Writing with the Code in Mind

There are three major rules that stick out to me when reading the Journalist code of ethics.

1.Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.

*This rule is extremely important to me because writing with bias can be harmful in many ways. As a journalist it is important that you keep other's views and values in mind as you write because you want to be sure not to offend anyone by placing your views in your work. Writing with your opinion on topics such as race, religion, and culture where you put one over the other can stop readers with your opposing views to discontinue reading

that specific source.

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2. Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

*It is extremely important to me for journalist to show respect dealing with heavy issues such as death or tragedy to a love one or to atr agic event that is life changing. I believe that reporting cautiosly is extremely important because I feel it is inhumane to disregaurd what a person in going through just to get that story. The information and the event is not going to dissapppear so why not give that/those grieving people time to cope with the event, instead of being bumbarded by the media.

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3. Admit mistakes and correct them promptly

*Everyone makes mistakes, ESPECIALLY journalist. Some mistakes are made knowingly and others are made unknowingly, but regaurdless it is impearative as a journalist to admit what he/she has written incorrectly. Whether it is a spelling error or the ine correct date journalist have a responsibility to the public to let us know whether what they have written untruthfully.

Going Green

For my next multimedia story I will be covering Towson University's effort to "go green". This story will focus on the enviromentally friendly action in which students and faculty have initiated which are trayless tuesday and the reusuable mug program.



Background Information-The university is working to reduce its impact on the environment by adopting new processes that decrease energy consumption and implementing new technologies that make more efficient use of energy.There are many campus organizations such as, Students for Environmental Awareness, Towson Campus Greens, Towson Energy Activists/Conservationists etc.



FACTS:
*The Glen Marketplace and Newell Dining Hall go trayless every Tuesday to reduce food waste, decrease the energy and water used to clean trays, and encourage healthier eating habits.

*Launched this fall, Towson University's reusable mug program enables students, faculty and staff to receive a discount on all drinks purchased in a 20oz. insulated Go Green mug, which is available at Brick Street Cafe, Arts Cafe, The Den, Fresh TRAX and Paws Cafe for $6.99. Refills with the Go Green mugs are $1.09 for fountain beverages, tea and coffee. Trade in your personal reusable mug and become part of the Go Green mug program, mugs sold at a discounted price of $3.99.



Possible Interview Questions:
Students:
Reaction to trayless tuesday/mug program?
Do they think its a good idea/bad idea?

Staff or faculty that initiated program:
How did you come up with the idea?
Is the reusuable mug/trayless progam is successful?



Possible Photos:

Pictures of students on Tuesday w/o trays in Glen

Picture of a student with a go green mug

Possible Audio:
Students talking about one of the programs
Professional enviromental worker speaking about Towson's efforts to go green.(programs)

IN THE MIX..PIX

Finding the Perfect Shot

Photo of the Towson University Tiger on the campuses main front lawn

Headshot of Amber Owens on the Towson University campus

Fall snapshots takeng on the campus of Towson University's in the Glen Woods

Getting a Better photo: There are many different great ideas to snapping a better photo with your camera. Some of the of the techniques I just learned helped me to look at what what I see in my viewfinder totally different than before. One of the many techniques is framing, which allows the photographer to use an scenery or another element as a frame around the object of your picture. Framing gives the picture another interesting addition to the photo. Another technique is perspective. You can explore your surroundings and take multiple shots from various angles. Look for focus points that capitalize on the best available light. Also,shoot from far away, get close, even closer, lie on the ground, use a ladder, hold the camera above your head, tilt it at crazy angles. These are just some of the tools that helped me take a better photo. Now get out there and try it for yourself!!

1st Multimedia Story

For my first Mutlimedia story I plan to cover young voters of the 2008 presidential election. For this event I plan attend an Election watch party in Paws on Election night, November 4, 2008. I feel this will be a great event to attend and to get college student's perspective and thoughts on the historical election. I also plan to interview experienced voters first-hand at the polls on November 4th in Bowie, MD.

Background Information

According to a rock the vote forum, the number of 18-29 year old voters has increased in every state's primary or caucus so far in 2008, even doubling and tripling in several. Overall, the number of 18-29 year olds voting in primaries and caucuses in 2008 is 109% more than in the previous set of primary elections. In addition, while turnout has been high across all age groups, young voters have increased their turnout by muchmore than any other age cohort.
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Possible Interview Questions for young voters

1. Which presidential canidate do/did you want to win the election?

2. Are you a first time voter?

3. How important was it for you to vote today?

4. Do you feel you made an impact in this election? why?

5. How did you vote? in the polls or absentee ballot?

6. Will you vote again in the next election?

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Possible Interview Questions for experienced voters

1. Which presidential canidate do/did you want to win the election?

2. Why is voting in this particular election important to you?

3. Compared to past elections, is this the most voter turnout you have experienced?

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Possible Images

1. An excited young voter

2. group shot of voters at the election watch party

3. A long line at a polling location

4. students watching the big screen at the party

5. Action shot of the reactions after the election results are revealed