I had a few options for people to focus on for my slideshow, but I am choosing to follow Jillian Benna, the special events chair for Phi Sigma Sigma. Since Greek Week starts on Monday and there is a full week of different events such as Greek Sing and Wacky Olympics, I think I will be able to gather a variety of photos for the slideshow as well as natural sound and interviews. Jill is also an ambitious and outgoing girl who is active in her sorority. She will talk about her position and what it is like to lead the Greek Week activities.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Rock for the Cure
On March 29 Olivia Obineme published an article for The Towerlight regarding Tau Kappa Epsilon's philanthropy event that was hosted in Paws. They raised over $500 for their new philanthropy, St. Jude's Research. It was called Rock for the Cure and featured four bands, one which included Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator Christian Miele.
The TKE Fraternity was able to raise even more money by holding a date auction and raffling off gift certificates. Fundraising chair C.T. Sartory said that they will still be raising money for the National Alzheimer's Foundation as well.
I think this story was written well and contained quotes from credible people. However, many people may not be aware or be informed about St. Jude's Research. I think it would have been helpful for the reporter to give a short description or a quote from someone in the fraternity about what this research foundation does. Other than that, the story was well written and I wish I could have went to this event since it sounds like it was for a very good cause.
The TKE Fraternity was able to raise even more money by holding a date auction and raffling off gift certificates. Fundraising chair C.T. Sartory said that they will still be raising money for the National Alzheimer's Foundation as well.
I think this story was written well and contained quotes from credible people. However, many people may not be aware or be informed about St. Jude's Research. I think it would have been helpful for the reporter to give a short description or a quote from someone in the fraternity about what this research foundation does. Other than that, the story was well written and I wish I could have went to this event since it sounds like it was for a very good cause.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
ABC News
On the ABC Nightly News at 11:00 p.m, the news began with a story about a murder suspect in Northeast Baltimore. The story uses shots that tell the story. For example, a photo of the street sign is shown when the location is said. A variety of medium wide and tight shots are also used.
The story about a coach being charged with child pornography, John Kovach uses tight shots to show the letter that was sent and other items involved in the story. This matched action helps tell the story in a more compelling way.
The story about keeping Preakness in Maryland contains natural sound of the horse show announcer in the background while the reporter is speaking.
The reporter introduces the story about the plane that was stolen in Canada and continues to a video of the plane and airport with a voice over. A split screen is shown with a map of the plane one one side and the actual footage on the right.
Natural sound is used again with the sound of a bell ringing as the Dow as the local stock market is being told as well.
Before learning about the different editing techniques, I never realized how much goes into editing the video before it airs on the news.
The story about a coach being charged with child pornography, John Kovach uses tight shots to show the letter that was sent and other items involved in the story. This matched action helps tell the story in a more compelling way.
The story about keeping Preakness in Maryland contains natural sound of the horse show announcer in the background while the reporter is speaking.
The reporter introduces the story about the plane that was stolen in Canada and continues to a video of the plane and airport with a voice over. A split screen is shown with a map of the plane one one side and the actual footage on the right.
Natural sound is used again with the sound of a bell ringing as the Dow as the local stock market is being told as well.
Before learning about the different editing techniques, I never realized how much goes into editing the video before it airs on the news.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Get ready for new additions to Greek Life
If you haven't already heard, there is a new sorority and fraternity being added to Towson's campus. The sorority is Delta Delta Delta, more commonly known as Tri-Delt. The fraternity determined to get approval is Sigma Alpha Mu, nicknamed as Sammy.
If you're interested in learning more about the process and the future of these new additions, listen to my audio story. Pan-hellenic President Rebecca Wade, a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and Adam Schwartz, one of the founders of Sammy at Towson give their input on the situations they are involved in.
Both new chapters will begin recruiting in the fall during formal recruitment, although their process will be different from the already established chapters. Towson's campus is constantly changing and it should be exciting to watch Greek life get bigger and more prominent.
If you're interested in learning more about the process and the future of these new additions, listen to my audio story. Pan-hellenic President Rebecca Wade, a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and Adam Schwartz, one of the founders of Sammy at Towson give their input on the situations they are involved in.
Both new chapters will begin recruiting in the fall during formal recruitment, although their process will be different from the already established chapters. Towson's campus is constantly changing and it should be exciting to watch Greek life get bigger and more prominent.
