NPR ombudsman makes corrections suggestions

The public advocate for National Public Radio suggests that NPR have a Report The Error button.

More about corrections: Why it's wrong not to seek help

Here's a piece discussing why it's important to get help in righting the wrongs, from wherever they come.

Corrections policy: Re: Original content

In perusing the Web for information for your final blog post, I came across this from the Mayo Clinic, which singles out its original copy for corrections. Something you might want to consider in writing your corrections policy.

OFFICIAL government drug jargon!

Gawker reveals that the U.S. government has an official glossary for street terms of drugs. The government link will be posted amid other links of interest on this blog.

Your final blog assignent, due Dec. 14

Here's some more information on your final blog assignment, which is worth 20 points and is due the final regular day of class, Dec. 14:

As mentioned, in the old days, if you had a correction to make, you simply waited until the next issue was published and then printed your correction. In some cases, you restated the error, as well as stated the correct information. In other cases, you simply stated the fact that an error had been made (without repeating the original mistake) and then gave the correct information.

In today's 24/7, multi-platform news era, corrections can be made almost as soon as the errors are discovered. In some cases, news operations will indicate somewhere within the online copy what the error was (perhaps by a strikethrough), and then give the correct information. In other cases, the correction is made without giving any indication that there was an error in the original story, a process known as "scrubbing." In all of these cases, subsequent print editions include the correction in some form, as well.

Your blog assignment is to put yourself in the hypothetical situation of being in charge of a major **multi-platform** news operation and create a corrections policy for your news organization. I don't want it to sound "corporate" or bureaucratic, but it should read like an official policy. Your policy should include:

-- Standards on who approves corrections (i.e., "The managing editor shall review all corrections before publication).

-- Procedures and practices on making corrections. For online corrections, should the original error be stricken forever from the record, a-la "scrubbing," or should the original error somehow be noted as the original error? Should your website include a prominent spot on the home page for *all* corrections? For print corrections, do you repeat the mistake in the correction or just acknowledge that a mistake had been made?

-- Whether the source of the error should be acknowledged (i.e., "Because of an editing error ..." or "Because an outdated source was used ... " or "Because of a typographical error ..." )

-- Whether and how exceptions can be made. For some "mild" errors, some editors are given more license to make the correction right in their copy, rather than in some other place for corrections.

-- What is the role of your ombudsman in determining the *play* of corrections?

I don't want you to include examples of corrections, just the bigger-picture concerns of having a strong corrections policy.

To help get you started, here is the link to a recent column at Regret the Error on the topic: http://bit.ly/bQzo66

Here's another column by the same author elsewhere: http://bit.ly/cRqlkY

Regret the Error also reported on ESPN's cross-platform corrections policy: http://bit.ly/a8kGw5 as well as commented on Politico's corrections policy: http://bit.ly/cz7oPu

Meanwhile, the MediaShift Idea Lab has this to say about corrections policies:

http://to.pbs.org/cQmaJn



You are free to explore and find other policies to help you with your own, but your work must be your own. You must provide links to all sources you use in forming your policy.

Journalists are not stenographers

A Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter from Oregon offers tips on covering local government. Nigel Jaquiss points out that government involves allocating three things: money, power and permission.

Summer internships, MLB

Reporting internships open at all 30 MLB teams.

What's the use of J-school anyway?

It's still the place to go to learn important skills, say journalism students.

Pew Trust's National Religion Quiz

In the wake of its report on how much (or little) people know about theirs (and others') religion, the Pew Trust has a short quiz for folks to take online.

Kansas State Collegian writer wins Rolling Stone journalism contest

Jason Strachman Miller wrote about a student's "conversion therapy" that was an attempt to cure his homosexuality.

New report: What works in community news startups

The Institute for Interactive Journalism has released its report on 5 years' worth of study on community news startups. Link is here, and along with other journalism links on this blog.

Campus Coverage, from Investigative Reporters and Editors

For those who cannot get to Phoenix for the three-day seminar, here's the website with some overall resources.

Download your FREE accuracy checklist, courtesy of Regret The Error

Though this is designed for writers and reporters, editors can benefit from a checklist, too. You can download the checklist for your own use.

Yahoo has a style guide, too

Yahoo has released its own style guide. While you can buy it, there also are some helpful things at the website.

