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5-1-1995 Inside Journalism Columbia College Chicago

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A Newsletter Published by th'e Journalism Department of Columbia College Grad Students Produce Cable Forum The graduate division of Chicago's involvement In Inter­ Jennifer Keiper covers the Columbia's j·department. which national business: \Valer Tower visitor center. She normally focuses on writing for Craven will take viewers on a will also be shooting at Navy prtnt, Is offertng a new t,vtsl to guided tour through the heart of Pier, now being renovated. which Its currtculum this year--a two Chlcago·s business district-­ will not only serve as a draw for semester broadcast joumallsm LaSalle St. tourists, but will also serve as a course teaching both broadcast Kale McLe!Jan's segment fo. convention and meellng facility. writing and production sklUs. cuses on the lntcmational Vlsi· All of the graduate students In conjunction with the lnter­ tors Center (IVC) and will an­ are producing and editing thel.r nallonal Visitors Center of Chi­ swer the queslton, "\Vhat brings own pieces and Shorr is respon­ cago and the Chicago Office of International visitors lo Chi­ sible for producing the intJ·o· Tourism. four j·department cago?· ductory segment. featuring graduate students and one j · McLellan. who also serves as Jayne Beu. executive director of department undergraduate slu· an Intern for Ch. 2·s Pam the IVC. and Marguerite Tully. ( dent are producing a half hour Zckman. will be Interviewing executive director of the Chi· forum on Chicago as an lnlema­ Tania Bell the visitor center's cago Office of Tourism. Shorr llonal attraction for tourism and coordinator. will also produce discussion seg­ business. The IVC of Chicago, adminis­ ments throughout the show ty· "The Idea was proposed as a tered by the lnfor­ ing all the pleces together as well way ofcreating an lntemshlp for matton Agency. Introduces for­ as ove1'Seeing the production of an undergraduate student.· says eign business. education. health the entire project. Steve Corman. director of broad­ and science professionals to the "This project will be good for cast joun1alism. The program United States and promotes everyone." says Conna.n. •An also offers graduate students an Chicago as a center of commerce undergrad gets an Internship opportunity to build an audition and learning. and the grad studentsget a tape." tape. Working on this report "helps --Don Woolf Senior Sally Shorr will pro­ students gain expertence," says duce the show, "Chicago: An McLellan. lntemational Gem," scheduled Peter Buors segment will fea­ for regular rotation on cable sta­ ture Chicago's arts and human!· tion Ch. 23 at the end of May. lies community. Inside ShorrwiU becoordinat!ngwith Buol. who has worked as a this issue grad students Kate McLellan. field producer fo r the Sports Peter Buol. Karen Craven and Channel. Is dividing his segment Jennifer Keiper. each of whom between exhibits at the Art In­ .,, Internships will produce segments highlight· stitute and a forum al the Goethe ing Chicago's attraction to for· Institute. eign visitors and businesses. ·working on this project has .,, Science Writing Craven iS covertng Chicago·s fi. been very worthwhile,· says nancial scene. Buol. "It's more like working ./ Freelancing (_ "My package ,vt!l begin with than going to school. The em­ the Chicago Board otrrade... says phasis Is on going out and cov­ Craven. "It's a symbol of ertng a story: New Chicago Arts & Communication Award ( When you were five. what do you remember doing? Playing and kindergarten were Just a couple of everyday activities aJob seeker,llke yourself: then. But Chicago Arts and Com· ~ ln,the newsr

