Jason Stuckert Profile: Multimedia

The opportunities for multimedia for my final profile on 2010 Ohio State head drum major Jason Stuckert were endless; however, my time and resources were not. If I were producing content for broadcast or the web, I would incorporate multimedia into Jason’s profile in the forms of video, audio, photos and a sidebar.

I would have liked to have taken the raw audio from Jason’s interview and edit it using Garage Band. The content would be Jason talking candidly about a particularly humorous aspect of his tryout. One of Jason’s coaches, Stewart Kitchen, had promised Jason $100 if he yelled “boom” during his tryout after landing a perfect high-toss/back-handspring combination, like he did in practice one day. Though it was “more of a joke thing,” it never left Jason’s mind. He ended up doing it in his tryout and it was captured on video by his stepfather, Ed Lowe. After editing the audio in Garage Band and turning it into a Soundcloud with my Soundcloud account, I would post the audio as a sidebar, followed by the video, so people could really get a feel for what Jason was talking about. What would have been even better, if I knew how to do it, would have been to insert my edited audio over the video. This would perhaps make the viewer a little more inclined to view the multimedia, since people like their news to be efficient and packaged.

Here is the video, shot by Jason’s stepfather Ed Lowe on May 4, 2010:

I would also like to incorporate another video, also shot by Lowe on May 4 during tryouts. It showcases Jason’s individual routine, complete with the band playing in the background. Seeing Jason perform and imagining it in the mind’s eye are two completely different things. Good descriptive writing could get across enough information for the reader to imagine it, but seeing it is truly amazing.

Here is the video:

I would have liked to use pictures to improve my profile. Jason gave me permission to use his photos, however, their format prohibited me from posting them here on the blog.

Lastly, I think it would have been interesting to create a sidebar, either on the web or in print, showing the drum majors that have come from Lorain County in Ohio alone. From the years 1996 to 2004, three students from Elyria High School and two students from Avon Lake High School have been head drum majors at OSU. Jason marks the third person from ALHS to win the coveted position (in 2010). Every year except 2003, the head drum major at OSU was from Lorain County. I would have liked to take their names and organized them (color-coded by school and county) into a chart for a sidebar.

Ethics

I think the overall ethics issue raised by the following articles has to do mainly with where and how the media is producing the news.

In this post from New York University professor Jay Rosen, he explores  fact-checking Sunday morning talk shows. Rosen scolded David Gregory, the host of NBC’s Meet the Press, for not being open to the idea of fact-checking his guests after the show. In print, there are editors to make sure facts are correct before the article is published. In a broadcasted interview, there isn’t the luxury of time to do this. Gregory claims he shouldn’t have to fact-check because he asks the right questions. However, asking the right questions doesn’t always warrant the right answers. Rosen argues that the format of Sunday talk shows “beckons” the guests to lie, but says fact-checking will make them stop or pay for it later. Gregory also says people can look up information for themselves if they question someone’s honesty. The fact is, they probably won’t. People like their news to be convenient. From a producer’s or an executive’s standpoint, I see why fact-checking shows is a tough call. Viewers are probably used to a certain format and may even like that their guests lie or exaggerate. Also, it’d take more time and resources to check facts and produce it for the public in a timely manner. But they should at least consider it, because other networks have. ABC News will partner with Politifact.com to fact-check This Week with Jake Tapper. Gregory  may be No. 1 now, but I think he should risk looking like a copycat. Doing so may be embarrassing now, but could save him a lot of trouble in the long run.

This article about Sheri Fink deals with journalism ethics because she works for Propublica, a non-profit newsroom. The idea seems honest enough: people write stories and others, like the New York Times or Time Magazine, use them. There are a couple of issues with this, the first being that the people who write for Propublica may not be trained, professional journalists. Sheri Fink has  medical and doctorate degrees and a “nose for news,”  but is she a journalist? Also, Propublica is backed by people like Herbert Sandler, who gives them $10 million per year. Since Sandler is throwing so much money at Propublica, they may feel they owe him something or he may demand that they pursue only ideas that he’s interested in.