Greek housing soon to arrive at Towson
Housing and residence life has began planning the townhouses designated for members of fraternities and sororities that will soon be built. Check out my feature story for more information on the future of Greek housing at Towson.
Does anyone have any opinions on this recent development? If so, feel free to comment!
Does anyone have any opinions on this recent development? If so, feel free to comment!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Audio Story
Some ideas I'm thinking about for my upcoming audio story relating to Greek Life have to do with the new sorority that is going to be added to the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the fraternity that is being discussed as being added into the Interfraternity Council on Towson's campus. I don't really know any information on this except that there is being a decision made between 3 sororities. It could be interesting to write a story and interview someone from the sorority side and someone in a fraternity.
I haven't thought of any other ideas yet but if there are any Greek events occurring the week after Spring Break that is something I could also focus on as well.
I haven't thought of any other ideas yet but if there are any Greek events occurring the week after Spring Break that is something I could also focus on as well.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
From Print to Broadcast
A summary lead found in the Baltimore Sun on March 6 said:
Maryland horse racing interests pondered an uncertain future yesterday as horsemen, breeders, regulators, employees and fans absorbed the news that the biggest player in the state's thoroughbred industry, Magna Entertainment, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy-law protection.
If this were to be broadcast on television, a better lead would be:
The future is uncertain for Maryland horse racing enthusiasts because the biggest player in the horse industry, Magna Entertainment, has filed for bankruptcy.
In the Baltimore Sun on March 7 an article about the Towson University provost started with the lead:
The provost of Towson University, James P. Clements, was named the president of West Virginia University yesterday.
For broadcast TV the same story could be stated:
James P. Clements, the provost of Towson University is now the president of West Virgina University as well.
Another article in the Baltimore Sun on Saturday said:
A 25-year-old woman was fatally wounded and two other women were injured early today in a shooting attack outside of a lesbian nightclub in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, city police said.
For broadcast television the lead would have to be in present tense and shorter and could be said as:
Three women are still recovering from the shooting attack that occurred outside of a lesbian nightclub in a Baltimore neighborhood last night.
Maryland horse racing interests pondered an uncertain future yesterday as horsemen, breeders, regulators, employees and fans absorbed the news that the biggest player in the state's thoroughbred industry, Magna Entertainment, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy-law protection.
If this were to be broadcast on television, a better lead would be:
The future is uncertain for Maryland horse racing enthusiasts because the biggest player in the horse industry, Magna Entertainment, has filed for bankruptcy.
In the Baltimore Sun on March 7 an article about the Towson University provost started with the lead:
The provost of Towson University, James P. Clements, was named the president of West Virginia University yesterday.
For broadcast TV the same story could be stated:
James P. Clements, the provost of Towson University is now the president of West Virgina University as well.
Another article in the Baltimore Sun on Saturday said:
A 25-year-old woman was fatally wounded and two other women were injured early today in a shooting attack outside of a lesbian nightclub in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, city police said.
For broadcast television the lead would have to be in present tense and shorter and could be said as:
Three women are still recovering from the shooting attack that occurred outside of a lesbian nightclub in a Baltimore neighborhood last night.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
New sorority added to UGC
Alissa Katz's article in the Towerlight discusses the new sorority that is now recognized by Towson's Fraternity and Sorority life. Their name is Lambda Theta Alpha and they are now being added to the four sororities that are a part of the Unified Greek Council.
"According to the coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life Christian Miele, they qualified by meeting community service and philanthropic requirements."
What's now a sorority started out as an interest group. Since they are new on campus they are on probationary status, but they are officially recognized. Once all guidelines and laws are followed Lambda Theta Alpha will come off probation.
I think this is a good straightforward news story about the updates in Fraternity and Sorority life at Towson. If I were to add to the story I would add some quotes from members of Lambda Theta Alpha and some more information on how they decided to form a new sorority.
"According to the coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life Christian Miele, they qualified by meeting community service and philanthropic requirements."
What's now a sorority started out as an interest group. Since they are new on campus they are on probationary status, but they are officially recognized. Once all guidelines and laws are followed Lambda Theta Alpha will come off probation.
