the POD - Tomorrow's journalists. Today.

Foreign news channels

2007-07-12T22:27:00.001-04:00

For some reason, I'm really intrigued by news channels from other countries. It's fun seeing what others are talking about and how they're doing it. It wasn't possible in the past due to language barriers, but now there's a slow stream of English-language foreign news channels making their way online.

As I posted before, I subscribed to Al Jazeera English which offered an interesting perspective. Earlier today, I tuned in to Press TV, Iran's new news channel online, for free. Then I fell upon France 24 and am now tuned in to Russia Today, which is pretty impressive. It was interesting seeing their reporter outside the White House and to hear the sad story of a family in Moscow that had been evicted and had taken their story public with Russia Today hoping they'd get the help from abroad that they weren't getting from within Russia.

In weather, they had weather for Toronto and Ottawa, but not Montreal.

Check 'em out and compare them to Newsworld, CNN, and the BBC.

What you can do as a reporter -- and what you can't if you're not

2007-01-24T16:44:00.000-05:00

All he wanted to do was meet his hero and he found a way to do so. Except it could have cost him seven years in prison.

Shea ban for Mets fan (SI.com)

A piece of advice for Ryan: get into j-school!

Memorable Quote

2006-12-01T11:43:00.000-05:00

Friday, December, 1, 2006 @ 11:43 a.m.

"Journalism is not a welfare system." - Darcy O'Brien

(During a verbal outburst on student team members -- not his own -- who aren't up to the challange and need someone to prop them up, then go on to complain about it)

The CBC of the Future

2006-11-30T22:28:00.000-05:00

Has our prof, who happens to be a former CBC insider, been passing on ideas from our short essays to the Mother Corp?

I swear, it sure seems like it!

"We'll be looking at a more strategic multi-platform treatment of stories that moves audiences from radio to the web, readers of the web to television, and so on," Burman said. "We're heading into a world where we're all going to become content providers, not TV stations, not newspapers, not radio stations."
[emphasis added]

CBC-TV kills Canada Now (Toronto Star)

And from November 2nd:

To fulfill this desire, National Public Radio should be prepared to let go of "radio" and replace it with "media."

It is clear that public radio cannot survive as such. There needs to be a multi-platform offering in order to survive. And that means getting online, with audio, video, and multimedia.

...

NPR has made a good effort to prepare itself for the future. All it needs to realize now is that the R at the end will from now on be an M, and it needs to start thinking that way.

(Sikander Hashmi, Critique of NPR's Blueprint for Growth, JOUR 343 -- Broadcast Public Affairs)

The only thing I had thought of but didn't mention in the critique was that, like NPR, the CBC should think like the CMC and not the CBC.

What does this mean for us? It's great!

Want radio, TV, online news, blogs, podcasts, videocasts, internet-broadcasts, and mycasts?

You've got it!

This is the first time I've paid for online content...

2006-11-20T00:23:00.000-05:00

...and I don't regret it one bit.

I hesitatingly shelled out $5.95 (US) to watch Al-Jazeera International (English) online for a month. It's been only two days but I can feel myself getting my money's worth every time I watch the high-quality live stream.

I've learned about hot mud taking over an entire Indonesian village thanks to drilling by a gas company, Zimbabweans jumping off trains into very dangerous territory while being deported from South Africa, why Afghan farmers are still into poppy production, the Gulf's first sportswoman, how a Rabbi in Gaza is trying to protect Palestinian farmers from attacks by settlers, the environmental fallout of China's progress and its effects on ordinary citizens, not to mention extensive coverage of the conflict in Darfur.

But don't take my word for it.

New York Times: Not Coming Soon to a Channel Near You

CBC Editor-in-Chief Tony Burman: Al-Jazeera should be available in Canada

The Republic

2006-11-13T18:30:00.000-05:00

Remember, remember, the eighth of november
when the republic finally awoke.
There was no talk of treason,
there was no reason,
the people merely rose up and spoke.

Remember, remember, the eighth of november
and the lesson that it wrote,
that the freedom for people,
from an endless torment
often begins with a vote.

Wrestling with the Digital Revolution

2006-11-09T23:11:00.000-05:00

We are told that public broadcasters are trying to figure out how to survive the digital revolution. The top brass are trying to figure out a strategy that uses the power of computer networks to supplement what they are trying to achieve. Meanwhile, producers across the continent are trying to somehow incorporate the Internet into their programs.

Seems like the ones out of all the important discussions and decision-making for the future are the audiences of the future.

I'm surprised that I haven't seen any of these powerful folks on campus to get ideas. Perhaps it'd be worth tapping the young minds who are growing up with the technology, are actively using it, and who will be running the show in the future.

Here's a tip for public broadcasters: Start focusing on young audiences -- not by dumbing down content -- but by giving us meaningful content that appeals to us, packaged in a way that's not dull and boring. This is the demographic that will decide your fate. Earlier you catch on to them and build a relationship, the better.

Yes, the Hour is a start. But there's much more that can be done.

Want to know how?

Come talk to us.

Democracy's Last Gleaming?

2006-11-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

What is the purpose of journalism?
What is the purpose of a journalist?
If you are one of the believers of the precept that they both exist so that a democratic society can be supplied the pertinent information, from which it can then debate, ascertain, and ultimately make decisions (personal, and otherwise) that will enable its informed citizens to lead better lives, then you may have to believe that we are on the cusp of a "dark age" concerning both the practisioners of the craft, and the craft itself.

Food for thought, take a finger stroll on over to The Council of Canadians website (www.canadians.org)

Specifically, call up the autumn 2006 edition, "The Silent Treatment".

What do you think of Stuart Trew's, "A Conspiracy Of Silence"?

If only one third of it were factual, it would be enough to freeze the marrow of the most thoughtful amongst us.

It's About Respect !

2006-11-03T23:02:00.000-05:00

Overheard in the hallways of Concordia's School of Journalism, was a little whine about how soon-to-be true blue journalists should not wear a Poppy while doing a television broadcast. Something to do with a journalist having to remain "neutral".

Huh?! What?!

From the Canadian Legion's website;

"Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s entire population. Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. The Poppy also stands internationally as a “symbol of collective reminiscence”, as other countries have also adopted its image to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice."

Nothing at all neutral about making the ultimate sacrifice - now is there?!

If someone chooses to practise self-censorship, that's a personal choice. Just don't you dare say that in an instance such as this, you are doing it in order to be "neutral".

The last thing this country needs, in an era of media-convergent-gluttony and political abdication, is for the so-called keepers of the faith to put aside their respect for those that came before us, answered a call that put others ahead of themselves, came home permanently infirmed because of it, or never had the opportunity to come home at all.

We don't need to see that lack of honour on display, in our homes, by way of a Canadian televised newscast, during the month of November.

If you're that put off by wearing a Poppy, and you work in front of the camera - take a sick leave.

If you were raised to honour and respect others, to understand that in the eyes of the original members of the United Nations, that it is precisely because of the brave sacrifices of Canadian men and women, in both World Wars, that Canada was awarded a "special status" as a member nation (when it in fact did not merit membership, based on the criteria of the day) - wear that Poppy and shame those who are either ignorant, or dismissive of those facts.

On a personal note, whenever you see me in the halls, or in a class on campus, consider me "miked-up".
I think it may be of interest to other Canadians, to know the thoughts of those who may soon be entrusted with "advancing" the notions of freedom of expression, and an "unfettered" press.

If you're so constipated with politcal correctness that you worry about offending anyone before you take to the streets to get the story, either sign yourself up for an enema, or choose another profession.
The industry is topped out with will-o-the-wisp, morally bankrupt, title chasers.

Hit the road, Black!

2006-09-28T23:32:00.000-04:00

I don’t know how other people handle their trash, but I for one don’t bring it back in my house, after I’ve kicked it to the curb.

I demand that my country follow suit.

If you’re a Canadian citizen you probably realize how good you have it, and you wouldn’t think of renouncing the privileges and benefits that accompany being a citizen of this country.

Yet Conrad Black did just that, and now he wants back in.

FORGET THAT!

Black, you wanted to be a “Lord”, you knew what it would cost, and you made the decision - now live with it.

Maybe you’re just a coward who wants to run away from the disapproving glances of the hoity-toity British socialites, as you are pulled by your heels through the American judicial system, with charges of corporate malfeasance and alleged criminal activities, pending.

Perhaps you've sniffed and sampled all the Timeless (" a cognac made by Hennessy from a blend of eleven cognacs dating from 1900 to 1990. Only 2,000 bottles were produced (actually to mark the millennium) and each one was numbered") you could find in Europe, and realized that the grass isn’t quite greener over there, after all.

I could care less what your reasons are for trying to reacquire the citizenship you tossed away, for a snooty little title to put in front of your name. You’re over and done!

Citizenship in this country shouldn’t be treated like an article of clothing that you pick-up or discard, at a whim. There are thousands of people around this globe that would give their eyeteeth to have the privilege of the title - Canadian citizen. Normally I’d say, get in line, but you had your kick at the can and you chose to discard it. So given those realities, I say to you;

GET LOST!

You are of absolutely no benefit to this nation, and that must be the overriding criteria for being considered.

Someone suggested to me that you should be taxed to the max. Well that’s not likely to do any good for three reasons;

First, the Conservatives are the national government, at this time, so I seriously doubt they’ll champion taxing the wealthy.
Secondly, the ousted Liberals have no leg to stand on when it comes to taxing the wealthy (they allowed Bronfman Jr. to spirit away $2 billion, from Canada, in order to buy Universal Studios in the early 90s (without a holding tax), then proceeded to engineer the largest cutback in health care spending, in Canadian history,the following year.), and obviously, they’re not in power, so once again they’re useless.
Thirdly, statistics recently shown, have confirmed what the common person has already known, that the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. So taxing you won’t amount to anything.

Bottom line is you are of no benefit to this nation.

From a broadcast point of view, you’re a lousy interview. From a personal perspective, I'm sick to death of seeing a pompous corporate mogul (in rapid descent) taking space in this nation's print and broadcast media.

You are yesterday's news, and they should be ashamed for keeping you current.

So give my regards to that other antiquated appendage that you worship so openly - the monarchy, and don't go away angry, but..

*Cue music*

Hit the road Black, and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more...

Dawson Shooting Tragedy

2006-09-14T10:31:00.000-04:00

Standing outside the emergency room of the Montreal General in the drizzle yesterday afternoon, I quickly scribbled a few paragraphs and filed the following to the Toronto Star newsroom at approximately 4 p.m. via my cell phone:

The panicked aunt of one 18-year-old victim arrived at the emergency room of the Montreal General Hospital, pleading for help from the media in finding her niece, Anastasia DeSousa.

"She was put in an ambulance, now she can't be found," said Natalia Hevey.

She said friends and family had checked with at least five local hospitals, to no avail.

Hevey said her mother saw her niece being loaded on to an ambulance on TV, reportedly with shots to her arm.

"That was the last we saw of her."

In today's Star story by Rosie DiManno:

The slain woman was identified as Anastacia DeSousa, 22.

Earlier in the day, DeSousa's panicked aunt arrived at the emergency department of Montreal General Hospital, pleading for help from the media in finding her niece, a first-year student at Dawson.

"She was put in an ambulance, now she can't be found," said Natalia Hevey.

She said her mother saw her niece being loaded on an ambulance on television, reportedly having been shot in the arm.

"That's the last we saw of her."

Our heartfelt condolences to Anastasia's family, and to the families of all other victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Summer job

2006-05-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

It has been too long since I have posted on the blog - I suppose school and work took over my last semester.
I had a discussion with Wendy on one of the last days of school, both worried about finishing our second year without the opportunity to work as an intern over the summer.
I have just learned I will be working almost full time for the local paper YOur Local Journal (the same I've been working for part time for 1 1/2 years). I'm extremely happy about this.
It may not be a large scale national paper, but I am learning the basic skills in almost every aspect of the newspaper and that small news is sometimes interesting news.
I get to take pictures, I've started a question of the week section (begins this week!), got to know the mayors and councillors of the three adjacent towns, copy edit, try to juggle some balance between advertising in the paper and editorial content.
Some may dismiss small local newspapers (as one of my professors this semester has incessantly reminded me that he believes there is nothing good it them), but I believe they are important for smaller issues, closer to home to come out into the public. For example, the possible opening of a Wal-Mart in Montreal is causing outroar - yet no one except the local papers mentionned Vaudreuil-Dorion is getting its new box store.
I am loving my job as a small paper reporter, and I think this is my hands-on experience for a possibly bigger job...hopefully next summer...anyone out there knows how to get into the bigger newspapers, into the TV and radio stations?

And as a lastly don't forget to visit us on the web - yes, it's brand new, not yet perfect, but worth a look - www.yourlocaljournal.ca

Sikander: Have a beautiful day!

2006-04-10T19:58:00.000-04:00

Sikander Hashmi is a journalist; an editor; a techie wizz-bang phenom; a demon when it comes to negotiating a better price; a colleague; a friend; an ever helpful never say no lab presence; and an enthusiastic person that loves to make conversation with anyone.

You'd think someone with their wheels churning all the time, would like to take a breather right after completing a challenging university semester.

Not our boy, no he's taking on his biggest challenge yet - Husband!

I have no doubt that he'll succeed in spades - he just dosen't know how to do things poorly.

I wish him and his bride, the most beautiful day the month of April can offer, and for their future together - Health and Happiness!

Best course in the program

2006-04-06T23:17:00.000-04:00

We need more courses like Advanced Radio. The other stuff is fine for the most part, but doing it is the best way to learn, and courses like Advanced Radio let you do it while you enjoy it.

We had our last Advanced Radio class today. A memorable experience.

One more assignment to go and the 2nd year is in the bag.

Time to take charge!

2006-03-18T00:44:00.000-05:00

Most of us are now suffering from late 2nd semester burnout. As the academic year winds down, the pressure of big assignments and greater expectations is on.

In the midst of all that, many of us realize that the upcoming summer - the 2nd of our program - is our breaking in point. That's our window of opportunity for really getting something going if we're to have any hope in journalism immediately after graduation.

So we've fired off applications, made calls, and nagged. If we were lucky, we got an interview, or two, or three.

But except for a handful or so, most of us got a rejection or two (yeah, there were three as well).

Now, as the summer approaches, most of us don't know what we're going to be doing. We'll probably keep trying until it dawns upon us that we have no hope whatsoever and that's when we'll head out and catch on to any menial job we can find.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

We just keep trying the conventional methods and just doing things the way they've always been done.

