Where USF faculty, students and graduates are invited to talk about journalism and its problems and opportunities. This blog is not affiliated with the University of San Francisco, nor is the university responsible for any of the opinions expressed herein -- though it is certainly responsible for the people who entertain those opinions, having educated them. They make us proud.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Teresa Moore's Aunt Thinks About Obama: TM Does an Interview

A moving contemplation -- and a fine example of how to do a Q&A!

This is the best thing that’s ever happened to black folks. I’m not saying that he’s just a president for black people but I never thought I’d see this happen. Slaves built up that White House and a black president has never lived there. And a growing family will be living there. I just pray for God to keep them and protect them. I think it’s wonderful that Michelle’s mother is moving in with them. She’s going to keep the grand kids in line. I just cannot wait to see them little black girls running around in that White House and on that lawn. They are going to be all over the place. And you know the Secret Service is going to have a time keeping track of them, especially that little one. She’s going to be everywhere.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I'd Like to be a Consultant. But About What?


Did I remember this or can I claim originality?

Those who can, do.
Those who can't, teach.
Those who can't but don't realize they can't, consult.

(The image is from Despair.inc, whose wonderful calendars have comforted friends and family for years.)

Monday, January 12, 2009

A Connection at the Institute for Interactive Journalism


Rachel SandorRachel Sandor is the Project Manager at J-Lab. She grew up in Boulder, Colorado and earned her bachelor’s degree in media studies from The University of San Francisco. While attending USF, she was a film critic for the student newspaper, The San Francisco Foghorn. She is also a former editorial staff member of Rotten Tomatoes, a movie review Web site. Rachel enjoys traveling and lived in Budapest, Hungary for over a year. Her other interests include watching movies and exploring Washington with her fiancĂ©, friends and dog.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

How George Sanchez Spent New Year's Day at the LA Daily News

I was asking him about advice for our journalism students.


buenos dias doc

at work on the new years day shift -- first born babies, first murders of the year, rose parade, penn state fans, etc.

first of all:
The kids have to have multi-media skills. There is no way around that now.

Though editors don't understand the web or new media, they look for it on resumes now. Not basic stuff either -- blog experience is expected. Flash editing is good. Audio and video training is very attractive. Data base building is gaining popularity, though it's still largely underestimated by many editors. That being said, any student interested in investigative work needs to have a data base background now.

I was the representative at the California Chicano News Media Association job fair in October. Resumes without multi-media skills were placed aside by my editor.

know that poor papers (i.e. anything run by gannet or media news group) want multi-media skills but will not pay to train their staff. So we have to take advantage of training sessions by professional organizations like NICAR, CIR, the Knight Digital Media training place across the bay and anything else. Also, multi-media training could be the key to newspaper unions re-establishing their importantance. we'll see.

Yes, good story telling is still important. Basic news assembly, to put it crassly. But solid clips aren't enough anymore. Editors want to see multi-media presentations. Some fantastic examples are the L.A. Times Mexico Under Seige website, or, if you excuse me tooting my own horn, the Star's Social Achievement website.

all for now.
head to a bar to watch the rose bowl with lonely penn state fans in the san fernando valley
george