The
top three proposed media outlets were “You, Me & Brie,” “Share Your Obit,”
and “Comedy Hub,” in that order. “You, Me & Brie” was the top proposed
project because of its feasibility in reaching and providing for its target
audience. Realistically, cheese-makers and wineries do not have a centralized
source to promote their product, and this website does precisely that. Although
morbid, “Share Your Obit” also has much potential because, once again, it fills
a hole in the market. As long as it keeps things positive and allows viewers to
commemorate their loved ones happily, then it will be able to obtain a large
following. “Comedy Hub” also has the potential to succeed because, although it
certainly will have its fair share of competitors, it is an established market
with a tangible audience right now. As the blog’s founder pointed out in her
pitch, “college students, twenty-something’s at work, and your dad” are always
looking up funny videos on YouTube, why not make things even simpler by having
it all on one site? The only concern I have is that, unlike the first
aforementioned proposals, “Comedy Hub” will have to have a large staff and,
moreover, already has competition.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Check... It Off The Search Results
I really appreciated Adam Westbrook's "check-list," because, in light of many conversations I've had with colleagues, it has become more and more apparent to me that journalism needs to sell in more ways than one. It's not just about being accurate anymore (because, with the ability to link, theoretically, it's tough to not at least fake being accurate). It's about being flashy, selling your brand, and having a purpose. No one is going to read an article just because it is factual: there needs to be something that captures the attention of the ADD-rampant masses.
...which is why I decided to look up other "chceck lists" that come up when you "Google search" "journalism checklist." And here's.... what I found (accuracy on accuracy on lack of making your article sell). Maybe that is why journalism is a "poor man's profession"....
1. Santa Barbara College-- breaks down checklists by specific field (investigative, sports, etc.)
2. Business Journalism-- more like an English class outline than a checklist; focuses on grammar
3. Stuff Journalists Like-- Really liked this one--focuses on the reality of being a journalist-- but more of a satire than a "checklist." (highly reccomend a read)
4. Poynter-- EXCELLENT start--talking about importance of checklists though anectdotal example of Captain Sully Sullerberg's co-pilot-- but then it's the same grammar outline as #2
5. The Ethical Journalism Initiative-- nice focus on checklists to have when you enter a new newsroom.. but mostly about the news environment (and remember we're trying to see beyond that!)
6. The Buttry Diary-- LOVE it. Excellent analysis by indy blogger about how linking sources might have saved the Mant'e Teo Girlfriend Affair. But not a checklist. Wah.
7. Columbia Journalism Review-- Again, focus on the importance of checklists. Not an actual one.
8. Accuracy Checklist-- The same outline. Again. Can't tell if I feel like a broken record or a Buzzfeed article.
...which is why I decided to look up other "chceck lists" that come up when you "Google search" "journalism checklist." And here's.... what I found (accuracy on accuracy on lack of making your article sell). Maybe that is why journalism is a "poor man's profession"....
1. Santa Barbara College-- breaks down checklists by specific field (investigative, sports, etc.)
2. Business Journalism-- more like an English class outline than a checklist; focuses on grammar
3. Stuff Journalists Like-- Really liked this one--focuses on the reality of being a journalist-- but more of a satire than a "checklist." (highly reccomend a read)
4. Poynter-- EXCELLENT start--talking about importance of checklists though anectdotal example of Captain Sully Sullerberg's co-pilot-- but then it's the same grammar outline as #2
5. The Ethical Journalism Initiative-- nice focus on checklists to have when you enter a new newsroom.. but mostly about the news environment (and remember we're trying to see beyond that!)
6. The Buttry Diary-- LOVE it. Excellent analysis by indy blogger about how linking sources might have saved the Mant'e Teo Girlfriend Affair. But not a checklist. Wah.
