickly to those changes. We come to KSL-TV now in a cooperative effort to help our students get the advanced media skills they will need to remain the top journalism students in Utah and in their profession after graduation.
Right now the department is based on the third floor of a building on campus that is has been around for a century. With a situation like this, the future employees of your company might not be as qualified or ready to take on their tasks when newly employed. Many of the other programs on campus are getting building renovations, new building donations, and multimillion dollar donations. If our program is to compete, it needs the tools to compete. Sometimes, the people out there do not realize the importance of the media in their everyday lives, even on a local basis. With computers approaching a decade of age, they need to be replaced with newer, updated versions so the information that the students will be learning will be up to date.
That is why we must progress forward. KSL-TV has been a leader in the media for this state appealing to a wide variety of viewers over the years. With this donation, KSL would not only be remembered by the students in the department, but by all the citizens in the valley. KSL would have the edge over its competition. Not only that, the students would be better equipped and they will be ready to enter the media field.
The USU Journalism Department has a nationally recognized and respected faculty, who have worked as scholars and professionals in all forms of mass media. Our 500+ undergraduate students focus their hands-on experience and courses from across the curriculum on real-world jobs, gaining the professional skills and intellectual flexibility they will need to survive and thrive among the fittest in today's fast-changing communications environment. Our plan is to make all of our JCOM classrooms qualified technologically to prepare our students. With a group of veteran JCOM students teaming up with faculty, our project will effectively and efficiently solve the problem.
The proposed $10,000 will provide computers, and overhead digital projectors for classrooms. Some of our teachers must require each student to buy a laptop for classes held in rooms where the instructor has no computer or a digital projector to explain things to the class. Updates in our over five year old computer system will increase our new media learning. Given the wholesale cost of new capable computers for our lab and classrooms and of two new digital projectors for classrooms, the proposed amount, if used efficiently, will provide for our needs.
Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
Mike Sweeney
USU Journalism Department Head
Contact:
Danny Robinson
USU Public Relation
435-770-5071
djrob@cc.usu.edu
113 S 100 E
STE 123
Salt Lake City, UT
84555
Proposal Letter
The department of Journalism at Utah State University seeks $10,000 in new computers and multimedia equipment to give their high achieving students a leap forward into an ever advancing technology world. For many years, graduates from Utah State have been known for their great research skills, integrity and hard work boosting them to the top of the industry, but we wish to give them the technology skills necessary for the future of media. This is why we have come to KSL News to ask them to be a part of this cause to help USU get the needed media tools into the classrooms and into hands of our students. Once these students have this technology they can begin the training that will keep them the leaders in the industry.
USU Department of Journalism has come to KSL News to because of your dedication to journalistic integrity and we know that your assistance will only continue this pride. We know KSL-TV has accepted many of our student interns in the past based on these same principles. Just as you know, the technology in the communication field is ever changing and good journalists have to be able to adapt quickly to those changes. We come to KSL-TV now in a cooperative effort to help our students get the advanced media skills they will need to remain the top journalism students in Utah and in their profession after graduation.
Right now the department is based on the third floor of a building on campus that is has been around for a century. With a situation like this, the future employees of your company might not be as qualified or ready to take on their tasks when newly employed. Many of the other programs on campus are getting building renovations, new building donations, and multimillion dollar donations. If our program is to compete, it needs the tools to compete. Sometimes, the people out there do not realize the importance of the media in their everyday lives, even on a local basis. With computers approaching a decade of age, they need to be replaced with newer, updated versions so the information that the students will be learning will be up to date.
That is why we must progress forward. KSL-TV has been a leader in the media for this state appealing to a wide variety of viewers over the years. With this donation, KSL would not only be remembered by the students in the department, but by all the citizens in the valley. KSL would have the edge over its competition. Not only that, the students would be better equipped and they will be ready to enter the media field.
The USU Journalism Department has a nationally recognized and respected faculty, who have worked as scholars and professionals in all forms of mass media. Our 500+ undergraduate students focus their hands-on experience and courses from across the curriculum on real-world jobs, gaining the professional skills and intellectual flexibility they will need to survive and thrive among the fittest in today's fast-changing communications environment. Our plan is to make all of our JCOM classrooms qualified technologically to prepare our students. With a group of veteran JCOM students teaming up with faculty, our project will effectively and efficiently solve the problem.
