Outline Processor Markup Language (OPML) as a News Reporting and Organizational Tool Blair L. Fannin Texas A&M University 2112 TAMU College Station, Texas 77843-2112 (979) 845-2259 (979) 845-2414 fax
[email protected] Professional Paper Submission SAAS — Agricultural Communications Section, February 2007 / 65 Abstract Outline Processor Markup Language (OPML) has existed for several decades. The file format has primarily been used to organize volumes of computer programming code by software engineers. However, its uses can be for online information delivery, including news, and used as a news organizational tool. A variety of examples are explained as part of an experiment with the OPML format to determine if it could be used as a reporting tool for agricultural communications public relations practitioners. The work includes discussion of creating a lightweight database of media outlets by county throughout Texas, and an attempt to organize individual news contacts within various departments through Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. These tools can be used as a media contact list and accessed when pitching a variety of region-specific news articles. Also discussed include examples of ways to organize lists of information, including individual contacts with varying degrees of specialization, frequently called upon when writing news articles. Key words: News, media, software, Extension, database, programming, database, tool. SAAS — Agricultural Communications Section, February 2007 / 66 Outline Processor Markup Language (OPML) as a News Reporting and Organizational Tool Introduction Outline Processor Markup Language (OPML) for personal computers has existed for several decades. The programming language is designed to keep structural lists of information and is perfect for writers or other professionals who are required to keep lists of detailed information.