2 The Chronicle Issue "Read ll and weep· Is what some students and faculty do when they pick up the Cclwnbia Chronicle. In fact, accusations and complaints about the Chronicle range from shoddy grammarand editing to bad man­ agement. and some J-students refuse even to write for il. ·r think it's one of those things that you love to hate. If il wasn't there AS A Jans to you'd have nothing to bitch Student Aid ""- ~ .. - ... ;.~ .. (\o,;_n, - • -~•~--,,'l-">_....,.1 -·- _,.,._.~,. ..- x..,1,11, - ..,...-...~ ... , .,.. ,.,, °"',.. ... _..)O a- Wi be perfect," ~,::-.:..--:,, __ , =-~~~1::::: Med"ia orksh op Gives Dalev an _.,,..a,,_..,,cw.. •. ~ w ..... o('I.. .._ J Some students say that some .,,._ .. i:...,.... - -·... 1,, ... 1 lnstn,ctors trash the paper. and ~~;;.=~ st~·..·=;,-:-:. "A" for Effort, ''C" for Deliverv ...... _.. . ~ • •.., 0oc...u..- i,t,1,<..-"" ., this has a highly negative effect _._""'"' " , ...... ' · "'----...... ~. ... (..,;J\. ·--...... __ · -.-.._,,. .. "" .. • , ••~ ..- · o,,.!,, on those working for It. The paper ,i,, .... ~ ...... ,., ..,_.,., .. ...,._ - ...,.i,~---· 41.,:1,,,n_,;.,..,,.,..... -·---..-e···-~·-~.. ,. - .. _,,., ..,,t __ _,.,.,_,..,,.,,. ~ - _ -,,.,_,,.,_.,.. _,,..,,, .._., ._,,.MM;- .~,,..,.._,.,.,,... w,.,,-"'u ,..:..- -·- . "· --·' ., ,.._.... "' ~,,, ..-.,.. , o,t Is written by J-students who are , ...·...----. ...i.- ...... _ ..,_- ..· ---··.,...,..,, .....,,.,,.. ---.. - .. ~~!!"''.•·--!""'...... _"':'-.,,.,!_. ,,.....,.. - .., ~.,,... --1o1 ,&,,_,...... -_,...,__,_.-...... ,....,;. ... -...., t,ylng to get expertence and clips and hearing their work trashed there's a problem with a story. be producing work for the without rationale or explanation u,e first recourse Is always to uy Chronicle. ( Is dlscouragtng. contacting the wrttcr lo verify in­ "\Vhatalso helps.· adds Vlctorta ·r think the Chronicle has suf­ formation or clarify a thought. Sheridan. "is when people like fered an image problem and right "In most cases.· says Robinson. Nat Lehrman drop in and talk to now we're taking steps to change ·we don't hear from the writer us. or like when j-graduate direc­ that.· says Chronicle advisor until after the sto,y has gone to tor Noima Green made an ap· Tracy Robinson. "Ifyou're in the print.· She says students need lo pearance. I was like. "Oh look. a film or marketing com.munlca• understand the overall Journal· teacher who cares! Yeaaa! It made lions department. for Instance. lsUc process. "It's going to go a difference for me. I cared be­ and there's something you think through the editing process and cause someone else cared.· we should know about, drop us a what comes out may nol be what "All of 1he journalism faculty note orgiv e us a call. It's the only you handed In. and it is In the care about the Chronicle and the way we're going to know about It.· Interest of the paper. usually for quality of the writing because lhe Robinson says she takes special good reason.· What should be a bottom line is il reOects the teach­ issue with those who trash the learning opportunity often be­ ing done in the classroom: says paper. "You can't change any­ comes a war of opinions due tn Rose Economou of the J-dcpart­ thing unless you get Involved." part to a lack ofcommunication. mcnt. "So It's in our best interest Getting Involved means point­ · 1 think that's the part we need to that the Chronicle be well wrttten. Ing out the strengu,s and weak­ work on.··says Susan Naese. news well edited. lhatit represents good nesses Instructors l'tnd In stortcs editor for the Chronicle. news reporting. innovative news run by u,e Chronicle, In many '"When working with an edi· gathertng and compelling sub­ cases written by thei.r students. tor: Naese says. ·you have to ject matter. Students should also get more realize that what you produce Is 'The Columbia Chronicle is not involved \\1th their work to im­ not you. You have to separate Tile New York Times. it was never prove their wrtung and commu­ yourself from your work and be Intended to be. yet I think it does nicating skills. ·students rarely able to take the criticism.· Naese a grea1 job of attempting to cover hang around for the editing pro­ andmanyJ-facultyandsta!Tagree the college community and fac­ cess: says Robinson. According u,ere Is good wrtung talent in the ulty." concludes Economou. to editors at the Chronicle. if school and more students should --Michael Johnson

