2010 TCCJA CONTEST CATEGORIES AND RULES
Below are contest categories and rules for this year’s TCCJA contests. Please review carefully, and mail(first class or priority) your contest entries to me on or before JUNE 15. If you will include a postcard, I will mail it back to you, or, even better, send them by certified mail.
Submit entries as TEAR SHEETS. Mark each entry with a red check mark and be sure to include jumps. Identify each entry (school ID, name of student, name of entry) with a label on the FRONT of the entry. Please also include a master list of all contest entries you are sending, along with a letter from the adviser stating the entries are student work.. You may submit up to TWO entries in each newspaper and magazine category, unless otherwise specified. There is no need to send more than 1 set of entries.
Contests must have at least FIVE entries to be considered viable. One can never predict judges; so, enter as many contests as you can.—you may win first place!
NOTE: SEND ALL CONTEST ENTRIES VIA CERTIFIED MAIL…
NAMES: Be sure names are spelled correctly and are TYPED.
Send entries to:
TCCJA Executive Director
Texas State University-San Marcos
601 University Drive, Trinity Building 107
San Marcos, Texas 78666
NEWSPAPER CATEGORIES (BOTH DIVISION I AND DIVISION II)
1. News writing
2. In-Depth or Investigative (may be a series)
3. Feature Writing
4. Sports (news)
5. Sports (feature)
6. Column (any subject)
7. Editorial
8. News Photo
9. Feature Photo
10. Sports Photo
11. Sports Action Photo (new category)
12. Picture Page or Panel
13. Layout and Design
14. Headline writing (submit entire issue)
15. Cartoon
16. Advertising (Single Ad)
17. General Excellence (submit three issues)
MAGAZINE CATEGORIES (NO DIVISIONS)
1. Cover Design
2. Photography
3. Layout and Design
4. Non-photographic Illustration
5. Journalism Story
6. Non-Journalism Story
7. Overall Excellence
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Non-photographic illustration
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
TCCJA Magazine Photography
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
TIPA Contest Tip Index
- General Rules - Photography
- Copy Editing
- Critical Review
- Editorial Cartoon
- Editorial Writing
- Feature Photography
- Feature Writing
- Headline Writing
- Magazine Design
- News Action Photography
- Newspaper Ad Copy and Design
- Newspaper Front Page Design
- Print News Writing
- Print Sports Writing
- Public Relations Release Writing
- Radio News Writing
- Spanish News Writing
- Sports Action Photography
- Television News Writing
- Two-Person Photo Essay
- Yearbook Design
Contest tips - Yearbook Design
TIPA Rules
Deadline is one hour. Contestants will design and paste-up a (9 x 12-inch) two-page spread, edit
a story/stories, write headlines, choose and crop photographs, paste-up copy blocks, caption
blocks, photo windows and any of the graphic elements that will work with the design. All
printing instructions must be printed legibly using commonly accepted terminology.
Criteria: Story judgment, headline balance, use of photos, use of graphics,
use of tint blocks, use of borders, use of color, readability of pages, spatial arrangement (design)
and simplicity.
Materials needed: Contestants should bring a pair of scissors, a black ballpoint pen, a ruler and a glue stick or double-sticky tape.
Deadline is one hour. Contestants will design and paste-up a (9 x 12-inch) two-page spread, edit
a story/stories, write headlines, choose and crop photographs, paste-up copy blocks, caption
blocks, photo windows and any of the graphic elements that will work with the design. All
printing instructions must be printed legibly using commonly accepted terminology.
Criteria: Story judgment, headline balance, use of photos, use of graphics,
use of tint blocks, use of borders, use of color, readability of pages, spatial arrangement (design)
and simplicity.
Materials needed: Contestants should bring a pair of scissors, a black ballpoint pen, a ruler and a glue stick or double-sticky tape.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Contest tips - Print Sports Writing
TIPA Rules
Print Sports Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
The sports contest will involve a tour of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Rules, guidelines and what is permissible are being dictated by the folks at the stadium -- not TIPA.
So, we have to abide by their rules. Anyone -- not abiding by their rules will not be permitted to participate.
There will be no leeway, no exceptions, no excuses.
Notice - Contestants should do advanced research about the stadium. Information about the Cowboys' new home will not be disseminated at the preliminary meeting, which will be at noon at the hotel. Since advanced notice is being given about the contest, contestants will have plenty of time to compile information about the stadium.
Also, all contestants should consider eating something prior to boarding the bus. No lunch is included in this contest. No refreshments or lunch will be served at the stadium.
Below is the information directly from the site administrators that TIPA is to follow:
Contestants MUST wear Durable work-type shoes.
Shoes must cover foot completely, have sturdy soles, and no stiletto type heels. Tennis shoes are not acceptable; thus, sandals are not acceptable.
* SHORTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AS FAR AS DRESS IS CONCERN
*An escort will come and meet you and provide you with a hard hat,
safety glasses and a safety vest.
Criteria: Lead, story organization, fairness and balance, identification and attribution, accuracy, readability, length of story (not wordy), human interest, news value.
TIPA 2009 Winning Entries
1st Place
Print Sports Writing
By Keith MacPherson
University of North Texas
Cowboy fans rejoice. The new home of the Dallas Cowboys is only months away.
The new Cowboys football stadium is inline with construction plans and is scheduled to be finished by June 6 when country music star George Strait visits for a concert, said Brett
Daniels, director of corporate communications.
In November 2004, Arlington voters approved a measure that uses $325 million of taxpayer money to help Cowboys owner Jerry Jones finance the $1 billion project.
The stadium will seat 80,000 fans but can be extended upwards to hold 100,000 for special events such as the Final Four and the Super Bowl.
The stadium will feature a video board hung in the center of the stadium that stretches 60
yards wide and 24 yards in height.
“This will be like nothing at any other stadium in the world,” Daniels said. “Fans from
anywhere in the stadium will be able to see replays that are almost as big as the football
field itself.”
Another key feature in the new stadium is a retractable roof. The stadium will still have the
iconic “hole in the roof” that Texas Stadium had, but two bi‐parting mechanized roof panels
will now be able to slide over the hole to shield fans from the weather extremities that
accompany North Texas.
“One of the first things the Jones family were concerned about was keeping the hole in the
roof,” Daniels said. “That has been a symbol of the Cowboys for years and Mr. Jones wanted
to retain that image.”
A main concern for Arlington residents has been the traffic that the Cowboys will bring to
the area during game day, but Cowboys’ spokesperson Daniel Rojas said that the organization has been working to prevent any problems.
“This stadium will have 11 ways out as opposed to the four that the other one had,” he said.
“We also plan on having a Web site that fans can enter their zip code in and find the best route to the stadium.”
The new home of the Cowboys sits blocks away from the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and
the organization plans to share parking with the Texas Rangers in addition to its 83 acres of
parking lot.
In addition to the George Strait concert, the stadium will host a number of different events
including a Jonas Brothers concert, two soccer games, and five college football games.
Construction for the stadium began in April 2006 and minor construction details such as
locker rooms and concessions won’t be finished until this fall, but once the stadium opens
Daniels said it will be a sight to behold.
“The Cowboys have won five Super Bowls, but this will only be the third stadium they have
played in,” he said. “This is something special … the Cowboys wanted something different
than everybody else’s stadium, and they certainly got it.”
2nd Place
Print Sports Writing
By Jaime Gonzalez
Texas A&MKingsville
DALLAS – God can still watch the Dallas Cowboys.
