Change

A recent talk about a possible recession is scary! The dollar decreasing in value is crazy! The sudden increase in the foreclosure rate is insane! Government corruption is totally unacceptable!

The United States is a country who should progress rapidly and efficiently and not be detested by many foreign countries. But the more I read and see the animosity is still present. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and some might agree or disagree with mine; but, the facts are evident. The Bush administration has done a horrible job. For example, every time I think about the war in Iraq I get extremely angry and upset. How can we change another country when there is hunger and poverty in our own backyards? I understand we want to fix Iraq, but don’t you think we need to fix ourselves first. Approximately 490 billion dollars have been spent on the war in Iraq. War on terror or war for oil? Do you know what 490 billion dollars can do for our country? Perhaps, better the school systems; help towards the development of environment friendly sources of energy; healthcare for all…I can go on and on; but you get the point. Did you know that Halliburton’s Iraq contracts; a major oil company once operated by Dick Cheney is worth about 9.6 billion dollars? Ironic??? I’ll let you decide! This is just one example out of many that points towards the need for change.

So, is it time for change??? That is what the democratic candidates are emphasizing and I totally agree with them. “I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe,” expressed Senator Obama at one of his campaigns. Hillary Clinton is also utilizing the same concept in her campaigns. Her New Hampshire campaign was titled, “Change we need,” and in her speech she expressed, “I will bring my experience to the white house starting on day one. That’s right: Change our country.” I am not saying who to vote for because both candidates have good policies for change; but, what I am saying is go out there and vote. We need change in this country…its evident!

Clear and simple writing style

Many individuals tend to use big words and phrases to express the smallest and simplest idea. Some do it to sound very educated and others do it because its second nature. During class discussions, KISS-keep it simple stupid-is constantly emphasized because when writing for the mass media clarity is extremely important. According to Stovall, simplicity is the key to clarity, which is something that I have to learn. Henry Fowler wrote in Modern English usage, “that short words are not only handier to use but more powerful in effect; extra syllables reduce, not increase, vigour.”

So I now think back, this whole time I have been trying to impress readers by using big and complicated words. Do I feel stupid for not using simple words? Not at all! Stovall makes it very clear. A clear and simple writing style is something that has to be achieved through hard work and dedication. “Almost every writer uses too many words on occasion. Even the best writer needs to be edited.” I finally understand why brevity is one of the most important concepts of media writing. To be honest, I’m probably not even keeping it simple writing this blog-too many words here and there; but, you know what? This is something I am going to work at as time goes on. To master this style is on the top of my list. “I never write metropolis for seven cents because I can get the same price for city. I never write policemen because I can get the same money for cop,” said Mark Twain in regards to using simple words. Do you have a clear and simple writing style? If so, were you born with this gift or did you have to work at it?

Objectivity; journalism; controversy

It is evident that the concept of objectivity is a controversial one in the field of Journalism. Why is this so? Accuracy and clarity! In today’s society people look at the media as a reliable source to find accurate information and that is why accuracy is extremely important, perhaps the most important out of the two. In journalism people want the true story based on external reality and not written based on internal emotions. Is that why most newspapers have an opinion section? Maybe! Clarity is also important and must be a goal that a writer of mass media shouldn’t take lightly. According to Stovall, “facts that are unclearly presented are of little use to the reader,” a thought I definitely agree with. One who takes an initiative to write for the mass media should understand that they should not only be experts in the English language; but, understand the proper way of structuring a story.

In journalism and the mass media a strong sense of professionalism has increased. In this professionalism one must know what conventions and rules are acceptable for this specific medium, for example the inverted pyramid. If you read an article in any newspaper most likely the journalist wrote it using the inverted pyramid technique. I have learned that subjectivity is very rare in this form of writing. The most important information comes first and then you can get into specifics, which leaves little room for subjectivity and plenty of room for objectivity. When reading a news article I always want to read the facts. If I want to read any opinions I simply turn to the opinion section.

Style and Writing for the mass media

The meaning of the term style and its use in writing for the media is something I really didn’t think about until I had an interesting discussion with my class mates and professor. The professor went around the room and asked each and every one us what was our particular style in respects to writing. Many said they like to express themselves through poems; some through essays; others through music lyrics. I myself wasn’t too sure of what to say and said my particular style of writing is the persuasive type.

Yes, we all have our own unique style of writing, which is perfectly fine and acceptable. However, even though all of us have our own style of writing or still developing our own unique style, after the discussion, one main point was embedded in my mind: when writing for the media there are certain styles and rules that are appropriate for different forms of writing. Who can say it better than James Glen Stovall, who teaches mass communication at Emory and Henry College who expressed and illustrated in his book, Writing for the Mass Media, that “in media writing, style is the general orientation a writer has toward his or her work. Style is the set of conventions and assumptions underlying the writing and the generally accepted rules of writing and usage for a particular medium.” So, there you have it, words from a professional. Its ok to have your own style of writing, but remember two things: when writing for a particular medium there are specific conventions and rules that must be followed; and, the three most important rules in writing for the mass media are; “accuracy, brevity, and clarity!”