Media Literacy

1. List 3 sources that are comprised of mostly original fact reporting and are as neutral as possible.


AP news, Bloomberg news, and Reuters news

2. List 3 sources that are mostly analysis and slant liberal


Vanity fair, Daily Beast, Vox

3. List 3 sources that are mostly analysis and slant conservative


reason.com, National review, The weekly standard

4. List 2 liberal and 2 conservative sources that show extreme partisan bias

Patribotics, Palmer Report, Info Wars, Conservative Tribune.



In your own words please come up with your own definition:

5. Facts- A true statement


6. Opinions- A persons view and thoughts on a subject based on emotion

7. Informed Opinions- An opinion based on facts



8. Where might you find facts when writing for The Dispatch?

You'd want to find information from reliable sources, people who have facts or distributors of news whom aren't biased nor liars. NBC news, PBS, abc News, or CBS news, etc.

9. Who might provide Informed Opinions on any specific story you might write?

People with personal experience, or someone who has studied the facts extensively.

10. How might opinions creep into your writing?

You may accidentally put your opinion in. Or even the way you are writing a story may contain your opinion, especially if you are choosing to withdraw information from your writing explaining the other side of the argument.

11. What specific words could cue you in that you are writing an opinion when you self edit?

I think, I, me, my, I believe, opinions.



12. Which amendment specifics the rights of the press?

The first Amendment

13. What does that amendment say directly?

The law cannot say what the press publishes.



14. In your own words - what do you think the purpose of the media/journalism is in today's world?

I think the purpose of media and journalism is to inform a reader with facts about many different topics that are currently affecting the world and maybe even their community. The knowledge is meant to help us better our world.



15. What did you notice about the headlines of the three articles?


They're addressing the way the media is covering the topic and not really what the topic is.

16. Do you think the bias of certain media outlets is evident based on what you saw?


I believe so, the article by the Los Angeles times seems to be attacking conservative media and has some mockery toward the media and Trump.

17. Why do you think Fox news and Brietbart chose to cover other things on the front of their websites?


I'd think it's to appeal to the many visitors of their websites.

18. Do you think all media should treat coverage the same?


I think that all media should be honest and truthful but that's simply not possible. Media outlets want to have interesting "facts" so they choose to include lies for publicity and some people enjoy those stories. But I don't believe it's fair to have wrong news being spread about people and topics because a reader has a hard time telling what is true or not.

19. Is it okay from some media outlets to be slanted towards one side or the other, as long as people know it before they click on that site?


No. I'd say that if you want to make opinionated columns you should write a blog. In news you're not meant to persuade a reader, you are meant to inform them. 

20. Is there any reason to click on a media sources that doesn't report the news the way you want?

For entertainment. There are some outrageous and even funny news stories out there and they're quite entertaining. But if you really are looking for facts I don't think you'd be looking for fake information, unless you want to spread it and use the "reliable" source.


21. How do you think the media can accurately report on what is happening in our world?

I think a good choice would be to not hire biased writers and for outlets who are not saying the truth to say so, once they've been called out. 

Earthquake Story

An earthquake rocked the San Francisco Bay area on Monday morning at 8:12. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale.

"People as far south as Los Angeles and as far north as Redding felt the quake,” Scientist Penny Gertz said. 

A building housing McHenry’s Auto Supply at 2342 Plum St. partially collapsed, killing two people and injuring six others.

“Three of the Six injured people from the collapsed building had to be hospitalized, including a five month old baby,” Public Information officer from the Hayward Fire Department, Jennifer Vu said.

The names of the deceased have not been released to the public as of yet.

“We know the identities of two of the deceased but one was a client of the Auto Supply whom we don’t know the identity of yet,” Vu said.

Hayward firefighters used ropes to stabilize the auto supply shop and conducted a search of the building and capped a gas line after detecting a gas leak at the site.

“The destruction of the building could have been worse if the building caught fire from the gas leak,” Vu said. “There could have been an explosion.” 

Help arrived to McHenry’s Auto Supply within four minutes of the Earthquake. 

"21 fire personnel, 12 police and 5 American Red Cross workers responded to the building collapse,” Vu said.

The epicenter of the Earthquake was under Hayward Hills. It occurred on the Hayward Fault, which runs under the hills.

“ The Earthquake was a strong one and we are expecting aftershocks so I recommend everyone stay indoors in a secure location,” Gertz said. “ This is a residential area so keep your families safe.”

Hayward resident Mike Beamer, whose apartment is across the street from McHenry’s, said he felt a rolling motion that lasted for about 30 seconds, with a big jolt coming in the middle. 

