All it took was a quick internet search to find some appalling, unbelievable and hilarious mistakes printed in newspapers, magazines and websites this past year. Here are some of my favorites.
Poynter listed some of the worst errors of 2012
-Vogue Magazine apologized for calling Deputy Asst. Secretary of State Dan Baer an interior designer.
- The Wall Street Journal needed to correct a quote from Michael Cerveris about his performance in the musical “The Who’s Tommy.” Cerveris said, “I couldn’t sing it all when I got the
job.” The article
incorrectly quoted him as saying, “I couldn’t sing at all when I got the
job.”
-The Daily Beast accidentally spoke of famed Washington Post editor "Bill Bradlee's" new book. (Ben Bradlee, perhaps?)
And some more listed by The Atlantic Wire
-A Romney campaign ad misspells America as "Amercia"
-An AP article, speaking of the scandal regarding General Petraeus, spoke of "Florida socialist Jill Kelley"
- The Los Angeles Times adds an extra 't' to create this winner of a sentence: "Butt cracks eventually appeared in Lamb's persona."
While these incorrect facts and typos make us laugh, as a journalist this is fairly demoralizing. All it takes is one error and your reputation is shot for good. I didn't notice many trends in errors overall, but saw a few themes within specific organizations. For example, corrections for the New York Times were usually very detailed and specific deviations, as opposed to typos. The smaller print news papers had more grammatical errors, such as "corrections" being spelled wrong above the corrections column. This exercise reiterated for me the fact that very small mistakes make huge issues, many of which could have been avoided with a good copy edit. In all instances, the news organization did come forward and take responsibility of the errors. Some tweeted new links and some reprinted in following editions, but they all came forward.
Friday, April 26, 2013
An exercise in corrections
1. In the Boston Globe, all corrections appear on page A2 in "For the record." Corrections can be emailed or called in where they will then be reviewed. The Globe services FAQ section states that they will print corrections of wrong information, clarifications that give more/clearer information, omissions that were not included in the original article, amplifications of pertinent information accidentally not included, and editor's notes that include explanations.
2. Seacoast Media Group (SMG) which includes the Portsmouth Herald, York Weekly and Hampton Union, did not have a formal policy for corrections listed. On the SMG services website, there is a page where readers can submit correction information which SMG will then "confirm and post it immediately."
3. The Concord Monitor was perhaps the hardest to track down of the three organizations I looked at. I couldn't find a policy, guidelines or FAQ page anywhere on their site. There is no listing for what corrections are accepted and how they are reviewed, just a page to submit.
One thing I found very interesting while trying to find correction policies for news organizations is that very few have a formal policy for readers to look at. While the Boston Globe did have a thorough and formal policy, it wasn't easy to locate. Many organizations just had a submission page or email address of the person to contact with no explanation and no guidance. I have a major problem with this. First of all, if one person or even a small team of people are reading and approving corrections, they should have a written set of guidelines to follow so that the column in which corrections appear remains consistent. Also, if a policy is not available, readers have no basis on which to trust that an organization will follow through in investigating corrections and publishing them. The lack of transparency could come back to bit them. I think it is very important to have a formalized corrections policy readily available to readers. I also think it's wise to make it easy to find via the publication's website.
My correction policy stresses the importance of accuracy and guides the reader through each step of the corrections process so that there is no confusion. I also point out the differences regarding print and online, which is important to tell readers because the two function in very different ways. The correction policy for my news organization is as follows:
At the Ginwala News Corporation, we value the accuracy of our reporting and overall information and are committed to correcting errors in a timely manner. We request that you inform us of any errors by sending an email to corrections@ginwalacorp.com or by calling 603-867-5309. We will then verify and publish the correction. All corrections, clarifications and editor's notes will be printed in the Corrections Column on page 4. Online corrections will be added within the original article. A note informing the public of the correction will appear at the end of the article.
2. Seacoast Media Group (SMG) which includes the Portsmouth Herald, York Weekly and Hampton Union, did not have a formal policy for corrections listed. On the SMG services website, there is a page where readers can submit correction information which SMG will then "confirm and post it immediately."
