For my final project on the behind-the-scenes and year round work at the Horseshoe. There are many opportunities for multimedia components. Images of the stadium, especially portions that are rarely seen on game days, and of people interviewed are no-brainers. However simply including images with captions is not enough in today's multimedia driven world. For example, this Fox News story does not do enough. It provides one image, granted it is an image of one of the most interesting figures in the story, but has no video or other multimedia aspects.
My story could also include video of important figures talking or being interviewed as well as video related in some other way to the story such as video of the team or other activities taking place at the stadium. Both the New York Times and USA Today stories include such videos. However I would steer away from the way the Times handled their video. The put all the video and other multimedia aspects in the left column. This makes them easy to ignore and less relevant to the story. Video and other multimedia should serve a clear purpose to the story. If it has a clear purpose it should be easy to integrate into the story. The USA Today story does a much better job of doing this. The integrate links throughout the story with the minimum necessary explanation. This makes them more relevant as their connection to the story is very clear. All three provide links at the bottom to similar or related sources, something that is expected on every online story and that my article could easily include.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Compare/Contrast NY Times & USAToday
I have looked two articles about Toyota's recall and recent hearings regarding this recall in front of congress. One is from The New York Times and the other is from USAToday.
The ledes on the two stories are very similar and both are strong. They both get to the point with the most important information, What the top U>S official of Toyota told Congress. Both use blind attribution for this official which is appropriate as the information said and the position of the person saying it, not their actual name, is the news here. Both also use the partial quote "not totally" to describe the resolution of the Toyota situation. The New York Times article tells us exactly what committee of congress is involved. This seems wordy and unnecessary for a lede to me. I believe the USAToday's use of "Congress" is stronger.
With regards to sources, both do a fairly good job. Most of the sources are the same in both stories. Both include comments form both Republicans and Democrats on the issue as well as comments from multiple members of Toyota's organization as well as victims of the malfunction. Therefore they both successful include both sides of the issue. The USAtoday article does a better job of painting a picture. They use more direct and emotional quotes from one victim, Rhonda Smith. However, the Times does have more substance in their quotes from Toyota officials.
Both include numerous multimedia components. At the top of the USAToday article a video of the Rhonda Smith testimony and her husbands is available. However, this starts immediately when the page opens, which is a turnoff to readers. The USAToday does do a good job of interspersing links throughout the article. These include links to a live blog from the hearing as well as two directly related articles and a map of where the acceleration problems occurred. All of these are very strong uses of links throughout the story.
The New York Times article includes an image of a crying Smith which the USAToday article also includes. The Times has two videos available but both are of Toyota's testimony. This is a weakness as they should include a video of the opposition. Furthermore their videos and links to related articles are off to the side of the article. I prefer USAToday's integrated method, as I did not even notice the Times videos until well after finishing the article.
Overall, both are strong articles. Both have good sources and a strong lede. The USAToday article is better in my opinion because of its integrated (vs. the Times segmented) approach to multimedia.
The ledes on the two stories are very similar and both are strong. They both get to the point with the most important information, What the top U>S official of Toyota told Congress. Both use blind attribution for this official which is appropriate as the information said and the position of the person saying it, not their actual name, is the news here. Both also use the partial quote "not totally" to describe the resolution of the Toyota situation. The New York Times article tells us exactly what committee of congress is involved. This seems wordy and unnecessary for a lede to me. I believe the USAToday's use of "Congress" is stronger.
With regards to sources, both do a fairly good job. Most of the sources are the same in both stories. Both include comments form both Republicans and Democrats on the issue as well as comments from multiple members of Toyota's organization as well as victims of the malfunction. Therefore they both successful include both sides of the issue. The USAtoday article does a better job of painting a picture. They use more direct and emotional quotes from one victim, Rhonda Smith. However, the Times does have more substance in their quotes from Toyota officials.
Both include numerous multimedia components. At the top of the USAToday article a video of the Rhonda Smith testimony and her husbands is available. However, this starts immediately when the page opens, which is a turnoff to readers. The USAToday does do a good job of interspersing links throughout the article. These include links to a live blog from the hearing as well as two directly related articles and a map of where the acceleration problems occurred. All of these are very strong uses of links throughout the story.