The proposed $10,000 will provide computers, and overhead digital projectors for classrooms. Some of our teachers must require each student to buy a laptop for classes held in rooms where the instructor has no computer or a digital projector to explain things to the class. Updates in our over five year old computer system will increase our new media learning. Given the wholesale cost of new capable computers for our lab and classrooms and of two new digital projectors for classrooms, the proposed amount, if used efficiently, will provide for our needs.
Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
Mike Sweeney
USU Journalism Department Head
Contact:
Danny Robinson
USU Public Relation
435-770-5071
djrob@cc.usu.edu
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Press Release #4/Final
Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters Announces Addition to Their Family of Businesses.
For Immediate Release
Feb. 24, 2008
Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters
Lynn Madsen
President
800-447-4711
www.wagonswestwyo.com
JACKSON, WY— Bill Scotts Trail Rides, located in Teton Village, has been added to the Madsen family of businesses. Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters have had popular attractions for tourists and locals for the past 20 years. These businesses have included everything from guided fishing and hunting trips to horse rentals and family oriented wagon trains.
Business owner Lynn Madsen and is family have been providing fun and exciting ways for people to get outdoors and catch a glimpse of a simpler way of life. The Madsen family’s new business will be called Teton Village Trail Rides. TVT is located directly across from the Jackson Lodge, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. “We invite anyone and everyone to come enjoy horse riding with us,” Madsen says, “The only thing friendlier than our crew, is our horses.”
The Madsen family of businesses was started by Lynn and Marcene Madsen in 1987 and are still owned and maintained by them and their family. The family of businesses include the fore mentioned Wagons West and Yellowstone Outfitters, as well as Yellowstone Horse Rentals, which is one of the largest horse rental businesses in the nation, with over 700 horses out for rent each year.
TVT will start their day trail rides on May 1, 2008. Come join us for a fun day of horse riding and story telling, fun for all walks of life.
Media Contact:
Danny Robinson
435-770-5071
drob@cc.usu.edu
For Immediate Release
Feb. 24, 2008
Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters
Lynn Madsen
President
800-447-4711
www.wagonswestwyo.com
JACKSON, WY— Bill Scotts Trail Rides, located in Teton Village, has been added to the Madsen family of businesses. Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters have had popular attractions for tourists and locals for the past 20 years. These businesses have included everything from guided fishing and hunting trips to horse rentals and family oriented wagon trains.
Business owner Lynn Madsen and is family have been providing fun and exciting ways for people to get outdoors and catch a glimpse of a simpler way of life. The Madsen family’s new business will be called Teton Village Trail Rides. TVT is located directly across from the Jackson Lodge, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. “We invite anyone and everyone to come enjoy horse riding with us,” Madsen says, “The only thing friendlier than our crew, is our horses.”
The Madsen family of businesses was started by Lynn and Marcene Madsen in 1987 and are still owned and maintained by them and their family. The family of businesses include the fore mentioned Wagons West and Yellowstone Outfitters, as well as Yellowstone Horse Rentals, which is one of the largest horse rental businesses in the nation, with over 700 horses out for rent each year.
TVT will start their day trail rides on May 1, 2008. Come join us for a fun day of horse riding and story telling, fun for all walks of life.
Media Contact:
Danny Robinson
435-770-5071
drob@cc.usu.edu
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
CVAIA Media Pitch/Final
Free Investment Education for Cache Valley Residents!
Brian Fantanna
Harold Journal
75 W 300 NLogan, UT 84321
(435) 752-2121
Dear Brian Fantanna,
My name is Danny Robinson and I represent the Cache Valley Area Investors Association. I just wanted to inform you of a growing opportunity for Cache Valley residents to learn how to become financially independent. This is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to gain free financial advice.
With virtually no advertising on our part, the association already has 40 members. Our members have been finding a lot of success in the investment world through applying the techniques taught by the association founder Preston Parker. These techniques form a certain mindset, which helps our members recognize value, and thus become savvy investors. The investors association meets at 7 p.m. every other Thursday at the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce. Anyone can attend, the meetings are free of charge.