For college students: Computer-Assisted Reporting from Investigative Reporters & Editors

Here's a chance to work with the best and brightest from IRE and learn valuable research/reporting/investigative techniques. Act now; deadline to apply is Sept. 27, 2010.

This is NOT change for change's sake

Here's an item about a statistic that was changed in a news article.
The pertinent info:

Blacks make up only 6 percent of the population in California, but unlike two larger minority groups in the state where opinions on the measure are also split — Asians and Latinos — their “participation in elections is on par with their populations,” according to the California Voter Foundation, a nonprofit group here.

The story now says:

Blacks make up less than 10 percent of the population in California, but unlike two larger minority groups in the state where opinions on the measure are also split — Asians and Latinos — their “participation in elections is on par with their populations,” according to the California Voter Foundation, a nonprofit group here.

How much tech teaching is too much in journalism school?

This columnist asserts that a lot of the basics are being set aside for lessons in using the latest gadgetry.

FREE webinar: Develop business angle on any beat

It's always the economy, stupid. And future journalists - reporters and editors alike - can benefit from understanding business. BusinessJournalism.org is holding a free webinar on developing business angles on any beat, Sept. 14. Though our class meets during the first session, there is another at 4 p.m. that day.

Philly Sports Pulse Internships

Philly Sports Pulse.com

Internship Program

Application Packet 2010 - 2011

History

Philly Sports Pulse.com is an exclusive content, blog, and forum website dedicated to Philadelphia Sports and their fans. The website was created to be an avenue for fans to remain up to date on news in the Philadelphia area and around the country but also to provide a forum where their thoughts and opinions can be shared with other fans who share their same passion. Our contributors can be read on popular websites like yahoo sports and cbssportsline and heard on sports radio stations nationwide. Along with our website, Philly Sports Pulse.com oversees multiple social media outlets to keep fans connected and up-to-date and local and national news. Beyond the sports world, Philly Sports Pulse.com gives back to the community in many ways, such as volunteering and donations to local charities. In closing, Philly Sports Pulse.com is devoted to providing quality journalism and promoting our contributors to our reading audience and making each and every community a better place to life.

Staff

As an intern with the Philly Sports Pulse.com family you will join a group of contributors with over 40 years of experience in the sports journalism and radio market.

- Emmy Nominated Writer and Editor of Ring Magazine Joe Santoliquito

- Former 610 WIP and ESPN 950 and Current ESPN 1050 NYC Radio Host Jody McDonald

- Current 97.3 ESPN South Jersey Radio Host Mike Gill

- Nationally Recognized Singer and Song Writer Lauren Hart

- Philly Sports Pulse.com resident blogger Jack Redfern

During fall, spring, and summer Internship periods, five (5) interns are employed by the Philly Sports Pulse.com to strengthen the structure of the supportive team effort. Assigned responsibilities are equal to those of full-time staff.

HISTORY

STAFF

Working Assignments

Philly Sports Pulse.com interns will be assigned to:

Journalism:

-Pitching/Writing one to three short pieces weekly on local and/or national sports news

-Pitching/Writing content for our various media outlets and social media

-Conduct Research

-Conducting and Transcribing Interviews

-Fact checking

-Developing and pitching your own story ideas

Marketing/Advertising/PR:

-Updating multiple websites and social networking

-Researching current local and national sports stories

-Coordinating current promotions

-Handling communications

-Brainstorming with and supporting the director and on your own.

-Generation of new promotions

-Forging new and cultivating existing connections with the community and charities

Graphic and Web Design:

-Work with team to assist in website design

-Development of interactive applications (mobile, site implemented, etc..)

-Assist other departments in fulfillment of company promotions

-Brainstorm and Implement graphics and applications to increase member interaction

Available Positions

Philly Sports Pulse.com will be accepting up to five (5) qualified students to participate in its internship operations.

Length of Program

Selected interns will be part of the team from September 6, 2010 to January 7, 2010

*Dates may be longer or shorter depending on the type of internship awarded

Stipend

Each intern will have to submit a fund acquisition form for any piece that requires monetary funds.

Tuition and Fees

Payment of tuition and fees for the academic term is the responsibility of the student.