The New York Times article includes an image of a crying Smith which the USAToday article also includes. The Times has two videos available but both are of Toyota's testimony. This is a weakness as they should include a video of the opposition. Furthermore their videos and links to related articles are off to the side of the article. I prefer USAToday's integrated method, as I did not even notice the Times videos until well after finishing the article.
Overall, both are strong articles. Both have good sources and a strong lede. The USAToday article is better in my opinion because of its integrated (vs. the Times segmented) approach to multimedia.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Social Media Impact
I looked at the article on the New York Times Web site about San Fransisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Newsom is the most followed mayor in the country on twitter and has used many other social media outlets such as Second Life. Coincidentally, the New York Times retrieved this article from a blog in the bay area.
However, the article acknowledges that Newsom is sending out less and less tweets and his staffers are sending out more. This highlights a problem we have mentioned in class numerous times. You can never be certain who is actually behind a twitter post. However, Newsom does still send original posts such as tweets directly from his daughter's birth.
I do not think that staffers posting is a huge problem. No matter the medium politicians will always pre-package quotes and often they will run them by their staff or allow their staff to make the comments on their behalf. The extension of this to twitter, though it can be a problem with the site, is more an extension of the relationship between politicians and the media than a direct problem with Twitter. The fact that he is still tweeting original things such as his daughters birth point to the fact that it is indeed his twitter account and not someone posing as him. Even if staffers are posting on his account it is still at least with his permission. Thus if cautious of this fact reporters should not have a problem using his posts.
****Reminder: 2 extra credit points, Error of Fact in the lantern about the half time score of the Illinois Basketball game and the error on ESPN.com recaping the same game that had the wrong day for the Buckeyes next game.
However, the article acknowledges that Newsom is sending out less and less tweets and his staffers are sending out more. This highlights a problem we have mentioned in class numerous times. You can never be certain who is actually behind a twitter post. However, Newsom does still send original posts such as tweets directly from his daughter's birth.
I do not think that staffers posting is a huge problem. No matter the medium politicians will always pre-package quotes and often they will run them by their staff or allow their staff to make the comments on their behalf. The extension of this to twitter, though it can be a problem with the site, is more an extension of the relationship between politicians and the media than a direct problem with Twitter. The fact that he is still tweeting original things such as his daughters birth point to the fact that it is indeed his twitter account and not someone posing as him. Even if staffers are posting on his account it is still at least with his permission. Thus if cautious of this fact reporters should not have a problem using his posts.
****Reminder: 2 extra credit points, Error of Fact in the lantern about the half time score of the Illinois Basketball game and the error on ESPN.com recaping the same game that had the wrong day for the Buckeyes next game.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Outline of Final Project—Behind the Scenes at the Horseshoe
What I’ve Done:
I have sent an e-mail to Peter J. Olms the Assistant Building Coordinator. Though he has not yet responded, my roommate, Tom Rinto, will see him tomorrow at work and plans on alerting him of the e-mail. Tom has assured me that interviewing him in person this week, more than likely Friday, will not be a problem.
I have also e-mailed Ryan Guthrie whose title is Recreation Facility Attendant. He is my roommate’s immediate boss. He has also not e-mailed me back but Tom is speaking with him tomorrow as well.
I have made plans to shadow my roommate at work this Friday. This is likely when I will be able to interview Olms and Guthrie. I will also be able to see what an average day is like for an Ohio Stadium employee in the offseason. Tom has assured me that there will be multiple co-workers of his available for interviews and I will be able to get detailed descriptions of the area that they work.
I have an interview scheduled with Larry Lokai, the well known Ohio State fanatic BuckeyeMan, for March 2 before the men’s basketball game. This will allow me to get the perspective of a long time dedicated fan on what happens behind the scenes at the Horseshoe.
I have sent an email requesting an interview to Gene Smith, the Athletic Director at Ohio State. He has not yet responded but I have heard that he is far more accessible through his secretary so I plan on calling his offices Monday
I have e-mailed head football coach Jim Tressel explaining my article and requesting an interview of any kind. I am awaiting a reply.