7. Columbia Journalism Review-- Again, focus on the importance of checklists. Not an actual one.
8. Accuracy Checklist-- The same outline. Again. Can't tell if I feel like a broken record or a Buzzfeed article.
PBS: Where ESPN Rejects Hang Out
In a very timely state of affairs, I am currently watching perhaps the most groundbreaking "Frontline" report PBS has run in the last year or so: "League of Denial," which depitcs the eventual unravelling of evidence that the NFL was covering up the possibility of traumatizing and life-threatening head injuries constantly exposed to its players.
But what makes this all the more ironic (and relevant to this class) is that, in the case of League of Denial, ESPN originally had agreed to back the documentary. However, for unkown reasons, the company backed out (although its two lead reporters, the Fairneau brothers, on the case did not) and PBS jumped in to support the documentary.
What many are speculating is whether or not the NFL said to ESPN, "if you run this, you won't be able to broadcast any more of our games," showcasing the monopoly and politics that goes on behind the scenes in sports and in television today. Which is also what makes the fact that PBS--a network which, as pointed out in this week's reading, only 2% of the American population watches--was the one that took the doc on all the more amusing. Because although Jerrod Star argues that PBS hasn't done a very good job of educating like it intends to do (and which is part of why it has failed), it does a good job of both educating and selling here-- although clearly not on the level as ESPN might have been had they run the program. Whether it was because of the people involved in this film or not, it got people tuning into PBS--so perhaps what PBS should be trying to do is to break/investigate more cases in the field of popular culture in order to gain "popularity" with the public. After all, doesn't "Public Broadcasting" scream "give the people what they want" in a democracy?
But what makes this all the more ironic (and relevant to this class) is that, in the case of League of Denial, ESPN originally had agreed to back the documentary. However, for unkown reasons, the company backed out (although its two lead reporters, the Fairneau brothers, on the case did not) and PBS jumped in to support the documentary.
What many are speculating is whether or not the NFL said to ESPN, "if you run this, you won't be able to broadcast any more of our games," showcasing the monopoly and politics that goes on behind the scenes in sports and in television today. Which is also what makes the fact that PBS--a network which, as pointed out in this week's reading, only 2% of the American population watches--was the one that took the doc on all the more amusing. Because although Jerrod Star argues that PBS hasn't done a very good job of educating like it intends to do (and which is part of why it has failed), it does a good job of both educating and selling here-- although clearly not on the level as ESPN might have been had they run the program. Whether it was because of the people involved in this film or not, it got people tuning into PBS--so perhaps what PBS should be trying to do is to break/investigate more cases in the field of popular culture in order to gain "popularity" with the public. After all, doesn't "Public Broadcasting" scream "give the people what they want" in a democracy?
Monday, November 18, 2013
Planning for Project... Through Previous Internships
As I begin to start preparing to create and pitch my own Independent Media outlet, I am finding it most beneficial to review the previous media groups I have been a part of --even if they may not be independent in nature. Having interned as both a journalism intern and also a marketing and social media intern, I have come to understand what needs to be incorporated into a website to gain an audience's attention but also can inform.
Taking things chronologically, my first internship was with the New Jersey Jackals Baseball Team. A semi-pro team (the "second chance league" if you may), the Jackals defy the odds each year and continue to bring in thousands of fans--even though their ability to draw people in is not through their website or advertising. I was primarily in charge of the social media pages, but it was during the summer of 2012 when I worked there that we made the most strides in that department. The reason for this: I was constantly tweeting back and Facebook'ing back fans, players, and playes' families. I saw first-hand what creating a relationship with your target audience can do: create a sense of belonging and a personal relationship between the consumers and the creators.
Obviously, the Jackals are a hyperlocal example of outreach and reaching one's target audience. Fortunately, my next internship, in London with ESPN America, was part of the international, media conglomerate that is ESPN. However, ESPN America (before it was collapsed this past summer) maintained its own website--although in a much more primitive form than its American counterpart. The webmaster had created it through WordPress (like many start-up websites) and it focused primarily on saying when games would be broadcast and featuring the schedule of shows/games. Obviously, checking the website every day is not every fan's cup of tea, so my direct boss made a large push back in 2010 to utilize the Facebook page for ESPN America to its full capcity to the point where it superseeded the role of the website. All the graphics I would make each day for that night's game schedule were all posted to the Facebook page before anywere else, quite simply because that's where the most people would be seeing it. I also saw social media and connecting with one's audience from a statistical standpoint at this internship by constantly reviewing our EdgRank scores and stats and how many likes/comments/shares we received on certain graphics as opposed to others.