We need to think outside the proverbial box.

My fellow concerned wanna-be pros, listen up! If they don't think we're good enough, then let's prove otherwise. We know we're a hardworking, creative bunch, plus we're the demographic they need to appeal to (if not now, then eventually).

If they aren't going to hire us, let's show them why they've made a mistake.

I've got a plan. It won't be easy, but believe me, it'll be fun and worth all the trouble. If we want to make it work. (Not just "I," but "we.")

Just watch.

Who knows where it might take us. Heck, we might not even be the ones doing the calling next year.

Tips for aspiring interns

2006-02-20T22:34:00.000-05:00

Here is a questionnaire Montreal Gazette City Editor Ross Teague filled out for the McGill Tribute, courtesy of Mr. Teague.

Q. What do you look for in an internship applicant?

Enthusiasm, talent, skills, creativity, motivation

Q. What makes a good cover letter?

Short and to the point: tell me who you are, what you can do and why you want to work at the Gazette.

Q. What makes an internship application stand out?

Good cover letter (see above), a small, well-chosen sample of clippings, a track record of work at student papers or freelancing.

Q. What common mistakes do applicants make?

Not knowing anything about the Gazette (or the paper they are applying to), sending too many clippings, putting too much irrelevant material in resumé and/or portfolio, spelling my name wrong in cover letter (sounds like a minor thing, but it happens frequently to me and other editors and if you can't get that right, why would i trust you as a reporter to get anything else right?)

Q. What other advice do you have for students seeking journalism internships?

Be honest and up front. Sell me on who you are - don't sell me someone you think I might hire.

Facts about Ezra Levant and Western Standard magazine

2006-02-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

Western Standard publisher Ezra Levant is in the spotlight for publishing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in his magazine. Here are some facts:

- Calgary Sun and Winnipeg Sun columnist
- Lawyer
- Worked for the Fraser Institute
- Served as legislative assistant to Reform party leader Preston Manning
- Was on the editorial board of the National Post
- Served as communications director for then-Canadian Alliance leader (and now Public Security Minister) Stockwell Day
- Declared himself to be a "Stockoholic"
- Threatened to sue dissident Alliance MP Chuck Strahl for publicly alleging that there was "dishonest communication" from the leader's office
- Resigned thereafter
- Was nominated as Canadian Alliance candidate for the riding of Calgary-Southwest in 2002
- Stepped aside so new party leader (now Prime Minister) Stephen Harper could run in the riding
- Magazine launched in March 2004
- Gave out buttons calling the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms "stupid"

(From the Western Standard)

Interesting points:

- Levant is mocking the Canadian Islamic Congress's threat to sue
- In defending himself, Levant keeps citing the Charter

Ezra Levant is a conservative troublemaker. He's the publisher of the Western Standard, appears each week on TV's Global Sunday, is a columnist at the Calgary Sun and Winnipeg Sun newspapers, and is heard weekly on the Western Standard Radio Show, broadcast throughout most of Alberta. Ezra's last book, Fight Kyoto, was a national best-seller.
Ezra spent 10 years as a volunteer and professional with the Reform and Canadian Alliance parties, including serving as a senior Parliamentary assistant to leaders Preston Manning and Stockwell Day.

(Source: About Ezra Levant)

Craig Oliver....Come Back Anytime.

2006-02-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

This afternoon a roomful of Concordia journalism students received a gem of a lecture.
Craig Oliver would probably groan at being called a lecturer, so let's call it a Q and A with a guest speaker in-the-know.

You can get all the particulars about his credentials yourself (Google it!), this will be a brief encapsulation about his visit.

He briefly spoke about his early days working in Winnipeg, and even mentioned that he didn't bother showing up for his first day of work - July 1, 1957.

It was afterall a national holiday.

He told the students that what the industry needs, and is looking for, are people who can think and make decisions. He thinks it's great that students are learning the technical aspects of filming and editing for broadcast, but he says those can be polished in-house, after you are hired.

In addressing a question concerning the recent uproar over published caricatures, in the media,
he says that you don't need to reproduce something just for the sake of reaffirming your freedom of speech. He went on to say that a journalist needs to excercise good judgment, and that notion of good judgement was a recurring theme throughout his dialogue.

He believes that there is a journalistic responsibility with regards to setting and following limits to our freedom of speech, and in the recent events regarding the Islamic caricatures, he feels Canadian media has, for the most part, handled it well.

In regards to covering politicians here at home, he says that politicians and the media need each other. The media is faced with the overwhelming communications machinery that is multi-layered, and designed to put the politicians in the best possible light.
The days of a Prime Minister hitting the campaign trail with only one media assistant, are long since past. Now, the political parties employ legions of spin doctors, personal assistants, and former journalists as frontpeople, and the outnumbered journalist has to way through this excess.
Meanwhile, the politicians risk being overexposed, and if they're too naive, or just not bright enough, then the "press gallery" will destroy them.

Wow, just imagine how woeful the ones that don't make it must be !?

He lightly touched upon how previous Prime Ministers have handled the media - Brian Mulroney was disasterously overexposed, and Pierre Trudeau was both theatrical and shrewd with his use of the media.

In today's political climate, Mr. Oliver believes mistakes are now blown all out of proportion, and that we don't allow people to make them. He does however see a distinct difference in how Canadian media covers the personal lives of politicians, as opposed to those of Australian and British media. In Canada, if a politcian's private life does not affect their executing their duties of office - then it has no place being publicized. He thinks the public would be amazed at the amount of information journalists have, about their public leaders, but if it has no bearing on their job functions, then the public doesn't need to know about their personal activities.

Simple enough...and very enlightened, given the nature of sensationalism we often see in the media forums of other nations.

Mr.Oliver feels that developing personal access to people, will make a world of difference in getting a story told, and in the world of broadcast, a story told is a timely story.

Approaching half a century in news reporting has not diminished this man's enthusiasim for this country. He is wildly optimistic about it's future, and told the student audience that they were very fortunate to be their age, in this country. He punctuated this thought by saying;

"There's no stopping this country!"

He is also surprisingly positive about his dealings with politicians in general;

"The system lies...not the individual."

Many people will be surprised to learn that Craig Oliver is legally blind.
He can see shapes and colours, but can't read or make out details. He says he wasn't always handicapped in this way, and doesn't recommend starting a broadcast career in this condition.

He broke the audience up with his recounting of his Bureau Chief days (17 years) where he spent hours, "...barking out orders at empty chairs."
He once had a meeting with an MP....and thought it was another MP!!!
That admission also brought the house down.

Because he is unable to read off a teleprompter, he ad-libs everything on camera.

When asked what makes for good television news reporting, Mr.Oliver offered the following;

-Tell interesting stories, and show the "edge" in them.
-Good story construction is the key to good television news.
-Sound elements should be heard early.
-Show your best video off the top.
-Give a line at the top that tells what the story is about (many reporters have difficulty doing this)
-Don't start with "stocks."
-Good bridges are difficult to do, but they must be logical when done.
-If you're unable to do a bridge, then you should appear at the end of your piece.

He says that reporters need to be fair, and balanced, but he says objectivity is a myth.
If something is a bunch of $%*@, then say so!

(Obviously don't use profanity when doing so.)

He spoke at length about the last two federal elections, and believes that it is time for some sort of proportional representation to be implemented. He doesn't believe that Canada is headed for a two party system, but he also feels that the differences between the federal Liberals and NDP, don't even amount to the breadth of a razor.

He believes the principal difference between Canadians and Americans, is that while Americans are willing to "tell all", Canadians tend to be more private, and more judicious in protecting their privacy.

For those would be journalists who are thinking about having a political career themselves, he cautions them. Unlike our American cousins who seem able to straddle both hemispheres, in Canada, a one time journalist is not likely to be accepted back into the fold after trying their hand at politics. It seems to be an almost uniquely Canadian quirk.

Craig Oliver fleshed out his answers for almost two hours.
When you consider he has almost 50 years of news gathering and reporting experience, two hours seems trivial.

Yet, it was anything but trivial.
It was informative, captivating, refreshing, engaging, and alltogether one gem of a session.

Craig Oliver... you come back anytime, ya hear?!

Welcome Wendy!

2006-02-10T16:40:00.000-05:00

Sandra will be taking some time off from blogging and has graciously asked that Wendy Smith take her place, which she has agreed to do.

Welcome on board, Wendy!

Irwin Cotler and Riad Saloojee on the cartoon controversy

2006-02-08T23:22:00.000-05:00

It's nice to see a calm, respectful, and intelligent discussion on the issue.

CTV's Mike Duffy speaks to Irwin Cotler and Riad Saloojee (6:18)

A double-edged sword

2006-02-07T20:26:00.000-05:00

The power of the press: a double-edged sword (Jim Reed, CBC News Viewpoint)

Jim Reed has worked as a researcher, writer, producer, director, reporter and news anchor for CTV, TVO and CBC. He has travelled widely and has freelanced for The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and other news organizations.

More on Danish cartoons

2006-02-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

Why has a cartoon turned into a crisis? (Toronto Star)

For all those Muslims acting like a bunch of maniacs:

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet Mohammad said, "The person who is strong is not strong because he can knock people down. The person who is strong is the one who controls himself when he is angry."

Ibn 'Abbas reports that the Prophet Mohammad said, "...'When you are angry, be silent,' twice."

Aslam said that Umar (one of the revered companions of the Prophet Mohammad) said, "'Do not let your love be a total infatuation. Do not let your anger be destruction.' I asked, 'How is that?' He replied, 'When you love, you are infatuated like a child. When you hate, you desire destruction for your companion.'"

Danish Cartoons: A view from the other side

2006-02-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

It seems like the ultimate ideological battle: Angry sermons, calls for executions and war, death and kidnapping threats, street protests, boycotts, diplomatic spats, defiant journalists, editors being fired, talk of freedoms in secular democracies, and the list goes on and on.

All because of some cartoons.

The Danish paper Jyllands-Posten printed a total of 12 cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad last September, one showing him wearing a headdress shaped like a bomb with the kalimah (Islamic declaration of faith) inscribed on it, while another had him saying that paradise is running short of virgins for suicide bombers. A Norwegian publication reprinted the caricatures in January and a handful of other publications jumped on the bandwagon in the last couple of days to express their support for the principle of free expression.

Muslim outrage has spurred protests, calls for executions and wars, kidnapping and death threats, boycotts of Danish products, and diplomatic spats. Danish dairy firm Arla Foods has announced layoffs as a result of the boycott; national leaders have jumped into the foray, and even U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has issued a statement in an attempt to cool the growing crisis. Editors have been sacked in what’s seen to be an attack on editorial independence.

Media reports are quick to point out that Islamic traditions ban depictions of the Prophet. Thus, the understanding is that the outrage has been caused by the seemingly blatant disregard for this “Islamic taboo” by the publications in question, which is why Reporters Without Borders and other journalists and non-journalists alike are fighting the wave of Muslim rage.

I’m pretty sure many outraged Muslims will also point to that as the source of their outrage.

But I ask: Would Muslims express an equal amount of outrage had the Prophet been shown in a positive light based on his teachings, perhaps instructing a would-be terrorist not to kill innocents?

Probably not. There might have been some disappointment over the depiction of the Prophet, but it wouldn’t be anywhere near what we’re seeing now.

Thus, the main issue here isn’t the depiction of the Prophet, but rather, the depiction of the Prophet in an incorrect and dishonest manner.

We all know that the principle of free speech is an integral element of a democratic society. Those of us living in democratic societies enjoy that right on a daily basis.

However, no freedom is absolute. There are always limitations and exceptions.

I can express myself by screaming, for as long as I wish, but not to the detriment of my neighbours. Similarly, I can publish whatever I want, as long as I don’t tarnish anyone’s reputation by spreading lies or promote hatred against anyone.

The cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad, especially the one with his headdress shaped like a bomb, portray him as a terrorist and portray Islam as a religion of terrorists.

Anyone who is familiar with the life and the teachings of the Prophet knows that he was not a terrorist. He forbade the killing of innocents and even ordered his followers not to kill birds and other living creatures unnecessarily. And even though the Makkans had terrorized him and his followers, he did not retort with the same when he conquered Makkah later on, nor did he let any of the followers terrorize anyone either, even as victors.

While there are groups and individuals who attempt to justify acts of terrorism in the name of Islam, Islam is not a religion of terrorists. If it was, the majority of Muslims throughout history would have been terrorists, which just isn’t the case.

It is clear that the cartoons are slanderous towards Mohammad and they promote hatred. No one likes terrorists and by depicting Mohammad – a symbol of Islam – as a terrorist, the implied message seems to be that Muslims are terrorists and they should thus be hated.

This issue is not about Muslims hating freedom of expression. Rather, it is about the abuse of the freedom to spread hate and fuel stereotypes.

The cartoons are provocative towards a group that has already been victimized as a whole for the actions of a few.

But that’s not the only reason for the outrage.

The level of love and sentimental attachment many Muslims have for and with Mohammad is unparalleled, and may in fact be very difficult to comprehend for non-Muslims.

Think of your dead parents or grandparents that you loved dearly. If someone were to slander them publicly and make a mockery of them, how would you feel? Would you not react angrily and defend them?

For Muslims, their beloved prophet has been slandered and mocked. He is not here to defend himself, so his followers have taken on the task, out of their love and devotion to him.

What we see now is the result of compounded anger, which unfortunately isn’t always expressed in the wisest manner, especially when emotions are running high.

The issue of misrepresentation is an important one. Editorial cartoonists are saying they consider terrorists who use their religion to justify their actions as fair game. But that is not the issue. Hardly anyone would complain if Osama bin Laden was the subject of satire.

The issue is about linking the prophet of God, in a malicious manner, to offensive actions he didn’t commit, promote nor condone.

Publishing and protesting are both forms of expression, and they must both be exercised within reasonable limits.

Muslims are looking for an apology and assurances that the publication of such malicious, unethical works will not become a new trend. At the same time, Muslims need to learn how to contain their emotions and express their displeasure using non-violent means and without making a fool of themselves. There is absolutely no question that a lot of the reaction we are witnessing is reeking with ignorance of the teachings of the very prophet the protesters are claiming to stand up for.

But as long as the incorrect analysis of the issue as a “freedom of expression vs. Islamic stigma” battle remains, I'm afraid the vicious cycle of publications and protests, and more protests and more publications, will continue.