I have spoken with Boom Herron, starting tailback on the 2009 football team. Interviewing him would be a conflict of interest for me but he has agreed to set me up with another player who would be willing to grant me a short interview sometime this week. He requested that we figure out the details tomorrow.
I am awaiting a response from my fellow 422 classmate Nick Hiltbrand with contact information for his friend who is currently one of the Brutus mascots.
I have also e-mailed Jordon Birkemeier, the Assistant Director of the Buckey Club requesting an interview.
I have acquired biographical information for all the people mentioned above when available. I have also acquired historical information on the stadium itself.
What I Plan to do:
Ideally I will be able to interview all of the above people. I am very confident I will be able to interview everyone on the list with the exception of Gene Smith and Jim Tressel, both of whom I feel at least moderately confident about at least getting an e-mail interview.
I will provide a comprehensive article on all of the year round and behind the scenes aspects of Ohio Stadium. This will look at the perspective of the general employee and multiple higher ranking employees’ all the way to the top with AD Gene Smith.
I will also provide the perspective of the average and fanatic fans, (hopefully) the head football coach and at least one player.
I plan on contacting a member of the band this week to get that perspective as well.
Social Media Addition:
I have found Larry Lokai, the Buckeye Man, on Facebook and friend requested him so that I will be able to use his Facebook page as a source. I explained this to him in a message sent with the friend request.
I have also found a group on Facebook entitled 'I have played football in Ohio Stadium.' The group is for those who have legally or illegally played football in the stadium. From the group I get the impression that most or all members have done so illegally. I sent a message via Facebook to the President of this group requesting an interview.
I have sent an e-mail to Peter J. Olms the Assistant Building Coordinator. Though he has not yet responded, my roommate, Tom Rinto, will see him tomorrow at work and plans on alerting him of the e-mail. Tom has assured me that interviewing him in person this week, more than likely Friday, will not be a problem.
I have also e-mailed Ryan Guthrie whose title is Recreation Facility Attendant. He is my roommate’s immediate boss. He has also not e-mailed me back but Tom is speaking with him tomorrow as well.
I have made plans to shadow my roommate at work this Friday. This is likely when I will be able to interview Olms and Guthrie. I will also be able to see what an average day is like for an Ohio Stadium employee in the offseason. Tom has assured me that there will be multiple co-workers of his available for interviews and I will be able to get detailed descriptions of the area that they work.
I have an interview scheduled with Larry Lokai, the well known Ohio State fanatic BuckeyeMan, for March 2 before the men’s basketball game. This will allow me to get the perspective of a long time dedicated fan on what happens behind the scenes at the Horseshoe.
I have sent an email requesting an interview to Gene Smith, the Athletic Director at Ohio State. He has not yet responded but I have heard that he is far more accessible through his secretary so I plan on calling his offices Monday
I have e-mailed head football coach Jim Tressel explaining my article and requesting an interview of any kind. I am awaiting a reply.
I have spoken with Boom Herron, starting tailback on the 2009 football team. Interviewing him would be a conflict of interest for me but he has agreed to set me up with another player who would be willing to grant me a short interview sometime this week. He requested that we figure out the details tomorrow.
I am awaiting a response from my fellow 422 classmate Nick Hiltbrand with contact information for his friend who is currently one of the Brutus mascots.
I have also e-mailed Jordon Birkemeier, the Assistant Director of the Buckey Club requesting an interview.
I have acquired biographical information for all the people mentioned above when available. I have also acquired historical information on the stadium itself.
What I Plan to do:
Ideally I will be able to interview all of the above people. I am very confident I will be able to interview everyone on the list with the exception of Gene Smith and Jim Tressel, both of whom I feel at least moderately confident about at least getting an e-mail interview.
I will provide a comprehensive article on all of the year round and behind the scenes aspects of Ohio Stadium. This will look at the perspective of the general employee and multiple higher ranking employees’ all the way to the top with AD Gene Smith.
I will also provide the perspective of the average and fanatic fans, (hopefully) the head football coach and at least one player.
I plan on contacting a member of the band this week to get that perspective as well.
Social Media Addition:
I have found Larry Lokai, the Buckeye Man, on Facebook and friend requested him so that I will be able to use his Facebook page as a source. I explained this to him in a message sent with the friend request.