Credit

Upon successful completion of the Philly Sports Pulse.com internship program, each student will receive three (3) credit hours toward his/her degree. Interns may enroll in other classes if their enrollment does not interfere with the responsibilities of this internship.

*Note: Students interested in participating in this internship should meet with their university advisor and internship coordinator to verify receipt of credit hours as well as investigating other educational requirements established by their school.

Working Hours

Historically, A 135 hour internship would constitute a (3) credit course study with most accredited colleges. At Philly Sports Pulse we follow strictly what is prescribed by the particular college you are currently attending requirements. You will not experience your typical ‘9to5’ workday and are expected to have a flexible work schedule as many aspects of the internship, such as fact checking and conducting research, may fall outside those times. While certain absences may be unavoidable and therefore excused, frequent missed work hours will result in removal from the internship program.

Eligibility Requirements

Interested applicants must be:

- Enrolled in an accredited college or university or recent alumni of an accredited school

- In good academic standing with his or her university

- A sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student of journalism/marketing/design

NO APPLICANT WILL BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE OF RACE, GENDER, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, PHYSICAL DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR ETHNIC/NATIONAL ORIGIN.

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicants to review and understand the academic requirements of the institution they attend, including course credit, minimum grade point average, and any other requirement instituted by their college or university. All applicants are recommended to speak with their academic advisor to ensure all academic requirements are fulfilled while participating in this internship program.

PARKING

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Submission Date

All application materials must be submitted together in ONE ENVELOPE and received by the committee at the address provided on the following page by no later than Friday, October 1, 2010. (Exceptions for certain situations are allowed. Contact Administrator for details)

Applicants are advised to keep copies of their application materials, as the Philly Sports Pulse.com is not responsible for material lost or damaged in the mail.

All materials submitted are for the confidential use of the Philly Sports Pulse.com and its Student Internship Committee. Application material will not be returned.

Selection Process

The members of the Philly Sport Pulse.com Management Team will review all application packages and determine which candidates are most qualified. When this determination is completed the applicant will be informed via email and phone conversation. Any internship candidate not responding to the acceptance in three (3) working days will have their internship bestowed to the next qualified candidate.

Contact Information

Should there be any questions about the application procedure for this student internship program, please contact the staff at Philly Sports Pulse.com.

Via Phone:

856-649-2562.

Via Email:

ekirk@phillysportspulse.com

motw@phillysportspulse.com

Online Resources:

Our official website: http://phillysportspulse.com

SELECTIONSUBMISSION DATEONTACT INFORMATION

Application Checklist

Students interested in the Philly Sports Pulse.com internship program should discuss the program with their academic advisors to ensure that potential participation will fit into their graduate education plans and complement their future career goals.

To apply for the journalism/marketing/design internship program, students must submit to the

Philly Sports Pulse.com the following:

1. Attached application form (the following three (3) pages)

2. A brief statement on why the applicant believes to be qualified and why he or she wishes to participate in covering local and national sports stories(for journalism)/How he or she can help the site?(for marketing and design)

3. Two (2) letters of reference obtained from college or university faculty who are aware of the applicant’s academic performance (strengths and weaknesses in professional and personal skills assist the selection committee)

4. One (1) letter of character reference from outside the academic setting (non-relative)

5. No more than three (3) samples of the applicant’s most recent, and most prized, written material (if applicable)

(This material can published independently or be the result of a non-journalism or journalism class assignment)

6. No more than three (3) samples of the applicant’ most recent and prized graphic material (if applicable)

7. Sealed copies of graduate and undergraduate academic transcripts with official stamps or signatures across the back flap

Submission of Application

1. Fill out Application and email it completed with all attached information to internship@phillysportspulse.com

2. Print out Application and fill it out then mail it to address below with all forms/letters in ONE (1) envelope:

Philly Sports Pulse Internship Program

104 English Oak Drive

Turnersville, NJ 08012APPLICATION CHECKLIST

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONA

Application Form

I. Contact Information

_________________________________________________________________________________

(Last Name) (First Name) (Middle Initial)

_________________________________________________________________________________

(Campus Address)

_________________________________________________________________________________

(City) (State) (Zip Code)

_________________________________

(Campus/Contact Phone Number)

_________________________________________________________________________________

(Permanent/Home Address)

_________________________________________________________________________________

(City) (State) (Zip Code)

________________________________

(Permanent/Home Phone Number)

II. Resume

A. Educational Information

_______________________________________________________

(University/College Attending)

_____ (Grade Point Average) ______ (Graduate Studies GPA-if applicable)

Class Rank: Sophomore____ Junior____ Senior____ Grad. School____

Academic awards, achievements, activities and studies:

B. Employment Information

Work experience, paid or volunteer:

III. Essay

Applicants must submit a brief statement on why you believe you are qualified and why you wish to participate in the Philly Sports Pulse.com internship process.