Finally, this article is about Eric Maron, who is employed by the New Jersey Devils hockey team but writes for the Gannett’s New Jersey newspapers sports section. That’s a conflict of interest. I’ve always been taught that if a story concerns you in some way, either give it to someone else or don’t do it. I know ESPN allows its broadcasters to take personal interest in sports, but multiple opinions are being discussed. Find someone else to do the job! Maron already has one! There are plenty of  journalists looking for work, most of whom aren’t affiliated with the topic or company they’d be writing about, which could lead to bias.

Multimedia

This is a video of the 2010 drum major tryouts (May 4, 2010) from The Lantern’s website. Since my final article is a profile on 2010 head drum major Jason Stuckert, I thought this video would be an appropriate form of multimedia to enhance my article. I do have some critiques, though. If I had been the one producing this video, I would’ve done a lot more than just shoot the tryouts, do some minor editing, and export it to the website and YouTube. At the very least, the video should have interviews from a few prominent sources (judges, contenders, family members, etc.). It also runs a little long for a highlight reel.

This video, posted on YouTube by a “MrEdlowe” (presumably Jason’s step-father) was found on Jason’s hometown online newspaper, The Avon Lake Ledger. I thought this video was especially interesting because it showed only Jason’s aerial tryout, which was more exclusive than The Lantern’s tryout video. The videos (there were two) were clearly indicated in the middle of the article, but weren’t embedded, which bothered me– more often than not, people will prefer to click on and play a pre-existing video rather than be taken to another site.

Finally, this link is an article about a drum major who was suspended for winking and waving at President Obama during his inauguration. Apparently that is a breach in drum major protocol. I chose this as a possible source of multimedia to incorporate into my profile because it was (and probably still is) a hot topic. Should the drum major have chosen to forgo paying his respects and greetings to the president, or stuck with his code of conduct? This is the kind of issue that Jason will probably encounter during his time as head drum major for OSU. As far as critiquing the multimedia, I thought it was good. There was print, a picture and a video. The video was crucial because it actually showed people what happened instead of simply having it described to them. The placement was good, and the video was introduced by the text.

Class Editing Exercise: State Rankings

Slug: Ohio business ranks low

SH: Ohio among worst states for business

LH: Survey: Ohio ranks 44th among worst states for business, taxes largely to blame

Ohio is among the nation’s worst states to do business based on its taxes, workforce and living conditions, according to a recent survey of more than 650 651 CEOs.

Ohio ranked 44th No. 44 in Chief Executive magazine’s annual ranking of the states, which is up one spot from last year 2009.

(New paragraph) The state received a grade of “C-“ in taxation and regulation, a “B” in workforce quality, and a “B-” in living environment.

State tax officials blamed the weak assessment on of Ohio’s reputation as a “high tax state,” which it is taking steps to shed.

“Perception has yet to catch up to reality in Ohio,” said John Kohlstrand, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Since 2005, the Buckeye State has been working to lower taxes while creating a more attractive tax system for business.

(New paragraph) Local property taxes on equipment and a state tax on corporation profits have been eliminated and replaced with a new commercial activity tax based on the location of a business’ customers.

(New paragraph) That means when businesses establish new facilities or hire more workers, “they don’t pay additional CAT,” Kohlstrand said.

(*Note: Bold font or strike-throughs indicate where changes have been made.)