I have also found a group on Facebook entitled 'I have played football in Ohio Stadium.' The group is for those who have legally or illegally played football in the stadium. From the group I get the impression that most or all members have done so illegally. I sent a message via Facebook to the President of this group requesting an interview.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Broadcast Script
Winter weather dominated headlines along the East Coast this weekend. Philadelphia received 27 inches of snow and Washington D.C. received over 20 inches as well.
Eight inches of snow fell in the Columbus area Friday and Saturday. More snow is expected to fall in the area Tuesday and Wednesday of this week according to the Weather Channel’s Web site.
Though the winter weather continues, the H1N1 scare may be officially coming to an end. Federal Health officials reported Friday that there has been no widespread activity of the virus for 4 consecutive weeks. Continued circulation of the virus is expected but experts say they do not foresee another large outbreak.
The outbreak of conservative ideas championed by the so called Tea Party does continue. The National Tea Party held their first convention Saturday night in Nashville, Tenn. Sarah Palin was the conventions keynote speaker.
The former governor of Alaska was serenaded with chants of “Run, Sarah, Run,” as she concluded her speech. The politician did admit that running for President in 2012 is a possibility in an interview airing on “Fox News Sunday.”
Sunday afternoon also saw Evan Turner led the Ohio State men’s basketball team past Iowa. Turner matched his career high, scoring 32, as Ohio State won 68-58.
With the win the Buckeyes improved their record to 8 and 3 in the Big Ten. The team sits in a tie for second place and only one game behind leader Michigan State. The Spartans and Buckeyes play February 20 in East Lansing.
The sporting news that dominated the weekend of coarse was the Super Bowl. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 yesterday in Miami. Drew Brees took home the super bowl MVP trophy. He threw for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Though the Saints can celebrate their championship, the country was once again cheated out of an opportunity. This opportunity can be realized if the NFL will embrace change and move the Super Bowl to Saturday.
Moving the game to a Saturday would allow children to stay up to watch their heroes without having to worry about school the next morning.
It would also allow older students to relax and enjoy the game rather than worry about assignments and classes. Adults would also not have to stress about the start of their work week.
The Super Bowl is a national event. The game routinely receives over 80 million viewers each year according to Nielsen Media Research.
A Saturday Super Bowl would increase partying, but the NFL does not shy away from the party aspects of the weekend. It promotes parties and holds the event in cities that support night life. This year’s host city, Miami, is certainly no exception.
The league needs to stop shying away from their obligation, and give the country a Super Bowl Saturday.
Eight inches of snow fell in the Columbus area Friday and Saturday. More snow is expected to fall in the area Tuesday and Wednesday of this week according to the Weather Channel’s Web site.
Though the winter weather continues, the H1N1 scare may be officially coming to an end. Federal Health officials reported Friday that there has been no widespread activity of the virus for 4 consecutive weeks. Continued circulation of the virus is expected but experts say they do not foresee another large outbreak.
The outbreak of conservative ideas championed by the so called Tea Party does continue. The National Tea Party held their first convention Saturday night in Nashville, Tenn. Sarah Palin was the conventions keynote speaker.
The former governor of Alaska was serenaded with chants of “Run, Sarah, Run,” as she concluded her speech. The politician did admit that running for President in 2012 is a possibility in an interview airing on “Fox News Sunday.”
Sunday afternoon also saw Evan Turner led the Ohio State men’s basketball team past Iowa. Turner matched his career high, scoring 32, as Ohio State won 68-58.
With the win the Buckeyes improved their record to 8 and 3 in the Big Ten. The team sits in a tie for second place and only one game behind leader Michigan State. The Spartans and Buckeyes play February 20 in East Lansing.
The sporting news that dominated the weekend of coarse was the Super Bowl. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 yesterday in Miami. Drew Brees took home the super bowl MVP trophy. He threw for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Though the Saints can celebrate their championship, the country was once again cheated out of an opportunity. This opportunity can be realized if the NFL will embrace change and move the Super Bowl to Saturday.
Moving the game to a Saturday would allow children to stay up to watch their heroes without having to worry about school the next morning.