3. The Concord Monitor was perhaps the hardest to track down of the three organizations I looked at. I couldn't find a policy, guidelines or FAQ page anywhere on their site. There is no listing for what corrections are accepted and how they are reviewed, just a page to submit.
One thing I found very interesting while trying to find correction policies for news organizations is that very few have a formal policy for readers to look at. While the Boston Globe did have a thorough and formal policy, it wasn't easy to locate. Many organizations just had a submission page or email address of the person to contact with no explanation and no guidance. I have a major problem with this. First of all, if one person or even a small team of people are reading and approving corrections, they should have a written set of guidelines to follow so that the column in which corrections appear remains consistent. Also, if a policy is not available, readers have no basis on which to trust that an organization will follow through in investigating corrections and publishing them. The lack of transparency could come back to bit them. I think it is very important to have a formalized corrections policy readily available to readers. I also think it's wise to make it easy to find via the publication's website.
My correction policy stresses the importance of accuracy and guides the reader through each step of the corrections process so that there is no confusion. I also point out the differences regarding print and online, which is important to tell readers because the two function in very different ways. The correction policy for my news organization is as follows:
At the Ginwala News Corporation, we value the accuracy of our reporting and overall information and are committed to correcting errors in a timely manner. We request that you inform us of any errors by sending an email to corrections@ginwalacorp.com or by calling 603-867-5309. We will then verify and publish the correction. All corrections, clarifications and editor's notes will be printed in the Corrections Column on page 4. Online corrections will be added within the original article. A note informing the public of the correction will appear at the end of the article.
Editor's Credo (Resprise)
At the beginning of the semester, I analyzed myself as an editor, a journalist and an individual in order to write my personal credo. This is what I wrote:
"I will...
Be confident in my abilities. Approach every task with humility. Be compassionate and patient toward those around me; earn their trust. Take responsibility for my actions and give myself credit where credit is due. Always remain strong in my ethical, moral, personal and professional standards no matter the circumstance."
After reflecting on my semester of learning the ins and outs of being an editor, I've decided that my credo has remained the same. When I wrote it initially, I tried to combine weaknesses and strengths I see in myself and apply them to being an editor. While I've learned a lot about the techniques and concept and functions of editing, I've remained the same person, which is why my original credo still applies. I'll break it down a bit more.
"Be confident in my abilities. Approach every task with humility." I think this applies to any individual in a professional setting. Sometimes I worry about my ability and knowledge to get things done, which is why I started my credo with confidence. I'll never get anywhere if I don't believe in myself. On the flip side, being an editor puts in in a position of power so humility when dealing with my work and the work of others is crucial.
"Be compassionate and patient toward those around me; earn their trust." Here is a fundamental aspect to being an editor. If I ever expect to be competent and do my job well, I have to support and be supported by my coworkers. Patience is a quality that I have always struggled with and therefore is essential for me to hone if I ever expect to coexist with reporters, especially as an editor.
"Take responsibility for my actions and give myself credit where credit is due." This applies a lot to our recent class discussion about errors. To err is human, even though it is expected of journalists to supersede this general truth. To be a good editor I'll have to take chances and make decision. Some of those with be an astounding success and others epic failures. Whichever way it ends up, I must take responsibility.
"Always remain strong in my ethical, moral, personal and professional standards no matter the circumstance." Finally, I must not waiver. In order to gain respect or credibility I have to stick to what I say and believe. That means that sometimes people may disagree with my standpoint. Oh well. Perhaps they can respect me for standing strong in the standards I have set for myself.
Overall, this has been an enlightening semester of editing that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
"I will...
Be confident in my abilities. Approach every task with humility. Be compassionate and patient toward those around me; earn their trust. Take responsibility for my actions and give myself credit where credit is due. Always remain strong in my ethical, moral, personal and professional standards no matter the circumstance."
After reflecting on my semester of learning the ins and outs of being an editor, I've decided that my credo has remained the same. When I wrote it initially, I tried to combine weaknesses and strengths I see in myself and apply them to being an editor. While I've learned a lot about the techniques and concept and functions of editing, I've remained the same person, which is why my original credo still applies. I'll break it down a bit more.