Then, this summer, I struck a balance between an international conglomerate and a local sports team when I worked for the New York Red Bulls Soccer Team. Designed like the other Major League Soccer Website, this website does a very good job of incorporating the information about the team, videos and photos, and, its primary purpose, a place for fans to purchase tickets for upcoming games. Although, as a Fan Services Intern, my job was to focus on PR and ticket sales, I pushed for our website to model itself like its rivals on the West Coast like the Seattle Sounders, featuring a more interactive, editorial section that narrates exactly what happened in games and gives fans a different perspective than simply a press release can do. Furthermore, although the Red Bull franchise differs from other MLS teams in that it doesn't like promoting its promotions, I learned through observing these other teams just how promotion via editorial and video can create a sense of a "club" among supporters and the organization.
As I reflect on all these experiences, I am reminded of various outreach and engagement practices that I feel will be benefiical in constructing my website.
Taking things chronologically, my first internship was with the New Jersey Jackals Baseball Team. A semi-pro team (the "second chance league" if you may), the Jackals defy the odds each year and continue to bring in thousands of fans--even though their ability to draw people in is not through their website or advertising. I was primarily in charge of the social media pages, but it was during the summer of 2012 when I worked there that we made the most strides in that department. The reason for this: I was constantly tweeting back and Facebook'ing back fans, players, and playes' families. I saw first-hand what creating a relationship with your target audience can do: create a sense of belonging and a personal relationship between the consumers and the creators.
Obviously, the Jackals are a hyperlocal example of outreach and reaching one's target audience. Fortunately, my next internship, in London with ESPN America, was part of the international, media conglomerate that is ESPN. However, ESPN America (before it was collapsed this past summer) maintained its own website--although in a much more primitive form than its American counterpart. The webmaster had created it through WordPress (like many start-up websites) and it focused primarily on saying when games would be broadcast and featuring the schedule of shows/games. Obviously, checking the website every day is not every fan's cup of tea, so my direct boss made a large push back in 2010 to utilize the Facebook page for ESPN America to its full capcity to the point where it superseeded the role of the website. All the graphics I would make each day for that night's game schedule were all posted to the Facebook page before anywere else, quite simply because that's where the most people would be seeing it. I also saw social media and connecting with one's audience from a statistical standpoint at this internship by constantly reviewing our EdgRank scores and stats and how many likes/comments/shares we received on certain graphics as opposed to others.
Then, this summer, I struck a balance between an international conglomerate and a local sports team when I worked for the New York Red Bulls Soccer Team. Designed like the other Major League Soccer Website, this website does a very good job of incorporating the information about the team, videos and photos, and, its primary purpose, a place for fans to purchase tickets for upcoming games. Although, as a Fan Services Intern, my job was to focus on PR and ticket sales, I pushed for our website to model itself like its rivals on the West Coast like the Seattle Sounders, featuring a more interactive, editorial section that narrates exactly what happened in games and gives fans a different perspective than simply a press release can do. Furthermore, although the Red Bull franchise differs from other MLS teams in that it doesn't like promoting its promotions, I learned through observing these other teams just how promotion via editorial and video can create a sense of a "club" among supporters and the organization.
As I reflect on all these experiences, I am reminded of various outreach and engagement practices that I feel will be benefiical in constructing my website.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Indy Media and... Cortaca?
I begin this entry with a bit of an apology.
I knew that my blogging this weekend would be limited due to the 55th Annual Cortaca Jug Game--although my lack of free time was not due to the festivities but because of my involvement with ICTV's broadcast of the event (now officially the most viewed, college televised event by college students EVER).