Playing Editor

2006-02-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

You be the editor. Put your judgment to test.

Want to quit your day jobs? (Toronto Star)

Pity the journalists

2006-01-29T17:03:00.000-05:00

It's been a little overdue - but here's by response to anonymous (see comments for Blues no more - Thursday January 5,2006)
Refer to these websites to get the gist.

http://www.slate.com/id/2132709/?nav=fo

AND
http://jobpundit.blogspot.com/2006/01...

I completely agree with JobPundit - that journalists are stuck in this tournament - a vicious game of who will get to the top.
He explains:

The rules of this tournament are straightforward. You must start at the bottom to have a shot at the top, you must be willing to work long and hard at sub-standard wages. In order to advance in the tournament, you must prove yourself to be not merely above average but spectacular(the way to distinguish yourself differs from profession to profession), once you come to the sad realization that you will never make it to the top, you will quit the tournament.

Oh, I'm only in my second year of j-school and the pressure is on. Get good grades, find great stories, produce articles and packages for no money at all, find an internship. AAAAH!

Talking about internships - the application process was in December and now by January, most of us have found out if a full-time (paid) summer internship is in the works for June. But the reality for, I'd day 85% of ConU j-students, is that they won't have an internship. I've gotten many letters back, telling me, 'we're sorry, we are only hiring graduating students.' Darn. I'll try again next year. What do I need to do to prove myself, I wonder? I have a portfolio with over 150 articles in it...we have some strong competition and some great writers. I'll have to do better and work harder if I don't want to be driven away from the "tournament."

But already, quite a few students dropped out since last year, some are still questionning their choice and many are starting to wonder "why am I getting a Bachelor's when I might not even get a job, and most probably will not make much money?"

But I enjoy being a journalist. I enjoy my job as a community newspaper journalist, even if I'm being paid peanuts. I would not trade it in for any McJob out there.

Also:

Journalists have long suffered from what David Brooks (in his excellent Bobos in Paradise phase) identified as status-income disequilibrium. Journalists received low wages compared to many of their peers and neighbors but enjoyed higher prestige and job security. But for employees of the media Big Three, both the prestige and job security are fading as the publications hemorrhage audiences, advertisers, buzz, and public esteem.

What prestige? I don't see much prestige in this job. Unless you are the lead anchor for CNN or one of NY Time's columnists. But then again, this shouldn't be about the prestige, no?
Aren't journalists out to report on the world's events, without being the center of attention? (Oh, my mistake, many journalists have egos the size of Canada. And I can see some developing already in j-school....should be interesting to work with these divas later on.)

Oh well, I guess journalists like their big fat paychecks too. Where's mine?

the POD Exclusive: Pakistan Earthquake Pictures

2006-01-28T23:10:00.000-05:00

The POD has been given the opportunity to release exclusive photographs from the regions of Pakistan devastated by last October's powerful earthquake, courtesy of Dr. Khurram Sher, who was in the country with a Canadian relief team.

Please do not distribute or reproduce without proper credit. Thank you.

Hiking up roads damaged by landslides
A damaged hotel. This is what used to be the second floor, now resting on the ground. Dr. Sher climbed up the steps (between the 2nd and 3rd pillars on the left) and visited what used to be the third floor. He also took advantage of whatever was left of the restrooms.

A bus that was traveling on the mountain pass when the earthquake struck.

All that's left standing of a clinic. In front of the door is an intravenous pole.

Road damaged by landslide.

The relief team's home base - resting on the roof of a flattened store.

Possibly the reason why Dr. Sher took advantage of the restroom in the hotel. Here is their facility at camp.

The remains of a school.

Unwanted donated clothes.

We've got to be there

2006-01-27T14:45:00.000-05:00

Last semester, it was Melanie and Sandra taking advanced radio. This semester, it's Darcy and I who are truly getting "real education for the real world" (Concordia's motto) in the twice weekly 3-hour newsroom shifts that end with a complete newscast.

My Wednesday a.m. shift started on a tragic note with news of 17-year-old Brigitte Serre's shocking murder at a St. Leonard gas station.

This was a breaking story that definitely needed to be pursued, but how?

We're a bunch of students with no transportation except our feet and public transit, and St. Leonard is not close-by, especially since our "newsroom" - complete with phones, editing equipment, a spanking new real studio, and control room - is located on the Loyola campus, which is in Notre Dame de Grace (NDG). Plus, we don't really broadcast, except to our team, so there isn't THAT much of an incentive to get out there.

Yet, our hero Jared Book took the assignment like a true reporter and set off for the scene, armed with the address (found after some online sleuthing) and a public transit instruction sheet on how to get there.

He took Concordia's shuttle bus to get downtown, hopped on the Metro, then switched over to a bus for a 20-minute ride, and landed at the corner of Lacordaire and des Grandes Prairies to join all the other reporters. And oh yeah, he doesn't have a transit pass, so he had to pay for the trip out of his own pocket.

When we went "on-air" at noon, Jared was on the line, reporting live from St. Leonard, updating us on the situation and describing what he was seeing....including the bouquet of flowers that had already started arriving.

Flowers piling up does not seem like a big deal, and we wouldn't have known about them had Jared simply followed the story from our newsroom.

But the flowers - and how soon they arrived - are almost like the Richter scale of the community, giving us a sense of the strength of the jolt that this senseless murder has sent through the community.

It might not seem that important now, but when the story is developing, the flowers can just be that extra touch that makes a story human, and adds to its credibility.

The flowers are just a very small example, but unfortunately, too many of us try to sit back in the newsroom and tell the world about what's happening out there without ever being there. Thus, we miss out on the small things that make a story come alive, like the neighbour who trembles when speaking about what happened, the child who inquires about why there are so many police cars in the area following a shooting outside a daycare, and the real stories of people that back up the findings of a study (which would otherwise make for a dry story filled with numbers and findings).

That's why we've got to be there, whenever possible.

Mr. Harper's Car Key

2006-01-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

Today was the second to last "dry run" for my Advanced Radio News class. I'll confess, I haven't even touched the software editing program - Pro Tools - yet. So it came as a welcome relief when today's AE (Ben Raby), offered to let me do an Op-Ed.

Now first you'll need a little background information.

First, Stephen Harper and the Conservative party of Canada, have just won the right to form the next minority government.

Secondly, do you remember your Dad's old car, maybe your Grandmother's? You know, the one that needed two keys to operate? One for the ignition (engine), and another that opened the doors and trunk. You do? Well you're all set then.

What follows is my Op-Ed. It came readily to me, because it came the instant I saw the results.

harpers keys/Darcy/Jan 25,2006 - 3pm/OP-ED/Concordia News/pg7

Stephen Harper has won Canada's car key...for all the good that will do him.

He ran a compaign with a focus on accountability...well Mr. Harper open up the trunk and tell the nation what you see.

While you're at it, have your mechanics pop the hood and check the fluids...we've been noticing a drop in power recently. You can even sit in the driver's seat and play at being PM... just don't ask for the engine key...not yet anyway, because with a minority government, Canadians are not ready to see where you want to drive them.

You understand don't you?

Cautious parents get nervous when their kids are too eager to put the pedal to the metal... especially when they have so little in the way of practical experience.

Afterall, it's only prudent to make sure everything is in running order...before that first spin.

Does your vote count?

2006-01-17T23:27:00.000-05:00

Does your vote count?
Proportional representation can make a difference

I do not know who to vote for. My decision shifts from one party to another, one candidate to the next.

I have discussed with friends and family about their decisions and the reasons behind their choice. What is the logic behind people choosing one candidate over another?

Between accusations of corruption, mismanagement and name calling, many are asking: Do we really have a choice? Are we not all voting for the lesser of two evils?

After the dismal voter turnout in the last federal election and the latest municipal elections, what changes to the voting system can be done to give Canadians a choice and bring more people to the polls?

Only 60.9 per cent of Canadians voted federally in 2004. A disappointing 27 per cent voted in the St.Lazare municipal elections.

Canada’s voting rate is a far cry from other countries, such as Australia, which boasts a participation rate of 95 per cent. Where is Canada’s will to participate?

So, is this democracy? Are we properly represented?

Canadians have choice – did you know there are 15 registered parties in Canada? But our electoral system is restraining people from voting for the party they really believe in.

Let’s not forget Canada has a single member plurality system where a candidate from each party runs in a constituency.

A candidate wins as long as he or she has one more vote than the second candidate. A majority is not needed to gain a seat.

People tend to vote for parties that can gain seats, creating a two party system, where only one or two parties have a chance to lead.

Essentially, the number of seats won does not represent the number of people who actually voted for the party.

Smaller parties, such as the Green Party are shut out from Parliament.

Think about it – in the last election, the Green Party won 4.5 per cent of the popular vote. They have no seats in Parliament, no say in any issues. Over 600,000 people’s votes were “wasted.”

Another interesting question people are asking “should I vote for the candidate in my riding or should I vote for the party?”

In our current system, people are thorn with the idea of electing for the riding or for the party.

Meili Faille has worked hard for the riding, but is her association with the Bloc Quebecois a deterrence to vote for her?

Are Marc Garneau’s chances of winning doomed because of the sponsorship scandal?

Should you not vote for the Green Party because Pierre Pariseau-Legault’s chance of winning against two very strong candidates is slim?

Here comes in proportional representation.

People would vote twice – one to elect the candidate that will properly represent their region, one to elect the party they wish to see in power.

Seats are assigned according to the number of votes obtained nationally. If the Liberals get 25 per cent of the votes, they get one quarter of the seats.

You can pick both a regional and a national leader.

Smaller parties can then access Parliament. They might have a few seats, but they can be the determining vote in a minority government.

With more parties in Parliament, there will be more opportunity to hold the government accountable for its actions. Yes, that means possibly less corruption.

Parties will have to compete and the Liberal’s party monopoly would end.

So you have more party choice and your vote really counts in the end. Doesn’t that make you want to vote?

Until proportional representation, who should you vote for?

That, is a matter of personal preference. For now, Canadians have to vote according to their beliefs rather than trying to punish a party’s actions.

Who will I vote for? I will vote for the party that represents my ideals, my vision for the future of Canada.

For the party that will hopefully bring in proportional representation to give Canadians more choice and more reason to vote.

Think about it. You have a choice. You can vote.

Blues no more

2006-01-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

Aaaaah. The smell of a new semester, a new year.
But wait a minute? Darcy you might have jumped the gun and come to class a day early, but the journalism building is looking eerily quiet today.
Where is everyone? Still on vacation?

In our intermediate TV class today, there were four of us. Brian Gabrial, our teacher, seemed a little confused as to where everyone was.

The food counter in the building (although too overpriced for me to be buying anything in the first place.) is closed. Maybe a few students could not function without coffee and simply decided to go back to bed until food and coffee are available.

The department's secretary wasn't there today, and the light were shut off in her office...eery indeed.

On the bright side, I am up and at 'em, ready to start the semester again, eager to continue writing, shooting and editing. I have, what I believe to be five fantastic classes and cannot wait to get going on the projects. Yes, yes, eager am I, but news doesn't wait...imagine all the stories I could have produced over the last month for school projects?

The next few days will go by and I will see how this semester will evolve. I feel the September J-school blues being washed away by the snow - YES! I'm back in business!

Eager beaver not better

2006-01-04T19:16:00.000-05:00

The mining tragedy that has happened in West Virginia over the last few days has stunned me and somewhat shocked me as a journalist. Have we become too eager to get news out, at the expense of the integrity and truth in the information?

Last night, after supper, news channels were announcing that the miners had survived. People were cheering, families were ecstatic. A few hours later, reports now said only one survived, all the others miners had died in the accident. Families waited over three hours to see their loved ones come home, only to be told 'sorry there was miscommunication.'

I couldn't help but think, were the media pressing too hard for information even before it was thouroughly checked? Everyone wants the information now and as fast as possible. Aren't we playing on people's nerves and feelings?

This event also made me think of the time CNN aired the live emergency landing of a plane. The thought of family and friends watching this as a possible tragedy could occur was a little much for me. Don't we have a little respect? It might be one thing to say an emergency landing is happening - but to watch second by second of it is too much.

In both cases, this shows that the media is sometimes too prevalent in people's lives - we have becomed obsessed with peering into everyone's lives.

Tonight on the news, CBC reporter said 'now questions are being asked as to why such a tragedy happened and how was it possible that such a tragedy even got worse.' Just a thought that journalists must remember that the people they are interviewing are people, not just a subject for the 6 o'clock news.

Early Bird Doesn't Get The Worm

2006-01-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

I couldn't believe my good fortune, I took the 07:15 commuter train - and got a seat!?
Holy cow, that never happens. My station is almost dead center on the line, so during
rush hours - fuggettaboutit! I'm usually crammed up against people that don't cover their
mouths when the cough, and more often than not, facing someone who considers daily oral
hygene an option. Yuk!

I arrive downtown and almost immediately get a bus that takes me to the campus shuttle bus.
Second bit of luck to go my way today.

The morning was a tad chilly, so I grabbed a large mochachino (chocolate/coffee) at the Second Cup near the downtown campus, and walked back to wait for the shuttle.

The shuttle to the west-end campus arrives, and within two-shakes-of-a-lambs-tail, whiskes myself and three other students westward. Wow - leg room galore.
I'm really striking it rich. Maybe I should buy a lotto ticket?

We arrive at the west-end campus at 08:34, and I'm pleased because I have plenty of time to
grab a bite before my 09:15 class. Students are milling about. Milling about?! It's -9 celsius!

Anyways, I'm searching for a coffee and a danish. No luck this time, as not one on the campus'
food kiosques is open. Not even the cafeteria.

I drop off my bag and gear in my locker, and go check out the lab where I'll be taking Advanced Desktop Publishing. I select a work station and cop a squat. After 15 minutes of checking various news sites, I head downstairs to the bookstore to pick-up this semesters books.
There are already 8 people ahead of me, but it's no problemo because they open the store as
I arrive. Only one book in, oh well, at least I have first choice.

I go back to the class and do some more web surfing.

Now it's 09:22 when I get a funny feeling. Did they move the class? Did the prof call the school
from Cuba and inform them that he missed his plane?

I go into the journalism offices to see whats what;

"Happy New Year!" I say smiling broadly to the woman who is passing into the inner offices.
She returns my salutation pleasantly.

"Uh..I was wondering if my class has been cancelled?"

"No", she replies, "The university is open today, but classes start tomorrow."

Jaw drop.