I think this is a good straightforward news story about the updates in Fraternity and Sorority life at Towson. If I were to add to the story I would add some quotes from members of Lambda Theta Alpha and some more information on how they decided to form a new sorority.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My First Feature
For my feature story related to Fraternity and Sorority Life I am going to do a trend story on Greek Housing. The issue of Greek Housing has been discussed for years and it seems like Towson is finally going to make it happen. Greek life gets bigger each year and the addition of housing will get even more people involved.
I am going to attack this feature by talking to various people such as members of fraternities and sororities and people who are involved with the Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council. Finding out more information about the location of housing and when it will start being constructed will be helpful and I can talk to someone in charge of Housing and Residence life about that as well. When people think of sororities and fraternities an image that often comes to mind is the houses, and I think this article will not only interest people involved in Greek life but others as well.
I am going to attack this feature by talking to various people such as members of fraternities and sororities and people who are involved with the Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council. Finding out more information about the location of housing and when it will start being constructed will be helpful and I can talk to someone in charge of Housing and Residence life about that as well. When people think of sororities and fraternities an image that often comes to mind is the houses, and I think this article will not only interest people involved in Greek life but others as well.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Feature Story
I have a couple of ideas for my first feature story regarding Greek Life. TigerTHON is this upcoming Friday from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. Every sorority and fraternity is paired up and there is an all night dance-a-thon to raise money. Since I will be participating in this event it would be a good opportunity for me to get pictures and possibly video footage. I will have access to many people who I can interview and would be able to get a substantial amount of information for a good feature story.
Another option for my feature story would be to focus on the new fraternity that is not recognized by Towson University as of yet but have been approved by the National Interfraternity Council, Sigma Alpha Mu. Then I could also talk to the girls who are planning on adding a new sorority to Towson's campus as well.
Another option for my feature story would be to focus on the new fraternity that is not recognized by Towson University as of yet but have been approved by the National Interfraternity Council, Sigma Alpha Mu. Then I could also talk to the girls who are planning on adding a new sorority to Towson's campus as well.
The Wall Street Journal Formula
The Wall Street Journal Formula is the most commonly used format for feature stories. It typically contains four distinct parts:
1. starts off with a specific example most likely in an anecdotal, descriptive, or narrative lead
2. a nut graf that explains the main point of the story
3. the body of the story has quotes, facts, etc. that support the point of the story
4. it ends with an anecdote, description, or discusses possible future developments
An example of a feature story using this formula I found on the front page of
Feb. 22's Washington Post. The story is introduced with a descriptive lead: "Julie Zingeser texts at home, at school, in the car while her mother is driving. She texts during homework, after pompon practice and as she walks the family dog. She takes her cellphone with her to bed." The nut graf is the fifth paragraph of the story and tells more about the main point of the article, which is that parents and teachers are concerned about the effects of text messaging in many aspects of teens' lives.
The body of the story provides quotes and facts about the main point of the article.
"Nationally, more than 75 billion text messages are sent a month, and the most avid texters are 13 to 17, say researchers. Teens with cellphones average 2,272 text messages a month, compared with 203 calls, according to the Nielsen Co."
Lastly, the story comes to a close with a quote from the teenage girl Julie saying that she realizes the constant texting has consequences such as affecting her focus.
It concludes with "Still, she doubts she will change her text life anytime soon. "When I don't have my phone with me," she said, "I feel out of the loop.""
*picture from the article
1. starts off with a specific example most likely in an anecdotal, descriptive, or narrative lead
2. a nut graf that explains the main point of the story
3. the body of the story has quotes, facts, etc. that support the point of the story
4. it ends with an anecdote, description, or discusses possible future developments
An example of a feature story using this formula I found on the front page of
Feb. 22's Washington Post. The story is introduced with a descriptive lead: "Julie Zingeser texts at home, at school, in the car while her mother is driving. She texts during homework, after pompon practice and as she walks the family dog. She takes her cellphone with her to bed." The nut graf is the fifth paragraph of the story and tells more about the main point of the article, which is that parents and teachers are concerned about the effects of text messaging in many aspects of teens' lives.
The body of the story provides quotes and facts about the main point of the article.
"Nationally, more than 75 billion text messages are sent a month, and the most avid texters are 13 to 17, say researchers. Teens with cellphones average 2,272 text messages a month, compared with 203 calls, according to the Nielsen Co."
