December 2005
Journalism's Highlights and Lowlights (Dec. 28, 2005)
It was a tumultuous year for the media industry, with network anchor changes, newspapers bought and sold, journalists in jail. What can we learn?
Journalism That Changed America (Dec. 22, 2005)
By Al Tompkins
Learn from coverage that prevented tragedies. Plus, some ideas for 2006 stories that could change the country.
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Illustration by Larry Larsen/Poynter
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Year of Storms: Lessons Learned & Stories Yet to be Told (Dec. 21, 2005)
By Karen Brown Dunlap
Reports & photos from two conferences of Gulf coast journalists reflecting on their coverage and looking ahead.
Custom-Tailored Time Management (Dec. 20, 2005)
By Jill Geisler
Do you wish there were more than 24 hours in a day? Try a "DAP audit" to prepare for the New Year.
Save This Tip! (Dec. 19, 2005)
By Sree Sreenivasan
In the first part of our annual tradition, review the best Web Tips of the year.
On the Cusp of Tomorrow (Dec. 13, 2005)
By Steve Klein
Where print journalists find themselves on the eve of 2006.
Experimenting with Narrative: The Race To Save Mary Lynn (Dec. 8, 2005)
By Bill Mitchell
Curtis Krueger takes us behind the scenes of a serial narrative in six short parts.
Why Narrative Matters As Newspapers Struggle (Dec. 5, 2005)
By Bill Kirtz
Fairness, Immersion Journalism and more in a report from the 2005 Nieman Conference.
Knight Ridder Scenarios: A Reader's Guide (Dec. 2, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
Wall Street analyst Douglas Arthur says there is plenty of hidden value in Knight Ridder.
Bigfoot in the Newsroom (Dec. 1, 2005)
By Don Fry
Are you stepping all over stories and muddying them up with your prints?
November 2005
You Think You're Overworked? (Nov. 27)
By Roy Peter Clark
Check out Lucy Morgan's original job description.
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Dirk Shadd/St. Petersburg Times
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All About the Passion (Nov. 23)
By Butch Ward
Ten journalists on the stories that have driven -- and affirmed -- their devotion to their work.
Leaving Fingerprints: Inside the Police Beat (Nov. 19)
By Meg Martin
Rookies and veterans talk about cultivating sources, working the system and more.
Rethinking the Multimedia Experience (Nov. 16)
By Elizabeth A. Ferris
Dozens of students from the U.S., Chile and Spain work with an international faculty on photo choices, audio editing, infographic design and more.
As Blogs and Citizen Journalism Grow, Where's the News? (Nov. 14)
By Rick Edmonds
Citizen-generated content has a significant role to fill in the dissemination of information. But they won't replace traditional media. PLUS:
Steve Outing on paying citizen journalists.
Covering the End of Life: Tips & Resources (Nov. 10)
By Kelly McBride
What journalists need to know: basic information, reporting skills and finding stories.
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Photo courtesy of Butch Ward
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Embracing Difference at Home (Nov. 7, 2005)
By Butch Ward
A father writes to his daughter about race, her Philadelphia childhood and his journey as a parent.
The Next Bad Thing? More Circulation Woes (Nov. 3, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
More circulation losses are expected in Monday's report, but there's some reason for hope online.
Major Shareholder Suggests Sale of Knight Ridder (Nov. 2, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
Second and third biggest shareholders join push for sale, Mercury News reports a "poison-pill," and company promises a response.
Covering Race: Back to the Future (Nov. 1, 2005)
By Aly Colσn
Three journalists discover that covering racial issues in America after Katrina means looking beyond the habits of the past and exploring the possibilities for the future.
October 2005
On the Executive Course (Oct. 27, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
The Wall Street Journal's Mark Maremont talks about covering corporate privilege.
From Globe to Phoenix: Getting My Voice Back (Oct. 26, 2005)
By Mark Jurkowitz
Mark Jurkowitz on his move from New England's biggest daily to Boston's scrappiest weekly.
NaplesNews.com: What They Did (Oct. 24, 2005)
By Meg Martin
In a hurricane, preparation can only go so far.
