Symposium Summary

Annual symposium of hall school of journalism and communication were held this morning at Trojan Center. The major part of it is the presentation that Mr. Craig Pittman gives, which is focusing on how to be the most destructive force on campus.  

 

 

The topic is really a journalist-style, which is “little paper, big headline” in his words. Thanks to the “Destructive”, which is interesting, and attracts people’s attention is a very short way.

 

Mr. Pittman talks a little bit about himself, and his books and express the appreciation that time that Troy gives him. He believes Troy is the school that help him into the person he wants to be. And he gave us some outstanding views which from his own experience at The Trop.

 

Here are some points that I learned from the lecture.

 

First, as hard news, especially those relates to the political news, we should pay attention to five things. First of all, using the words correctly, not only with the most formal format but also try our best to increase the impact. Secondly, images are necessary elements if the news relates to the government, which is the core to convince the audience. Thirdly, same as the images, the paper trail is the elements to increase the credit. Fourth, which hits me right away, is the truth can make powerful people very angry. Because they are the people directly related to the development of society. The importance and influence of truth can be seen straightly. Fifth, if the grand jury calls, bring a friend. The majority of the audience today is college students, who have less chance to do hard news.

 

Words of Mr. Pittman alerts us that there are many serious and dangerous things exist in journalism, not only soft news to have fun or relax.

 

Second, the instruction about the unified field theory he represented today gives us a way to find news. It reminds me the very beginning of the news, is to explore those things that people don’t know before. But now, it is harder to find a news. What should we start with became the first question. The topic not only is new and fresh but also should be eye-catching, that relates to human interests. First, looking at the different events is asking us to see the event as overall as possible, and to do researches about the story that no one is writing. Second, if we are going to start up controversial developments, we should wetland permitted, to ask the help or opinions from supervisor or higher rank, rather than do it without thinking.  

 

Third, making numbers play a role in the story. The meaning that the number represents can straightly show the center of the events. It directly shows the influence of the event and to convince people.

 

Fourth, which came from the Q&A part, also making me understand more about journalism. The mission of journalist, which is telling the truth is over the will. Some truth is hard to some audience, but we have to report. In this case, we can report them by the way that the audience tends to accept.

 

Nowadays, everyone can be a publisher, but not everyone can be a journalist. Just like Rebecca Blood said,” Their commentary, done with integrity, can be a great source of accurate information and nuanced, informed analysis, but it will never replace the journalist’s mandate to assemble a fair, accurate and complete story that can be understood by a general audience.”