Lastly, the story comes to a close with a quote from the teenage girl Julie saying that she realizes the constant texting has consequences such as affecting her focus.
It concludes with "Still, she doubts she will change her text life anytime soon. "When I don't have my phone with me," she said, "I feel out of the loop.""
*picture from the article
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
"Rushed" in the spring?
Recruitment for sororities has begun Friday, Feb. 13 and will come to a close this coming Thursday. Only four sororities held recruitment parties this spring. Phi Sigma Sigma had all of their rush parties over the weekend, while Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, and Zeta Tau Alpha decided to have theirs lead into the week.
"This spring rush is more informal than it has ever been," said Assistant Membership Recruitment Chair Erika Flerx. "It was hardly advertised and many people weren't even aware when the parties would take place since they are all on different days."
Phi Sigma Sigma and Alpha Omicron Pi had their rush parties in the University Union, while the other two sororities decided to take their potential new members off campus. Zeta Tau Alpha had one of their parties at Fairways Apartments and Alpha Gamma Delta held a rush event at Bill Bateman's. Spring rush always differs from the more popular and very crowded fall recruitment, but this spring's was much more inconvenient.
"This spring rush is more informal than it has ever been," said Assistant Membership Recruitment Chair Erika Flerx. "It was hardly advertised and many people weren't even aware when the parties would take place since they are all on different days."
Phi Sigma Sigma and Alpha Omicron Pi had their rush parties in the University Union, while the other two sororities decided to take their potential new members off campus. Zeta Tau Alpha had one of their parties at Fairways Apartments and Alpha Gamma Delta held a rush event at Bill Bateman's. Spring rush always differs from the more popular and very crowded fall recruitment, but this spring's was much more inconvenient.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Feature vs. Summary Leads
Feature leads differ from the traditional summary lead that is straightforward and goes through the 5 W's. Although short feature stories can start off with summary leads, they would not try to get as many W's and an H in that a writer would do for a hard news story. Feature leads are more descriptive than summary leads because their goal is to make the reader interested so they will continue reading the full story. Some different types of feature leads include anecdotal, narrative, descriptive, and question.
I found an example of a descriptive lead on the Baltimore Sun website from Sunday, Feb. 15:
A naked man on a motorcycle who crashed with an Arkansas state trooper's cruiser on a night when it was sleeting faces misdemeanor charges. A police report said a 35-year-old man kept riding when a trooper tried to pull him over during the Jan. 26 incident.
It follows some of the same guidelines as a summary lead but gives more detail since this story is unusual and not typical.
Another example of a feature lead was in the New York Times also on Sunday, Feb. 15:
The 74-seat turboprop plane that crashed Thursday night near Buffalo was part of an expanding fleet of small regional aircraft that have become a vital part of the country’s airline industry and are increasingly the only air link available to far-flung towns and smaller cities.
The lead doesn't only answer the 5 W's, but goes into detail about the aircraft since it is a follow-up article about the Buffalo plane crash that occurred a few days ago.
I found an example of a descriptive lead on the Baltimore Sun website from Sunday, Feb. 15:
A naked man on a motorcycle who crashed with an Arkansas state trooper's cruiser on a night when it was sleeting faces misdemeanor charges. A police report said a 35-year-old man kept riding when a trooper tried to pull him over during the Jan. 26 incident.
It follows some of the same guidelines as a summary lead but gives more detail since this story is unusual and not typical.
Another example of a feature lead was in the New York Times also on Sunday, Feb. 15:
The 74-seat turboprop plane that crashed Thursday night near Buffalo was part of an expanding fleet of small regional aircraft that have become a vital part of the country’s airline industry and are increasingly the only air link available to far-flung towns and smaller cities.
The lead doesn't only answer the 5 W's, but goes into detail about the aircraft since it is a follow-up article about the Buffalo plane crash that occurred a few days ago.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Off-Campus Housing
"Do Greeks need separate housing? No. Do they deserve it? Probably not," Rachel Fauber said in her Towerlight article regarding Greek housing.
Towson's Greek life currently represents approximately 7% of the student population. This number is expanding each year along with the size of Towson's campus and the number of students accepted. Since the sororities and fraternities are becoming much bigger than they used to be, the issue of Greek Housing has been brought up many times and it is finally being recognized.