“I was eating my breakfast when the room started rolling. I dove under the table just as I heard an explosion outside and a chunk of cement flew through my kitchen window,” Beamer said.

Huntington Story

On Wednesday night, Janice Jones was accidentally shot through her right leg. She was shot when her 9 mm handgun was pushed off of her seat by her Pomperanian, Tombo.

“An officer was called to the scene because neighbors heard a gunshot,” California Highway Patrol press liaison Tammy Rye said. “They then saw Jones bleeding by the side of her motorhome yelling at her dog.”

Jones was rushed to Huntington Beach Hospital then transferred to Irvine Medical Center for surgery.

“The bullet was successfully removed and Janice is recovering as of now,” Rye said.

While Jones was taken to the hospital, Huntington Beach Animal Control officers picked up Tombo. There was evidence of animal abuse.

“Tombo had cigarette burns on his forehead,” Animal Control officer Janet Ngo said. “We also saw that Tombo had scars on his paws from being forced to walk on hot pavement, the neighbors also said that they’ve seen Janice kick her dog.”

The County District Attorney’s office is exploring ways to charge Jones for having expired license plates on her motorhome, not having a permit for a gun, and for abusing her dog.

“I’m glad that some form of justice will be served; she’s hurt her dog and could have potentially hurt others by having an illegal gun,” Ngo said.

Free write

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lJTMWtm3mFLUp9xUmLxW0QgGccQpzpTJ5cl25dObktc/edit?usp=sharing

CE #1.2

1. How many members are there on the House Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety? Page A1 "After Attacks, panel mulls responses"

There are 13 members.

2. What cities in Japan will Gov. Greg Abbott make stops when he leads a delegation to Asia for a weeklong economic development trip? Page B1 "Abbott leading Asia trade mission"

He will go to Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

3. How many years has the US economy been expanding? Page B7 "Another cut, and more"

11 years

4. How many yards per play are the Oklahoma Sooners averaging this year in their first three games? Page C1 "OU still owns Big 12, but watch out"

10.46 yards per play.

5. How many JuiceLands are there in Austin? (be careful and do math correctly) Page D2 "JuiceLand opens latest location in new...."

There are 25 JuiceLands.


Long Response:

Read the story on Page 1 "Council takes up homeless camping"

1. Have you noticed an increase in the appearance of potentially homeless people?
I have not noticed an increase of potentially homeless people so far.

2. Do you think the new ordinance is the correct approach to the homeless problem in Austin?
I don't think it's the correct approach because I don't think that it will lead to finding permanent homes for the public, which is the supposed gol. But taking away the home they have now is not going to lead them to a more permanent one anytime soon. I feel as though the council is just trying to push away the homeless people and not really help them, but rather hide them.

3. What do you think the answer to the homeless problem in Austin is?
I think to offer jobs to the homeless to start up working, and helping them get on their feet by providing shelter, clothing, medical help, and food. The money that they make can go into savings in order to afford what they need for a home. 

4. How can the city best serve both the homeless population and the rest of their constituents?
I think to have homeless shelters at least that are big enough for the homeless population and to really care for the people who had something go wrong that made them become homeless.  I think by doing that the Austin public will feel happy to know that something is being done for the homeless population, as many are uncomfortable with the homeless. I think having them be able to be safe and to make a living and have sustainability will help everyone.

Inverted pyramid

Leads:

1. What are the three "good" leads to use?
“How lead” - begins with the how of the story.
 “Why lead” - begins with the cause the story.
“What lead” - begins with the fact of the story.

2. Why are these types of leads better?
Because they quickly express the most important facts to readers.

Direct Quotes:

3. What is a direct quote?
The exact words of an author or speaker.

4. What do these quotes do?
Help to elaborate on the previous paragraph, they are linked.

5. What is the format of a direct quote? meaning how is it punctuated, you can just type in a quote in the correct format - steal from the presentation.
In Quotations. Example, “This opens up more resources for our students,” Rother said. “We may be a little, rural town in West Texas, but we have big city technology.”

6. What is an attribution?
Who the quote was taken from.

7. What form should it take?
Attribution should be: Noun then verb.
For example: Correct - senior Bob Rodriguez said.
Incorrect - said senior Bob Rodriguez.