"Be confident in my abilities. Approach every task with humility." I think this applies to any individual in a professional setting. Sometimes I worry about my ability and knowledge to get things done, which is why I started my credo with confidence. I'll never get anywhere if I don't believe in myself. On the flip side, being an editor puts in in a position of power so humility when dealing with my work and the work of others is crucial.
"Be compassionate and patient toward those around me; earn their trust." Here is a fundamental aspect to being an editor. If I ever expect to be competent and do my job well, I have to support and be supported by my coworkers. Patience is a quality that I have always struggled with and therefore is essential for me to hone if I ever expect to coexist with reporters, especially as an editor.
"Take responsibility for my actions and give myself credit where credit is due." This applies a lot to our recent class discussion about errors. To err is human, even though it is expected of journalists to supersede this general truth. To be a good editor I'll have to take chances and make decision. Some of those with be an astounding success and others epic failures. Whichever way it ends up, I must take responsibility.
"Always remain strong in my ethical, moral, personal and professional standards no matter the circumstance." Finally, I must not waiver. In order to gain respect or credibility I have to stick to what I say and believe. That means that sometimes people may disagree with my standpoint. Oh well. Perhaps they can respect me for standing strong in the standards I have set for myself.
Overall, this has been an enlightening semester of editing that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Newsroom Address- Boston Marathon Coverage
Yesterday afternoon just before 3pm, two explosives were detonated at the
finish line of the Boston Marathon. Immediately, news organizations rushed to
the scene in order to report to the public what happened. The Boston Globe
consistently posted new information as they received it and WCVB had a live
stream going on their website in addition to their TV channel for the remainder
of the day. The information of the first couple of hours came fast. The number
of fatalities and injuries were constantly updated, photos and video were sent
in from professionals and amateurs and witnesses and experts were interviewed.
Unfortunately, the face-paced nature of the rush of information led to mistakes. For example, the New York Post reported that twelve people were dead when there were in fact only two reported at the time. They also said that a Saudi Arabian man was IDed as a suspect when the Boston police said that they are following leads and investigating, but no one is yet a suspect. These examples show that while it is good to get information out as fast as you can, it can't be done at the expense of accuracy.
With this type of event, initial information is often released immediately, then halted and no more is given for a length of time. Once the government officials were on scene, it became tough to glean any new information. In order to stay on top of the story once information becomes sparse, reporters and photographers should be at every meeting and address (given by the mayor, governor, FBI agent etc.) that takes place to make sure information is kept fresh. This is also obviously a format that allows for questions. Instead of speculating and reporting what may be happening or what certain actions may entail, it would be best to look for outside stories to use until more information about specifics (number of bombs, victims, suspects) about the explosion are released.
One example would be to find any connections to our area and community. Family members or friends who ran or were at the marathon, those who witnessed the explosion on-scene etc. Also, talk to those who ran to give blood right after the explosion, residents who took in runners, ceremonies and vigils being held for the victims and maybe even personnel from the hospitals to hear (as much as they can release) about the nature of the injuries and what it's like to work in a circumstance such as this. This can help balance the harshness of the tragic event and be done while waiting for detail updates. I think it would also be interesting to speak to the race winners, Rita Jeptoo and Lelisa Desisa, and give them a chance to speak about their experience. Despite the awfulness, they both accomplished a great feat.
Unfortunately, the face-paced nature of the rush of information led to mistakes. For example, the New York Post reported that twelve people were dead when there were in fact only two reported at the time. They also said that a Saudi Arabian man was IDed as a suspect when the Boston police said that they are following leads and investigating, but no one is yet a suspect. These examples show that while it is good to get information out as fast as you can, it can't be done at the expense of accuracy.
With this type of event, initial information is often released immediately, then halted and no more is given for a length of time. Once the government officials were on scene, it became tough to glean any new information. In order to stay on top of the story once information becomes sparse, reporters and photographers should be at every meeting and address (given by the mayor, governor, FBI agent etc.) that takes place to make sure information is kept fresh. This is also obviously a format that allows for questions. Instead of speculating and reporting what may be happening or what certain actions may entail, it would be best to look for outside stories to use until more information about specifics (number of bombs, victims, suspects) about the explosion are released.
