Tips from Bob Woodward on investigative journalism

Shooting with two cameras

http://vimeo.com/11620561

Journalism ethics

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethics/

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethics/military-issues/tell-the-truth-stay-alive/ 

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=873531&category=ALBANY 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/business/media/06animate.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=animated%20simulation&st=cse

Hoaxes

http://www.ajr.org/article.asp?id=1277

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/archive/permalink/the_society_for_indecency_to_naked_animals/ 

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/archive/display/category/alan_abel/ 

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0008433/

http://www.joeyskaggs.com/ 

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/ 

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/index

http://www.snopes.com/ 

http://theyesmenfixtheworld.com/

Final exam times for News II

The final for the 10 a.m. class will be 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 12.

The final for the 2 p.m. class will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 13.

Another story that matters

If you want to read a story about how journalists can change the world, read this one:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126386819

Robot reporters

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/startup_aims_to_add_real-time_news_to_newspapers.php

Stories that matter -- Pulitzer prizes

2010

Pulitzer prizes announced

http://www.mefeedia.com/news/30510987

http://www.pulitzer.org/citation/2010-Feature-Photography

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/washington-post-wins-four-pulitzers-new-york-times-gets-three/

The prize for public service went to the tiny Bristol Herald Courier of southwestern Virginia, circulation 29,000, for revealing that many energy companies failed to pay required royalties on natural gas drilling, and that the royalties that were paid were not reaching the local people who deserved them.

http://www2.tricities.com/tri/special_sections/mineral_rights/

http://www.propublica.org/feature/the-deadly-choices-at-memorial-826

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/magazine/30doctors.html

2009 and earlier


http://info.vassar.edu/news/2009-2010/091116-urbanstu-berzon-pulitzertalk.html


http://www.pulitzer.org/press_releases

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/21/sun-wins-pulitzer-prize/

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/topics/construction-deaths/

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/mar/30/construction-deaths/ 

http://www.pulitzer.org/bycat/Public-Service

http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=61526

http://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/16/us/town-gets-clean-water-as-paper-gets-a-pulitzer.html

http://www.wdnweb.com/our_newspaper/about_us/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/invisible/deaths5.htm 

http://www.pulitzer.org/archives/5747 

http://www.gannett.com/go/newswatch/2002/may/claxton.htm 

Nellie Bly

Seymour Hersch



Woodward and Bernstein

The Smoking Gun
Any fan of researching police and court records should become familiar with The Smoking Gun

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/

Sample lede

Steve Spangler begins his schtick by coaching a woman who stares into a 7 foot long, 3 foot wide vat of 2,500 pounds worth of a sloshing corn starch and water mixture. At Spangler’s cue of “Go, Go, Go!” the woman runs on top of the mixture. She wildly stomps atop of it, punishing the surface of the mix with the soles of her feet. She then scampers to the other side, surprisingly clean of the sloppy mixture, and extends her arms as if to say “Tada!”

Good stuff.

Just some tightening to think about:

Steve Spangler begins his schtick by coaching a woman AS SHE stares into a 7 foot long, 3 foot wide vat of 2,500 pounds of corn starch and water.
“Go, Go, Go!” he yells, and the woman runs across.
She wildly stomps atop of it, punishing the surface of the mix with the soles of her feet. She then scampers to the other side, her feet surprisingly clean and extends her arms as if to say “Tada!”

Once you have captured the moment like this, the trick becomes whether you can tell the story with even fewer words. Fewer words, well chosen, have a bigger impact.

New York Times stories

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/health/25warrior.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/17/AR2007021701172.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/us/25vegas.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/world/middleeast/25saudi.html

Weighing the Evidence on Exercise

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18exercise-t.html

Science writing exercises

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/88996/june-21-2007/sign-off---goodbye-to-mr--wizard

http://www.mrwizardstudios.com/

Reporting advice

My general advice would be to be open to questions that come up during the interview, and very often the best question to ask is "Why?" Look for why questions, when possible. They lead you to even better interviews, better stories.

Another question: Tell me about where you were when you discovered X. Get them to give you details before some big event occurred.

Ask your sources if they know other people they recommend that you talk to.

Last question: Are there other questions that you think need to be asked? Or ask: What else should people know about this?

Upstate Local Journalism Center

this is at http://wxxi.org/about/jobs/UNYLJC.html

WXXI (Rochester), along with WNED (Buffalo), WRVO (Oswego/Syracuse),
WSKG (Binghamton) and WMHT (Albany) are partnering to create Upstate
New York's Local Journalism Center. Together they will hire a total
of five additional reporters, one at each station. WXXI will also hire an editor and a
managing facilitator.