“The hole is the same size as the one in Texas Stadium,” Brett Daniels, director of
corporate communications for the Dallas Cowboys, said of the iconic feature of the Irving,
and now Arlington, stadiums.
Despite the move from Texas Stadium to their new stadium in Arlington, the team
made sure the distinctive look made the move.
Even with a bi‐parting retractable roof, the area where the hole is will still allow
light to enter the arena.
On top of the last row is another frame of windows that will also allow light to enter.
According to Daniels, that was done to protect spectators from the blistering Texas
heat but to avoid the dim lighting that sometimes accompanies a domed structure.
With the exception of the famed “hole in the roof”, the stadium’s features are
something the Cowboys, or the rest of the world for that matter, have never seen.
The stadium is the longest single‐span roof structure in the world and when the roof
is closed will be the largest enclosed NFL stadium.
The stadium will also be the first to have a center‐hung video board above the
playing field.
The video board will be hung 110 feet about the field and will have video on all four
sides angled towards the stands for optimal viewing.
“The video board was placed to avoid kickoffs,” Daniels added.
He conceded that kickoffs could still hit the video boards but would only be likely if
somebody were deliberately trying to hit it.
Construction on the stadium began in April 2006.
“It’s been 36 months of construction up to this point,” Daniels said.
The total cost of construction is $1.1 billion with $325 million coming from the city
of Arlington, who are the owners of the stadium and have a long‐term lease agreement with
the Cowboys.
“It’s not a burden to the public,” Daniels said on the cost of the facility.
Their will still be minor work done on the stadium throughout the late summer and
fall, but it is expected to be ready for its opening event, a George Strait concert on June 6.
Along with being home to the Cowboys, the stadium will also be home to
international soccer matches, basketball and college football games.
The Oklahoma Sooners and Brigham Young Cougars will play the first football game
in the stadium Labor Day weekend.
The Big 12 championship and Cotton Bowl will also be played in the facility.
The stadium is already scheduled to be home to future Super Bowls and NCAA
basketball Final Fours as well.
3rd Place
Print Sports Writing
By Rob Boscamp
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Cowboy Countdown
New Stadium Nearing Completion
ARLINGTON—Set your watches, Arlington. You are now officially on the Cowboy
Countdown.
Director of Corporate Communications Brett Daniels announced that the new Dallas
Cowboys Stadium was nearly 60 days from completion. The $1.1 billion yet‐to‐be‐named
stadium will finally be put to the test with its first event in June, a country music show
featuring George Strait, Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton.
Daniels stated that stadium construction would be finished shortly after the George
Strait concert. Daniels also mentioned that the 2,000 construction workers finishing up the
building will soon shift from two shifts daily to a 24‐hour period to ensure the stadium is
completed on time.
Most of the work left to be done includes the seating and suites surrounding the
80,000‐plus stadium. Daniels did ensure that the stadium would be ready for the Cowboys’
preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 21.
As Cowboy fans walk into the new stadium, they will immediately notice the
homage to the team’s former home, Texas Stadium, which is set to be demolished early
next year. The stadium features a hole in the roof, similar in both size and shape to Texas
Stadium’s. The only difference between the stadiums is that the new Cowboys’ building will
have the option of a retractable roof to cover the hole.
“We wanted to try and replicate some of [the tradition],” said Daniels. “It took over
38 years to build that up … [we] wanted to carry it over into the [new] building.”
Along with paying tribute to past legends, the new Cowboys Stadium looks to
become a legend in its own right. Ninety feet above the center of the stadium is a 300,000‐
pound video system. The four screen system features two video screens facing the end
zones, both about 53 feet tall and 30 feet wide.
Meanwhile, the boards facing the sidelines stand at 160 feet wide with a 71‐foot
height (11,393 square feet). Once the screens have been installed in the stadium, Mitsubishi
will nominate the massive video screens for the Guinness Book of World Records’ largest
scoreboard, an honor currently held by the Tokyo Race Course in Japan (8,066 square feet).
The stadium will also feature two retractable end zone doors measuring 120 feet
height and 180 feet wide, making them the largest in the world. Each door is broken up into
five 38‐foot panels that can be opened to provide air circulation during both sporting and
non‐sporting events.
The new Dallas Cowboys Stadium will begin tours for the general public starting
June 26. Other opportunities to see the new stadium include the Barbara Jordan Media
Awards Luncheon on June 12 and the Jonas Brothers’ tour kick‐off (June 20).
Other confirmed events for the stadium include several NCAA football matchups.
BYU and Oklahoma will square off in the building’s first‐ever college football game. Other
notable events include the stadium’s first college basketball game, which will feature North
Carolina and Texas squaring off. The new stadium will also host the 2009 CONCACAF Gold
Cup, the 2010 NBA All‐Star Game, Super Bowl XLV, and the NCAA Final Four in 2014.
Print Sports Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
The sports contest will involve a tour of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Rules, guidelines and what is permissible are being dictated by the folks at the stadium -- not TIPA.
So, we have to abide by their rules. Anyone -- not abiding by their rules will not be permitted to participate.
There will be no leeway, no exceptions, no excuses.
Notice - Contestants should do advanced research about the stadium. Information about the Cowboys' new home will not be disseminated at the preliminary meeting, which will be at noon at the hotel. Since advanced notice is being given about the contest, contestants will have plenty of time to compile information about the stadium.
Also, all contestants should consider eating something prior to boarding the bus. No lunch is included in this contest. No refreshments or lunch will be served at the stadium.
Below is the information directly from the site administrators that TIPA is to follow:
Contestants MUST wear Durable work-type shoes.
Shoes must cover foot completely, have sturdy soles, and no stiletto type heels. Tennis shoes are not acceptable; thus, sandals are not acceptable.
* SHORTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AS FAR AS DRESS IS CONCERN
*An escort will come and meet you and provide you with a hard hat,
safety glasses and a safety vest.
Criteria: Lead, story organization, fairness and balance, identification and attribution, accuracy, readability, length of story (not wordy), human interest, news value.
TIPA 2009 Winning Entries
1st Place
Print Sports Writing
By Keith MacPherson
University of North Texas
Cowboy fans rejoice. The new home of the Dallas Cowboys is only months away.
The new Cowboys football stadium is inline with construction plans and is scheduled to be finished by June 6 when country music star George Strait visits for a concert, said Brett
Daniels, director of corporate communications.
In November 2004, Arlington voters approved a measure that uses $325 million of taxpayer money to help Cowboys owner Jerry Jones finance the $1 billion project.
The stadium will seat 80,000 fans but can be extended upwards to hold 100,000 for special events such as the Final Four and the Super Bowl.
The stadium will feature a video board hung in the center of the stadium that stretches 60
yards wide and 24 yards in height.
“This will be like nothing at any other stadium in the world,” Daniels said. “Fans from
anywhere in the stadium will be able to see replays that are almost as big as the football
field itself.”
Another key feature in the new stadium is a retractable roof. The stadium will still have the
iconic “hole in the roof” that Texas Stadium had, but two bi‐parting mechanized roof panels
will now be able to slide over the hole to shield fans from the weather extremities that
accompany North Texas.
“One of the first things the Jones family were concerned about was keeping the hole in the
roof,” Daniels said. “That has been a symbol of the Cowboys for years and Mr. Jones wanted
to retain that image.”
A main concern for Arlington residents has been the traffic that the Cowboys will bring to
the area during game day, but Cowboys’ spokesperson Daniel Rojas said that the organization has been working to prevent any problems.