3 Chronicle Editor Lands At Reporter ( Nol every j-student lands on his cause its atmosphere seemed mueh \ or her feet right after graduation, more interesting than other schools but Burney Simpson ('94) did. !tall he visited. He Uked the wider groups b<:gan when he helped writeadocu· of people •• "People with a lot of mentary ('The Cost of Racism") for energy: he says. The more Simpson 1he Chicago Reporter and Wl1W fulfiUed hisj-requlrements, the more Channel 11. He then became an heenjoyedprint.1hlsledhlmtowork intern for the Reporter, which even­ for the Chronicle as a contributing tually converted to a full-lime Job editor. Wlitlng for the paper helped after graduation. him get clips. 'The Chronicle teaches Before coming to Columbia, discipline and helps you come up Simpson. 38. worked as a mar· with ideas: Simpson says. "It was a keting director for the Chicago good leamlng experience.· Board of Options Exchange. That WhilewritlngfortheChronide, the Burney Simpson ls where his Writing career began. paper's advtser told him to contrib· He wrote for the company's com­ ute his skills to the Reporter for its many leads as you can. puter bulletin board, a board de· documentary. After he did, the Re­ "If you're really Interested In signed for people who trade prod· porterthen invited him toworkasan journalism, make an effort: he ucts. After wor king for the intern. Simpson started his intern· adviSeS and adds that It's not exchange for 12 years, he didn't ship in Spring '93. He was later pro· easy to get Into thiS field because find it lnteresung or fun. An motecl to research assiStant. A few competition is so strong. tnterest In current events ts months Into his new position, he was Simpson says he wants to what brought Simpson to major promoted to reporter. learn towlite for all types ofnews · in broadcast Journallsm at "Curiosity and tenacity" should be papers and to start a business Columbia. two Jolunallstic strengths. 'You have beat ,vith the Chicago Reporter. ( Simpson ehose this college be- to be Into the story to chase down as - Zulema Alvaiado The Power of Internships "An internship ls the single Chronicle, yet students remain Ig­ don't think there's enough un­ most Important thing you can do norant of what internships exist, derstandlngoftheflexibllltyand to make yourself competitive in what the rules and regulations are, variable possibilities for work· an incredibly tight market.· says the lype of pay, or the academic ing Internships.· Carolyn Hulse, inte,nship coor· credit available to them. There are more J·broadcast dinator for the Journalism de· Many internships are not what Internships available to stu· partment. Still many students they were In the past. Students are dents. "\Vecanplaceanybroad­ neglect this opportunity. worklng In the field, not at the cast student who Is qualified." Internships offer many oppor­ coffeemaker. lnternshlpsmayhavc says Hulse. Qualified students tunities for future journalists. a stipend or salary attached. Credit for an internship are those who Internships give students the for internships ean also be given at have a 3.0 grade point average. chance to network with estab· your cun-enl job if the job meets havecompleted60credithours. lishcd reporters, wliters and edi­ certain requirements. and are juniors or seniors. tors. "If students fail to take an Time is also a key element in why These rules are oeeastonally internship, they reduce their inte,nship enrollment is low. "It is flexed for compelling reasons. chances for success,· says Hulse. an amazingly adaptable and flex­ The key to obtaining a sue· Even so. the internship to stu­ ible program: says Hulse."'