PLUS:
A full list of reports from Naples.
Passion is the Payoff for Aspiring Journalists (Oct. 19, 2005)
By Joe Grimm
Newcomers are dedicated, but is the industry ready for them?
Meet Your New Boss, Same as the Old Boss? (Oct. 18, 2005)
By John Cutter
Talkin' 'bout his generation: A Baby Boomer helps Gen-Y journalists understand their bosses.
My Swerving, Sanitary Journey in Journalism (Oct. 17, 2005)
By Alex Runner
The ins and outs of covering brushes, brooms and mops.
Journalists Respond to NYT's Story of Judith Miller's Role in Plame Investigation (Oct. 16, 2005)
By Jim Romenesko
All the developments, from Novak's 2003 column through Cooper's testimony to the most recent events. PLUS:
A state-by-state shield law guide.
Complaints, Customer Service and Journalism (Oct. 13, 2005)
By Scott M. Libin
What newsrooms can learn from the service industries. PLUS:
How to enrich your role in the community by including readers in your newsroom's development and editorial process.
Calvin and Hobbes, All Over Again (Oct. 11, 2005)
By Gregory Favre
As two old friends make a return visit, take a stroll down memory lane through the funny pages.
Going Home (Oct. 7, 2005)
By Keith M. Woods
A journey back to New Orleans as a journalist, a brother and a native son. PLUS:
A Mississippi native reflects on his recovering community.
Let's Breathe Some New Life Into Obituaries (Oct. 5, 2005)
By Steve Outing
A father dies and a son confronts the reality -- and possibilities -- of news obituaries.
Return of the Sob Story (Oct. 4, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
Boo-hooing through hurricane recovery: news as an opportunity for news organizations to provide a salve for their viewers.
Breaking News Coverage Resources: Bush Picks Miers for High Court (Oct. 3, 2005)
By Al Tompkins
Bio, background, profiles and more -- resources for covering President Bush's latest Supreme Court nominee.
September 2005
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Anne Van Wagener/The Poynter Institute
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Getting Information Where the Sun Don't Shine (Sept. 28, 2005)
By Butch Ward
If sunlight is the best disinfectant, here's how some journalists are faring in the unlit corners.
Our Complex Media Day (Sept. 26, 2005)
By Howard I. Finberg
How much time do people really spend with television, computers, newspapers and other media? A new study, based on observations rather than recollections, has some answers, including information on multi-tasking and usage by day of the week.
Special Edition of Al's Morning Meeting: Hurricane Rita (Sept. 24, 2005)
By Al Tompkins
Cool coverage and citizens with cameras... Post-storm injuries... Power issues... Damaged plants... Pet plans... Gridlock part two.
Journalism on the Border: Preparing for Rita (Sept. 23, 2005)
By Poynter staff
Editors at The Beaumont Enterprise and Shreveport Times share hurricane coverage tips and more.
The ASAP Generation? (Sept. 21, 2005)
By Meghan Martin
How 18- to 34-year-olds want their news, how some are getting it, and where The Associated Press's new service fits in. PLUS: Another product debuts -- one reader responds to the new WSJ Weekend Edition.
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Anne Van Wagener/The Poynter Institute
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The Pathology of Apology (Sept. 19, 2005)
By Scott Libin
Being a good leader means knowing when -- and how -- to say "I'm sorry."
Keeping Journalists Safer: What Can Be Done (Sept. 15, 2005)
By Sahm Venter
A South African journalist says it's time to reconsider a five-year-old policy.
Handling Trauma: Journalists Share Their Experiences (Sept. 13, 2005)
By Joe Grimm
From car accidents to elections to hurricanes, dealing with stress on the job.
Staying Safe While Covering Katrina (Sept. 9, 2005)
By Kenneth F. Irby
New York Times photographer Vincent Laforet and others offer tips for journalists in New Orleans.
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Eric Gay/Associated Press
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FEMA: Photo Request "Not a Directive" (Sept. 8, 2005)
By Meghan Martin
The agency says it hopes journalists will not show dead bodies in coverage of Hurricane Katrina but has no policy banning photojournalists from taking pictures of them.