"You're just an eager beaver aren't you?", she says with just the hint of stiffling laughter.

Heat rising in cheeks.

Feeling stupid.

Four extra hours of sleep lost.....forever lost.

"I guess I am."

Sometimes the early bird is an idiot.

Hated journalists

2005-12-17T00:20:00.000-05:00

A friend just made the following comment:

There are those reporters who are real journalists ... but then there are those who open up blogs and websites and portray themselves as real journalists and make up lies right and left....You can tell by the way they report/write that they are fake...highly opinionated people....It drives me crazy, especially when people site their articles as proof or whatever.

I guess he hasn't seen the POD yet.

Although we have a blog, the day when we start making up lies will never arrive.

I don't believe a real journalist has to portray him or herself as a 'real' journalist. A real journalist should be recognizable by his or her work.

If anyone actually starts worrying about looking like a real journalist...well, then that isn't all that real, is it?

In any case, I shouldn't ever have to worry about being seen as a real journalist. Because, it's not about me. It's about the stories I tell.

Recap of the semester

2005-12-05T11:37:00.000-05:00

In 3.5 hours, my Fall 2005 semester will be over. I am tired and my brain no longer seems to function properly. I suppose that is end-of-semester-student syndrome. I figured I should look back at the semester and see if my previous posts (J school Blues) were indeed warranted. Was the semester such a flop afterall?

The semester has been bitter sweet - I had two great classes - Radio newsroom and Intro to TV. I have learned more in these classes than my other two (Reporting Methods and Turning Points in Broadcast). Radio and TV were hands-on learning experiences that showed me how difficult and complex it is to create news for the radio and television; especially when you are your own cameraman, reporter and editor.

I have lost a few interviews because I did not start the camera when I thought I had, I have had trouble editing radio clips, trouble finding people to talk to me on time. All of it was hard on the morale, as not everything I produced was great quality work. But I learned it is a work in progress. I need to make some mistakes to get it right.

Wendy, from a few of my classes, including radio, suggested the department include more radio classes. I completely agree. There are 4 classes to TV; intro, intermediate and advanced (an entire year). For radio, there is only intro and radio newsroom. We want more radio!! And as she was saying, CJLO is set to go to air (finally!) and will need people producing some news. An extra class on radio would be welcomed and coulg give CJLO some material to air.

As for Reporing methods (focuses on business an crime reporting) - I was slightly disapointed. Not with the teacher - he was quite helpful and insightful, but in the course material. Business reporting is more complicated than you'd think. I do not understand economics and stocks and market changes. So how on earth am I supposed to report on this? as I've said before, we need more knowledge on the subject. After half a semester of business reporting, I still am clueless as to what amortization funds are. Maybe we should get a document with the main business terms - a short breakdown on ow finances work. As for crime, I love the idea of going to court and listening in on trials and lawsuits (there are a lot of interestings thigs happening at the court house every day). But at the end of the semester, it is hard for students to devote an entire morning to sit in in court and write a 400 word article on it. Suggestion: maybe put court hearings at the beggining of the semester...usually students are more available.

Turning points - I'm not sure what to think of this class, really. I feel I have learned little, if nothing. There were a few interesting articles and texts in the course pack, but sadly I feel the class tried to cover too much ground and did not focus on anything. We spent too much time trying to identify WHAT a turning point is, only to really agree to disagree - that there is not one single answer to that question. I had that much figured out by class one...We talked about a few turning points, but mostly concerning the American media. I have nothing against American Media, but we are in Canada after all. Maybe it is time to revise the course pack, and the overbearing emphasis on what is a turning point.

Elections are the Christmas Grinch

2005-12-05T10:52:00.000-05:00

It has been official for a week now - Canada is having another election. And yes, campaigning ill happen over the holidays.

Now for a journalist, I think having an election creates more news than we really need. The candidates go from one photo-op to another, one press conference after another, creating a whirl-wind frenzy, hyping the situation. We truly have narcissistic politicians - they just love the camera.

I watched a tongue-in-cheek report on CBC this Sunday morning on how difficult it is for reporters to actually ask the Prime Minister any questions. The report made me understand a few things I had noticed while at the PM's first press conference in Coteau-du-Lac last Wednesday to announce the astronaut Marc Garneau would run in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area.

Our local newspaper was invited to attend, and we were told there was an entire bus of journalists coming (!), so we'd better get there early. My editor, the French journalist and I arrive at 7:30, half an hour early. Yet no reporters were there. Great, I thought, I can set up my camera at a good spot; no need to fight off the Radio-Canada cameraman for a spot!

Reporters arrived 10 minutes before the PM arrived. I thought, "that's kind late for all the media to arrive." But watching the report, I realized that the journalists onboard the PM's tour bus were tightly scheduled - the bus would arrive only a few minutes before the event and leave almost immediately after. The PM controlled where the press would go.

During the conference, journalists were not allowed to ask questions. The PM only took 4 questions from the crowd (pre-determined and pre-selected, no doubt about it). The PM left in a hurry and the journalists didn't even chase after him for questions. Tha is not what I had expected - I thought there would be a bigger fuss, jorunalists shouting questions, following every footstep of the PM. Not the case, I realized.

None of them stayed for the interview with Marc Garneau (he spoke to the local media for half an hour - thank you Mr. Garneau!). Again, they had to be on the tour bus before it left without them.

The reporter in the CBC piece tried to get a question in during a press conference. He had gone through the procedures, gave his question in advance to some PR person. During the press conference, that person decides what questions go and how long the PM stays. He coily make the PR person feel unconfortable, constantly staring at her, trying to convince her to take his question. He never got to ask his question.

This just goes to show that journalists might have more than enough coverage of the election campaign, but that networks have to be smarter in the way they find new angles to an election (only 10 months since the last one.)

I didn't really expect to have the chance to ask Paul Martin a question at that conference, but I was hoping at least one journalist would ask him a hard pressing question. No such luck - the PM knows how to play the media all too well.

Finally, a flawless newscast

2005-11-22T22:14:00.000-05:00

In October, Mel posted a message ridden with frustration about one of our newscasts not making it to air when she was assignment editor. Today was the opposite.
For Tuesday's Jour 330 class (advanced radio), this was both the second-to-last newscast and the final 'formal' newscast as next week's is a spin-off/spoof.
It was my turn to be assignment editor so I wanted to make it special. I made sure to contact everyone two days in advance, and keep in contact via phone and e-mail during the hours leading up to Tuesday's show. This was key. Everyone was comfortable with me and I think my caring made them feel good, in turn wanting to care back. I supplied most of the ideas, but maintained fairness with my group. We had built a concept for the newscast and were at the same time prepared for the event in which huge news would break and we would have to deviate from our plans. No such occurance took place.
Here's what we had: A common-youth focus on the UN Climate Change Conference (this was our theme of the show), including a pak, debrief and streeter; then local (Mtl metro system detailed information found on terrorist suspect's computer, Mtl Alouettes), national (opposition party motion) and international copy (tropical storm Gamma, X-Box 360); a pak on sleep deprevation and a beef of the week (editorial) on French education. We incorporated solid use of supporting sound throughout the newscast. Writing was solid and the newscast was informative, professional and creative. I am very proud to have played the part of AE today and I can't thank my group enough for the great time we had. I think the show was pretty much flawless, and, well, it's about damn time ;)
If you're boss one day, communication, delegation skills and preparation are key! The capriciousness of news and the vagaries of humanity aren't excuses for not being prepared. Journalism, production and projection of which, as I've learned in this class is quite the challenge. It's so demanding to tell someone to be at least one step ahead of the game when the game itself isn't yet to be known. A challenge, but not an impossibility, and Tuesday, November 22nd's newscast proved so.
Brush that dirt of your shoulders homies, we did well.

Watch this: Sat Nov. 12 RDI

2005-11-11T22:11:00.000-05:00

I have just watched a haunting report on Radio-Canada on post-war reactions from veterans from the newer wars - Gulf, Iraq, Kosovo, Rwanda.

They are the perfect example that Remembrance day will not die out with aging WWII and Korean veterans.

They have been deeply scarred and they have no help, no real support. One man said: "you would have done us a service to shoot us when we came back."

They have nightmares, thoughts of suicide, and the Gulf syndrome (which the government still refuses to admit.) But when you see one woman veteran in her hospital bed shaking, crying in pain, a pain she doesn't understand, you wonder, where are our priorities?

One said that soldiers are a tool for Canada, they are no longer people.

Watch this report, it was wonderfully done and incredibly haunting. It replays Saturday November 12 on RDI at 10pm. There are no words to properly describe what you will feel when you watch it.

Interview disasters

2005-11-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

After Sikander posted a list of tips to have a great interview, Darcy and I couldn't help but think: did he have a bad experience lately?

There's no doubt about it; we all have our off days and sometimes we are just not ready (although we should be). I still can't always think of the perfect question to nail the person, get the perfect answer or be able to probe a little deeper.

Let's face it - I've had bad interviews. OK, maybe not disasters as I said in the title, but I just thought I'd share a few. Please let me know your worst moments as a reporter. We'll share a good laugh or two.

1. I was trying to get some wild sound for radio class on Halloween night. My story was about UNICEF and how kids really make a difference with their coins. Simple way to get kids sounds...Follow them while they trick-or-treat. I called our neighbour who has two kids and said yes. But she warned me: There would be about 12 kids between the ages of 5 and 12 at the same time - it could get busy.

No problem, I thought. Right. Try to interview kids about UNICEF coins when all they are doing is running from door to door. It took an hour to get them to say anything more than "Look, I got a Mars bar!" It was fun, I admit, but not the easiest way to interview kids!

2. I interviewed Bernard Landry (just before he quit the Parti Quebecois) last year when he came to McGill. Only McGill and Concordia's press was allowed into the Dean's office with Mr. Landry and his entourage. I learned to keep my questions nice and short.

Everyone was serious, and I ask, "Mr. Landry, you will be having your party convention this summer and some have questioned your leadership. How confident are you that you will remain the leader of the liberal party." Silence. Laughing all around...

I panic - what did I do? Mr. Landry candidly tells me: "Mademoiselle, you realize I am the leader of the PARTI QUEBECOIS, not the LIBERAL party."

Oh boy...That's it I thought - he won't answer, I will be banned from seeing him again...But he just laughed, I blushed and he answered my question.

Thank you Mr. Landry - my first terrible blunder and you took it so well!

3. I interviewed a Rwandan refugee living in our area. I was trying to get him to tell me about his escape from the Rwandan genocide with his family. I hadn't got too far, didn't have all I needed yet.

I asked him "Where are your parents now?" He answered, "My parents died on the side of the road while we tried to escape." I was shocked. Then, he just retreated and was guarded. He didn't tell me much after. I was disappointed. I didn't know how to turn it around. I mean I made him tell me about his dead parents, how could I ask more?

4. Or there was the time a interviewee was telling me what to write. He was a really nice man ( a bit older) and he would constantly ask me, did you write that down? Make sure you talk about this. It wasn't a terrible interview, but it was a little unnerving that someone tries to dictate what you will write about.

I wrote the article and he asked my editor to see it before it went to print. She saw no harm in it but I got a phone call that night - He asked me to come over because he has some changes to make to my article! (?!) He even wanted to change quotes. I listen to what he had to say - made a few changes that weren't major, but kept the quotes intact.

5. Then, there are political interviews. You gotta love 'em politicians with their platforms and secrets. One particular councilor, (Sikander you know who!) would always call me with "scoops", the next "big story" or "scandal". The problem was he would give me all this information but he always wanted to be off the record.

At first, I let it slide a bit, thinking maybe he could be useful to me. But after a few times when a half hour interview was 3/4 off the record, I said enough. I think he got the message that I donÂt want to deal with someone who has all this misinformation and just wants to cause trouble.

I can't think of anymore at this point, but please, I'm curious, what are some of your horror / funny stories interviewing people? Don't be shy.

LOCAL NEWS: Security not a major issue at long-term care facilities

2005-11-09T22:29:00.000-05:00

Sikander Z. Hashmi
The POD

With files from James Enright

MONTREAL - Patient security isn’t a major concern despite the recent beating and subsequent death of an elderly woman at a local long-term care facility, according to the head of a Quebec patient protection group.

The 96-year-old victim died last Sunday after she was punched and choked by a 73-year-old male patient around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, according to Montreal police Constable Salvatore Serrao.

The attack took place on the fourth floor of CHSLD St. Georges on St. Urbain Street. CHSLD stands for centres d'hébergement et de soins de longue durée.

But the attack doesn’t signal a security problem at health facilities, according to Paul Brunet, Director-General of the Conseil pour la protection des maladies.

“Most places are in relative security,” he said in a telephone interview.

His group receives complaints, he said, but the complaints about violent patients are “marginal.” There are more complaints regarding inadequate services.

“Violent acts are quite exceptional,” Brunet said, pegging the estimated number of complaints about violent acts at five a year. Of course, there can be more cases of patient violence than the number reported, he noted.

While Sandra Gagné of the Fédération des infirmières et infirmiers du Quebec couldn’t offer statistics on staff abuse at facilities, she also doesn’t feel that security is a major issue, pointing out that attacks such as this one aren’t very common.

“Generally, yes, staff are in security,” she said. “But there are exceptional circumstances that can't be foreseen.”

“Staff safety is very high. There are security officials on call in facilities.”

Questions have been raised about the psychiatric state of the attacker. While Serrao said medication could have played a part in the incident, Brunet suggested the patient had special psychiatric needs.

“In terms of what we’ve seen and what we’ve heard, it seems evident that the aggressor wasn’t residing in adequate…premises,” he said, adding that while most long-term care facilities are relatively well equipped, they certainly aren’t perfect.

Dealing with psychiatric patients doesn’t mean simply putting them in isolation, Brunet said, and they deserve to have adequate care.

Gagné wouldn’t comment on the 73-year-old attacker, but said that “psychological problems play a role in violence in facilities.”

As for those concerned about the safety of loved ones at long-term care facilities, Brunet suggests action on their part.

“It’s ironic,” he said, because by paying regular visits to family and friends at such facilities, family members can “see which establishment is safe and which isn’t.”

“The best way to find out about security (is to) visit often.”

Serrao refused to disclose the identity of the victim. However, media reports have identified her as Berthe Dionne-Champagne.

Police haven’t yet ruled the death to be a homicide and are awaiting autopsy results, which were expected late last week but have been delayed.

Ten deadly sins of interviewing

2005-11-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

Things to avoid if you want to be a good, efficient, fair, and ethical interviewer, according to one of our instructors.