“This stadium will have 11 ways out as opposed to the four that the other one had,” he said.
“We also plan on having a Web site that fans can enter their zip code in and find the best route to the stadium.”
The new home of the Cowboys sits blocks away from the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and
the organization plans to share parking with the Texas Rangers in addition to its 83 acres of
parking lot.
In addition to the George Strait concert, the stadium will host a number of different events
including a Jonas Brothers concert, two soccer games, and five college football games.
Construction for the stadium began in April 2006 and minor construction details such as
locker rooms and concessions won’t be finished until this fall, but once the stadium opens
Daniels said it will be a sight to behold.
“The Cowboys have won five Super Bowls, but this will only be the third stadium they have
played in,” he said. “This is something special … the Cowboys wanted something different
than everybody else’s stadium, and they certainly got it.”
2nd Place
Print Sports Writing
By Jaime Gonzalez
Texas A&MKingsville
DALLAS – God can still watch the Dallas Cowboys.
“The hole is the same size as the one in Texas Stadium,” Brett Daniels, director of
corporate communications for the Dallas Cowboys, said of the iconic feature of the Irving,
and now Arlington, stadiums.
Despite the move from Texas Stadium to their new stadium in Arlington, the team
made sure the distinctive look made the move.
Even with a bi‐parting retractable roof, the area where the hole is will still allow
light to enter the arena.
On top of the last row is another frame of windows that will also allow light to enter.
According to Daniels, that was done to protect spectators from the blistering Texas
heat but to avoid the dim lighting that sometimes accompanies a domed structure.
With the exception of the famed “hole in the roof”, the stadium’s features are
something the Cowboys, or the rest of the world for that matter, have never seen.
The stadium is the longest single‐span roof structure in the world and when the roof
is closed will be the largest enclosed NFL stadium.
The stadium will also be the first to have a center‐hung video board above the
playing field.
The video board will be hung 110 feet about the field and will have video on all four
sides angled towards the stands for optimal viewing.
“The video board was placed to avoid kickoffs,” Daniels added.
He conceded that kickoffs could still hit the video boards but would only be likely if
somebody were deliberately trying to hit it.
Construction on the stadium began in April 2006.
“It’s been 36 months of construction up to this point,” Daniels said.
The total cost of construction is $1.1 billion with $325 million coming from the city
of Arlington, who are the owners of the stadium and have a long‐term lease agreement with
the Cowboys.
“It’s not a burden to the public,” Daniels said on the cost of the facility.
Their will still be minor work done on the stadium throughout the late summer and
fall, but it is expected to be ready for its opening event, a George Strait concert on June 6.
Along with being home to the Cowboys, the stadium will also be home to
international soccer matches, basketball and college football games.
The Oklahoma Sooners and Brigham Young Cougars will play the first football game
in the stadium Labor Day weekend.
The Big 12 championship and Cotton Bowl will also be played in the facility.
The stadium is already scheduled to be home to future Super Bowls and NCAA
basketball Final Fours as well.
3rd Place
Print Sports Writing
By Rob Boscamp
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Cowboy Countdown
New Stadium Nearing Completion
ARLINGTON—Set your watches, Arlington. You are now officially on the Cowboy
Countdown.
Director of Corporate Communications Brett Daniels announced that the new Dallas
Cowboys Stadium was nearly 60 days from completion. The $1.1 billion yet‐to‐be‐named
stadium will finally be put to the test with its first event in June, a country music show
featuring George Strait, Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton.
Daniels stated that stadium construction would be finished shortly after the George
Strait concert. Daniels also mentioned that the 2,000 construction workers finishing up the
building will soon shift from two shifts daily to a 24‐hour period to ensure the stadium is
completed on time.
Most of the work left to be done includes the seating and suites surrounding the
80,000‐plus stadium. Daniels did ensure that the stadium would be ready for the Cowboys’
preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 21.
As Cowboy fans walk into the new stadium, they will immediately notice the
homage to the team’s former home, Texas Stadium, which is set to be demolished early
next year. The stadium features a hole in the roof, similar in both size and shape to Texas
Stadium’s. The only difference between the stadiums is that the new Cowboys’ building will
have the option of a retractable roof to cover the hole.
“We wanted to try and replicate some of [the tradition],” said Daniels. “It took over
38 years to build that up … [we] wanted to carry it over into the [new] building.”
Along with paying tribute to past legends, the new Cowboys Stadium looks to
become a legend in its own right. Ninety feet above the center of the stadium is a 300,000‐
pound video system. The four screen system features two video screens facing the end
zones, both about 53 feet tall and 30 feet wide.
Meanwhile, the boards facing the sidelines stand at 160 feet wide with a 71‐foot
height (11,393 square feet). Once the screens have been installed in the stadium, Mitsubishi
will nominate the massive video screens for the Guinness Book of World Records’ largest
scoreboard, an honor currently held by the Tokyo Race Course in Japan (8,066 square feet).
The stadium will also feature two retractable end zone doors measuring 120 feet
height and 180 feet wide, making them the largest in the world. Each door is broken up into
five 38‐foot panels that can be opened to provide air circulation during both sporting and
non‐sporting events.
The new Dallas Cowboys Stadium will begin tours for the general public starting
June 26. Other opportunities to see the new stadium include the Barbara Jordan Media
Awards Luncheon on June 12 and the Jonas Brothers’ tour kick‐off (June 20).
Other confirmed events for the stadium include several NCAA football matchups.
BYU and Oklahoma will square off in the building’s first‐ever college football game. Other
notable events include the stadium’s first college basketball game, which will feature North
Carolina and Texas squaring off. The new stadium will also host the 2009 CONCACAF Gold
Cup, the 2010 NBA All‐Star Game, Super Bowl XLV, and the NCAA Final Four in 2014.
Contest tips - Television news writing
TIPA Rules
Television News Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may cover a news event, witness a situation, view an activity (event, situation or
activity may be live or a video presentation) and/or work from documents and related materials.
Copy will be between 30 and60 seconds, containing a video insert (written verbatim as cue). Must note the time of all copy, including the video insert. Use conventional copy format.
Criteria: Attention-getting lead, organization of story, fairness and balance, accuracy, use of video insert, style, format, correct story length, grammar, good sentence length, etc.
Resources:
Here's an excellent overview of writing for TV
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning entries
1st Place
TV News Writing
By Blanca Duran
Texas A&M-Commerce
(…PKG…)
Video Audio
SOT SOT
Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley in cue: “…its just a bunch of crap!...
out cue: “…control of the media may
actually be a good thing.
VO
(Mrs. Cooley talking to journalist) Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley announced
today her idea of licensing media.
SOT SOT
Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley in cue:”…its not an unusual idea, other
countries are….”
out cut: “…companies like Univision
who are in favor of licensing media..”
VO
(people raising hands, lady With outrage in the crowd, Mrs. Cooley
infuriated by plan. Mrs. Cooley explains how this indeed plans out for a
explaining) better future in journalism.
SOT SOT
Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley in cue: “…get the people who are best
Qualified…”
end cue: “..qualifications like education,
training and testing…”
VO
With her plan, Mrs. Cooley hopes to bring
Back the newspaper, TV and radio
Numbers that aren’t there anymore. By
Enforcing control in media, bankruptcy
Will not have to be a problem again.
Some still disagree as Kasey Smith says..