Hurricane Katrina and "Anti-Looting" (Sept. 7, 2005)
By Bryan Monroe
Read some unreported stories from Biloxi, Mississippi. PLUS: Refugees, riots, and evacuees: Who decides?
Hurricanes: The Ultimate Environmental Disaster (Sept. 6, 2005)
By Bill Kovarik
Your primer on water contamination, infrastructure issues and other information to help you cover Katrina and your own community.
American Leviathan (September 4, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
How can journalists produce coverage of looters (and more) that restores the social contract that binds us together?
Katrina Photos: A Gallery & Notes from Photo Editors (September 3, 2005)
By Kenny Irby
A managing editor of The Times-Picayune describes the challenges presented by "the biggest story ever." PLUS: Best Practices: Images of Disaster and How They Were Captured
Covering Katrina: About As Bad As Bad Can Be (September 2, 2005)
By Bill Mitchell
A managing editor of The Times-Picayune describes the challenges presented by "the biggest story ever."
Media Converge on LSU Campus (September 1, 2005)
By Jill Geisler
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, displaced media organizations left New Orleans to set up operations on LSU's Baton Rouge campus.
August 2005
Journalism in Recovering Communities: Lessons from Grand Forks (August 31, 2005)
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(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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By Butch Ward
Herald editor and publisher Mike Jacobs talks about how healing from the 1997 floods affected his newspaper's coverage and community.
Where Are Those High-Tech Miracles Now? (August 30, 2005)
By Gregory Favre
A veteran editor waits for news of his family and his hometown.
Boomer Bosses, Meet Your New Employees (August 25, 2006)
By Jill Geisler
How managers can bridge the generation gap. PLUS: A Gen Y journalist introduces herself.
Journalism Basics: More than Bread on the Shelf (August 23, 2005)
By Karen Brown Dunlap
Back to school -- and back to the value and values of journalism.
Writing as Magic: It Only Looks Easy (August 18, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
A conversation about narrative with the Chicago Tribune's Kevin Pang.
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Larry D. Larsen/The Poynter Institute
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Nicknames & Mascots: Complicity in Bigotry (August 16, 2005)
By Keith M. Woods
Tradition of a people should count for more than traditional coverage.
Jennings Exemplified the Anchor as Leader (August 12, 2005)
By Scott M. Libin
What one broadcast journalist learned about TV anchors from Peter Jennings.
Making Journalism Your Mission (August 9, 2005)
By Thomas T. Huang
Developing a road map for your career.
What Lies Beneath: The Iceberg Theory of Writing (August 4, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
Why writers need to remember the Titanic.
Taking Sides: More Than 500 Journalists Support DeFede (August 3, 2005)
By Meg Martin
Backers of the fired columnist petition The Miami Herald.
DeFede and Beyond: Second-Chance Ethics (August 1, 2005)
By Aly Colon
Could zero tolerance of ethical lapses result in an increase in righteousness, but not an increase in credibility? PLUS: Think before you record and a taping checklist.
July 2005
"The Sound on the Page:" An Interview with Ben Yagoda (July 27, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
A conversation about style and voice.
EPIC 2014: The Future is Now (July 21, 2005)
By Matt Thompson and Robin Sloan
The origins and evolution of Googlezon, Newsbotster and more.
Covering Judge Roberts: Poynter Tips (July 19, 2005)
By Meghan Martin
Poynter faculty offer advice on the language, the images, the ethics -- and the blogging -- of the high court nomination.
Angels and Ghosts: Anatomy of a Story (July 14, 2005)
By Diana Sugg
Confronting the frightening power and unspoken fears of the story only you can do
How Good is Your Word? (July 12, 2005)
By Butch Ward
Recent cases highlight the need for journalists -- and their bosses and sources -- to get clear about just what they mean when granting anonymity to a source.
Shoulder to Shoulder: The Art and Chaos of Collaboration (July 8, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan collaborated to win a Pulitzer, raise two kids, and write a book.