It would also allow older students to relax and enjoy the game rather than worry about assignments and classes. Adults would also not have to stress about the start of their work week.
The Super Bowl is a national event. The game routinely receives over 80 million viewers each year according to Nielsen Media Research.
A Saturday Super Bowl would increase partying, but the NFL does not shy away from the party aspects of the weekend. It promotes parties and holds the event in cities that support night life. This year’s host city, Miami, is certainly no exception.
The league needs to stop shying away from their obligation, and give the country a Super Bowl Saturday.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Live Nation Entertainment announces office opening in Dallas, appoints Senior VP
Live News Entertainment announces the opening of their office in Dallas today.
The entertainment company has appointed Dan Cat-er-nee-key-a as the Senior Vice President of the office.
Cat-er-nee-key-a has been promoting in Dallas, the nations 5th largest market, since the 1960s and has produced more than 3 thousand concerts.
“Danny Cat-er-nee-key-a has been the number 1 promoter in Dallas for decades, and we are thrilled to have him lead our new office," said Regional President Bob Rue.
He brings experience to the new office established by the recently formed entertainment group.
Live Nation Entertainment formed after the US Department of Justice approved the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation late last month. The combination of the concert promoter and ticket-seller is the first major antitrust ruling under the Obama administration.
The entertainment company has appointed Dan Cat-er-nee-key-a as the Senior Vice President of the office.
Cat-er-nee-key-a has been promoting in Dallas, the nations 5th largest market, since the 1960s and has produced more than 3 thousand concerts.
“Danny Cat-er-nee-key-a has been the number 1 promoter in Dallas for decades, and we are thrilled to have him lead our new office," said Regional President Bob Rue.
He brings experience to the new office established by the recently formed entertainment group.
Live Nation Entertainment formed after the US Department of Justice approved the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation late last month. The combination of the concert promoter and ticket-seller is the first major antitrust ruling under the Obama administration.
National Signing Day
ESPN's top 15 Recruiting Classes as of 10:30 a.m National Signing Day:
1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. Auburn
5. Oklahoma
6. Penn State
7. LSU
8. Florida State
9. Georgia
10. USC
11. Tennessee
12. Miami
13. Ohio State
14. Texas A&M
15. Stanford
For more info see their list
Thoughts:
Apparently program prestige/success trumps coaching in the minds of high school stars. Three of the top fifteen schools have recently experienced significant coaching turmoil. Urban Meyer is on an indefinite leave of absence at Florida, Pete Carrol left USC for the NFL (getting out of there before recruiting violations surface?) and Lane Kiffin jumped at the USC job after being at Tennessee for only one season. The fact that these coaching changes do not seem to matter is frustrating as Ohio State has been battling over recruits with both Florida and USC.
A top prize is still out there as Seantrel Henderson, the No. 1 ranked offensive lineman, is scheduled to decide between Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, Miami, and Florida at 3:30 p.m. today. Most agree that all 5 schools are still on the table. If he chooses any of the four in the top fifteen I would expect them to jump 3-5 spots (except Florida, who would lock up the No. 1 spot).
1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. Auburn
5. Oklahoma
6. Penn State
7. LSU
8. Florida State
9. Georgia
10. USC
11. Tennessee
12. Miami
13. Ohio State
14. Texas A&M
15. Stanford
For more info see their list
Thoughts:
Apparently program prestige/success trumps coaching in the minds of high school stars. Three of the top fifteen schools have recently experienced significant coaching turmoil. Urban Meyer is on an indefinite leave of absence at Florida, Pete Carrol left USC for the NFL (getting out of there before recruiting violations surface?) and Lane Kiffin jumped at the USC job after being at Tennessee for only one season. The fact that these coaching changes do not seem to matter is frustrating as Ohio State has been battling over recruits with both Florida and USC.
A top prize is still out there as Seantrel Henderson, the No. 1 ranked offensive lineman, is scheduled to decide between Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, Miami, and Florida at 3:30 p.m. today. Most agree that all 5 schools are still on the table. If he chooses any of the four in the top fifteen I would expect them to jump 3-5 spots (except Florida, who would lock up the No. 1 spot).
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