SOT SOT
Kasey Smith in cue: “..I believe journalists give citizens
Fair information and some journalists
Have different techniques. But it’s the
People’s right to read, watch, and listen
To whatever they enjoy.
Stand up Reporting live #123
2nd Place
TV News Writing
By Lana McCarley
Midwestern State
Anchor:
A bachelor’s degree just isn’t enough
these days. A proposal is in the works that
may require licensing for journalists.
Take VO (50 sec)
SOT (1 sec): (nat sound) “That’s
outrageous!”
VO cont (10 sec)
In a press conference Thursday,
Dallas Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley
proposed that journalists be required to hold
licenses to be able to report.
The proposed test would be based on
education and training. Cooley suggests
people like the F-C-C should write the test.
SOT (11 sec): It would be a good way to
weed out the people who couldn’t do a very
good job. This idea has merit, and the idea
of a truly free press can only exists if you
have people who are qualified.
VO cont (19 sec)
Cooley believes that control of the
media might actually be a good thing, and
that the media is not functioning properly.
According to Cooley, the media is no
longer relevant, and attributes that to the
bankruptcy of newspapers and poor ratings
of newscasts
SOT (10 sec): You all are failing because
you’re not doing what you’re supposed to
do… So this proposal would be something
that would allow you to do what you’re
supposed to do.
VO cont (9 sec)
When asked about first amendment
rights, Cooley expressed that this proposal is
beneficial to democracy, and the
government knows better than organizations
and corporations.
Univision is in favor of this proposal.
3rd Place
TV News Writing
By Sommerly Simser
Abilene Christian
ANCHOR READ (:19 SECONDS)
JOURNALISTS MAY HAVE THEIR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS TAKEN
AWAY IF VICE MAYOR BELINDA COOLEY GETS HER WAY WITH THE
MEDIA.
COOLEY IS IN FAVOR OF LICENSING JOURNALISTS, TAKING AWAY
WHAT PROFESSIONAL WRITERS BELIEVE TO BE A GUARANTEED RIGHT.
IN A PRESS CONFERENCE THURSDAY MORNING, COOLEY SPOKE TO
COLLEGE JOURNALISTS ABOUT WHY THE PRESS NEEDS TO BE MORE
CLOSELY MONITORED.
SOT OF COOLEY, 1:58-2:04 (:06 SECONDS):
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE PRACTICING
JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SCHOOLED IN JOURNALISM?” 1:58-2:04
VO ANCHOR READ/ VIDEO OF PRESS CONFERENCE (:05 SECONDS)
COOLEY THINKS TESTS ADMINISTERED BY THE F-C-C- WOULD HELP
ELIMINIATE BIAS FROM INFLUENCING THE PUBLIC.
SOT OF COOLEY, 4:43-4:56 (:14 SECONDS)
“THIS IS KIND OF IDEA THAT I THINK HAS MERIT IN THAT THE IDEA
OF A TRULY FREE PRESS CAN ONLY EXIST IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE
QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER.”
ANCHOR READ (:12 SECONDS)
COOLEY BELIEVES THE COUNTRY HAS PARTISIAN JOURNALISM FOR
CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS, AND SAYS THERE SHOULD BE A
STANDARD WHEN IT COMES TO EMPLOYING JOURNALISTS.
INTERUPTED BY A PHONE CALL IN THE MIDDLE OF HER SPEECH,
COOLEY LEFT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ABRUPTLY, REFUSING TO ANSWER
ANY MORE QUESTIONS.]
TOTAL COPY :56 SECONDS
Television News Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may cover a news event, witness a situation, view an activity (event, situation or
activity may be live or a video presentation) and/or work from documents and related materials.
Copy will be between 30 and60 seconds, containing a video insert (written verbatim as cue). Must note the time of all copy, including the video insert. Use conventional copy format.
Criteria: Attention-getting lead, organization of story, fairness and balance, accuracy, use of video insert, style, format, correct story length, grammar, good sentence length, etc.
Resources:
Here's an excellent overview of writing for TV
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning entries
1st Place
TV News Writing
By Blanca Duran
Texas A&M-Commerce
(…PKG…)
Video Audio
SOT SOT
Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley in cue: “…its just a bunch of crap!...
out cue: “…control of the media may
actually be a good thing.
VO
(Mrs. Cooley talking to journalist) Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley announced
today her idea of licensing media.
SOT SOT
Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley in cue:”…its not an unusual idea, other
countries are….”
out cut: “…companies like Univision
who are in favor of licensing media..”
VO
(people raising hands, lady With outrage in the crowd, Mrs. Cooley
infuriated by plan. Mrs. Cooley explains how this indeed plans out for a
explaining) better future in journalism.
SOT SOT
Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley in cue: “…get the people who are best
Qualified…”
end cue: “..qualifications like education,
training and testing…”
VO
With her plan, Mrs. Cooley hopes to bring
Back the newspaper, TV and radio
Numbers that aren’t there anymore. By
Enforcing control in media, bankruptcy
Will not have to be a problem again.
Some still disagree as Kasey Smith says..
SOT SOT
Kasey Smith in cue: “..I believe journalists give citizens
Fair information and some journalists
Have different techniques. But it’s the
People’s right to read, watch, and listen
To whatever they enjoy.
Stand up Reporting live #123
2nd Place
TV News Writing
By Lana McCarley
Midwestern State
Anchor:
A bachelor’s degree just isn’t enough
these days. A proposal is in the works that
may require licensing for journalists.
Take VO (50 sec)
SOT (1 sec): (nat sound) “That’s
outrageous!”
VO cont (10 sec)
In a press conference Thursday,
Dallas Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley
proposed that journalists be required to hold
licenses to be able to report.
The proposed test would be based on
education and training. Cooley suggests
people like the F-C-C should write the test.
SOT (11 sec): It would be a good way to
weed out the people who couldn’t do a very
good job. This idea has merit, and the idea
of a truly free press can only exists if you
have people who are qualified.
VO cont (19 sec)
Cooley believes that control of the
media might actually be a good thing, and
that the media is not functioning properly.
According to Cooley, the media is no
longer relevant, and attributes that to the
bankruptcy of newspapers and poor ratings
of newscasts
SOT (10 sec): You all are failing because
you’re not doing what you’re supposed to
do… So this proposal would be something
that would allow you to do what you’re
supposed to do.
VO cont (9 sec)
When asked about first amendment
rights, Cooley expressed that this proposal is
beneficial to democracy, and the
government knows better than organizations
and corporations.
Univision is in favor of this proposal.
3rd Place
TV News Writing
By Sommerly Simser
Abilene Christian
ANCHOR READ (:19 SECONDS)
JOURNALISTS MAY HAVE THEIR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS TAKEN
AWAY IF VICE MAYOR BELINDA COOLEY GETS HER WAY WITH THE
MEDIA.
COOLEY IS IN FAVOR OF LICENSING JOURNALISTS, TAKING AWAY
WHAT PROFESSIONAL WRITERS BELIEVE TO BE A GUARANTEED RIGHT.
IN A PRESS CONFERENCE THURSDAY MORNING, COOLEY SPOKE TO
COLLEGE JOURNALISTS ABOUT WHY THE PRESS NEEDS TO BE MORE
CLOSELY MONITORED.
SOT OF COOLEY, 1:58-2:04 (:06 SECONDS):
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE PRACTICING
JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SCHOOLED IN JOURNALISM?” 1:58-2:04
VO ANCHOR READ/ VIDEO OF PRESS CONFERENCE (:05 SECONDS)
COOLEY THINKS TESTS ADMINISTERED BY THE F-C-C- WOULD HELP
ELIMINIATE BIAS FROM INFLUENCING THE PUBLIC.