\Ve ean cessful Internship is advance dent ratio is remarkably low. make the hours dovetail ,vith the planning. Out of a four-year Several factors contribute to student's classschedule. Quite fre­ college career, set a semester low Internship enrollment. For quently, the employers ,viU let stu­ aside where you can work I 2 one, studentsdo n't keep Informed dents work some of their required hours a week to ensure a prom• about what's available. The de· hours at home, if they have com· ising future. partment posts flyers through­ puters. \Vliters have tremendous Aocording to Hulse, it could out the year. and makes nota· opportunities. Broadeaststudents, mean success instead of failure. Uons In this newsletter and the however, have to be In the studio. I -.Joy Veen 4 The Rewards of Freelancing In the craft of Journalism. nlng freelancer to playing a dual freelancing can be the toughest role of Journalist and ·mom: choice. In life. being a mother haven't been easy. can be not only the hardest Job "It's very hard to start a career but also the most thankless. In freelancing." Rodkin says. •At Being both Is exceptionally times I took fun or part-time Jobs tough. No doubt many women, Just to have a steady Income: by choice or necessity, tackle Rodkin has been freelancing both Jobs. But how many men exclusively since I 99 I. when he can say the same? started at Chicago Magazine. Dennis Rodkin. former J-ln­ Chicago Is his main position structor, not only fills both roles along with the Chicago nibune. but loves the challenge. At Chicago he writes mainly real "My wife and I agreed that estate and business. whne at Dennis Rodkin she'd take a structured Job and the Tribune It's gardening, an I'd stay home and freelance so I Interest that goes back to hls ously. That's how you build a could also take care of a baby.· high school days. reputation.· Rodkin says. This goes back to Hls success at both publlca· One of the pleasures of free­ I 983 when they met after he Uons Is something Rodkin lancing Is also a pitfall; you're the finished his undergrad work at doesn't take for granted. ·one of boss. "You need the m.lndset to Pomona College In . the problems In freelancing ls force yourself to work." he says. Rodkin then received a Master's that It can be, at limes, an un­ "People working regular Jobs still In Joumallsm from Northwest­ stable market: Rodkin says. ·1 get paid even If they don't work. ern University In I 984 and the feel I'm wen established but I As a freelancer. no work, no pay.· pair moved to . could walk Into an editorial of­ Rodklnscesfreelanclngasldeal "It was pretty clear that I was fice tomorrow and find no new for Columbia students because C not really a career person and assignments. I don't think this of their open-mindedness and she was,· Rodkin says. ·1 knew I w1n happen. but it's something I free-wheeling attitudes. wanted to raise children but I have to worry about.· "Freelancing has allowed me also loved Journalism.· Building a career ln to do the two favorite things In my Rodkin saw freelancing as the freelancing Is a series of steps. life.· Rodkin says. "Those arc tak­ best way to do both. Eleven years says Rodkin. • At the beginning ing care of my daughter and writ­ later. on Nov. 11. 1994. Rodkin's of your career take whatever ing: wife. Penny Hunt. gave birth to comes your way. What more could a ·mom· their daughter. Jaye Hunt. "Be sure to take even the least want? Those 11 years. from begin- Interesting assignments serl- -.Joseph Schrank

J-Student Chosen As United Way Spokesperson She's a hard worklngJournal­ cles such as the United Way He was so Impressed that he lst, a dedicated student, and now Crusade of Mercy. This sup­ nominated Schwartz to be the she Is the poster person for the port has now totaled nearly emissary for the United Way. United Way. She Is Michel $250.000. "The only way I could She was then chosen out of the Schwartz. fonner editor-In-chief pay back the Jewish Children's 80 United Way agency candidates of the Columbia Chronicle. Bureau for helping me was who participated. United \Vay Having left home at the age of through my voice.