Monthly Archives: February 2015

Wisconsin broadcast media are busy covering right-to-work legislation

Cameras and microphones of Wisconsin broadcast media are in evidence everywhere around the state capitol as they provide coverage of the debate and events surrounding right-to-work legislation. Reporting on what state government is doing is in the DNA of Wisconsin broadcast newsrooms. What is a “special session” of the legislature... - MORE -

Sources: A Reporter’s Stock-In-Trade

If you really want to know what’s going on in the beats you cover, you need to develop and maintain good sources – the people who know “the story behind the story” and are often first to know when something new comes up.  Here’s some great information about developing sources... - MORE -

Deputy Attempts To Block TV Live Shot

This is compelling video taken during an actual live shot by KDFW-TV (Dallas, TX). The link is here. The reporter on the live shot seems pretty well-informed about what his rights as a representative of the media are. To be sure you, as a Wisconsin reporter, are familiar with... - MORE -

NBC News President’s Statement on Brian Williams’ Suspension

Here is the statement released by NBC News President Deborah Turness on the evening of February 10th, 2015:   We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months. The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We... - MORE -

Better News Writing

No one thinks they’re a bad news writer. There are all sorts of reasons for using clichés and “news-speak” in stories (time/deadline pressure being one), but seldom an excuse. That’s why phrases like “fled on foot” and “the incident remains under investigation” – phrases only cops use – find their... - MORE -