SOT OF COOLEY, 4:43-4:56 (:14 SECONDS)
“THIS IS KIND OF IDEA THAT I THINK HAS MERIT IN THAT THE IDEA
OF A TRULY FREE PRESS CAN ONLY EXIST IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE
QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER.”
ANCHOR READ (:12 SECONDS)
COOLEY BELIEVES THE COUNTRY HAS PARTISIAN JOURNALISM FOR
CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS, AND SAYS THERE SHOULD BE A
STANDARD WHEN IT COMES TO EMPLOYING JOURNALISTS.
INTERUPTED BY A PHONE CALL IN THE MIDDLE OF HER SPEECH,
COOLEY LEFT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ABRUPTLY, REFUSING TO ANSWER
ANY MORE QUESTIONS.]
TOTAL COPY :56 SECONDS
Contest tips - Radio News Writing
TIPA Rules
Radio News Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may cover a news event, witness a situation, view an activity (event, situation or
activity may be live or a video presentation) and/or work from documents and related materials.
Copy will be between 30 and 45 seconds, containing an audio insert (written verbatim as cue). Must note the time of all copy, including the audio insert. Use conventional copy format.
Criteria: Attention-getting lead, organization of story, fairness and balance, accuracy, use of audio insert, style, correct story length, grammar, good sentence length, etc.
Resources:
Here's a good overview of how to write a radio news script
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning entries
1st Place
Radio News Writing
By David Boon
UT-Brownsville
(Intro)
Vice mayor Belinda K. Cooley of Dallas me with members of the Texas Intercollegiate
Press Association to announce support of a bill that violates the freedom of speech. The
bill, if passed, would require those involved in the journalistic process to be certified
before publishing in a medium readily available to the public. When members of TIPA
questioned the impact of government control on the media, Cooley responded:
(Cooley)
In the world today, control of the media, may be a good thing, not necessarily as bad
thing.
…maybe the government does know better than organizations, corporations. You people
in the media, who are you to tell me what I think?
(Closer)
Cooley also commented on a lack of professionalism in the news media, citing it as the
cause for the recent bankruptcy of newspapers. The press conference was cut short when
Cooley took a personal cell phone call and abruptly left.
2nd Place
Radio News Writing
By Naxiely Lopez
UT-Pan American
Slug: Cooley conference
Runtime: 45 seconds
Reader (Actuality) Pkg
At the top this evening, a Dallas official speaks out against freedom of the press.
Vice Mayor Belinda Cooley proposed strict control over journalists at a press conference
earlier today.
In it, she urged the F-C-C to compile a standard licensing test for journalists and called
for the abolishment of the shield laws.
(Cooley-Actualityp-7 secs)
“They exclude other people. It’s a terrible thing. Everyone should be able to inquire or
attend.”
Cooley supports her stance by claiming other countries regulate the press, and adds that
national media outlet Univision shares her views.
3rd Place
Radio News Writing
By Kasey Smith
Texas A&M-Commerce
Good afternoon. You’re listening to 88.9 KETR and for the news.
Vice Mayor of Dallas Belinda Cooley held a press conference today at the Sheraton Hotel
to express her concerns on media in today’s society.
Vice Mayor Cooley is against the current shield laws that protect journalists and feels all
journalists should be licensed, by taking tests. When asked about who would make up the
tests vice mayor stated F-C-C. Although vice mayor Cooley has not contacted F-C-C
about this and has no power to enact these changes she is talking to a number of different
organizations including Univision, who also agree with a controlled media.
Vice mayor Cooley brings up the issue of a number of newspapers going out of business,
stating “Its in the numbers,” going on to make an issue about journalists writing
irrelevent material, is what leads to companies to bankruptcy. Journalist Blanca Duran
did not agree.
SB in: {With the world to day, its unfair to base bankruptcy on a company from one
specific thing. I believe journalists give citizens fair information and some journalists
have different techniques on how they express the information but it’s the citizens’ right
OUT: to read, listen to or watch what they enjoy.”
Vice mayor Cooley feels places like Fox News is a fair and balanced environment for
media. And having licensed journalists that go through testing would fix the problem.
When asked “what are you hiding,” vice mayor Cooley said “nothing” and continued.
Vice mayor Cooley left a room filled with a number of unanswered questions.
Radio News Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may cover a news event, witness a situation, view an activity (event, situation or
activity may be live or a video presentation) and/or work from documents and related materials.
Copy will be between 30 and 45 seconds, containing an audio insert (written verbatim as cue). Must note the time of all copy, including the audio insert. Use conventional copy format.
Criteria: Attention-getting lead, organization of story, fairness and balance, accuracy, use of audio insert, style, correct story length, grammar, good sentence length, etc.
Resources:
Here's a good overview of how to write a radio news script
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning entries
1st Place
Radio News Writing
By David Boon
UT-Brownsville
(Intro)
Vice mayor Belinda K. Cooley of Dallas me with members of the Texas Intercollegiate
Press Association to announce support of a bill that violates the freedom of speech. The
bill, if passed, would require those involved in the journalistic process to be certified
before publishing in a medium readily available to the public. When members of TIPA
questioned the impact of government control on the media, Cooley responded:
(Cooley)
In the world today, control of the media, may be a good thing, not necessarily as bad
thing.
…maybe the government does know better than organizations, corporations. You people
in the media, who are you to tell me what I think?
(Closer)
Cooley also commented on a lack of professionalism in the news media, citing it as the
cause for the recent bankruptcy of newspapers. The press conference was cut short when
Cooley took a personal cell phone call and abruptly left.
2nd Place
Radio News Writing
By Naxiely Lopez
UT-Pan American
Slug: Cooley conference
Runtime: 45 seconds
Reader (Actuality) Pkg
At the top this evening, a Dallas official speaks out against freedom of the press.
Vice Mayor Belinda Cooley proposed strict control over journalists at a press conference
earlier today.
In it, she urged the F-C-C to compile a standard licensing test for journalists and called
for the abolishment of the shield laws.
(Cooley-Actualityp-7 secs)
“They exclude other people. It’s a terrible thing. Everyone should be able to inquire or
attend.”
Cooley supports her stance by claiming other countries regulate the press, and adds that
national media outlet Univision shares her views.
3rd Place
Radio News Writing
By Kasey Smith
Texas A&M-Commerce
Good afternoon. You’re listening to 88.9 KETR and for the news.
Vice Mayor of Dallas Belinda Cooley held a press conference today at the Sheraton Hotel
to express her concerns on media in today’s society.
Vice Mayor Cooley is against the current shield laws that protect journalists and feels all
journalists should be licensed, by taking tests. When asked about who would make up the
tests vice mayor stated F-C-C. Although vice mayor Cooley has not contacted F-C-C
about this and has no power to enact these changes she is talking to a number of different
organizations including Univision, who also agree with a controlled media.
Vice mayor Cooley brings up the issue of a number of newspapers going out of business,
stating “Its in the numbers,” going on to make an issue about journalists writing
irrelevent material, is what leads to companies to bankruptcy. Journalist Blanca Duran
did not agree.
SB in: {With the world to day, its unfair to base bankruptcy on a company from one
specific thing. I believe journalists give citizens fair information and some journalists
have different techniques on how they express the information but it’s the citizens’ right
OUT: to read, listen to or watch what they enjoy.”