Which is why my "game plan" was to write an entry about being involved with ICTV, talking about how a student media outlet (essentially an "indepenednet media outlet" when you think about it) was able to garner over 10,000 viewers from around the world and how a small byline in a Sports Illustrated story in 1991 has inspired the phenomena that is the Cortaca Jug.
...but then I happened to stumble upon this link that several folks were sharing in Facebook. As CNY Central first reported (and which--fun fact--I was the confirmation of such an event when the evening news anchor/producer, a friend of mine, called me to ask what the hell happened) that riots erupted at SUNY Cortland following the school's victory in the Cortaca Jug game. By far and large, it's been the same, one picture of Clayton Street being shown by news outlets nationwide (seriously, this made Good Morning America). But "BroBible" is the first to showcase all the pictures from the insanity that was SUNY Cortland Saturday afternoon.
As opposed to focusing on the animals that were Cortland students, though, I'd like to discuss the concept of "BroBible," a site where fans can contribute, and editors will post and list what the fans submit. Similar to Barstool, (which also featured some Ithaca College students this weekend) these sites are certainly not for informing, but create a "fun," interactive environment for viewers--boosting the site's popularity. I feel that for me this actually was vital to see this concept first hand as we begin to work on our own, indy media outlet pitches.
Monday, November 11, 2013
There's Journalists, There's Citizen Journalists... and then There's Sarah Palin
Obviously, this week's readings focus on the ethics involved with citizen journalism and independent reporting.
However, I'd like to begin with first discussing the tweet that I just happened to see in my Twitter feed earlier tonight: Sarah Palin was declaring a "Chris Christie 2016" campaign set in stone on her latest appearance on FOX News.
See although she may be a political figure and a celebrity in her own right (and therefore not a "citizen journalist"), I see not much difference between Palin's sudden legitimacy as a political news source (not to mention her astronomical rise to celebrity status the last six years) and the rise in the field of citizen journalism by writers like 61-year old, Huffington Post contributor Mayhill Fowler. Neither has a journalism degree (ok, technically Palin does...) and neither spent their previous life as a muckraking reporter, investigating new stories; moreover, neither was ever a source on both reporting and politics until a few years ago. Suddenly, they are an authority for, in both cases, simply being a part of one event, Palin her candidacy in 2008 for Vice President, and Fowler for her reporting at the DNC.
Certainly, Sarah Palin has spent more than just the last six years in the realm of politics. But the quick transition for politicians in the 21st century to celebrity reporters takes just as much time as it does for a citizen journalist to strike it big: just one try. That is the immediacy of our society and the entertainment value we hold to such high prestige right there.... and it's directly in conflict, in many ways, with the ethics of foundational, solid reporting.
However, I'd like to begin with first discussing the tweet that I just happened to see in my Twitter feed earlier tonight: Sarah Palin was declaring a "Chris Christie 2016" campaign set in stone on her latest appearance on FOX News.
See although she may be a political figure and a celebrity in her own right (and therefore not a "citizen journalist"), I see not much difference between Palin's sudden legitimacy as a political news source (not to mention her astronomical rise to celebrity status the last six years) and the rise in the field of citizen journalism by writers like 61-year old, Huffington Post contributor Mayhill Fowler. Neither has a journalism degree (ok, technically Palin does...) and neither spent their previous life as a muckraking reporter, investigating new stories; moreover, neither was ever a source on both reporting and politics until a few years ago. Suddenly, they are an authority for, in both cases, simply being a part of one event, Palin her candidacy in 2008 for Vice President, and Fowler for her reporting at the DNC.
Certainly, Sarah Palin has spent more than just the last six years in the realm of politics. But the quick transition for politicians in the 21st century to celebrity reporters takes just as much time as it does for a citizen journalist to strike it big: just one try. That is the immediacy of our society and the entertainment value we hold to such high prestige right there.... and it's directly in conflict, in many ways, with the ethics of foundational, solid reporting.
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