The Upstate Local Journalism Center will focus on "The Innovation
Trail." The Center's extensive multi-media reporting will help the
public gain a better understanding of the impact of investment in
research and technology projects across the region, the ways that
colleges, universities and medical centers are working to create
opportunities in emerging technologies, and other industry efforts to
transition from a manufacturing base to a knowledge economy. Working
across the region, this initiative will allow reporters to move
beyond traditional media to provide in-depth coverage with a
high-degree of community engagement and involvement.

This is a grant driven, two-year project with the possibility of continued sustainability.

Ground rules for embedded reporters

Excerpts from materials sent by Lt. Col. Paul Fanning:

... All local Afghan as well as international, foreign and/or American media representatives must be credentialed by the CPIC and issued a CFC-A Media Badge to cover U.S. Coalition Forces. Expiration dates will vary depending on length of approved coverage dates and embed periods.

All journalists/media representatives are required to have a CFC-A Media Badge and a CPIC/Public Affairs escort while on Camp Eggers. This includes credentialed media leaving through the checkpoints.

Journalists who are granted access on Camp Eggers or other installations falling under CFC-A are automatically bound by the CFC-A Ground Rules governing coverage in Afghanistan. You and your agency must adhere to all rules and accept the risks that exist when covering activities and operations on or around CFC-A installations. ...

....
A weekly joint International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan Press Conference is held every Monday at 10 a.m. at the HQ ISAF compound. Media advisories are issued by ISAF/CFC-A prior to each press conference to confirm time and location. All media wishing to attend the joint press conference are asked to arrive at HQ ISAF’s main gate no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled press conference to go through security (15 – 20 min). Commercial ground transportation is limited and traffic can be congested. Please be aware of the gate schedules and plan accordingly.

We do not have billeting/housing for journalists. If staying overnight you will be required to make accommodations with a local hotel, unless told otherwise by CPIC personnel.

NOTE: Alcohol, non-prescription drugs, knives and firearms are not allowed on any CFC-A installation/compound. Cellular/satellite phones, cameras/photography, video and computer equipment must be inspected and cleared by Force Protection representatives.

Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan Media Ground Rules

I, __________________________ of _____________________ understand that I am bound to the
(print first, middle initial, last name) (media organization/affiliation)
following CFC-A Media Ground Rules and any violation of these rules will result in the immediate termination of coverage/access to CFC-A units/installations and confiscation of my CFC-A Media Badge. (Please initial) ____________. CFC-A Media Ground Rules:

1. All interviews will be on the record.
2. Media will be escorted by a public affairs representative at all times while in coalition areas, at all tactical or field locations and encampments, unless embedded with a unit. When escorted, media must remain with escorts until released and will follow instructions regarding their activities.
3. When embedded with a unit, media must remain with that unit at all times.
4. Media will not carry or possess personal weapons, knives, firearms or alcohol.
5. The media is responsible for loading and carrying its own equipment at all times.
6. Under no circumstances will media take photographs or video of detainees or persons in custody (to include recognizable face, nametag or other identifying feature), detainee or custody facilities or operations in Afghanistan. No interviews with detainees or persons in custody will be granted.
7. Media will not photograph Special Operations Forces or other equipment. Only photos of personnel in U.S. uniforms will be allowed.
8. The following categories of information are not releasable since their publication or broadcast jeopardize operations and endanger lives:
9. Specific numerical information on troop strength, equipment or critical supplies (e.g. artillery, tanks, landing craft, radars, trucks, water, etc.) for U.S. or coalition units.
10. Names of military installations or specific geographic locations of military units in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, unless released by the Department of Defense.
11. Information regarding future operations, current operations or strikes including postponed or cancelled operations.
12. Information regarding security precautions or force protection measures at military installations or encampments, to include video or still footage. CFC-A PAO may allow photography/video on a case-by-case basis if footage is reviewed prior to release.
13. Photography that shows level of security at military installations or encampments, especially aerial and satellite photography which reveals the name or specific location of military units or installations.
14. Information on intelligence collection activities/operations compromising tactics, techniques and procedures to include targets, methods, analyses and/or results.
15. Information and images of special operations units, U.S. or coalition, unless otherwise directed by the CFC-A public affairs or granted prior approval by Combined Joint Special Operation Task Force (CJSOTF).
16. Rules of engagement details.
17. During an operation, specific information on friendly forces, troop movements, tactical deployments, and dispositions that would jeopardize operational security or lives. Information on ongoing engagements will not be released unless authorized for release by the on-scene commander.
18. Information on effectiveness of enemy electronic warfare.
19. Any additional guidelines the CFC-A PAO determines necessary to protect tactical security.
20. Photos of local nationals employed by the coalition may not be published without written consent of the individual photographed or the Commander of the unit the individual is supporting.
21. Media may terminate coverage and/or embed opportunity at any time and will be offered
transportation from the area of operations, if the tactical situation permits and/or is available.