10. Closed-ended question

9. Complex/complicated rambling question

8. Hyperbole

7. Using a trigger word (that sours the mood and causes the subject to clam up)

6. Big presupposition (that can put the subject on the defensive)

5. Comments at the end of a question

4. Leading questions (i.e. do you think..., would you say..., etc.)

3. Overloaded question

2. Double-barrelled question

1. The non-question (i.e. just saying key words in a dramatic fashion so cameras can capture reaction of the subject)

(I'm not exactly sure that all can be avoided all the time)

Media Remembering Veterans

2005-11-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

November 11th is upon us and the media will be saturated with stories and images of the war on Friday, to commemorate Remembrance day.

I have been working on two mini-documentaries for radio class about the Veteran's hospital in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. I am doing a two-part series on a student visit program and the people helping veterans.

The stories are so poignant, it has been hard to cut out anything. Editing has been a nightmare, as I listened to account after account of people being affected by war, of people realizing what veterans have done...

I spoke to a veteran selling poppies on the corner of Atwater and St-Catherine. He thanked me (!) and the student press from Concordia and McGill for giving the attention needed to Remembrance day. I told him, that this was the least we could do for veterans - give them the opportunity to tell us what happened and how they have been affected.

He gave me a small card with a small reminder of the significant contribution Canadian veterans have had over the last major wars.

- 628,736 Canadians served in WWI
- 66,573 Canadians died in WWI, 138,166 were injured
- 1, 031,902 Canadians served in WWII
- 44,927 died in WWII, 53,145 were injured.
- 26,791 Canadians served in Korea.
- 516 died in Korea, 1,558 were injured.
-3,837 Canadians served in the Gulf War

Why does the media only talk about Remembrance day once a year? How can we truly reflect in one minute of silence what these men and women have done for us?

Someone on the radio this morning commented that the media needs to get more personal stories about veterans so people understand. Not so easy. Many veterans are getting older and many are affected by dementia and Alzheimer's.

But then again, blame cannot be put solely on the media. Schools teach the bare necessities about history. No wonder we don't truly respect and are not thankful for the sacrifices they have done for us.

Please take a few minutes of silence outside the designated "time to remember". Read something about the history of WWI or WWII, go visit a veteran, take a few minutes to speak to the man or women selling you a poppy. They have much to say and we have much to learn.

Check your facts

2005-11-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

It's a given - you have to check your facts, you have to get second sources. Did I ever feel lucky I did that today!

Our newspaper got a press release from the office of Lucie Charlebois in the Soulanges area. The press release announces with pomp and ceremony that $13,000 in additional money has been found to fund 3 libraries in the area. "Wow!" I thought. the government is really trying to be nice and generous.

Right. You gotta love PR people for putting a spin on the smallest things. Guess what? I called the St. Lazare library and spoke to the person in charge of purchasing books for the library (where the funding was going to). He told me - geez, what a way to not really lie about somethign but to make it sound better than it really is.

Actually, the additional money has been granted not because the government is feeling nice today, but because it is part of the yearly re-evaluation of money allocated to libraries. Any city that has a population increase automatically gets more money. More people = more money for books. Simple as that.

So, in brief, there is new money (although not significant enough to jump up with joy), but the PR people just wanted their names to be next to the words "more money". What a shame. Too bad for them I checked up my facts and didn't just rewrite their press release.

Guest post: Editorial disagreement

2005-11-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

Below is an article written by Concordia journalism student Maggie Scott which, to her surprise, didn't run in the Concordian, one of two English-language Concordia student papers, as expected. Maggie is the Production Manager at the paper. Her thoughts follow the unpublished piece.

Some of the issues raised: Judging newsworthiness and editors with potential conflicts of interest.

- S.H.

Students leave Centaur Theatre unamused

Artistic director a no-show due to "miscommunication";
Make-up session scheduled

Maggie Scott
Special to the POD

Concordia journalism students were left waiting and wondering following a production of Condoville on Sunday afternoon when Gordon McCall, artistic director of the Centaur Theatre, did not appear for a scheduled talk-back session.

Seventy-eight students were in attendance, expecting to have a one-on-one meeting with McCall and when he did not appear, many of them felt confused and upset.

"It's like he didn't think we were important enough to show up. I think he disappointed a lot of students and it disrupted our class," said journalism student Melissa Gendron.

The students had been required to pay $15 to attend the play. They were expected to
come to class the following day prepared with material gathered from speaking with McCall.

"I didn't find it was very respectful unless there was a valid reason. As a director you have to be able to show up when expected," said Nila Jinnah, another journalism student who attended the play.

McCall was away in Australia at the time the arrangements were made for the talk-back and apologized for what he thought to be a mix-up.

He said he was out of town last weekend which was why he was not in attendance to meet with students.

The arrangements had been made between Linda Kay, a professor in the Journalism Department, and Kika Armata, the Centaur's public relations representative.

According to Kay, arrangements for this event had been planned since July and as of October 5, an email from Armata confirmed that everything was still a go.

But on the day of the play, it seemed to be a different story.

Kay said she was unable to locate Armata when she arrived at the theatre and was told by staff that she wasn't there. "That's when I started to get concerned," Kay said.

After the play had finished, the cast was invited back out on stage to do a talk-back with the audience. It was unexpected and students appeared to be unsure whether or not this was what they were there for. Even the professors were confused.

"What really made me think that it wasn't for our class was that everyone was invited, not just Concordia students," Kay said. The understanding was that only Concordia students would get to be involved in the talk-back and only with McCall, not the whole cast. The session went quickly, moderated by Kika Armata, and during the 15 minutes, only two students were able to ask questions.

Afterward many students stayed behind, still not sure if they were going to have a chance to speak to McCall and Kay said when she went to find Armata, she was told Armata had left the theatre.

"I find it really strange that the PR person left the theatre, especially when she knew there was going to be a group of 80 people coming," Kay said.

The Centaur Theatre's program states: "We're proud to be the theatre that puts Montreal first, with our plays, with our artists, with our community animation, and with you." The reaction of staff and students at the theatre on Sunday spoke otherwise.

"I was left feeling frustrated, for me, the profs and the students. I was disappointed. If I'd known it was just going to be the cast I could have prepared the students," Kay said.

Both Gordon McCall and Kika Armata have apologized for what they say was a miscommunication, and have offered to arrange a Q&A for the journalism students. No apology was given at the time of the play because the theatre said it didn't know McCall was expected.

"The issue was not addressed at the time because we were unaware that there ever was an expectation that Gordon be there," said Armata.

Arrangements are now being made for McCall to speak at the department's weekly Tuesday conference in early November.

"I want him to know that he's welcome here to speak to our students, and I'm glad that he's coming; that he's making an effort to make this right," said Kay.

------------------------------

So, after that incident at the theatre I was encouraged by my professor, Bob Babinski, to look into the issue further. I informed both our news editor and my editor-in-chief that I was working on it, and got encouragement from both of them. It seemed like a relevant story, and one that would run in the news section of The Concordian that week. Being production manager there and having a lot of involvement, it didn't occur to me that the story would not run.
But it didn't. On Tuesday, our production day, I spent an intense morning and afternoon doing school work, and then rushed home to write and send the article to my news editor for deadline. Both Linda Kay, who I had interviewed, and Bob had received the article by email and
had given me positive feedback.

When I arrived at the office that evening, my editor-in-chief pulled me aside. She told me she couldn't run the story because she and two of our other editors felt it wasn't newsworthy enough. She said that it applied to only a small group of students and that it painted the Centaur Theatre in an unnecessarily bad light. She didn't feel the article was up to the level of other stories in the section.

I disagreed, but respected her decision.

One thing that bothered me, and which I feel was a large part of her feelings about the issue, was that she used to work at the Centaur Theatre and knows the people involved. I couldn't really argue with her decision, but I also feel that it may have a lot to do with her not wanting to step on any toes.

Another thing that bothered me was that in that week's issue, we had two entire pages of CUP stories. My article, which was completely Concordia related, got bumped for CUP stories that were 'more newsworthy'? We use CUP to fill space when we don't have enough original content. It's not a bad thing, and it's good to include news from other universities, but Concordia should be our priority.

The following week in my Writing and Reporting class, Bob handed the article out to the class and had everybody read it. With the exception of one person, everyone who had something to say agreed that the article should definitely have been published.

It was pointed out that anything that happens at the school only ever affects a certain group of students, but that news is still published.

They felt it was an issue worth confronting, since many of the students were quite upset by McCall's absence, and felt the behavior from the Centaur was completely unprofessional.

One of my classmates said he could see where the choice to not run it came from, but still said it was ridiculous for my story to be bumped for CUP.

In the end, I felt good about the feedback I got and I still respect my editor's decision. I may not agree with her, but she's good at her job and I'm glad she didn't decide to run it just because I'm her friend and co-worker.

The experience was positive, and I enjoyed the writing the article, regardless of whether or not it got published.

As a result of my digging and questions posed to the Centaur, Gordon McCall has agreed to come and speak at next Tuesday's first year conference.

Hardball for the cameras?

2005-10-26T23:11:00.000-04:00

So our Prime Minister has suddenly started playing hardball with Uncle Sam, just before Auntie Rice showed up.

"This is a relationship that is deep and broad and good," said (U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza) Rice.

"It is important not to speak in apocalyptic language about this issue. It is a trade dispute. Frankly, I think we'll get through it."

...

Martin has been talking tough lately on the issue of softwood lumber, saying Canada has already won and that the $5 billion is not negotiable.

- CBC

With an election just around the corner, I'm just not convinced that Martin actually means any of this. I wonder how the conversation went with Rice over dinner, behind closed doors. I wouldn't be too surprised if it went along the lines of, "Condi, I'm sorry, please bear with me. I've just go to win this election."

I've just been part of a few scrums with Martin, all of which took place after closed door affairs. All I can say is that I know that the statements made by the Prime Minister haven't always been a true characterization of what actually took place behind the closed doors.

Who knows what really happened over dinner. Maybe he was so angry that he barely looked up. Or perhaps they discussed how to win elections. Maybe I'm absolutely wrong and they did nothing but talk serious business.

I just wouldn't be surprised if we're being taken for a ride here.

It's a matter of trust

2005-10-25T18:53:00.000-04:00

So you wanna be a crime reporter, huh?
Well pay attention, because the following is a public service announcement, just for you.

Today, some J School students at Concordia University, received a humorous and insightful lecture on crime reporting, from two people in the know.

Pat, is an 18 year veteran of the Montreal police force. Her first 11 years were spent as a patrol officer, and now she is assigned to Community Relations. Dave, is the editor for a Montreal community paper, and he has been a crime reporter for 13 years. He told the audience, "If you can report on crime, you can report on anything."
By that he meant that the subtle nuances and details, that are inherent in crime reporting, can, and will, trip up any reporter. Be you a seasoned vet or a wet-behind-the-ears newbie, you're going to mess up. The key is how well you handle the aftermath of your mistake, and the resiliency of the relationships you cultivated with the police. If you can handle these deftly, honestly, and with the care and respect they deserve, then you should be able to report on absolutely anything.

Trust is a component of any relationship, and it is paramount in a journalist/law enforcement partnership. If a journalist sensationalizes a crime story, or makes the police look bad, then that journalist is going to suffer the severest of consequences - the freeze out!

The police won't return your calls. They won't feed you information. They won't assist you in the future. You'll be blacklisted by the force. In short, you'll become a pariah. So don't cheese them off! If you do, and you were hired as a crime beat reporter, how long do you think you'll be gainfully employed? Obvious to be sure, but keep reminding yourself of those facts.

Dave gave some helpful guidelines to follow;

1) You've heard the expression - You never get a second chance to make a good first impression? Yeah, well don't slouch with these guys, because the first contact is key.

2) Know what you're going to ask, before you call the police. They have neither the time nor the patience for "dead air" - Be prepared, and don't waste their time.

3) Descriptions of people are only printed if the police are looking for someone. (Manhunt, Missing persons, Abductions)

4) PAY ATTENTION!! Ask a ton of questions, because the more information you have, the less likely you'll miss something. Also, a small detail in your initial interview may actually loom large later on. As Dave said, "You can never tell what may become important later."

During Dave's talk, Pat gave knowing smiles and nods of agreement. She also added some tips of her own;

1) Don't ever give the police the, "I'm on a deadline." schtick. Guess what? So are they! Your deadline is not their deadline.

2) Phone them well in advance of your deadline. Let them feel like they're in control of the situation. You'll have a better chance of getting your valuable information that way, no guarantee mind you, but a much better chance.

3) After your initial call (personal visit, or phone call), wait for them to contact you. You're not the only person on a tight schedule, so give them the time to respond that they need.

A crime reporter has to cultivate trust with the police community, and years of effort can evaporate in the blink of an eye, if for but a single instance of carelessness. As Pat mentioned, so eloquently, when describing a journalists appeal to the police,

"Credibility is all you really have."

Journalists are cocky...continued

2005-10-25T15:59:00.000-04:00

Here's lyrics to a great singer-songwriter from Hawaii - Jack Johnson. A few of his songs talk about media and reporters.. Here's a good one that demonstrates what I was saying in the previous post - people are weary of journalists...

Bad News

A billion people died on the news tonight
But not so many cried at the terrible sight
Well momma said
It's just make believe
You can't believe everything you see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight

Who's the one to decide that it would be all right
To put the music behind the news tonight
Well momma said
You can't believe everything ya hear
The diagetic world is so unclear
So baby close your ears
On the news tonight
On the news tonight
The unobtrusive tones, on the news tonight

And momma said, mmmmmmm
Why don't the news casters cry when they read about people who die?
At least they could be decent enough to put just a tear in their eyes

Momma said
it's just make believe
You can't believe everything ya see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight

Really, why don't we cry when the news is sad?? We are only human...

Journalists are cocky

2005-10-25T15:38:00.000-04:00

Well, well. it seems, according to the Columbian Journalism Review and a US Gallup poll, us journalists think we are pretty snug, and have it all figured out. It seems public opinion differs.

Gallup estimates only 23 per cent of the public thinks TV reporters as having "high or very high" ethical standards. Print writers, fare out much worse, with only 21 per cent thinking of them as ethical. Yikes!

The CJR asked a four question to the public, then to journalists. Here are CJR's questions and the results.

1. In presenting the news dealing with political and social issues, do you think that news organizations deal fairly with all sides, or do they tend to favor one side?

