So, I've spent the past few days on the b-cast desk, which was enlightening but horrid. Mostly, my days consisted of rewriting stories for other journalists into a tighter and more conversational form. Here's what I learned:
1) Most journalists are shitty writers who use obscene amounts of jargon and complicated grammar. After learning to write subject, verb for an entire week, reading a complicated sentence with appositives and clauses hurts my head. Note to self: write simply.
2) Most journalists are shitty reporters. Explain to me why you would write a story about an AGE DISCRIMINATION lawsuit and not include the plaintiff's AGE. Why? Why would an editor let that get through? That's the most vivid example I can think of, but there were tons more. Note to self: report well.
3) No wonder readers are drawing away from newspapers. We either write down to them, or write in complicated language. And readers are paying attention. I stumbled on this blog this morning. Mostly pay attention to the media commentaries. Fascinating.
While I definitely did not enjoy waking up at 4 a.m. to work broadcast, the lessons were invaluable. But I missed not being able to actually report. I'm excited to get back to it today. In fact, I'm done blogging for now.
Oh! But, I do have a friend! Yay! She's the intern for the Seattle Times and is on their retail beat. I suspect we will get along ...
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2 comments:
Bleh, broadcast...those are some interesting lessons though, because most journalists think they're fabulous writers and reporters. I actually had this whole discussion over lunch with a girl who graduated from UNR five years ago, and then was working at the Nevada Appeal until now. About how a lot of journalists are writers who don't know how to simplify what they say, even though that's there job, and how a lot of journalists have to grow into reporting, because they don't like it at first.
Just food for thought.
I'm glad you have an intern buddy too. Yay retail!
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