· She has will now use Schwartz's story and 14 due to family problems. contributed by participating In picture to support Its crusade. Schwartz found help In an orga­ telethons. fundralsers and a "Whatever It takes· Is the slo­ nization called the Jewish high school play. gan that the Jewish Children·s Children's Bureau. There. she ·or. Bloom thought it was Bureau stands by. Time and met Dr. Robert Bloom. who equitable for trying to give back time again Schwartz has proven (_ helped her locate housing and what had been given to me: that she has what it takes to be financial support through agen- says Schwartz. a Journalist and a survivor. ·· Joy Veen 5 Check Out Science Writing and Reporting The science writing and re­ of internships available. In fact Ing is an important option to porting program of the Journal­ we have more internships than Journalism students. It gives r ism department at Col umbla Col­ students. They are available in them a cornpctelive edge in get­ lege appears to have a bright such places as UJC Medical Cen­ ling a Job. future after a recent evaluation ter. Northwestern Memorial Hos­ Some of the goals of the pro­ by the college. pital, and the Shedd Aquarium,· gram include the development SW&Rcoordinator JeffLyon Is says Lyon. He notes that Jobs and addillon of new courses pleased and very optimistic about within the field are available In within the program. and more the outcome of the meeting and public relations, newspapers. interaction with the science/ the current and future state of scienceJournals, magazines and math dept. Later this semester, the program. He has been coor­ cable tele,1slon. "Four partici­ both departments will sponsor a dtnator of the program since Its pants who graduated from the symposium on DNA fingerprtnt· Inception seven years ago. program have good Jobs. One of ing, which will attract both sci­ There are currently 13 stu­ them. Trisha Gura, was recently ence and journalism student.~. dents majoring In SW&R. Lyon hired by the Chicago 'I)ibune: Lyon says he would like to set up says he would like to see that Lyon says that Columbia Col­ an advisory council to help mar­ number grow in upcoming se­ lege is the only college In the ket and recruit for the program mesters. He hopes more jour­ country With students majoring on a national scale. nalism students will find out In S\V&R. --David Heitz about the program. One of the main goals for the Lyon says that opportunities future is an increase tn the vts­ for Internships and jobs In sci­ lbUJtyoftheSW&R program. This ence writing are extremely good would help In recruiting new right now. -We have no shortage students. Lyonsayssclence writ- Bj Program Updated Starting In Fall '95. Incoming which will now be offered through (_ broadcast Journalism students theJ-department. Lastly. bj stu­ wm have a wider choice of broad· dents will take a new class--1V cast writing courses In the Jour­ Writing, The News Magazine. nalism department. Taught by Rose Economou. 1V Steve Corman. director of the Writing. The News Magazine, will program. iS revising the curricu­ concentrate on the longer fonn of lum In order to introduce bj-ma­ broadcast Writing. typically the jors to more writing. especially kind that is found In television broadcast writing. programs like Dateline and 20/ ·one of the first things I was 20. asked to do when I came to Co­ The revamped bJ-program ,vtll lumbia was to rework the cur­ not affect those In radio as much. riculum for the broadcast Jour­ It will be a requisite to take Intro­ naliSm sequence." says Co1n1an. duction to Broadcast News Writ· •And as one who has worked for Ing before enrolling In RadJo News a long time as a television news Writing, which will also be nested producer and writer. I can·t say In the J-dept. enough about how Important it iS Video Tech courses will also to be able to write well: be modified so that bj students The revised bj program ,vtll not will do their editing packages on only encompass a new course news material. sequence. but it v.,;Jl also include Corman is sure that the revi­ the addition of a new class. The sions wUI make bj students bet· new sequence wUJ require bJ-stu­ tcr writers. "It's absolutely criti· dents to take Introduction to cal that bj majors develop their Broadcast News Wrtung first. Writing skllls, and I feel that can Next. they'll be able to enroll In be achieved tli.rough this new pro· Writing and ProducinglV News. gram: he says. --Todd Dell'Arlnga 6 •

The Journalism Club ' in association with - The Career Planning and Placement Offit'Ji~,--. 1~.. l'I~ I·I~ V

Wed., May 3rd Noon-2:00 p.m. Ferguson Theater 600 S. Michigan/Ground Floor

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