Final Outline

Detailed Outline: Jason Stucket, 2010 Drum Major

Sources:

-Jason Stuckert (2009 ALHS grad/2010 head drum major/first-year in Business Administration)

-Stewart Kitchen (2006/2007 head drum major)

-Josh Halter (2008/2009 head drum major)

-Eric Sommer (2000 ALHS grad/2004 head drum major)

-Scott Sommer (1996 ALHS grad/1998 head drum major)

-Band director Jon Woods

-Sister Abigail and mother Marcia

-Fellow D-Row members

Facts collected:

-Jason’s first game is against Marshall University on Sept. 2

-Jason was ALHS’s drum major during his sophomore, junior, and senior years

-Jason tried out for the position May 4

-tryout included pre-game ramp routine, self-choreographed routine, series of tosses

-19 judges deliberated for one hour after the tryout

-Jason has been training for the position since 7^th grade; twirling since 5^th

-Jason beat the asst. drum major for the position—same thing happened to Kitchen

-Jason has an older sister, Abigail, 2009 Miami University alum; mother Marcia Lowe (father deceased)

-Drum major is leader of 225-member band

-The position comes with a full in-tuition scholarship

-From 1996-2004, only one year (2003) lacked a head drum major who hailed from Lorain County, OH

-Scott and Eric Sommer are the only siblings to serve as head drum major in its history and graduated from the same high school as Jason (ALHS)

Things to Explore:

-The link between the Sommer bros. and Jason- did they attend the same camps, was it the high school band program?

-What it takes for someone (Stuckert, Kitchen) to beat out the asst. drum major—who is ‘supposed’ to get the position—and how that feels

-Will he have to try out again next year, and if so, what will he do differently?

-How people in his life feel about this accomplishment (mom, sister, band members, director, etc.)

Social Media: Stuckert is on Facebook & has received congratulations from friends and old classmates about his recent accomplishment on the site. The OSU Marching Band tweeted on May 6- TBDBITL: Congrats to our new Drum Major Jason Stuckert! Please remember to register for tryouts and show up for CSO practice on Monday! His sister is also on Twitter (AbigailStuckert).

Class Exercise: Obama Press Conference

Obama press conference

Obama speaks on bombing attempt, oil spill

Obama speaks on NYC incident and oil spill, how each is being handled

President Obama visited The Coast Guard Venice Center in Louisiana Sunday to speak on the recent bombing attempt in New York City and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Despite rainy conditions, Obama spoke for over seven minutes on the two issues.

Regarding the incident in NYC, Obama said his priorities were to  “protect the American people” and find out who is behind the attempted bombing attack.

Obama said the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was “massive” and a “potentially unprecedented environmental disaster.”

“I want to emphasize from day one we have prepared and planned for the worst, even as we hoped for the best,” Obama said.

Obama said he would not “rest or be satisfied” until the leak was stopped, cleaned up and people could go back to their livelihoods.

According to Obama, advanced technology has been used to stop the leak more than 5000 feet under the surface, though it could take many days to stop.

So far, three leaks have been identified in the 5000 feet of pipes on the ocean floor.

Obama said that BP is responsible for the leak and will be “paying the bill.”

He also said the spill could “seriously damage” the economy and the environment of the Gulf states.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to protect our natural resources, compensate those who have been harmed, rebuild what has been damaged, and help this region persevere like it has done so many times before,” Obama said.

422 News Broadcast

Good afternoon, I’m Nicole Frie and this is your 422 News now.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare issued a voluntary recall Friday for more than 40 types of over-the-counter drugs. The recall includes certain liquid infant’s and children’s products such as Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl. Some products may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than specified, inactive ingredients, or tiny particles. Commissioner of Food and Drugs Margaret Hamburg said the products and facilities associated with the recall are being investigated. To date, no deaths or injuries have occurred as a result of the recalled drugs.

Heavy rains have caused flooding that is thought to be responsible for at least 11 deaths in Tennessee. Additionally, the rains have closed interstate highways, displaced thousands from their homes, and prompted evacautions. Parts of the state have experienced up to 20 inches of rain, and even more is expected. The weather service issued a flood emergency Sunday for south central Indiana and much of central Kentucky, where tens of thousands were leaving after the Kentucky Derby.

Despite rainy conditions at Churchill Downs, Super Saver won the 136^th Kentucky Derby Saturday. The horse was ridden by jockey Calvin Borel, who rode Mine That Bird to victory in last year’s derby. Super Saver pulled ahead at the third turn to deafeat Ice Box and Paddy O’Prado, who finished second and third respectively.

