Part 1

1. Personally, I have a few characteristics that could make me biased to a certain story. I am Jewish, which is definitely something I think a lot about when I read a religious based story. Also, my political views tend to be liberal, which acts as another bias.

2. If I had to do a story about an issue that I'm connected to, I would absolutely do it. First of all, I like the idea of being challenged. If I had to do a story unbiased, I think it would be a fun way to challenge myself. Also, I like to think of myself as a reasonable, pragmatic person. So, when I think about my biases, I think that they would definitely not show up in a story.

3. I think the media is biased. Although I don't think each story is biased, I think that the personal beliefs of CEOs, producers, and publishers certainly find their way into stories. To make sure that there is no bias in a story, the journalist must find reasons to accept and dispute each side of a story, even if there are multiple angles.

Part 2

1. I think this story was covered about as fairly as it could have been. Considering the media hoops that Blagojevich has been jumping through since his removal from office, it is hard to make a story about him seem completely unbiased. Actions speak louder than words and with Blagojevich's actions, the public doesn't need a newspaper to tell them what's wrong with him.

2. I think there is certainly potential for libel being considered in this story. Any information that isn't completely true would definitely be looked at as possible libel. Considering that Blagojevich is under scrutiny for corruption, any slightly misleading number or opinion could be construed as libelous.

3. I would have done this story the same way that this person did. For all the attention that Blagojevich has brought upon himself, this article can't really relate to anything that has already happened. The Tribune was really just looking for an interesting story, and almost anything about Blagojevich right now can be considered an interesting story.

Blog Assignment #3

1)

a. At dinner, my friends and I talked about a philanthropy event we are going to have in the near future. Then, we all said how excited we were to work at camp again this summer. Our final conversation was about a concert in Chicago that we all want to go to.

b. The concert in Chicago would be the easiest to market to everyone on the U of I campus. The band playing is called Atom for Peace and includes members from a few very popular bands. It would make sense to write about this in the Daily Illini because it is taking place in Chicago, many students here can relate to that. I would talk to local music enthusiasts as well as promoters to get their opinion on the issue.

c. My lede would describe where the the show is happening (at the Aragon ballroom in Chicago). It would also say who is in the band (musicians from bands such as Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and R.E.M.). I would also discuss when the show is happening.

d. My nutgraf:

Singer Thom Yorke of Radiohead is putting together a band to remember. The newly christened Atoms For Peace will include him, drummer Joey Waronker of R.E.M., and bassist Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They start touring April 5th, and they play at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on April 10th and April 11th.

2)

a. The story I read was about President Obama's debate with leading republicans regarding health care legislation. The debate was broadcasted live on TV and took over seven hours. In the end, nothing major was accomplished, but the president did say that democrats in congress should attempt to pass a bill without republican support.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_health_care_overhaul

b. This story has a lot of relevance in the Champaign area because of its poverty level. I'm sure that there are many uninsured people in Urbana-Champaign, many of which are probably students at the university.

c. For this I would use a much different lede. I would start by saying that the confusion in congress hasn't been solved. I would stress that partisan beliefs in our government is ruining our chance to make a big change for millions of uninsured Americans.

d. My nutgraf:

Today President Obama debated with leading congressional republicans over health care reform. The debate lasted over seven hours and was broadcasted live on TV. Currently, there are 47 million uninsured Americans. America watched with intrigue as both sides showed what they expect the health care reform to be.

1. Defeated in the House, the Senate now gets to debate the bill.

2. The 19 year old boy got a ticket for jay-walking at 9 PM last night.

3. Meredith ran away from home--she was so angry that night.

4. Yes Brittney, I can figure this one out.

5. The veterans marched through town holding their flags high.

6. The students said they would "skip class" if Brittney made them do more exercises that had to do with grammar, punctuation, spelling or style.

7. I think most students in this class are a part of the class of '09.

8. "I wonder if this is how you punctuate the quote," Brittney said.

9. It is important to get these things right because there is a certain style that journalists must conform to in order to have their work published. You can be extremely talented, but if you can not write like a journalist, you will not be hired as one.

E.C. #1

1.What are the steps involved in writing a story? Envision yourself doing these steps.

The first step involved in writing a story is being prepared. This is one of the most important parts of journalism along with showing up and being on time. You must be prepared to get background research and to get information from primary sources. When you write the story you first should identify the 5 W's. This clarifies what is important information and what is not. Then you must write in an inverted pyramid style, incorporating the main emphasis of the story and filling in the minor details as you go along.

2. What could be particularly challenging?

Finding primary sources could be very challenging at times. Often, it is hard to go outside of one's comfort zone into the realm of possibilities. Many times journalists are rejected, but they must throw their comfort to the wind and do what might seem unusual.

3. What resources might you use to overcome these challenges.

Being as informed as you can be is anyone's best weapon. When people do not provide themselves with adequate preparation, they are not able to help themselves and must face the consequences. Although you cannot be held accountable for what you do not know, you can be held accountable for not being prepared.