Fauber says that it is unfair to provide housing for Greek life and not any other student organizations. In her opinion article she suggests that the university should also look into housing for student groups such as Towson Energy Activists. She also says that Towson's fraternity and sorority life is most well known for their stint with drinking on Bid Day over a year ago and their presence on the gossip website that was recently shut down.
I don't agree with Fauber's opinion at all. A large number of universities come equipped with a row of Greek houses for each recognized fraternity and sorority on their campus. It is basically the norm to have Greek housing, and our university is one that doesn't. It would be impossible to have housing for every type of student organization on campus because there is so many and because a lot of students are involved in more than just one. It's very different to have housing for a sorority than to have housing for a student organization, such as the staff of the Towerlight.
Fauber also stereotypes Greeks by saying that all they're known for are the things they have gotten in trouble for. She doesn't mention all of the philanthropic events and activities that Greek life holds and the amount of money they raise for different charities and good causes. If she were to investigate more to make this an actual story she could get various students opinions, Greek and non-Greek on the idea of housing for student organizations off campus.
Towson's Greek life currently represents approximately 7% of the student population. This number is expanding each year along with the size of Towson's campus and the number of students accepted. Since the sororities and fraternities are becoming much bigger than they used to be, the issue of Greek Housing has been brought up many times and it is finally being recognized.
Fauber says that it is unfair to provide housing for Greek life and not any other student organizations. In her opinion article she suggests that the university should also look into housing for student groups such as Towson Energy Activists. She also says that Towson's fraternity and sorority life is most well known for their stint with drinking on Bid Day over a year ago and their presence on the gossip website that was recently shut down.
I don't agree with Fauber's opinion at all. A large number of universities come equipped with a row of Greek houses for each recognized fraternity and sorority on their campus. It is basically the norm to have Greek housing, and our university is one that doesn't. It would be impossible to have housing for every type of student organization on campus because there is so many and because a lot of students are involved in more than just one. It's very different to have housing for a sorority than to have housing for a student organization, such as the staff of the Towerlight.
Fauber also stereotypes Greeks by saying that all they're known for are the things they have gotten in trouble for. She doesn't mention all of the philanthropic events and activities that Greek life holds and the amount of money they raise for different charities and good causes. If she were to investigate more to make this an actual story she could get various students opinions, Greek and non-Greek on the idea of housing for student organizations off campus.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
A Greek Beat...
My beat is going to be fraternity and sorority life at Towson. I chose this not only because I am in a sorority but because I think that many people who are not involved in Greek Life are not aware of many of the things we do. Each sorority and fraternity has a philanthropy they raise and donate money to through various events. My beat will follow Greek events such as Recruitment, fundraisers and Greek Week. I will also report on the new sororities and fraternities that are trying to be recognized by Towson’s campus and will add to the Greek life here.
Students who are not a part of Greek life may have their stereotypes and judgments of sororities and fraternities. My beat will allow others to get a glimpse inside the lives of a Greek at Towson and show people that we're not only in a fraternity or a sorority for the parties. Being involved in Greek Life has been a great opportunity for me and in upcoming posts I will write about the activities going around on campus and other news involving Greeks.
Students who are not a part of Greek life may have their stereotypes and judgments of sororities and fraternities. My beat will allow others to get a glimpse inside the lives of a Greek at Towson and show people that we're not only in a fraternity or a sorority for the parties. Being involved in Greek Life has been a great opportunity for me and in upcoming posts I will write about the activities going around on campus and other news involving Greeks.
Monday, January 26, 2009
About Ariel...
I'm a sophomore from Long Island, New York and I am dual tracking in Journalism and Advertising. I haven't decided which career field I want to pursue because I am interested in both. I have always wanted to work for a magazine, either writing or editing and doing design. I am hoping to get an internship this summer in New York City with a magazine or an advertising agency.
My favorite part of MCOM 257 was doing all of the HTML website publishing, audio editing and using Photoshop. In this class I hope I will learn to become a better writer (and blogger) and I am looking forward to continuing the learning experience from MCOM 257.
My favorite part of MCOM 257 was doing all of the HTML website publishing, audio editing and using Photoshop. In this class I hope I will learn to become a better writer (and blogger) and I am looking forward to continuing the learning experience from MCOM 257.
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