NYT's Miller Goes to Jail, Time's Cooper Goes Free (July 6, 2005)
By Poynter faculty and staff
Transcript of NYT executive editor Keller's remarks, Bob Steele's thoughts on the decision and other resources PLUS: Review Romenesko coverage from the beginning (2003-2005)
The Duh! in Diversity (July 1, 2005)
By Keith M. Woods
Ethnic media and the future of newspapers.
June 2005
Right Cub, Right Newsroom (June 29, 2005)
By Kelly McBride
Whether you're looking to hire or looking for a job, here are some tips for checking fit before it's too late.
Trouble on the Top Line (June 27, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
Growth, not higher profit margin, has become the focus for newspaper companies.
Leading Men, Leading Women, Leading Lines (June 24, 2005)
By Scott M. Libin
Movie quotes applied to life in the newsroom.
Allude at Your Own Risk (June 22, 2005)
By John Early McIntyre
In an age of cultural fragmentation, how much can a writer assume about readers' knowledge?
Newspaper Company CEOs Have a Lot of Explaining to Do (June 20, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
The outlook for newspaper businesses.
Readers: Anonymous Sources Affect Media Credibility (June 17, 2005)
By Ryan Pitts
Readers offer guidelines for when and how to use unnamed sources.
Word Watch: Allegedly Innocent Suspects (June 16, 2005)
By Scott M. Libin
Imprecise language is a breeding ground for inaccuracy, and can be easily avoided.
The 11 Layers of Citizen Journalism (June 14, 2005)
By Steve Outing
A resource guide to help you figure out how to put this industry trend to work for you and your newsroom.
Beyond the Job: Act II on the Mekong (June 10, 2005)
By Michele McLellan
How I learned to relax and build a house on the Mekong River
Writing Sprints: Winning the Race (June 9, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
Learn how rituals can help you cross the finish line with more energy.
A Guide to Computer Assisted Reporting (June 7, 2005)
By Pat Stith
Tips and tales of investigative journalism.
Watchdog Culture: Why You Need It, How You Can Build It (June 3, 2005)
By Butch Ward
Top news execs pursue answers to seven key questions pegged to creating a watchdog culture.
Oral History: How Deep Throat Changed America (June 1, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
In 1972, the year of the Watergate break-in, a hard-core pornographic film opened at the New Mature World Theater in New York City. Journalism and sexual culture in America have never been the same.
May 2005
The Bowden Method: Reconstructing the Narrative (May 31, 2005)
By Curtis Krueger
The master of the historical tick-tock spoke at Poynter last week and described what it takes to tackle big projects -- and how revisiting sources can make all the difference.
The Pipeline Issue: Are J-School Grads Prepared to Meet Industry Needs? (May 26, 2005)
By Howard Finberg
A new report -- and new initiative -- respond.
Weather Reporting as Beat Journalism (May 25, 2005)
By Scott Libin
Conditions are ideal for the best & worst of local TV news.
How Well Are You Leading? How Well Do You Know? (May 23, 2005)
By Jill Geisler
Thirteen questions to help you assess what others think are your strengths and weaknesses.
Red Light, Green Light: A Plea For Balance in Media Ethics (May 18, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
In newsrooms across the country, from Sacramento to Detroit to New York City, ethical issues are heating up. Can you read the signals?
Between Apology and Retraction (May 16, 2005)
By Scott M. Libin
Newsweek and the danger of anonymous sources.
Free Press's Albom Probe Finds Problems With Attribution (May 16, 2005)
By Poynter faculty and staff
After looking at 600 columns, the paper says in some cases sources were not properly credited.
"All Eyes Are On...": Broadcast Writing Clichιs (May 12, 2005)
By Mervin Block
Using a tired phrase can give viewers eye strain.
Family Feud at Nieman Reunion (May 10, 2005)
By Molly Sinclair McCartney
A controversy over a seminar planned for Chinese government officials provokes protest from visiting former Niemans.
Beyond Stereotypes: Untold Stories for Any Beat (May 6, 2005)
By Elizabeth J. Carr
About one in five Americans has a disability. How well are you telling their stories?