Transitions:

8. What is a transition?
A statement that helps to link paragraphs in a story together. 

9. What are the three types of transitions?
A fact, Indirect quote, or a partial quote.

Conclusion:

10. Type in the checklist of 7 items you should always do when writing a news story

• Are the most important and recent facts first? 
•  Is the story accurate? Are the sources identified fully? 
• Are the paragraphs short? 
•  Is the sentence structure varied in the story? 
• Is the story neat and double-spaced so that it is easy to read? 
• Does your story flow? Did you use the transition/ quote formula? 
• Did you use active voice?

11. What are some pitfalls you might encounter?
Using your opinion in the story, misspelling, using possessive pronouns, paragraphs too long, trying to use all of the information.

Contest Day:
During the 2010-11 school year, our school has reported 22 fights so far. Last year, the school had 18 total fights. 
       “One of my friends got in a fight, but he didn’t start it. He was defending himself,” said freshman Andy Opel. 
        In response to the escalating fights, the  school district hired the Teen Conflict Resolution Team to help students solve disagreements through non-violent solutions. 
        After March 23, any student caught fighting on campus must complete a TCRT non-violence workshop, in addition to normal disciplinary actions. 
       “Students have to learn how to solve life’s problems without violence, and this program will teach our students just that,” said Mr. Brown. 
          “Now students will get suspended and be forced to attend this program,” Opal said. “That’s just too much.”



     In response to escalating fights, the school district hired the Teen Conflict Resolution Team to help students solve disagreements through non-violent solutions.
    After March 23, any student caught fighting on campus must complete a TCRT non-violence workshop, in addition to normal disciplinary actions. 
     "Students have to learn how to solve life's problems without violence, and this program will teach our students just that," said Mr. Brown.

Student of the month interview

Sources to use: The student of the month, Student of the month's parent, Mark Robinson, the principal.

Questions for Mark Robinson:
- What criteria must a student meet to be awarded student of the month?
- What are the privileges when you're student of the month?
- How do you decide who student of the month is if multiple students meet the criteria?
- Who decides who student of the month is?
- How is the award announced?
- How do you begin looking for student of the month?
- How have students reacted when they received student of the month?
- When do you decide who the next student of the month is?

Student of the month questions:
- Why or why not were you expecting to receive student of the month?
- What is the best part of being student of the month?
- How do you feel being student of the month?
- How did you find out you were student of the month?
- How did your parents react when they found out you were student of the month?
- How will you keep making the school proud?
- Do you think you deserved this award?
- How has this award changed the way you feel about your schoolwork and academic success?

Questions for parent of Student of the month:
- How do you feel having your child receive student of the month?
- How did you help your child reach this level of academic success?
- How have you been celebrating this achievement with your child?
- What do you believe distinguished your child from so many others that made them win this award?

School uniform interview

Sources whom you could interview for this topic are: Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr., he's the president of the AISD School Board, Mark Robinson, who is the principal of JBHS, and two random students from Bowie high school.

Questions to ask Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr.: 
- How did the idea of having school uniforms come up?
- Why is the school board deciding to have uniforms?
- Why do you think school uniforms will help in school?
- Why are all schools going to have uniforms?
- What does the board plan on the uniforms to look like?
- What will you do if some students can't fit into the uniform?
- What are the opinions of parents?
- Will the prices of uniforms be affordable for families with financial disadvantages?
- How will the uniforms cater to the needs of students, such as needing more coverage during the winter?
- Will the school board be adding any new dress code rules? Such as not being able to dye your hair, if so, which ones?
- What will you do if school uniforms don't combat the issue at hand?
-What are the consequences if a student goes behind administration's backs and does not wear a uniform, such as changing their clothes in the restroom and refusing to put on the uniform?

Questions for Mark Robinson:
- What is your opinion on the new rule of wearing uniforms?
- Do you believe your students should be able to express themselves in fashion?
- Do you think the school uniforms will fix the problem the school is having with distractions, why or why not?
- Are students not going to be allowed in school if parents don't have the money to pay for uniforms?

Questions for students:
- What is your opinion on having to wear a uniform?
- Do you think it's fair that students didn't have a say in making this new rule?
- What design would you want the uniforms to have?
- What will you do to express yourself when wearing the uniform, or does it not bother you much?

News Values

Timeliness: I think this story was written and published because this is a new and developing story. It was also publicized because of the possibility that the vessel could release toxins in to the ocean, and to show the possible implications of hurricane Dorian.

Ship overturns; 4 crew members missing (Found at the Austin American Statesman)

Proximity: I think this story was chosen to be published because it's in close proximity to Austin. The story is from Georgia and many women would take interest in this story. This story was published in Austin but is about the experiences of many American women but specifically in Georgia. The publication location is close to the event.