IV. References

A. Two (2) letters of reference obtained from college or university faculty who are aware of your academic performance.

B. One (1) letter of character reference from outside the academic setting (non-relative)

V. Writing Samples (if applicable)

Applicants must submit no more than three (3) samples of your most recent written material.

VI. Graphic Samples

Applicants must submit no more than three (3) samples of your most recent and prized graphic material.

VII. Transcripts

Applicants must submit sealed copies of undergraduate and/or graduate academic transcripts with official stamps or signatures across the back flap.

Internship opportunity with the Flyers

Here's a chance to work the Flyers' media room.

Free business journalism training

Here's the chance to get free training to become a better business journalist.

Avoiding plagiarism

Poynter's Kelly McBride gives some good advice on avoiding plagiarism.

Internship opportunity in Washington, D.C.

ANNOUNCEMENT
*********************

INSTITUTE ON POLITICAL JOURNALISM
June 6 – July 31, 2010
Georgetown University , Washington , DC
www.DCinternships.org/IPJ


**ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE OF MARCH 5, 2010**

Sponsored by The Fund for American Studies in partnership with Georgetown University, the Institute combines substantive internships , courses for academic credit, career development activities, site briefings and lectures led by working journalists. This fast-paced, eight-week residential program provides students from around the world with opportunities to gain the edge in today’s competitive job market and graduate school admissions, and experience the excitement of Washington first-hand.

Internships – Competitive placements with top news and media organizations as well as PR and communications firms
Classes – Up to 9 transferable credits from Georgetown University
Housing – Roommate matching and furnished on-campus apartments in the heart of D.C.
Guest Lectures – With Washington’s top print and broadcast journalists
Exclusive Briefings – National Press Club, State Department and Capitol Hill
Leadership & Professional Development – Leadership, mentoring and career building activities
Networking – Interaction with seasoned professionals and other student from around of the world
Scholarships – Over half of all students receive full or partial funding based on merit and financial need
Last summer our students interned with NBC Nightly News, the Washingtopost.com, The Washington Examiner, Edelman Public Relations, The World Wildlife Fund, Telemundo, the Washington Times along with many other top media outlets and organizations.

Students will be accepted in a rolling basis until the Final Deadline of March 5, 2010 . For more information and an online application, please visit our website www.DCinternships.org/IPJ or contact Joe Starrs, IPJ Director, at jstarrs@tfas.org or 202.986.0384.

Please click here to request an informational brochure: https://www.DCinternships.org/tfas/brochure/index.asp

1706 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

This is a commercial message.

Copy editors as a vital human organ

This link is a column about the reduction in copy editors at a number of news operations.
Here is the salient quote:

The copy editors are the kidneys of the paper, filtering out the waste products and toxins of errors, inconsistencies and misspellings. They question reporters’ statements, correct the grammar and write the headlines that prompt readers to look at the stories they edit.

Interview: Inside the AP Stylebook

The Public Relations Society of America features an interview with some of the folks involved with the AP Stylebook.

Fewer copy editors = more mistakes

The Miami Herald submitted an edition of the newspaper to an English teacher, who came up with dozens of errors.

Test yourself on the 100 most common mistakes

Some at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University has come up with this interactive list of what they designate as the 100 most common writing/editing errors. Go ahead, make your day.

Tracking your most common errors

Here's a piece of advice from a journalism/writing coach: The main point is to keep a list of the most common errors you make, and keep it by your side to remind you of what those errors are.

More business news help

Here is an article about getting started in business journalism..sort of a Biz journalism 101.

FREE online business journalism training

The Web site BusinessJournalism.org offers several free online programs throughout the year.

National copy editing convention

Here's a link to the national copy editors' organization's convention in Philadelphia this April.