When the Reporter is Part of the Story (May 4, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
Mirta Ojito explains what she learned while writing a memoir of her exodus from Cuba.
In Other Words: Erasing Ambiguity (May 2, 2005)
By Scott M. Libin
Erase ambiguity. Define terms like "breaking news" and "exclusive" so that everyone knows what they mean.
April 2005
The Censorship Generation? (April 29, 2005)
By Warren Watson
When ignorance is dangerous, and what parents, schools and journalists can do about it.
The March of the Tabloids (April 26, 2005)
By Mario Garcia
The impact of "the compact."
Happy Anniversary, Morning Meeting! (April 25, 2005)
By Poynter Staff
Poynter's Al Tompkins marks four years of providing daily story ideas.
So Many Headlines... (April 21, 2005)
By Christopher S. Smith
What's it take to hit the mark? An editor examines dozens of heads in search of answers.
Advice from a National Writers Workshop (April 19, 2005)
By Bill Kirtz
William Ketter, Tom French, Sebastian Junger and others share their tips for top storytelling.
Covering Teen Suicide: One Paper's Decision (April 15, 2005)
By Barbara Walsh
Choice of details critical in minimizing harm.
How Profit Became King (April 13, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
Two new books by Knight Ridder veterans examine how the company -- and the industry -- demoted journalism from first to second among their priorities.
Poynter, Knight Launch Online Training Portal (April 12, 2005)
By Joe Grimm
An interview with Poynter's Howard Finberg about the training available through News University's e-learning courses.
An Interview With ASNE's Incoming President (April 7, 2005)
By Gregory Favre
The Sacramento Bee's Rick Rodriguez on what he hopes to accomplish during his term.
The Eye of the Pulitzer Storm (April 5, 2005)
By Roy Harris
The announcements made in the World Room of Columbia University's Journalism building spark celebrations in newsrooms around the country.
The Page One Pope: A Legacy of Questions (April 2, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
Questions to consider as you report on the life and death of Pope John Paul II.
Prizes and Rumors of Prizes (April 1, 2005)
By Roy Harris
In journalism's version of March Madness, the annual rite of naming Pulitzer finalists stirs an ethical debate.
March 2005
Reading Terri Schiavo (March 31, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
We see ourselves and our own mortality in Terri Schiavo's death and in her life story.
Looking Like a Local, But Being an Outsider (March 30, 2005)
By Mark Boswell
A Star Tribune visual journalist finds himself reporting in familiar -- yet unfamiliar -- territory.
Writing Tool #50: The Writing Process (March 29, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
This last tool in the toolbox helps you demystify the writing process and map out a series of rational steps you can follow when things go wrong.
Network Newswriting That's Snoozewriting (March 28, 2005)
By Mervin Block
Writers leading with there is are sleepy, and they make listeners yawn.
Schiavo Case a Chance for Journalists to Lead (March 23, 2005)
By Kelly McBride
A story that defies simple answers offers hope for real conversation.
Time to Step Up: What Are You Willing to Risk? (March 21, 2005)
By Keith Woods
If insisting on diverse newsrooms gets him branded a liberal, Poynter's dean says: "Then call me a liberal." In a speech accepting the Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity Award, he says: "This is not a time for resting."
Performance Under Pressure (March 16, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
Athletes under pressure model good behavior for writers to follow.
State of the Media 2005: New Roles for News (March 14, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
Second annual study punctures some myths, confirms some patterns and envisions some trends.
Performance Under Pressure (March 8, 2005)
By Chip Scanlan
Sally Jenkins talks about what sports can teach us about writing.
In Search Of: The Best Online Reading Experience (March 4, 2005)
By Sara Quinn
Exploring the future of on-screen type, including 8 things you can do to improve readability and a preview of 6 new fonts.
Beyond Cures, Breakthroughs, & News Releases: Covering Health & Medicine (March 1, 2005)
By Gary Schwitzer
Words to avoid and stories to tell when covering medical news.