One example would be to find any connections to our area and community. Family members or friends who ran or were at the marathon, those who witnessed the explosion on-scene etc. Also, talk to those who ran to give blood right after the explosion, residents who took in runners, ceremonies and vigils being held for the victims and maybe even personnel from the hospitals to hear (as much as they can release) about the nature of the injuries and what it's like to work in a circumstance such as this. This can help balance the harshness of the tragic event and be done while waiting for detail updates. I think it would also be interesting to speak to the race winners, Rita Jeptoo and Lelisa Desisa, and give them a chance to speak about their experience. Despite the awfulness, they both accomplished a great feat.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
"Six Questions Behind the Question"
1. Is this a visual story?
I think this story definitely has the potential to be a visual story. Photos I would like to see accompany it are ones of people giving blood, the set up of the room (since the reporter describes it in the story), perhaps a sign/poster/flyer with "Red Cross" (since they are the ones doing the blood drive) and even a detail shot of a vile(s) of blood. Since this event spans over a week, I think another useful web graphic would be a small map showing the room where the event is happening. This would be useful for non-students/Durham residents/others who want to give blood to find their way around a building that often confuses people.
2. Is this a complex story?
I don't think this is a complex story. It's mostly informative, telling the basics about the blood drive while also letting readers know the event is still happening. The only thing in this story that would make sense to hyperlink would be to the Red Cross main website.
3. Is this a time-sensitive, developing, or deadline story?
This story is a simple deadline story. The event is taking place over a week so having a story early on to let people know what/when/where is happening is a good idea. I think an interesting way to involve readers would be to allow them to post blood-giving tips in a forum. Many who have never given blood are nervous their first time, so hearing from those who have successfully done it in the past would be encouraging and neat to read. Some examples that might pop up are what foods to eat before, ways to calm yourself if afraid of needles and how long you should take it easy after you give blood.
4. Could the reader have a role in this story?
Click me.
5. Is this story fun, or serious?
Since it's an informational story, I'd label it serious not fun. Other than reader tip and a map, I don't think other interactive tools would pair well with the story.
6. Does location matter?
Location does have a part in this story. The map I spoke of above could be useful for this story as well as having readers "check in" via Foursquare or Facebook. This let's people share about what they're doing and get the word out.
I think this story definitely has the potential to be a visual story. Photos I would like to see accompany it are ones of people giving blood, the set up of the room (since the reporter describes it in the story), perhaps a sign/poster/flyer with "Red Cross" (since they are the ones doing the blood drive) and even a detail shot of a vile(s) of blood. Since this event spans over a week, I think another useful web graphic would be a small map showing the room where the event is happening. This would be useful for non-students/Durham residents/others who want to give blood to find their way around a building that often confuses people.
2. Is this a complex story?
I don't think this is a complex story. It's mostly informative, telling the basics about the blood drive while also letting readers know the event is still happening. The only thing in this story that would make sense to hyperlink would be to the Red Cross main website.
3. Is this a time-sensitive, developing, or deadline story?
This story is a simple deadline story. The event is taking place over a week so having a story early on to let people know what/when/where is happening is a good idea. I think an interesting way to involve readers would be to allow them to post blood-giving tips in a forum. Many who have never given blood are nervous their first time, so hearing from those who have successfully done it in the past would be encouraging and neat to read. Some examples that might pop up are what foods to eat before, ways to calm yourself if afraid of needles and how long you should take it easy after you give blood.
4. Could the reader have a role in this story?
Click me.
5. Is this story fun, or serious?
Since it's an informational story, I'd label it serious not fun. Other than reader tip and a map, I don't think other interactive tools would pair well with the story.
6. Does location matter?
Location does have a part in this story. The map I spoke of above could be useful for this story as well as having readers "check in" via Foursquare or Facebook. This let's people share about what they're doing and get the word out.
A call for reader involvement
Are you a seasoned blood donor? If so, please share your wisdom and experiences! What's your routine before you give blood? How do you pass the time during the needle portion of the process? Anything funny happen to you while giving blood? We'd love to hear your stories.
Write-your-own-headlines exercise
For this exercise, I used my writing partner's latest 621 story. The story is about the Red Cross blood drive that happened on campus this past week. The first headline is for print (41 count) and the second for online (21.5 count, two decks).
Red Cross bi-annual blood drive at UNH
Blood drive
comes to UNH
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