Friday, March 13, 2009

I need YOUR advice!!!

Happy Friday! OK..I need advice. I'm working on an economical story that will air March 26th. It's about job shifting but I have a different angle.
My Central character is Cole McCollum. He was a banker working with a major firm doing the typical corporate 9-5 job. He got sick of it..and even though it wasnt the best idea to make a bold move while the economy was bad, he quit. He started doing construction and realized he loved it. Eventually he and his business partner Jason started their own construction business. It's doing great. ALSO he and his wife opened their own daycare. An interesting fact about this is every move made in that day care is on camera, and parents can log into a website at all times of day to watch their kids.
So far I have he and his wife interviewed, a parent from the daycare, and footage of the daycare and some construction he's done. I also have some pictures of him from his banking days. Also have small business statistics for graphics and stuff like that.
So here's what I need from YOU. This is A LOT of information. What parts are interesting and what don't you care about? What else would you like to know? Are you interested in his advice for small business owners? PLEASE let me know what you think ASAP! Thanks you bloggers!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Journalist's Creed



I believe in the profession of journalism.

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one's own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends.

I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

I believe that the journalism which succeeds best -- and best deserves success -- fears God and honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world.

- Walter Williams

Perks of Missouri Journalism


One of the perks of Missouri Journalism is having famous graduates. One night last week after working at KOMU I was dragged to Harpos by my room mates. Shortly after being there I was introduced to Major Garrett, Senior White House corespondent for Fox News! I picked his brain for two hours about journalism today, technology, and more importantly..job hunting. Although Mr. Garrett's situation is some what rare..he graduated with a news editorial degree and went straight to network for his first job. VERY rare. The next morning I gave him a tour of the station I currently report at and he was so impressed with our equipment, he said he wouldn't have switched to news ed from broadcast if they could work with what he have today. It was an excellent experience and much needed since I graduate in 70 days and have no idea what I'm doing. It was also nice to get a ton of positive feedback about the business since all were told as journalists is how impossible it is to find jobs in this rough economy. It's so easy to get down and out, so meeting Major was the sign I needed to keep forging ahead!!!