February 2005
Out of Balance: Poynter Survey Reveals Journalists' Pressure Points (Feb. 24, 2005)
By Jill Geisler
How journalists are balancing life inside and outside the newsroom. PLUS: Media execs respond
Hundreds Enter ASNE Competition, Few Win, Many Are Worth a Look (Feb. 21, 2005)
By Elizabeth J. Carr & Vicki Krueger
After processing almost 600 entries to the ASNE awards, we highlight some that caught our eye.
RSS for Journalists (Feb. 16, 2005)
By Jonathan Dube
A primer on what the technology is and how to use it in your life as a journalist.
News Leaders Debate: Building Audience with Blogs (Feb. 14, 2005)
By Julie M. Moos
Whose voices are missing from traditional reports? Could weblogs add them to the conversation? News leaders respond.
Lou Loved A Good Story (Feb. 10, 2005)
By Butch Ward
Remembering those who inspire good journalism, and what they can teach us.
Ten Things Copy Editors Want from Line Editors (Feb. 8, 2005)
By Bob Baker
...And what line editors want from copy editors.
Upholding Editing (Feb. 4, 2005)
By John Early McIntyre
ACES is working to improve the relationship between editors and copy editors.
A Tribute to Stephen Buckley (Feb. 2, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
A teacher remembers how it all started.
January 2005
High School Editor Heads Off Campus For First Amendment Rights (Jan. 31, 2005)
By Elizabeth J. Carr
In Oregon, a student starts his own paper free of school control. Nationally, a new study finds widespread ignorance of First Amendment freedoms among high school students.
An Online Rescue for Newspapers? (Jan. 27, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
Not unless the pace of revenue growth -- already robust -- picks up.
Combining Forces for a Converged Investigation (Jan. 26, 2005)
By Al Tompkins
"FRONTLINE," the CBC, The New York Times, and U.C. Berkeley students are working together on a project about the war on terror.
Leading Beyond "Both Sides" (Jan. 24, 2005)
By Scott M. Libin
Warning signs of bipolar thinking and false dichotomies.
APME Survey: Readers Balance Compassion, Privacy When Considering Images (Jan. 21, 2005)
By Ryan Pitts
Readers talk about when and where graphic images are used in print.
Hunting Where the Ducks are Flying (Jan. 19, 2005)
By Bill Mitchell
An interview with John Robinson, editor of the Greensboro News & Record, a North Carolina newspaper that has seen its readers move online and is now following them there.
National Geographic's New Editor Offers A Visual Ray Of Hope (Jan. 15, 2005)
By Kenny Irby
Photojournalists face many challenges, but one newly appointed editor has a bright outlook on the future.
Narrative Chic & Kowtowing to the Bush Bashers (Jan. 12, 2005)
By Roy Peter Clark
Political keynote speeches inspire loud ovations, along with concerns about liberal media bias. PLUS: Nieman's Bob Giles responds.
CBS U: What Have You Learned? (Jan. 11, 2005)
By Jill Geisler
Fronting, prosecuting, sniping and other practices to examine in your newsroom.
Heyward Stays, Five Others Leave CBS "60 Minutes Wednesday" After Report Released (Jan. 10, 2005)
By Al Tompkins
Highlights from the report, a statement by Dan Rather and from his producer Mary Mapes, who said the decision to air the National Guard story was made by her CBS Superiors, including Andrew Heyward.
CBS Affiliates Await "60 Minutes II" Investigation Report (Jan. 7, 2005)
By Al Tompkins
Local TV stations are ready for the panel report on how unauthenticated documents found their way into Dan Rather's story. PLUS: Questions to consider as you read the report.
Taking Tsunami Coverage into Their Own Hands (Jan. 6, 2005)
By Steve Outing
The world turns to citizen journalists for eyewitness accounts and more as the crisis continues to unfold.
Help Wanted on the Religion Beat (Jan. 5, 2005)
By Julia Duin
A veteran religion reporter argues that bad hires -- or no hires -- are diminishing coverage.
Forecast 2005: For Newspapers, Competition Too Big to Ignore (Jan. 3, 2005)
By Rick Edmonds
How search engines are becoming the newspapers of the future and other predictions for the year to come.