68 per cent of the public says journalists favor one side. On the other hand, only 18 per cent of journalists think they are biased (77 per cent think they deal fairly with all sides).

2. In general, do you think news organizations are pretty independent, or are they often influenced by powerful people and organizations?

62 per cent of the public thinks news is too influenced by powerful organisations, compared to 37 per cent of journalists.

3. In general, do you think news organizations get the facts straight, or do you think that their stories and reports are often inaccurate?

Only 54 per cent of the public thinks that journalists get the facts straight. Journalists, say they are better, with 73 per cent claiming that news is accurate.

4. In general, do you think news organizations pay too much attention to good news, too much attention to bad news, or do they mostly report the kinds of stories they should be covering?

60 per cent of people do not like the focus on bad news, compared to 27 per cent of journalists who think the same.

This has led me to think: are we journalists so out of touch with reality, creating news that we forget about the real, larger picture?

Why are why so dislike and not trusted by the public?

I always think that being a journalist, I need to be fair, to get my facts straight, not take sides (not always easy in touchy situations) and respect the people I am interviewing. I had only one experience of someone telling me that she didn't trust journalists, so she wouldn't tell me certain things. I felt hurt because I was not the journalist who did her wrong, I am an entirely different person. I guess it's like politicians - a few people are crooks or liars, and all politicians are labelled the same.

It's an issue of trust and by the looks of the poll conducted by CJR, no wonder people do not think of us highly. We are cocky about what we do, like we are some all-mighty voice, telling people what is news, what to think and how to react. If there is one lesson to be learned here, is that journalists should never think themselves as gods - we are only humans showing other people what people do.

And there was no sound

2005-10-25T15:26:00.000-04:00

Today's news radio class was a disaster; we went to air with nothing but SILENCE.

Let me first explain the way the class works; twice a week, we are asked to produce, as a team (ranging from 5-8 people), a 15 minute newscast for radio. We are in the newsroom from 9am until the newscast goes to "air" (we're not really on the radio, but record the show as if we were) at noon.

We have been producing newscasts for the past few weeks - there are better ones than others. Mistakes happen, things don't go according to plan, the show is a little shaky, but it's part of the learning curve. Today, was by far, the most frustrating experience I've had yet.

I had the role of assignement editor today, essentially deciding what goes to air, how and who will do it. Not an easy job, I must say. Today, we had, I belive, a great lineup of stories: Story of a Canadian that just came back after being stranded in Cancun after WIlma hit / Concordia teachers asking for better equity / Streeter on Rosa Park's death / Debrief on why students over 25 cannot get transport rebates for the bus and metro / Report on why English schools are so empty...etc.

Essentially, things were going great - I checked up on everyone a few times during the morning, gaging where people where at with their stories. Everyone told me, things are coming along - I'll be ready. Some even asked me for a little more time. I tried to accomodate as much as I could. 11;30 rolled around, time where ALL scripts should be on the table for the announcers to look over - there was only 2 or 3 stories. Things started to unravel....11:45am - our biggest story (the hurricane survivor interview) was not ready, the editorial was being written on the fly, the printer was going crazy, the debrief wasn't ready....Panic set in...

11:55 - I tell everyone - there is 5 minutes to air - Announcers, grab whatever is on the table, and go. But noon came and music for the intro played....onto dead air. Oh it was dreadful! I felt like a complete failure, not having been able to lead the group to create, what couls have been a great newscast.

Everyone's news piece was potentially great - and al of it was wasted by not going to air. We worked our butts off for 3 hours and then, nothing.

The teacher, was obviously furious. I can't blame him. I take this class as the real deal - if this were my job, I would have been fired for what happened today, not doubt about it.

So what happened?

A few things: 1. one person, in charge of lineup editing, never showed up to class today (???) 2. People assuring me that everything was ok - they were going to produce their piece. I never felt so helpless, not being able to put something on air because they were still working on it. 3. People constantly asking to change the length of their piece - after times have been pre-established so everyone gets their time on air.

Now, I am as much to blame for the disaster as anyone else. Should I have given this big story to my announcer, when she should have focused on copy stories? Why didn't I prepare the headline / weather sheet / intro - extro right from the start? Should I have forced people to submit somethign for 11:30am or threaten to cut the story altogether?

To be sure, this is a group effort, as much as it is a group failure - we are all somehow responsible for making the castle crumble. I am upset that all this work was "wasted", but I know I am learning from my mistakes - better now than to get fired on my first job!

The teacher was harsh, yes, but as journalists, we must be able to take criticism. If hundreds, or thousands of people will read, listen to or watch our reports, it is in the public eye for dissection. People will remember your mistakes. Let's just hope one of my mistakes will never lead to dead air actually happening at a TV or radio newsroom. My reputation and credibility is on the line.

Have you tried turning it off?

2005-10-23T20:16:00.000-04:00

Last week, Montreal Gazette columnist Josh Freed wrote a hilarious column about technology and our inaptitude in understanding it.
He says, "technology is now so complex that no one knows how anything works except for Stephen Gawkins and Bill Gates." He isn't kidding.

I might understand the basics of computers and how to work my VCR, but even that is becoming a challenge. How many of our grandparents know how to record a show? Use a CD player? Even our parents are sometimes baffled at new technology.

Freed then goes on to say that no one knows how to fix anything anymore. He's right; what is most people's response to a frozen computer? Have you tried re-booting it? How many clocks or VCRs have the time flashing indefinitely because we have no idea how to set them?

Everything is computerized, to our detriment. Some teachers in high school were adamant to let us use calculators for everything - I remember our math class in Secondary 4 and 5; it was so complex, it took several classes just to figure out the basics. Even after that, I knew more than the teacher, because I read the manual and fooled around with the various functions. Teachers tought we would forget to count for ourselves. They were right. Do most people remember their multiplication and division tables from grade school? What's 9 x 12? 14 +8? Without counting on your figures now...

I always take notes during interviews with a good old pen and paper. Darcy was asking me, "why don't I use a recorder?" I said, "no thanks. I like to write, plus it's more natural when talking to someone." Poor person is already being interrogated by me, why stick a mic in his face when it's not needed?

Do I miss out on good quotes? No - I listen, I take note of what is important, the inflection of a person's voice. Plus, I don't want to go back and listen to the entire interview again; I know straight away which quotes I'll use and they are already on paper. Also, there is no chance I will erase my interview, forever loosing valuable information. Sure, I can drop my drink on my notes, but hey, I'm no slob! lol

Technology is driving our everyday lives - when electricity shuts off, people srambled, they are bored. People would rather pick up a computer and read from it, than read a book.

I admit - I am addicted to technology. I am one of many who must check their e-mails at least once a day, use my cell phone, watch TV, Google everything I research. Technology in its various ways is driving my life.

Excuse me now, while I Google my next assignement topic - I can't remember how to use the index in an encyclopedia...uh oh...

J-school update

2005-10-21T21:35:00.000-04:00

Apart from the few hiccups, j-school isn't all that bad. A somewhat dull (yet useful) class has suddenly been given a new life by a new, young instructor who'll be teaching us crime and court reporting for the second half of the semester. He warned us his class will be very difficult and that he rarely gives A's. So while we're mentally prepared for reporting hell, I think most of us are still looking forward to it because it's vibrant, hands-on and challenging. (Plus, he seems like a nice guy).

That's the "real education for the real world" we're looking for.

The theory-laden class that seems to be a popular topic of discussion on this blog is also rattling along. I think it has become slightly more interesting as we and the instructor get the hang of things, but I hate to think of what he and the department have coming their way via mid-term course evaluations.

Application deadlines for scholarships and internshipse be coming up soon. If any readers are aware of opportunities for newbies like us, please do let us know.

We were recently introduced to the CBC's Joan Donaldson scholarships. Early indications are that competition will be very tight, even within the department. There really is so much talent here that I don't even feel like applying. But as I've learned in life, it never hurts to try.

Advice on which internships to look forward to and which ones to dread is appreciated as well.

We also have the option of going for a one-week internship at one of seven media outlets. All but two are small local papers.

Let me throw this out there:

You're a second- or third-year student. You're into broadcast and have the option of spending a week at either CJAD (news talk) or at Radio Canada International.

Which one do you go for? Why?

Hapless state of democracy

2005-10-17T23:39:00.000-04:00

The residents of my city, Vaudreuil-Dorion, were supposed to choose to a new mayor and a new councillor for each of the eight districts on November 6, 2005.

Residents in none but three districts will get that chance, and even then, only to choose one of two wanna-be councillors.

Why? Because no one could be bothered to mount a challenge.

The pattern extends all over Quebec. Over 500 mayors were re-elected on October 14 because they had no opponents.

Let's say you were a disgruntled resident in one of those 400+ municipalities. Unless you wanted to run for mayor yourself, you could pretty much consider yourself to be in Cuba or North Korea.

But for most people, it doesn't seem to be an issue. Who cares what they do in the council chamber anyway?

I've attended city council meetings where there were seven citizens present.

The passing of resolutions by the mayor and councilors sounded like an uncontested auction. I wonder what resolutions they would pass if not one citizen was to show up.

Something's got to be done about this. While this may technically be a democracy, for the average, disgruntled Joe, it's anything but. It could be argued that angry Joe can simply run for mayor if he's not happy. Sure he can, except it won't help Joe to spend his valuable time and money just so that he can cast a vote for himself, and still get the same mayor. He might as well not bother.

Have a bunch of dissatisfied Joes thinking that way and you have what we had on October 14.

Having a choice doesn't guarantee Joe a new mayor, but at least Joe should feel there is a reasonable chance for his vote to make a difference in getting a new mayor. Otherwise, Joe will have no reason to be engaged in the political process.

Heck, if all those people who run in federal elections with absolutely no chance of winning were to contest these local elections, I'm sure at least some of them would end up with a job.

As for my councillor (who I can remember since I opened my eyes to the world of local politics), he too went unchallenged.

I think political-savvy students should band together next time and attempt to give these unchallenged dictators a run for their money. If anything, it'll be good experience.

Let's get a province-wide students' movement going. We could all run under the same banner.

Advertising and news

2005-10-16T22:05:00.000-04:00

Working at a small town newspaper, I am getting more and more of a sense of what news is all about. I am however quite disappointed in the way advertising plays such a crucial role in what is being reported on. In our area, there are 3 newspapers: Etoile (a bi-weekly French paper), the Hudson Gazette and Your local journal (where I work).

I had always thought that Etoile was too focused on advertising - you flip through about 75 pages, and you get approximately 10 pages of content. Even that is being generous, because of lot of it are pictures and Community Calendars. So, you might take 10 minutes to go through the paper. I asked myself, who goes through these ads? How can anyone find anything when there are maybe 20 ads per pages (the size of a business card)? I know papers rely on advertising, but I hadn't realized to what extent.

The paper I work for, is no exception, in the sense that the paper runs only if we get enough advertising to pay for the cost of producing the paper. You see, these local papers are free, therefore, there is no income from subscriptions. So far, our paper has been able to keep a fair balance between advertising and content, something I am grateful for. However, I realized that advertising has been dominating the content of the paper.

I look at the composition of the staff: there is the editor, a french journalist and me (I write a few articles per week) doing the reporting. And then there are almost 10 people working in the advertising department (!).
I had a discussion with the office manager (she oversees advertising) and she hadn't realized how much advertising was taking place in the paper. We both know they are essential in the survival of the paper, but she didn't realize that the editorial department was being treated almost as secondary to advertising. She was glad I reminded her that the paper is about reporting first and foremost and has since but a much bigger emphasis that more news is put into the paper.
Community papers are essential, I believe because they report the issues that are from within the community. Big papers won't talk about the vandalism going around the town's school, they won't talk about residen'ts contempt with speeding on their residential streets, they won't talk about school events, community meetings, shows and local people. And they don't talk about municipal politics.

On the flip side, local business greatly benefit from local newspapers - they are a cheap way to reach the local people and to show they are involved in the community. For example, we have a sports section, paid by the hockey association, we have school notes pages, sponsored by a local business. They know people want this news and they know people will think highly of them if they sponsor a page. So I guess there is no harm in helping each other out in small towns.

One thing that does bother me is that sometimes the publisher or sales people ask up to write up an article based on an ad for an upcoming event. For example, for the upcoming issue this week, I wrote a piece about an art exhibition and the art association doing the show because they asked that we give them some publicity (since they placed an ad in this week). I was a bit reluctant, considering they already got publicity with the ad. So instead of simply talking about their event, I found out that a competing artist association is also having a show the same weekend, raising money for the same association. So I wrote a comparison piece, explaining to people why these two associations are different, how one association started because of fighting within the other group. So, I managed to write about the exhibition without simply reiterating what was in the ad.

So there are ways around it, you just have to be creative about it.

I don't know if there are other alternatives of getting money to run a small newspaper (other than subscription revenue; something I don't think would work here) without succombing to the grips of advertising.

The only thing I hope for our newspaper, because we are relatively new, is that we don't fall into the trap of giving up news space for advertising. Ads should not become so prevalent that one wonders if the newspaper is just a business catalogue.

Freelance from disaster zone - almost

2005-10-14T23:33:00.000-04:00

I was this > < close to going to leaving for Pakistan to do some freelance reporting, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

My 23-year-old cousin, a medical resident at the McGill University Health Centre, left on a relief mission this afternoon with three other doctors from Toronto.

They are to meet four other docs in Islamabad, buy some medical supplies, and then head for remote areas impacted by the quake.

I found out about this mission after I got home from school around 4.30 pm on Thursday. My instincts told me I had to go.

At some point in life, I'm probably going to have to report from a disaster zone, so why not get an early start? Plus, I probably won't get another chance to go with someone I know and on top of that, I'm somewhat familiar with the country, I know the language and culture, and I can blend in pretty easily and hopefully get people to open up.

So I quickly made mental notes. 1) Check demand 2) Airplane ticket 3) Visa 4) Shots 5) Equipment 6) How to get to Toronto for the 5 pm flight the next day 7) Informing the department about my absence

I called a friend (and ex-mentor from my summer internship) at a major daily and got advice. Yes, there probably would be demand for stories from there. And anything I learn by spending two weeks in a disaster zone would probably be much more valuable than what I learn in two weeks (16 hours of class), he said.

Then I called a radio producer in Montreal. Similar reply on demand and I got some tips on what to look for.

I got a friend who has contacts with the travel agency the docs got their tickets from and I got a quote for $1950 return, tax included. Not bad, considering the flight was within 24 hours.