Vice mayor Cooley feels places like Fox News is a fair and balanced environment for
media. And having licensed journalists that go through testing would fix the problem.
When asked “what are you hiding,” vice mayor Cooley said “nothing” and continued.
Vice mayor Cooley left a room filled with a number of unanswered questions.
Contest tips- Print News Writing
TIPA Rules
Print News Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may cover a news event, witness a situation, view an activity (event, situation or
activity may be live or a video presentation) and/or work from documents and related materials.
Criteria: Lead, story organization, fairness and balance, use of quotes, identification and attribution, accuracy, readability of story, length (not wordy), timeliness, style, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning Entries
1st Place
Print News Writing
By Eric Nicholson
UTDallas
Vice Mayor Belinda Cooley today outlined plans to expand the regulatory authority of the federal government over print and broadcast media.
In a heated press convergent to college journalists at the Texas International Press Association (TIPA) print news competition, Cooley proposed a system to license journalists through the FCC board on education, training and a certification test.
“A truly free press can only exist if you have people who are qualified and practice in a responsible manner,” Cooley said.
She did not address specific requirements, but said the government must intervene to ensure the credibility of journalists with the proliferation of blogs and other new forms of media.
Many in the audience voiced opposition to the proposal. A woman from Texas Wesleyan University called the proposal “outrageous,” and said ti would be a violation of First Amendment protection of the press.
“I don’t think (Cooley) did much research if she thinks journalism is inaccurate or a threat to society,” she said.
The woman said she supports so‐called “shield laws” to protect journalists from legal action to force them to reveal information about sources. Cooley said such protection would be unfair to average citizens.
“It’s a terrible thing that (journalists) receive special rights when the people of the United States don’t receive the same rights,” Cooley said.
The woman from Texas Wesleyan University said greater control of the press by the federal government will limit the rights of the average citizen.
“The press should be protected so they can protect the people from the government,” she said.
2nd Place
Print News Writing
By Matt Goodman
University of North Texas
Dallas Vice Mayor Belinda Cooley held an impromptu press conference Wednesday afternoon, calling for national and local licensing of journalists – and she has the support of Univision, she said.
The vice mayor said she has been in contact with both Dallas‐based Belo, which owns The Dallas Morning News and television channel WFAA, and Dallas‐based Univision, which runs a Spanish language television channel and radio station, and that Univision is “on board” concerning a test that would force potential journalists to pass it before being able to report. She did not say that any permanent measures to establish these had been created yet.
“This is what is important and what is best for our democracy,” she said.
In addition to the licensing of journalists, Cooley spoke out against Shield Laws, proposing that they be revoked within the Dallas city limits, should they ever be established.
Shield Laws protect journalists from revealing source information under oath and are in place in thirty‐four states and the District of Columbia. No Shield Law currently exists in Texas. Cooley said she called the conference in part to speak out against a federal Shield Law, which has been proposed at the national level.
“I am very much against that,” Cooley said.
But many members of the audience immediately questioned Cooley’s proposal, going so far to interrupt the vice mayor with cries of “outrageous!”
“It’s the First Amendment to the Constitution, it’s the first thing our forefathers decided,” said Nancy Moore, a First Amendment activist and journalism professor at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.
But the regulation of journalists was much more divisive to the audience than Cooley’s rejection of Shield Laws, especially after Cooley suggested that Congress take after what she hoped Dallas would eventually establish. She said that a national law should be created that would force all potential journalists to pass a test written by the Federal Communication Commission before being allowed to report to “weed out” those without an education in journalism.
“Maybe the government knows better than these corporations,” she said.
Moore continued to vocalize her frustration with Cooley’s proposal numerous time during the speech, as did Dallas resident and Brookhaven broadcast journalism student Carla Davis.
“What exactly are you trying to regulate,” she asked.
When asked about regulation of the Internet, Cooley responded that the quality and education of bloggers is not the only thing she’s hoping to unify. Cooley said she hoped to establish a cohesive professionalism within journalism, claiming that the press has failed the nation and forced the public to shun the field.
“All journalism in my opinion is incredibly biased,” she said. “It’s not just one side or the other … it’s not just blogs.”
But Cooley was quick to reinforce that she “had no power to erect this” and refused to take additional questions before receiving a phone call and abruptly ending the press conference.
“Truly free press can only exist for people who report in a responsible manner,”
Cooley said.
3rd Place
Print News Writing
By Sharaya Sherrod
Texarkana College
First amendment rights were at the center of a verbal tug‐of‐war between Dallas’ vice mayor and about 70 visiting student journalists Thursday, as the city official proposed creating a license for journalists.
Before taking a cell phone call during the press conference and then leaving abruptly, Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley said she was not discarding the first amendment.
“I’m saying that maybe the government does know better than organizations, corporations, you people in the media. I mean who are you to tell me what I should think?” Cooley asked.
Students had the same question for the vice mayor, wanting to know who the government was to tell them what they should print or how that information should be gathered.
The licensing Cooley said she was proposing to the city, would implement a test to accredit working journalists before they could operate in their field. She said testing journalist‐hopefuls would turn out better writers, and better stories, ultimately leading to a better society.
“Informed citizenry is what we need for a really good government to function the way it’s supposed to function. We need people to vote, we need people to be active,” said Cooley.
Being informed is exactly what Cooley says she wants of those reporting the news, as well, saying that is the epitome of the first amendment.
“Do you really want to have people who are practicing journalists, who have not been schooled in journalism, who don’t know what they’re doing? I mean the whole idea of a free press is that you know what your talking about, right? And that your schooled in what you do,” said the vice mayor of three years.
Cooley said Univision is already in favor of the licensing that would also affect local corporations such as B‐Lowe and said that to enforcing the restrictions would be the job of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The FCC was originally created to police radio waves which the government deemed public domain.
“Is the internet not public domain?” she asked.
Further tightening the reigns may be just the thing to do, Cooley suggested.
“In the world today, control of the media may actually be a good thing, not necessarily a bad thing,” said Cooley, who also pointed out that the licensing practice is common in other countries.
Cooley also referred to shield laws that have been in place to protect journalists and to give them somewhat exclusive access to do their jobs. With the new administration in the White House, Cooley says dealings with the media have loosened where she says they may need to be tightened.
“The shield laws that are in place exclude other people, and it’s a terrible thing that you receive special rights when the people of the United States don’t receive the same rights. I’m talking about the rights of people, who are just your average people, to inquire, to attend, to be there, to be protected if the write something‐‐bloggers for instance,” the Lakewood resident said.
Yet, Cooley also appears to want to protect the news industry, as well, saying that the licensing may rescue a dying breed of communication.
“You people are failing because you’re not doing what your supposed to do…Let’s see. How many bankruptcies have there been in the past year, how many people are reading you newspapers? And the figures are there folks. People are not reading what you have to say because your not relevant,” said Cooley.
But reporters said they were wondering how guarding the industry or controlling the press was a relevant issue of the city’s.
Cooley said it all came down to the information being delivered to the people and how that information has and will shape public opinion‐‐something she says she wants to be shaped accurately and according to government standards.
“When you have a variety of voices who are out there talking, who do we believe? We believe the person who shouts the loudest,” she said.
###
Print News Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may cover a news event, witness a situation, view an activity (event, situation or
activity may be live or a video presentation) and/or work from documents and related materials.