Preston, who is also a Utah State professor, started the organization in August of 2007 with hopes to help others find the financial freedom he has through investing wisely. “I believe people should be financially independent,” Parker says, “I started this organization to help people recognize investment opportunities.” Such opportunities will provide people with passive income to supplement their earned income. Parker believes that the mindset he can help his members gain, will bring them a consistent 20-40 percent return on their money.
Our next meeting will be held on Mar. 6, 2008. We would love to have you attend one of our meetings, or you can give me a call to set up an interview with either Preston or myself. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Media Contact:
Danny Robinson
djrob@cc.usu.edu
435-770-5071
Brian Fantanna
Harold Journal
75 W 300 NLogan, UT 84321
(435) 752-2121
Dear Brian Fantanna,
My name is Danny Robinson and I represent the Cache Valley Area Investors Association. I just wanted to inform you of a growing opportunity for Cache Valley residents to learn how to become financially independent. This is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to gain free financial advice.
With virtually no advertising on our part, the association already has 40 members. Our members have been finding a lot of success in the investment world through applying the techniques taught by the association founder Preston Parker. These techniques form a certain mindset, which helps our members recognize value, and thus become savvy investors. The investors association meets at 7 p.m. every other Thursday at the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce. Anyone can attend, the meetings are free of charge.
Preston, who is also a Utah State professor, started the organization in August of 2007 with hopes to help others find the financial freedom he has through investing wisely. “I believe people should be financially independent,” Parker says, “I started this organization to help people recognize investment opportunities.” Such opportunities will provide people with passive income to supplement their earned income. Parker believes that the mindset he can help his members gain, will bring them a consistent 20-40 percent return on their money.
Our next meeting will be held on Mar. 6, 2008. We would love to have you attend one of our meetings, or you can give me a call to set up an interview with either Preston or myself. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Media Contact:
Danny Robinson
djrob@cc.usu.edu
435-770-5071
Monday, February 25, 2008
Press Release #4/ Draft
For Immediate Release
Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters Announces Addition to Their Family of Businesses.
Feb. 24, 2008
Jackson, WY— Bill Scotts Trail Rides, located in Teton Village, has been added to the Madsen family of businesses. Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters have had popular attractions for tourists and locals for the past 20 years. These businesses have included everything from guided fishing and hunting trips to horse rentals and family oriented wagon trains.
Business owner Lynn Madsen and is family have been providing fun and exciting ways for people to get outdoors and catch a glimpse of a simpler way of life. The Madsen families new business will be called Teton Village Trail Rides. TVT is located directly across from the Jackson Lodge, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
The Madsen family of businesses were started by Lynn and Marcene Madsen in 1987 and are still owned and maintained by them and their family. The family of businesses include the fore mentioned Wagons West and Yellowstone Outfitters, as well as Yellowstone Horse Rentals, which is one of the largest horse rental businesses in the nation, with over 700 horses out for rent each year.
TVT will start their day trail rides on May 1, 2008. Come join us for a fun day of horse riding and story telling, fun for all walks of life.
Media Contact:
Danny Robinson
435-770-5071
drob@cc.usu.edu
Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters Announces Addition to Their Family of Businesses.
Feb. 24, 2008
Jackson, WY— Bill Scotts Trail Rides, located in Teton Village, has been added to the Madsen family of businesses. Wagons West/Yellowstone Outfitters have had popular attractions for tourists and locals for the past 20 years. These businesses have included everything from guided fishing and hunting trips to horse rentals and family oriented wagon trains.
Business owner Lynn Madsen and is family have been providing fun and exciting ways for people to get outdoors and catch a glimpse of a simpler way of life. The Madsen families new business will be called Teton Village Trail Rides. TVT is located directly across from the Jackson Lodge, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
The Madsen family of businesses were started by Lynn and Marcene Madsen in 1987 and are still owned and maintained by them and their family. The family of businesses include the fore mentioned Wagons West and Yellowstone Outfitters, as well as Yellowstone Horse Rentals, which is one of the largest horse rental businesses in the nation, with over 700 horses out for rent each year.
TVT will start their day trail rides on May 1, 2008. Come join us for a fun day of horse riding and story telling, fun for all walks of life.
Media Contact:
Danny Robinson
435-770-5071
drob@cc.usu.edu
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