I was also lucky to strike a blogging deal and get a $1,000 endorsement.

Getting the visa was going to be a quick affair, according to my cousin who had gotten his the same day.

My cousin was to get his vaccination shots the next day in Toronto. I could do the same.

This was working well. My heart started to beat faster.

My dad was cautious yet open. He resisted a bit at first - I wouldn't be able to handle the situation, he said. No power, no infrastructure, rotting corpses, tents, rugged terrain, and no toilets, let alone running water.

(I got word from my cousin that there have been landslides lately so many roads are blocked, which means the use of donkeys or maybe horses.)

But any disaster I end up going to later on would be similar and you learn best when you're thrown right into it (as I learned over the summer), I argued. He agreed.

I never got to the equipment part though.

I've made a commitment that's going to last at least another 12 days or so. I thought of ditching it, but I came to the conclusion that doing so would be wrong and unfair.

So that was that. Plus, I just signed up for the CAJ and haven't received my press pass yet. Believe me, I need that press pass in Pakistan. No Pakistani official will believe that I'm a reporter if I were to tell them that. It worked here (I spent the summer here without a pass) but it won't work there.

Today, I got word that my brother-in-law, also a doctor, is heading to Kashmir on Sunday with medical supplies donated by the hospital he's affiliated with in the US of A.

If only I could tag along.

Update: My cousin and brother-in-law are both in Pakistan now. The former is reportedly near Balakot and the latter in the Kashmiri capital of Muzzafarbad. There were two strong aftershocks today, triggering mud slides and cutting off roads leading into Balakot and potentially claiming more lives. My relatives are on edge, as making contact with the two is difficult. I'm getting a taste of what it'll be like back home if and when I'm sent off to cover a disaster. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep a satellite phone handy.

Right on the Edge: Where I need to be.

2005-10-14T14:59:00.000-04:00

I have a class called Television News, and it is being taught by an established television news reporter. I am enjoying the learning process, and I consider all feedback, both from the other students and my instructor, to be constructive and fair. Today I handed in a 45 second VOT (Voice over tape), and although the instructor will take a week to fully evaluate all submissions, a few comments already given, have cemented my focus.

The comments from my instructor; "You've obviously put a lot of effort into this assignment", and "It's right on the edge."

The first part may have been a diplomatic way of saying - You put a lot of thought and effort into a tape I'm not particularily fond of - lol. I would hope every student would put a lot of effort into their submissions, because if not - Why are you there?

As for the second - Right on!

Now I know the instructor's intention was to let me know that the subject, or rather my presentation of it, was most likely not going to air (if I was in a real newsroom) as is, but I succeeded in my intention. First off, to never be boring. Secondly, to provoke a reaction. It is not my intention to wail at the moon, with every opportunity, but I chafe at the notion I was shooting for a "Fox News" effect.

My instructor expressed some amount of shock; "I'm surprised that you did this!" , or words to that effect. Yet apart from conveying information, and presenting a clear message in an interesting manner, a journalist should strive to push into a viewer's consciousness, a subject or event of importance, no matter how potentially upsetting it may be. My class was taken aback (trepidation, scared, depressed..etc,), but I was mildly surprised by their surprise, because many of them seemed like they wanted to change the way news was thought of and presented - to them at least.

I should mention that this is an introductory course, and I will take whatever constructive criticisms come my way. I will also wear the -Right on the edge - as a badge of honour. I don't mean to be presumptious, but if I have a lengthy career as a journalist, and consistently put out quality pieces that are each titled as such, I will have succeeded in my intention. To tell interesting things, in an interesting manner, and to not allow the status-quo to impede on my passion to do so.

I respect my instructor, I'm interested in this course, and I believe I will be just as interested in the two subsequent courses. It may just be that I'm inclined to documentary news reporting, rather than the six and 11 o'clock news formats. I may have been a little too aggressive for a 45 second presentation, but if it becomes evident that I prefer being right on the edge, then so be it.

Being on the edge, is where I need to be.

Theoretical Journalism

2005-10-12T19:42:00.000-04:00

It seems someone has been talking about my blog post, J school blues. Check it out here.

This journalist questions how important theoretical studies in journalism are necessary. Don't get me wrong - I don't mind theory and discussion, but there are specific topics that should be discussed and some others that don't need to be mentionned.

For example, I had the chance to take Conflict Reporting class - a wonderful class where we discussed Aboriginals in Canada and how they are portrayed in the media. Not only did I learn about Aboriginals (which sadly, most Canadians don't know about), but I was challenged to rethink the way we portray people in the news, particularly minorities.

It is how and if they discuss minorities. This is the type of theory that is useful.

Discuss the role of advertising in the media. I find it hard when advertising can take over some of the editorial aspect of smaller newspapers (e.g.Community newspapers that realy solely on advertising to survive). Can journalism survive without advertising? Should advertising dictate editorial content?

How do you become a fair and balanced reporter? What if you are biased on one of the subjects you are writing about?

How do you go around people refusing to give you information? What if you have sources that always want to be "off-the-record" (which I have tried to deal with more or less sucessfully)? How do you get around PR talk and political spiels? Politicians are great at putting a spin on what they say - how do you get them to tell it as it is?

How about reading some of the great journalists and discuss what they are writing about, how they do it and why they are so famous?

I am not criticzing theory and discussion - there is a wealth of subjects to discuss, so much that needs to be understood. But the Turning points class (I know, I'm really knocking this one down) is not teaching any valuable lesson that I will be able to use.

On the blog, the journalist says "we're going to need answers to that question as we figure out how to adapt journalism to the Internet using some model other than copying the existing print media. Is the primary purpose of your journalism..." YES! That is it! We are at the junction of an important turning point in journalism with Internet...Why are we not discussing how to use this new technology? Why aren't we trying to shape how this will all play out? After all, our generation of journalists will have to deal with it.

It's going to come, and it's going to be bad

2005-10-12T18:46:00.001-04:00

It's fall in Canada, and thoughts are once again on hockey, cold weather, and the latest avian flu.Now I don't mean to scare people, but I'd like to point out some facts for your consideration.

Each year a new strain of influenza spreads out from China and east Asia. Each year our health officials sound the warning, and for the most part the situation is dealt with. The danger is that we are due for a pandemic of horrific proportions. Those aren't my words, they are the words of scientists around the world, who not only study biological and viral changes, but also know the historical events and tragedies of past pandemics. They say we are due, past due actually, and even they can not predict what the next strain will look like, or who will be most affected by it.

The influenza pandemic of 1918 took the lives of primarily those between the ages of 20 - 40.The elderly and the very young were largely unaffected. The devestation to both the population and the economies of the world are well documented - most experts put the total human loss at 50 million persons, some say more. Yet even today with all the advancements our present society holds over those just three generations removed, we are just as susceptible, even more so.

Mass transit puts us in direct physical contact with each other.Rapid international transit puts diverse cultures and peoples within mere hours of each other. Those are the facts, and they should give us pause. So is the next pandemic inevitable? Yes, it is. Will it only affect a certain median of the population, like the one of 1918? No one can predict.

So what are we to do?

Well, start with what you can control. Be dilligent with your own personal hygiene. Wash you hands and face before and after you eat, and do the same when you use a restroom. Don't assume your friends practise good hygene, that's not insulting, it's just preventative care on your part. Get a flu shot this fall, and every fall. It won't guarantee an immunity against an outbreak, but studies have shown that it may lessen the severity and duration of an influenza illness.

One last thing, if you are sick, for the love of mike - stay home! You can re-take an exam; there'll be another concert at another time; you're not that valuable to the running of a company; and heaven knows no job is worth your health or mine. Control what you can, and the rest is in the hands of providence.

Now go wash your hands!

"Not enough space" no longer a valid excuse

2005-10-10T23:39:00.000-04:00

It's the low-point in the life of a reporter. You work your behind off on a story and spend whatever time you have perfecting it. Then, at the last minute, you get word from the editor that you've just lost a chunk of space and your piece will have to be butchered. Either you do it or someone else does it for you.

Or you find yourself working on a story that simply can't be told in the allotted space. You feel you'll be a doing a disservice to your readers/listeners if you have to compress the story to whatever amount of space you're being given.

But, as a mere leaf on a monolithic tree that can be blown away at a moments notice, you follow orders just so that a) not all your hard work goes to waste and b) to keep that paycheque coming.

Well, those dilemmas are now passé.

If they aren't, then that's a sign your higher-ups are somewhat like those suited dinosaurs in the Microsoft Office commercials.

With practically every single media outlet boasting a web site, each good piece of work that's shortened due to space constraints should now be getting all the space it needs online.

Readers/viewers/listeners should have two options for each online story that was originally shortened for broadcast or print: Original story and detailed story.

Tell viewers and readers that they can get a detailed version online. People like having choices.

Wiping out meaningful words by means of the delete button is anything but productive use of resources when the option to put them to good use - at no extra cost - exists.

The same goes for stories that didn't make it to air or print because they weren't important enough.

Put 'em up. It can't hurt.

J school problems explained

2005-10-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

Allright, I think we've hit the right note here with all disgruntled 2nd year students. Good, I'm not the only thinking this year will be less than productive. We are all complaining, but I think we haven't actually spelled out exactly what is wrong with the program and how it can be changed. This is just a shortlist, to be expanded and revised. Maybe we can get something substantial from all Con U students and then present to the admnistration.

1.There is not enough hands-on classes. The profs encourage us to "go out into the world" to get articles. But, really, looks around, how many classmates even bother doing this?
Sure you have TV and radio worshops (which help), but nothing for print? Why?

2. No classes on interviewing. (????) I am baffled by this; how can you expect us to get good information if we don't know how to ask?
Last year, I was stumped by one interview. I was talking to a Rwandan refugee, given refuge and schooling in Canada. I was eager to ask him what it was like in Rwanda and how he got here. I asked him "Is your family still in Rwanda?" He asnwered sharply, "No, they died of disease on the side the road while fleeing." Then he closed up, answered my questions by yes and no....

You can imagine my disappointment - how was I supposed to get him to open up? How do you ask these hard questions? No one has told me yet.

3. Reporting methods class (business and crime reporting) is not teaching us anything - a stupid repeat of Writing and reporting. Frankly what we have learned so far could have been resumed in one class. How many times is the teacher struggling to fill time?

4. The need to have proper access to classrooms and editing suites AT THE BEGINNING of the year. Not four weeks into the program (oh, I know the administration was just too busy getting ready for the party for the alumni for the 35th anniversary of ConU's J School - I see the priority). By the way, I went to the security office to get a swipe card, waiting 15 minutes and no one was around to help me. So no swipe card yet...

5. Less theoretical classes (shall I mention Turning points again?)- I know we need to get credits to graduate, but for god's sake, find something new. Let's stop looking at the past and look to the present, se what is good, what is bad in journalism and then try to improve it. Isn't that our job?

6. We have no J School radio, no J school TV show, no J school newspaper/magazine...A prof told me, the reason is that no one really wants to take the time to organize it. Well, J School, Sikander set up a blog in no time and we write a few tidbits whenever we can - maybe the school could have set up a blog for students? A message board? Oh, maybe they're afraid of what we have to say about them.

7. Why don't we have guest speakers? When I was at McGill in physiology, every Friday afternoon, there was either a guest speaker or a discussion about a topic pertaining to Physiology. Why not have this a the JSchool. I can guarantee students would love to pick the brains of brilliant journalists.

That's it for now, but keep the list going...I'll start another post later about what can be done to improve the school. I don't only want to complain.

J School blues continued

2005-10-08T01:27:00.000-04:00

Second year sucks ass.

I feel like the talking plant from Little Shop of Horrors, only better looking and instead of adamantly screaming "Feed Me!," I yell "Teach Me!"

Here's 2nd-year Journalism class(es) for you: (prof) "Hi, blah blah blah, my wife, blah blah blah, mm maybe, blah blah blah, do this assignment and I'll put a letter from the beginning of the alphabet on it upon its return."

Why am I here? Notice who's talking in class this year - it's the "coolies." It isn't the better students, and that's because we're mute from shock.

In most cases, I finished top of my class last year. I was so excited to start this new year, especially in our new building. But I am not bursting with fruit flavour my friends, I am disappointed beyond belief.

NO ONE IS TEACHING. I don't know it all, neither do my friends. Teach us how to interview, how to chase stories and contacts, how to handle deadline, how to edit, how to function equipment and software, how to work in teams, how to write amazingly, whether it be leads, features, short stories, beats, copy, etc. I AM HERE TO LEARN - TEACH ME!

There should be more work, more reading, and more stimulus. I admire pretty much all professors of the department, but I find they won't let me in, they won't rub any of their deep experience and knowledge off. Unless MAYBE I try to visit them during elusive office hours.

I'm lucky I'm part of the minority that has an innate talent for this stuff. So even with a lack of teaching, I can pull off a good job. But I don't really give a shit, I want to be taught thoroughly. I am spending time and money, because I expect to get something from it in the end. But if someone hires me, in any specialization, and I don't know how to do what they ask of me, I'm fired. Maybe the diploma students have it better than we...

Please teach me everything I need to know before leaving. Hit me with it all. Abuse me, overload me with info and work. I can take it. I can't take sitting idle, I can't take lack.

A little Draino never hurt anyone

2005-10-08T00:09:00.000-04:00

October 2005 and we're still feeding the American complex of fear.

On 9/11, I said that no attack on American soil will occur until at least 10 years have passed. So far, four years into it, I'm right.

It's ironical how the CIA can spot the hoaxes, but not the real thing, or at least wouldn't want to.

Yes, in case there is strong conviction of an attack about to unfold, intervention must take place. I'm not saying it is wrong to stop all movement within the targeted area in order to prevent lives from being taken and injuries inflicted. I'm saying it's wrong to go that far, to continuously instill fear into the public and disrupt their everyday life, simply predicated on a huntch.

If I were to place a call tomorrow morning to NYPD and state there is a bomb on the blue line traveling Manhattan, what do you think is going to happen?

Ok, ok, I won't do it. But do you see the power behind a prank phone call from a girl in Parc-Ex?

Some of the world's most elite, most ingenious people work for the U.S. and its intelligence and investigation sector. I want them to know what they're doing, know what they're dealing with. Come on peeps, get to the bottom of it - find out EVERYTHING before you act, afterall, you're highly skilled and trained professionals who do such for a living, against the clock, with millions of lives at stake.