In entertainment news, Sandra Bull-lock revealed to People Magazine that she is finalizing an adoption as a single parent for a 3 ½ -month-old boy. Louis Bardo Bullock, born in New Orleans, was brought home by Bullock and husband Jesse James in January. His adoption was to remain secret until after the Oscars. Bullock and James are currently separated due to reports of  infidelity.

Perhaps Louis will bring comfort to Bullock during what I imagine to be a tough time in her life.

That’s all for today. For 422 News now, I’m Nicole Frie.

Class Exercise: Washington

[This is for the purpose of a class exercise]

Washingtonians job loss

Nearly one-third of Washingtonians fear job loss

Nearly one-third of Washingtonians fear job loss, new survey says

According to data released today in the second Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey, nearly one-third of Washingtonians are concerned about their job security.

29% of Washington workers said they were concerned about losing their job when asked about the high unemployment rate affecting the state and country.

Job security uneasiness was highest among respondents in lower-income brackets.

Those with annual household income less than $40,000 were more concerned about losing their job than those with income of $80,000 or more.

36% of residents said they were considering returning to school. Of those, 24% are employed Washingtonians who would like to enhance their career and 22% would like to train for a new career, according to the survey.

January 2010 enrollment at Everest College’s Washington campuses rose 56% when compared with January 2009.

This can be largely attributed to the popularity of Everest’s “recession-proof” healthcare programs, which include medical assisting, dental assisting, and medical insurance billing and coding.

The survey was conducted by Harris/Decima and Everest College. Harris/Decima is part of Harris Interactive, a leader in custom market research.

The survey was conducted from March 4th to March 10th, 2010.

A total of 504 employed residents of Washington State were surveyed by telephone.

Class Exercise: Profile Critique

I liked this profile on Chelsea Handler because, well, I like Chelsea Handler. I think it’s well-written and I like the fact that the author observed Chelsea in different environments- before her comedy show, during her show, signing books, at a meeting the next morning, etc. This is something we talked about in class–speaking to your profile subject at different times and locations. The author also interviewed other people who knew Chelsea, which gave the profile more depth.

There are also some things I didn’t like about this profile. Let’s start with the people who were interviewed:

-Jay Leno

-Robert Morton, former producer of David Letterman’s show

-Geof Wills, the man who gave Chelsea her first stand-up opportunity

-Ted Harbert, president of the Comcast Entertainment Group and Chelsea’s ex

-Simone Handler-Hutchinson, Chelsea’s sister

-Beth de Guzman, editor in chief of the company that published one of Chelsea’s books

With the exception of Chelsea’s sister and her ex, most of the people interviewed probably do not know Chelsea beyond a professional level. Why not interview her mother and father or a cast member or two? Jo Koy and Heather McDonald (cast members) were both mentioned in the article and probably know Chelsea on  personal and professional level. Anyone who is a fan of Chelsea’s (has read her books or seen her shows) knows what true characters her mother, father, cast, and even her assistant, Chuy, are. They could probably provide the most valuable insight.

That’s enough ranting about the interview subjects. Another thing I disliked was the fact that the author inserted his own voice into the profile. Maybe this is fine, since he is a hot-shot NY Times reporter, but we’ve been taught–so far–that direct pronouns shouldn’t be used.

Press Conference Exercise: Zack Meisel

OSU journalism student nominated for award

OSU journalism student Zack Meisel nominated for College Sports Editor of the Year award

Ohio State journalism student Zack Meisel, 20, has been nominated for the College Sports Editor of the Year award by the Student Newspaper Association of America.

The announcement was made by Dan Caterinicchia, the official spokesperson for the Ohio State University student newspaper, The Lantern, at a press conference at Ohio State’s Columbus campus on Monday morning. Meisel, from Cleveland, Ohio, has served as The Lantern’s sports editor since September 2009.

“We’re really, really happy for him,” Caterinicchia said.

Meisel was pleased as well.

“It’s truly an honor,” Meisel said. “It’s nothing I could have ever expected and it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”