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Fifth Blog: Writing as a Journalist

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One thing I always share with my new students in the COMM 1130 Media Writing course (more popular here at University of Utah Asia in Spring term) and in COMM 1610 Introduction to News Reporting (Fall term) - the alternative all those in the journalism emphasis are encouraged to take) is that writing as a journalist is a challenge. Why? Because journalists are empowered to be the gatekeepers of information the public has the right to know (about) . As an explanation of just how complex things can get, I will share how the two English language newspapers handled informing the public on Feb. 25, 2022 (the date shared in AP style). First, I will reveal that it was not a great day for the sharing of good news - what in fact transpired was a resurgence of COVID-19, as perceived through an increase in the number of confirmed cases. A Korean governmental agency releases data every day, providing the latest COVID-19 statistics as public record. But looking back in retrospective, after updatin...
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Fourth Blog - It's About Educating

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Your blog posts should be about the sharing of knowledge with others... that is what defines the purpose for/of EDUCATION. It is a service provided, and (many) institutions of higher learning have lost sight of this primary rationale for their existence. Some will posit that their existence is based on the need for research - and they are the most qualified for such a pursuit. This is what I feel has made for a definite trend of increased egocentric tendencies, particularly amongst the younger members in our digital society. Generation Z is very egocentric - to the point they think the world revolves around them. They come first. What? There are others? They can wait. But I must be served now. You may be disappointed when you figure out I am the Soup Nazi. You'll find the link to that later, for those dedicated enough to read on (the deserving few). To that end, muy pronto, por favor . [for my Korean students - Spanish translation: really fast, please.] Perhaps Arnold Schwarznegger...
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The Third Blog - Often Times the Keeper

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What I mean by "keeper" is that the third blog is often time the one that lets readers know they should be following along - that what this blogger has to offer is worth reading. Good writing that is easy to understand and follow, and a subject matter that is of interest. This is (often times) easier said than done. There are so many topics that have been covered so much so that people are tired of hearing about them - like COVID-19 and vaccinations. Yes, the media have a social responsibility (and ethical obligation) to keep covering the issue, sharing updates with the public. But that same responsibility (and the courtesy to be read it/tolerate it) doesn't extend to bloggers. The blog author has to strategically keep in mind what their "target population" is going to want to see/read. Hence your "Understanding Your Audience" exercise, which was designed to challenge you into thinking about the diverse characteristics of your prospective audience (for...
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Sixth Blog: Writing for Strategic Communication

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This is the last in a series of six blogposts that will be used to demonstrate different types of writing that are introduced in COMM 1130 Media Writing. The one writing type I am skipping here is broadcast writing, the writing of scripts. The instruction for this is a little more complex as it involves the creation of scripts. The format is entirely different in focus, in that it includes both media content (that a listener/viewer might hear or see) and instructions for those editing/handling the production of the broadcast (message). This blogpost will focus instead on writing for strategic communication, with a particular focus on public relations and press releases (a course assignment). This class will be tasked with creating two press releases: #1 a media press release - an exercise where a PR professional is asked to share an upcoming PR campaign with local media outlets, with the prospect of attracting free publicity and attention ahead of time; #2 an event press release - an a...
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Follow Up to Initial Blogpost

The student's second blogpost should follow up on what was posted in the inital blog. This could be accomplished through the use of a segue - a strategic transition that might remind the returning blog reader of what was previously shared. Not every blog will be conducive to the use of segues/transitions, so do not dwell on trying to create anything that seems "unnatural" to you, just for the purpose of having what you perceive to be a segue. This second blogpost, once posted, should be followed by the student's sharing of his/her link to their blog in the graded discussion event designated as "Part 2 of 4"; share the link only after posting the first two blogposts. It is your instructor's hope that we will be able to continue face-to-face instruction regardless of Omicron variant, and that we will be able to actively share and discuss posts with each other, both online and inside the UAC 506 lab facility during class session(s). The trepidation that m...
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This is my first post for a blog designed to instruct lower-level college students on how to effectively establish thermselves as a media writer and blogger. As has been stressed to the class already, it is important to understand the dynamics of social media and how an individual might successfully attract readers and followers online. You need to develop your critical thinking skills and strategically write/post content that appeals to the interest(s) of your prospective audience (your blog readers/viewers). You need to have some awareness of their demographics and psychographics to ensure that your postings are engaging and conducive to repeat visits. You must also introduce yourself in your first blog, so as to "get to know" those you might be interacting with online. Students will be expected to complete their profile, utilizing the autobiography they have already written as a starting point. Uploading a headshot photo is also an effective way to engage with others. (rem...
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