Hold Harmless/Release from Liability Statement
I recognize that covering combat and other military operations carries with it certain inherent risks to life, limb and equipment. I recognize that U.S. military, in pursuing the successful accomplishment of its mission, cannot guarantee my personal safety or the safety of my equipment. I hereby release the U.S. government and the U.S. military of any liability and hold them harmless for any injuries I may suffer or any equipment that may be damaged as a result of my covering combat or any other military operations. I understand that my agreement to this statement is a condition of being credentialed to cover U.S. military operations and receiving assistance for that coverage.
In consideration of receiving free transportation from the United States Military by land, air or other means that may be reasonably required to cover military operations in Afghanistan, I hereby release the United States Government, including its subdivisions, officers, military personnel, employees, and agents from all liability for any injuries or death that may result to me from this transportation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
I understand that in transporting me, the United States Government is not acting as a common carrier for hire and does not bear the liabilities attaching to that status.
I acknowledge that I voluntarily accept such transportation, I incur no obligation toward the United States Government except as imposed by this release.
I agree that this release not only binds me, but also my family, heirs, assigns, administrators, and executors.

A letter from Lt. Col Fanning about embedded reporter Dave Tobin

-----Original Message-----
From: Fanning, Paul A CIV USA NGB

Sent: 5/20/2009 9:29 AM

John:

There were at least two photographers that I am sure have the right shot and I will track them down and get back ASAP. I was the narrator for the ceremony and wasn't taking the shots myself otherwise you would have them now.

As for the award, we have complete professional respect for Dave and the Post Standard and as an organization wanted to and felt compelled to express it. More over, our sentiments were shared and driven by the feedback from our military families, veterans groups and from those in the community who reached out to us after reading Dave's reports. This is our way of saluting him and his special contribution to the community.

Dave and the paper had a tremendous impact because of what was reported and the way in which it was done. Dave earned -- won the trust of everyone back home and in the combat zone. His reporting was independent, accurate and comprehensive. He was not a guy who stayed at the base. He went out nearly everyday on convoys to get his stories and he went "down range" to remote sites as well. he shared the same risks as the soldiers who went "outside the wire" on a daily basis.

He never missed an opportunity, didn't waste any time and I only saw his stories and photos when they were posted on line at the paper's website. I also say his reporting was compelling due to the feedback that came our way. Bottom line -- he was on target.

I know a lot of us who are saying "if you want to know what it was really like for us in Afghanistan go to the Post Standard's website Following Orion and read Dave Tobin's reports."

I do hope that the paper's Central New York readers appreciate Dave's work and the paper's commitment to the story of our deployment and mission. We believe it was a very important story that needed to be told and he did tell it -- extremely well, THE BEST. We appreciate that all newspapers are under incredible pressure today but are grateful on behalf of the community that Dave and the Post Standard went above and beyond in its mission to serve them.

I also mentioned to Dave that I am actively seeking opportunities to engage with academia and news organizations about war coverage and the Army's embedded media program and NY's experience in particular. I think Dave has an important story to tell on his own about his role and that of the Post Standard's.

I will try and get photos to you ASAP.

Lt. Col. Paul Fanning

http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/news/news.php?id=1219956578

Wall Street Journal

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=23520

Reporting on War

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/christopherhowse/3647251/First_and_greatest_war_correspondent/ 

http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/erniepyle/

The Death of Captain Waskow

http://todayshistorylesson.wordpress.com/2008/04/18/ernie-pyle-writer-war-hero/ 

http://www.bebo.com/BlogView.jsp?MemberId=271453248&BlogId=6376773354 

http://college.cengage.com/english/lauter/heath/4e/students/author_pages/contemporary/herr_mi.html 

http://www.johnsack.com/company_c_associated_press.htm 

http://www.johnsack.com/company_c_scene.htm 

http://www.esquire.com/features/vietnam-war-m-company-0365 

http://www.esquire.com/features/page-75/greatest-stories 

http://www.pbs.org/weta/reportingamericaatwar/reporters/ 

My Lai 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/vietnam/trenches/my_lai.html 

Geraldo Rivera 

The clash between science journalists and bloggers

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2009/03/25/visions-of-the-crash/

http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=402

http://www.badscience.net/2009/03/venal-misleading-pathetic-dangerous-stupid-and-now-busted/

Rashomon and Courage Under Fire

In 12th century Japan, a samurai and his wife are attacked by the notorious bandit Tajomaru, and the samurai ends up dead. Tajomaru is captured shortly afterward and is put on trial, but his story and the wife's are so completely different that a psychic is brought in to allow the murdered man to give his own testimony. He tells yet another completely different story. Finally, a woodcutter who found the body reveals that he saw the whole thing, and his version is again completely different from the others.