Women seek abortions out of state (Found at the Austin American Statesman)

Prominence: This story was covered to show the public the implications of gang rivalry. A man's young son was murdered by a rival gang. Gang violence is in every American state and there is a large amount of gun violence in America. It makes the reader think about these issues.

Trial to begin in Boy's 2015 killing (Found at the Austin American Statesman)

Impact: This story wouldn't directly affect the young population as of now but it could in the future. It will help inform senior citizens of changes though which shows who It'll impact.It tells American elders how they can be helped.

Pension bump urged (Found at the Austin American Statesman)

Conflict: This story covers the conflicts that American soldiers are having with the Taliban. It helps us understand why Donald Trump called off negotiations that America was having with them.

Taliban Talks Hit a Wall Over Deeper Disagreements, Officials Say

Human interest: This story interest the public because it brings up an issue we don't usually talk about publicly. It makes the audience form opinions on a scary topic they haven't usually heard much about. 
Want to end sex trafficking? Look inside our borders (Found at the Austin American Statesman)
Novelty: This isn't really a story but more of a picture with a paragraph. You see two brothers tuning a strange looking instrument, this is a novelty because we don't get to see this kind of topic really in the news. It also makes you curious because the article says they're going on a musical trip around the world.                                                    Musical trip around the world(Found at the Austin American Statesman)

Important people in journalism

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MwQNVfwATVQbXbynQvVtXF4xq5YSO6qfH0Q4xku6qPg/edit?usp=sharing

Current events quiz 1.1

1. Why did Walmart say it has stopped the sale of handgun and short-barrel rifle ammunition, according to the article? Page 1 "Walmart to stop selling...."

It has been facing backlash for selling guns so they're changing some gun policies to try to help meet the needs of gun control activists and law abiding customers.

2. When did the Odessa gunman try to get a firearm at a licensed dealer? Page B1 "Source: 

Odessa gun bought in private sale" .
He tried to buy a firearm in 2014 but was prohibited to do so by a federal background check.

3. Where is the new $60M Frontera supercomputer located? (Be specific) Page B7 "UT unveils new $60M Frontera supercomputer"

It is at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus at 10100 Burnet Road.

4. What is the "cowboy" package? Page C2 "Texas defenders buzzing about 'cowboy' package" (hint it is a new blitz package)

Blitz package which utilizes eight defensive backs, was used twice in the first half when the horns ran up a 24-0 lead.


5. What company, located in Austin, played a key role in the Popeyes Chicken social media storm last week? Page D1 "Austin company helped Popeyes fried chicken sandwich go viral"

Advertising powerhouse GSD&M.



Please read the story on page A2 "McConnell says he is waiting on Trump to chart path on guns"

Long Response:
1. Briefly (in three sentences or less) summarize the story


Mitch McConnell is waiting for congress to begin working again in order to try to pass laws to prevent gun violence. He would like to pass new laws to make sure that guns could go to responsible people that won't cause harm.

2. What is a "red flag" law?


Laws that allow guns to be taken away from someone looking to hurt themselves or others with it.

3. Should there be stricter regulations on gun ownership like background checks, and red flag laws? Make sure to tell me why.


I think there should be stricter rules, there is a large problem in the Americas of mental health conditions that go unnoticed that impede on a person's logic which makes them take rash decisions. I think gun dealers should be able to make the logical decision to sell guns to people who will use them responsibly or not have to because of new laws. I think the priority should be public safety and not individual rights. 

4. Do you worry about gun violence impacting your life?


I do worry about gun violence because I'm aware of how easily some people can get guns and there are not really any background checks yet. My worries about gun violence were one of the reasons I didn't want to move to the US, guns are everywhere, and many people don't seem to realize that they are deadly weapons. It's scary to think I could be shot even at a place of education, my school, just because a gunman wants to do that. I could be shot by a family member. Anyone really who owns a gun can shoot someone. That's not protecting the individual right to life.

5. Do you think this issue should be a national decision, or should individual states get to determine how gun laws are handled? Make sure to tell me why.

For now, I think it should be a state's right because they seem more involved in protecting the people of their own states. They can rule gun laws because they care more. Gun laws don't seem to be prioritized by the federal government so they might as well hand over the responsibility to the people that care. I think having states laws can also give you more options on what kind of state you want to live in, if Nebraska says they're illegal and you're scared of them, you could move there. If Texas uses hunting rifles and you love hunting, move there. People have different needs in life but I think safety should be a priority for all. You want to feel comfortable leaving your house.