JOUR1111 WEEK 1 THE REAL DEAL...THE FACTS AND THE REST.

This week was our first week in the course Jour1111. It was a good introductory lecture. We were introduced to many new terms and definitons and given a general overview of the journalism world and what was to be expected throughout the course. We were given direction and guidance for all pieces of assessment and given ideas for creating and reporting.

I found the introduction and first week eye-opening and an open invitation to write and explore and learn as we immerse ourselves in the readings and take note of Bruce's words of wisdom and years of experience in both the tute's and lectures.

Please excuse my late post. I have had major difficulty with creating accounts  and discovering the world of blogging and have only now been able to properly access and create my account and posts. My apologies.

This week was our first week in the course Jour1111 and today was our first day of jour1111. We were introduced to many new concepts and themes, many of which I had never heard of before, but found it interesting to say the least. We were given direction and guidance for all pieces of assessment and given a variety of wonderful ideas for creating and reporting. 

I believe the course will be both challenging and rewarding as we embrace the world of journalism and prepare to conquer the world, as we express our opinions, collaboprate on current and up-coming issues and trends in the media and seek to know more and learn more about journalism. In addition to this, learning about and embracing the media, one story at a time.

We discussed broadly the basics of journalism. Some key points included...

·       What is Journalism / Communication?

·       􀂃Who are we?

·       What will we be discussing/covering

·       What does journalism look like?

·       How can I think like a journalist?

·       Current challenges

·       Course documents
Thus, these points make it evident that establishing and displaying excellent journalism and communication skills are key to success, both academically and professionally.

Quotes which stood out to me, which so broadly described the journalism world included these, just to mention a few..

“People may expect too much of journalism. Not only do they expect it to be entertaining, they expect it to be true.”

Lewis H. Lapham

Editor –Harper’s Magazine


This is wonderfully humorous but ideally is not a relistic description of what good reporting is, as it should always be true and factual.

“I know of no human being who has a better time than an eager

and energetic young reporter.”

H.L. Mencken, journalist / social critic


This embodies a way of being and expresses an enthusiasm I admire and aspire to.

A picture represents the above quote. It also transcends words and creates a journalistic imagery. It is from Dr Redman’s slides.

“Journalism is the first rough draft of history.”

Philip Graham 


Publisher, The Washington Post

I chose this quote because it presents truth, facts and reality, while at the same time painting an idealistic expression of the fast-paced excitement journalism entail when chasing a story and being on the job.

I’ve learnt so much already since starting the course, diving into the readings and really getting involved with all that is offered on campus. I’m looking forward to learning more and what is to come in introduction to journalism and communication. Personally, I like the idea of what a career in journalism offers-professionalism while doing what you love. I hope I can expand my creativity and love of writing during this course.

“Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph and the signs of horror are still in the air.”

Henry Anatole Grunwald Journalist / Editor / Diplomat

This is another quote which spoke depths to me about the call of journalism and commitment to the truth. Additionally, the quote spurred me on to further research about journalism having a voice and the voice of the journalist as an individual. This research will be included through out the blog as a means and key to freedom of rights, ethics, speech and responsibilities as a whole. Further through out the blog, I would like to incorporate Rupert Murdoch, his organisation Newscorp and the enormous impact this media conglomerate has on media structure, both on a world-wide and national scale.

These quotes I felt embodied the world of journalism and all it cries out to achieve for society and the world.

additionally, the quotes I felt were insightful and went a long way towards being descriptive of the type of coursre and direction journalism takes. The quotes were deep, yet encouraging and notified us of developments, providing insight into the journalism profession. 

 

I found the introduction and first week eye-opening and an open invitation to write and explore and learn as we immerse ourselves in the readings and take note of Bruce's words of wisdom in both the tute's and lectures. I found the quotes he included particularly insightful and descriptive, indicative of the journalism industry.

“Generally speaking, the best people nowadays go into journalism, the second best into business, the rubbish into politics and the shi*s into law.”

Auberon Waugh

British Journalist / Author


Although this quote was confornting, I found it wonderfully refreshing and brash, clearly ignoring public opinion and stating a strong opinion, which I found encourgaing and challenging both personally, professionally and academically.


Obviously, not being afraid to say what one thinks and having no fear of public approval or opinion are equally a propellant towards success and stronger reporting. As a journalist,the audience need to feel they can trust you. Building rapport with audience is key

Needless to say, this was both the truest and my most favourite quote. Need there be more motivation to continue with a journalism degree. The achievement and satisfaction which come from a good story, only increases as our undertsnaidng and knowledge of the talent and skills necessary to create wonderful pieces of writing are refined and increased week by week.