Criteria: Lead, story organization, fairness and balance, use of quotes, identification and attribution, accuracy, readability of story, length (not wordy), timeliness, style, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning Entries
1st Place
Print News Writing
By Eric Nicholson
UTDallas
Vice Mayor Belinda Cooley today outlined plans to expand the regulatory authority of the federal government over print and broadcast media.
In a heated press convergent to college journalists at the Texas International Press Association (TIPA) print news competition, Cooley proposed a system to license journalists through the FCC board on education, training and a certification test.
“A truly free press can only exist if you have people who are qualified and practice in a responsible manner,” Cooley said.
She did not address specific requirements, but said the government must intervene to ensure the credibility of journalists with the proliferation of blogs and other new forms of media.
Many in the audience voiced opposition to the proposal. A woman from Texas Wesleyan University called the proposal “outrageous,” and said ti would be a violation of First Amendment protection of the press.
“I don’t think (Cooley) did much research if she thinks journalism is inaccurate or a threat to society,” she said.
The woman said she supports so‐called “shield laws” to protect journalists from legal action to force them to reveal information about sources. Cooley said such protection would be unfair to average citizens.
“It’s a terrible thing that (journalists) receive special rights when the people of the United States don’t receive the same rights,” Cooley said.
The woman from Texas Wesleyan University said greater control of the press by the federal government will limit the rights of the average citizen.
“The press should be protected so they can protect the people from the government,” she said.
2nd Place
Print News Writing
By Matt Goodman
University of North Texas
Dallas Vice Mayor Belinda Cooley held an impromptu press conference Wednesday afternoon, calling for national and local licensing of journalists – and she has the support of Univision, she said.
The vice mayor said she has been in contact with both Dallas‐based Belo, which owns The Dallas Morning News and television channel WFAA, and Dallas‐based Univision, which runs a Spanish language television channel and radio station, and that Univision is “on board” concerning a test that would force potential journalists to pass it before being able to report. She did not say that any permanent measures to establish these had been created yet.
“This is what is important and what is best for our democracy,” she said.
In addition to the licensing of journalists, Cooley spoke out against Shield Laws, proposing that they be revoked within the Dallas city limits, should they ever be established.
Shield Laws protect journalists from revealing source information under oath and are in place in thirty‐four states and the District of Columbia. No Shield Law currently exists in Texas. Cooley said she called the conference in part to speak out against a federal Shield Law, which has been proposed at the national level.
“I am very much against that,” Cooley said.
But many members of the audience immediately questioned Cooley’s proposal, going so far to interrupt the vice mayor with cries of “outrageous!”
“It’s the First Amendment to the Constitution, it’s the first thing our forefathers decided,” said Nancy Moore, a First Amendment activist and journalism professor at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.
But the regulation of journalists was much more divisive to the audience than Cooley’s rejection of Shield Laws, especially after Cooley suggested that Congress take after what she hoped Dallas would eventually establish. She said that a national law should be created that would force all potential journalists to pass a test written by the Federal Communication Commission before being allowed to report to “weed out” those without an education in journalism.
“Maybe the government knows better than these corporations,” she said.
Moore continued to vocalize her frustration with Cooley’s proposal numerous time during the speech, as did Dallas resident and Brookhaven broadcast journalism student Carla Davis.
“What exactly are you trying to regulate,” she asked.
When asked about regulation of the Internet, Cooley responded that the quality and education of bloggers is not the only thing she’s hoping to unify. Cooley said she hoped to establish a cohesive professionalism within journalism, claiming that the press has failed the nation and forced the public to shun the field.
“All journalism in my opinion is incredibly biased,” she said. “It’s not just one side or the other … it’s not just blogs.”
But Cooley was quick to reinforce that she “had no power to erect this” and refused to take additional questions before receiving a phone call and abruptly ending the press conference.
“Truly free press can only exist for people who report in a responsible manner,”
Cooley said.
3rd Place
Print News Writing
By Sharaya Sherrod
Texarkana College
First amendment rights were at the center of a verbal tug‐of‐war between Dallas’ vice mayor and about 70 visiting student journalists Thursday, as the city official proposed creating a license for journalists.
Before taking a cell phone call during the press conference and then leaving abruptly, Vice Mayor Belinda K. Cooley said she was not discarding the first amendment.
“I’m saying that maybe the government does know better than organizations, corporations, you people in the media. I mean who are you to tell me what I should think?” Cooley asked.
Students had the same question for the vice mayor, wanting to know who the government was to tell them what they should print or how that information should be gathered.
The licensing Cooley said she was proposing to the city, would implement a test to accredit working journalists before they could operate in their field. She said testing journalist‐hopefuls would turn out better writers, and better stories, ultimately leading to a better society.
“Informed citizenry is what we need for a really good government to function the way it’s supposed to function. We need people to vote, we need people to be active,” said Cooley.
Being informed is exactly what Cooley says she wants of those reporting the news, as well, saying that is the epitome of the first amendment.
“Do you really want to have people who are practicing journalists, who have not been schooled in journalism, who don’t know what they’re doing? I mean the whole idea of a free press is that you know what your talking about, right? And that your schooled in what you do,” said the vice mayor of three years.
Cooley said Univision is already in favor of the licensing that would also affect local corporations such as B‐Lowe and said that to enforcing the restrictions would be the job of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The FCC was originally created to police radio waves which the government deemed public domain.
“Is the internet not public domain?” she asked.
Further tightening the reigns may be just the thing to do, Cooley suggested.
“In the world today, control of the media may actually be a good thing, not necessarily a bad thing,” said Cooley, who also pointed out that the licensing practice is common in other countries.
Cooley also referred to shield laws that have been in place to protect journalists and to give them somewhat exclusive access to do their jobs. With the new administration in the White House, Cooley says dealings with the media have loosened where she says they may need to be tightened.
“The shield laws that are in place exclude other people, and it’s a terrible thing that you receive special rights when the people of the United States don’t receive the same rights. I’m talking about the rights of people, who are just your average people, to inquire, to attend, to be there, to be protected if the write something‐‐bloggers for instance,” the Lakewood resident said.
Yet, Cooley also appears to want to protect the news industry, as well, saying that the licensing may rescue a dying breed of communication.
“You people are failing because you’re not doing what your supposed to do…Let’s see. How many bankruptcies have there been in the past year, how many people are reading you newspapers? And the figures are there folks. People are not reading what you have to say because your not relevant,” said Cooley.
But reporters said they were wondering how guarding the industry or controlling the press was a relevant issue of the city’s.
Cooley said it all came down to the information being delivered to the people and how that information has and will shape public opinion‐‐something she says she wants to be shaped accurately and according to government standards.
“When you have a variety of voices who are out there talking, who do we believe? We believe the person who shouts the loudest,” she said.
###
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Contest tips - Public Relations Release Writing
TIPA Rules
Public Relations Release Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may encounter any of the following or combinations: witness a presentation,
event, activity, be presented a hypothetical situation or work with pre-printed materials.
Information sheets will be presented. Contest entries (including layouts, copy, concepts, artwork, etc.) become the property of TIPA. The press release is to be written from the perspective of the individual,company or organization as the client.
Criteria: Lead, story organization, objectivity and balance, use of quotes, identification and attribution, accuracy, readability, length (not wordy), timeliness, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning Entries
1st Place
PR Release Writing
By Anne Boyd
Austin Community College
Effective immediately, Johnny Toler is the new head of purchasing for Mountain East Medical Center.