Let's not feed the complex. And for heaven's sake, you can't make up for a huge past mistake in the future. A day late, a buck short for 9/11, so suck it up and leave the complex of fear alone.

Nothing exists unless it has a place of foster - this notion, or rather this fact, includes terrorism.

Are you mental ?

2005-10-07T23:23:00.000-04:00

This past week I attended a conference entitled "Living with Mental Illness".
I thought it would be an interesting topic for an article, but I wasn't prepared for the effect the main speaker would have on me.

His name is William J. MacPhee, he publishes four magazines concerning mental health, and he himself is a diagnosed schizophrenic. His own classification was that of an "acute" case, and the brief historical data available on the disease, indicated a more favorable outcome than those that have the "gradual" type, can often realize. In fact, since his lengthy battle with his illness, the former commercial diver has become a husband, a father of three, and a successful publisher. He still has to take an injection every four weeks, and most likely will have to continue to do so for the remainder of his life - there is no known cure - but by all standards he is a productive individual who enjoys a quality of life few do.

He spoke of his life, his illness, and the need for active and vibrant advocacies for mental health causes, much like the Aids movement has.

He was engaging and thoughtful, and in turn had the audience respond in kind. This speech caused me to think about mental illnesses in a new way. It seems almost as if every group you can think of has pushed for a public awareness day, concerning their agenda; Gay Rights, M.A.D.D, Aids, Secretaries Day, etc., Now almost every cause has a legitimate reason for not only being, but also continuing, yet I can't help but come to some certain obvious conclusions.

We are not all gay, we are not all women, or men. We do not all drink, nor do we all drive. We do not all share the same language(s), or live in the same regions, but we do all have intellect. We all have a brain, and we can all be overcome by an illness that is brought on not by any action we take ourselves, but because we are genetically predisposed to it. It therefore seems, to me at least, that aside from being respectful to each other and allowing each other to live in peace, we should endeavour to give ourselves the gift of mental health. We have only scratched the surface at to what our brains are capable of, and what can cripple it. It has been statistically claimed that at least 20 per.cent of society will suffer a form of mental illness, in their lifetime.

Isn't it time we remove the social stigmas still attatched to matters of the mind? Maybe a campaign that makes fighting mental illness as paramount as fighting terrorism? Or as noble as fighting Aids? Whatever it takes, it will take us all, because in the end whether directly (ourselves, our families) or indirectly (our friends, our neighbours) it will touch us all.

J school blues

2005-10-06T14:49:00.000-04:00

Watch out all first year students. When second year at J school rolls around, you will be hit with the J school blues. My first year as a journalism student was exciting and a constant rush of novelty. This year, I just feel in a lull, things are not picking up as I wished they could be. I began to think, is J school really necessary?

I feel like I could be out there writing more stories, discovering the world, but instead, I am stuck in class, covering stories that will most likely never be printed or aired. I am being taught useless philosophical theories about journalism when I clearly know people won't read a philosophical essay, but they will read the newspaper.

My television and advanced radio classes are the most hands-on classes I've taken so far, and I am grateful we have such an opportunity to fine tune our skills before the entire world can see and criticize our work.

But then, there are certain classes I am taking and some that I have taken that are simply a waste of my time and energy.

Out of my boredom and wish to find out what other j school students think of J schools, I stumbled upon a blog (http://whatswrongwiththejschool.blogspot.com) This was started by a student from University of Queensland as an angry response to the lack of experience given to J school students.

Their main objection to the J school is that they do not prepare students for the real world.
No kidding.
I have learned the most valuable lessons when actually covering a story for the school paper or the community paper. I have made mistakes, written bland stories, but I've learned that I need to be quick witted and always thinking 10 steps ahead of everyone else, something I will not learn in a theoretical class.

I don't know if I should write this, but I will just outline what I (and most other students) in ConU's Turning Points class are thinking. No offence to the teacher, but the class is absolutely useless. The entire semester is devoted to discussing turning points in the broadcast industry. We are studying how technology or certain events affect media.

Yes, it is a worthwhile topic to discuss, but an entire semester of this is not necessary. We've already taken History of Journalism that discussed similar topics, so why rehash the same issues? This class is a requirement to the degree, but I’d rather be taking a photojournalism class or online writing that this class.

Second point of contention with J schools: students are not given enough work (oh, boy, I can see student's reaction to this!). Writing an assignment (usually around 500 words) every second or third week is not very realistic of the time-constraints real journalists face. Give us one assignment per week. They need to be newsworthy stories (would someone read it?) and timely (not just rewrite about an old issue).

I wouldn't mind a little extra push - j students need to understand that news changes every MINUTE and that we need to be constantly on top of everything that surrounds us. We are not journalists only during class time, we should be constantly working, thinking, questioning things, observing. J schools do not stress that enough.

This is just the start of my thoughts on the J School – I will come back to this in the near future. Hopefully we can have a discussion with other students and current working journalists as to how this program should be improved. If we don’t question, there is no change.

The Cheat Beat

2005-10-05T13:10:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or are we seeing a rise in scandals involving governments, politicians, bureaucrats, and our tax dollars? I'm no history buff nor do I have the stats to back it up, but my gut feeling is that as our standard of living goes up, financial pressures increase as well. Thus, the temptation to dip into the pool we aren't supposed to dip into becomes stronger and stronger, and more of us start falling for it.

It's not only politicians and bureaucrats. We've all witnessed recent corporate accounting scandals.

Corporate scandals are bad, but government scandals bother me the most, since cheating politicians and bureaucrats defy the public trust - my trust and your trust.

Every time I hear about misuse of public dollars, I wonder how many more cases are out there that we just don't know about.

Perhaps it's time for the cheat beat. Have investigative reporters devoted to finding and exposing public cheaters and thieves by investigating tips and conducting random checks.

Maybe the big shots will be more careful if they know there are people out there intent on exposing the blatant misuse of our money.

CBC Unlocked!

2005-10-03T10:39:00.000-04:00

We are very pleased to report that the Canadian Media Guild and CBC management have reached an agreement in principle that will form the basis for a new, fair collective agreement.

...

Here are some initial highlights of the deal:
- we have a strong commitment to permanent staff as the standard for employment at the CBC.
- We have improved rights for contract and temporary employees.
- Wages will increase by 12.6 percent over the life of the contract to March 31, 2009. There will be full retroactivity for all employees on the payroll prior to the lockout, including contract and temporary employees. There will also be a $1000 signing bonus.

Canadian Media Guild

Congrats to all CBC employees for sticking this one out and to the bargaining teams for reaching a settlement!

I'm really looking forward to seeing the details of this agreement. That first point is of crucial importance to us. Wages can be a bit lower but if there's no commitment, there's no stability. For most of us, that would mean no life, or a very unstable one at the most. And again, that's not what we're looking forward to.

CBC Lockout

2005-09-29T23:12:00.000-04:00

Eye -- a sister Torstar publication, it must be said -- has a bang-on editorial this week about the CBC lockout of 5,500 members of the Canadian Media Guild, now in their seventh week of pounding the pavement.
The piece argues that public sector unions -- and, I might add, crown corporations -- be prevented from going the labour disruption route. Specifically, no strikes, no lockouts. There are too many losers -- and most of them are ordinary citizens.

....

Think about CBC. Top management has absolutely no incentive to end the dispute because there is no financial penalty in continuing it.

In a private company, losses would pile up as assembly lines ground to a halt and inventories dried up. Executive bonuses would shrink. Shareholders would scream and yell.

But CBC managers are getting paid extra to cover for the locked-out workers. There will be more money for them to play with after this is all over. There's no financial downside.

- Antonia Zerbisias,Toronto Star

Bang-on post by Antonia. CBC management has shown that it has no regard for a) Canadians, b) public broadcasting, and c) its most valuable asset - the employees.

Makes me wonder: What treatment should we expect from CBC management once we graduate?

For many of us young wanna-be journalists, working for the CBC is a dream, but not the distant, fantasy-type. We work on assignments, interviews, tapings, edits, bearing with each frustrating screw-up, hoping that it's all preparing us for the day we can say "CBC News" in our extro. We dream of sporting the CBC logo on our press pass and equipment. We want the Mother Corp. to adopt us, treat us well, and give us the chance to do what we're so passionate about.

Whether our dream is to report from far away places, do exposes as investigative journalists, or become a trusted news anchor, most of us would want to do it for the CBC before doing it for anyone else.

But Mama's ugly side is beginning to shatter the dreams. Sure, we may be passionate about journalism and the CBC, and we may very well find ourselves without much of a choice, but if this is the type of CBC that'll be adopting us, well....then let us re-focus our dreams.

Rabinovitch seems to be under the impression that young people nowadays (yeah, that's us) don't like to stick around for too long, and thus can conveniently be offered short-term contracts.

In other words, we don't deserve careers at the CBC.

Well, I've got news for Mr. Rabinovitch.

We don't dream of spending six months or a year at the CBC. We dream long-term. We don't like uncertainty. We want stability so that we can pursue our passion while earning a decent living, enabling us to raise families and live a stable life.

If someone else offers that, we'll probably go for it.

End result: Rabinovitch will be left mostly with those who have no choice, which won't be a happy bunch. Unhappy kids working for a unloving mom is not a recipe for a good product.

Reading is knowledge

2005-09-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

CanWest is hosting its annual Raise a Reader day today. It is an opportunity to raise money to help those who need to learn to read.

For most of us, reading a a given. I still remember learning to read in grade 1. One word at a time, one syllable at a time, I started discovering what all these little symbold meant.

As a child, I was an avid reader, grabbing everything I could find to read. I have to dredit my parents for intilling in me the thirst for reading, for knowledge. I even remember doing a read-a-thon to raise money for multiple sclerosis. I read so many books in a week, I managed to raise a few hundred dollars (!).

Reading was an escape; I could read about anything, anyone and transport myself to another world, become someone, learn about a different culture.

Whenever I give a gift for a child it is always a book. I can spend two hours in the bookstore, pouring over children's books, making sure the book is interesting and that it will challenge the child's skills and imagination.

However, not everyone gets this chance. For some, they did not learn to read and everyday tasks become a horrible experience. How do you find a number in the phone book? How do you read and understand your bills?

Someone told me about finding out that one of their work colleagues did not know how to read or write. The office was having a team meeting and everyone in the room had to read a small text that was part of a team-building game. When this person's turn arrived, he fel uncomfortable, squirmed around and the room went silent. Someone made an excuse for the person and they moved on. But it was there and then that people realize the illiteracy can hit closer to home than you might expect.

My grandfather moved to Canada from Poland. He never learned to read or write in English and had to rely on his children to read anything from prescription notices, to bills and more.

22 per cent of Canadians have a hard time dealing with printed material. That is about one in five people. That means, chances are, someone close to you, a neighbour, friend, colleague cannot properly read and most probably feels ashamed to admit it.

Raise a reader is a great way to ensure all children get enough teaching for them to be completely literate. Literacy is linked to better job opportunities and is simply a easier life.

Please, either make a donation to the Raise a Reader Campaign or simply help out a child or friend with reading. Reading with a child is truly an wonderful experience and they will be forever grateful.

Hooked on electricity

2005-09-29T15:55:00.000-04:00

It is incredible how much we rely on electricity for everything. Today, because of some high winds in Montreal, Concordia lost power (well, at least Loyola did). Classes were stopped, students could no longer edit their projects or work on the computers, ATM machines were out of service and cafeterias were not serving food because the cash registers were not working.

Funny thing is, is that in the journalism / communication building, everyone congregated to the small seating area we have. The place became the central hub for the latest on the electricity situation. Everyone had a story on how the lack of electricity was ruining their day and their plans. People lost valuable work on the computers, my radio class was unable to finish.

There was a buzz. What now? What do we do? We are so used to living in our own little bubble with all the technology around us, it seemed almost imagineable that we would not have eelectricity for a few hours.

It felt as if people were asking, :"Really, what did people do before electricity?"

Believe it or not - people talked, people discussed, people communicated. Maybe this is a sign that we must put some of the technology aside for a few minutes and reconnect with reality.

Governor-General: Let's evolve!

2005-09-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

Sikander Z. Hashmi
The POD

With tears rolling down her cheeks, a dancing Michaëlle Jean became Canada’s 27^th Governor-General yesterday.

Regardless of whether the Haitian-born former journalist, who just renounced her French citizenship before accepting the gig, is a good choice for the post and notwithstanding the debate on whether we actually need a Governor-General, I wish her well.

But do we really need a Governor-General? Yes and no.

The responsibilities of the Governor-General need to be discharged by someone – someone who’s not the prime minister.

Think about it: would you want Paul Martin to be the figurehead of this country, presiding over swearing in ceremonies for ministers and the chief justices, attending ceremonial events, doing all the outreach Governor-Generals tend to do across our vast land, and traveling overseas to represent us in events that, in all honesty, aren’t all that important?

Surely, he has better things to do, I’d hope. But someone’s got to do all that stuff.

In the odd one-in-a-light-year chance that a decision needs to be made on a serious issue such as the dissolving of parliament in a confidence loss or a PM wanting to hold an election two months into his or her mandate, there needs to be someone who can make that decision.

And that’s definitely not a decision to be made by Paul Martin.

At the same time, at 138 years old, we’re old enough to take care of ourselves, thank you very much.

The Queen has played a dignified ceremonial role and we appreciate her love and concern, but with all due respect, we can do without it.

We need someone to discharge the ceremonial responsibilities associated with the Governor-General, as well as someone who can make a decision for the country when a decision needs to be made, without being involved in politics.

So why not have two people?

MPs have proven that they can put partisan politics aside and choose a speaker for their House from amongst themselves.

Meanwhile, we all accept the judiciary to be free of bias and politics.

Therein lies the solution.

Let either the MPs or Senators choose a member to be President or Governor, what he or she may be called, from amongst themselves. Let him perform all the ceremonial duties of Governor-General, except for things like giving bills royal assent, which isn’t needed anyway.

Give him a tightly controlled budget, approved by parliament, with no perks. Place limits on voting powers in the Commons, similar to limits on the Speaker of the House.

Whenever an important issue comes up that the Governor-General would have otherwise handled, let the Supreme Court solve it in an emergency sitting.

There. We’ve gotten rid of the position without affecting the responsibilities, and most importantly, without costing taxpayers a fortune.

And to prove that we don't hate the Queen, we'll let her visit whenever she wishes, at her own expense. After all, doesn't a mother visit her daughter after she has moved out?