Toler replaces John Doe who leaves to pursue an opportunity with the City Memorial Hospital District in Chicago.
Toler began his tenure at the hospital 15 years ago as a druggist but took a purchasing position in 2000.
“I learned from a fine man,” Toler said speaking of his former boss, “and I hope I can continue to build on the foundation he established.”
Doe is a 34‐year veteran of the hospital who is well respected by his colleagues for his dedication and willingness to make tough decisions. Toler is expected to continue that legacy.
“John’s abilities will be greatly missed a this hospital,” administrator Harry Illscott said, “but I know that Johnny Toler is a person we can all depend on to do whatever is necessary to keep his department going.”
2nd Place
PR Release Writing
By Christy Grant
UTTyler
Mountain East Medical Center names new purchasing department head Acme, Texas – Mountain East Medical Center’s assistant head of the purchasing department, Johnny Toler, will replace department head John Doe, who resigned today.
Doe graduates from Idaho State University School of Hospital Administration in 1981 and has worked for MCME since 1985. Doe will join City Memorial Hospital District in Chicago as purchasing agent.
“John’s abilities will be greatly missed at this hospital, but I know that Johnny Toler is a person we can all depend on to do whatever is necessary to keep his department going. I have great faith in him and in this hospital,” hospital administrator Harry Illscott said.
Toler started as an assistant druggist in the MCME pharmacy in 1994 and has worked in the purchasing department since 2000. Toler’s wife, Carolyn, heads the hospital’s gynecology department.
“This hospital means a great deal to me and my family, and I will give my best efforts to making our purchasing department the best. I learned from a fine man – John Doe – and I hope I can continue to build on the foundation he established,” Toler said.
3rd Place
PR Release Writing
By Juliana Sosa
UTBrownsville
For immediate release:
Aceme, Texas‐(April 9, 2009)‐Johnny Toler has been named the new head of the purchasing department for Mountain East Medical Center, after former head, John Doe, announced his resignation Thursday.
Doe was a 1981 graduate of Idaho State University School of Hospital Administration and began working for MEMC in 1985 after working for a small rural Idaho community hospital as purchasing chief. Despite recent criticism from medical staff, MEMC hospital administrator Harry Illscott said he will be missed.
“John’s capabilities will be greatly missed at this hospital, but I know that Johnny Toler is a person we can all depend on to do whatever is necessary to keep his department going,” said Illscott. “I have great faith in him and in this hospital.”
Toler has a strong background in pharmaceuticals. He began as an assistant druggist in the hospital pharmacy 15 years ago and was moved to the purchasing department in 2000 as an assistant after the hospital pharmacy closed. Toler’s wife, Carolyn, is head of the gynecology department at MEMC and the couple have five beautiful children.
“This hospital mean a great deal to me and my family, and I will give my best efforts to making our purchasing department the best,” Toler said. “I learned from a fine man ‐John Doe‐ and I hope I can continue to build on the foundation he established.”
Mountain East Medical Center is a local private hospital who serves the community of Acme, Texas. MEMC’s mission is to provide the best medical treatment for the community and improve the quality of life among Acme residents. MEMC has a wonderful full‐time staff of 500, who are dedicated to their work and the community.
###
Public Relations Release Writing
Writing deadline is one hour.
Contestants may encounter any of the following or combinations: witness a presentation,
event, activity, be presented a hypothetical situation or work with pre-printed materials.
Information sheets will be presented. Contest entries (including layouts, copy, concepts, artwork, etc.) become the property of TIPA. The press release is to be written from the perspective of the individual,company or organization as the client.
Criteria: Lead, story organization, objectivity and balance, use of quotes, identification and attribution, accuracy, readability, length (not wordy), timeliness, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
Materials needed : Writing contests may be on either computer (laptop or portable computer with USB) or hand written in blue or black ink. Contestants may use tape recorders with earphones only. Contestants must provide note pad and writing instrument for taking notes. AP Stylebooks, thesaurus and dictionaries may be used.
TIPA 2009 Winning Entries
1st Place
PR Release Writing
By Anne Boyd
Austin Community College
Effective immediately, Johnny Toler is the new head of purchasing for Mountain East Medical Center.
Toler replaces John Doe who leaves to pursue an opportunity with the City Memorial Hospital District in Chicago.
Toler began his tenure at the hospital 15 years ago as a druggist but took a purchasing position in 2000.
“I learned from a fine man,” Toler said speaking of his former boss, “and I hope I can continue to build on the foundation he established.”
Doe is a 34‐year veteran of the hospital who is well respected by his colleagues for his dedication and willingness to make tough decisions. Toler is expected to continue that legacy.
“John’s abilities will be greatly missed a this hospital,” administrator Harry Illscott said, “but I know that Johnny Toler is a person we can all depend on to do whatever is necessary to keep his department going.”
2nd Place
PR Release Writing
By Christy Grant
UTTyler
Mountain East Medical Center names new purchasing department head Acme, Texas – Mountain East Medical Center’s assistant head of the purchasing department, Johnny Toler, will replace department head John Doe, who resigned today.
Doe graduates from Idaho State University School of Hospital Administration in 1981 and has worked for MCME since 1985. Doe will join City Memorial Hospital District in Chicago as purchasing agent.
“John’s abilities will be greatly missed at this hospital, but I know that Johnny Toler is a person we can all depend on to do whatever is necessary to keep his department going. I have great faith in him and in this hospital,” hospital administrator Harry Illscott said.
Toler started as an assistant druggist in the MCME pharmacy in 1994 and has worked in the purchasing department since 2000. Toler’s wife, Carolyn, heads the hospital’s gynecology department.
“This hospital means a great deal to me and my family, and I will give my best efforts to making our purchasing department the best. I learned from a fine man – John Doe – and I hope I can continue to build on the foundation he established,” Toler said.
3rd Place
PR Release Writing
By Juliana Sosa
UTBrownsville
For immediate release:
Aceme, Texas‐(April 9, 2009)‐Johnny Toler has been named the new head of the purchasing department for Mountain East Medical Center, after former head, John Doe, announced his resignation Thursday.
Doe was a 1981 graduate of Idaho State University School of Hospital Administration and began working for MEMC in 1985 after working for a small rural Idaho community hospital as purchasing chief. Despite recent criticism from medical staff, MEMC hospital administrator Harry Illscott said he will be missed.
“John’s capabilities will be greatly missed at this hospital, but I know that Johnny Toler is a person we can all depend on to do whatever is necessary to keep his department going,” said Illscott. “I have great faith in him and in this hospital.”
Toler has a strong background in pharmaceuticals. He began as an assistant druggist in the hospital pharmacy 15 years ago and was moved to the purchasing department in 2000 as an assistant after the hospital pharmacy closed. Toler’s wife, Carolyn, is head of the gynecology department at MEMC and the couple have five beautiful children.
“This hospital mean a great deal to me and my family, and I will give my best efforts to making our purchasing department the best,” Toler said. “I learned from a fine man ‐John Doe‐ and I hope I can continue to build on the foundation he established.”
Mountain East Medical Center is a local private hospital who serves the community of Acme, Texas. MEMC’s mission is to provide the best medical treatment for the community and improve the quality of life among Acme residents. MEMC has a wonderful full‐time staff of 500, who are dedicated to their work and the community.
###
Contest tips - Two-Person Photo Essay
TIPA Rules
Two-Person Photo Essay
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each two-member team may submit a total of FIVE (5) photos to comprise the final entry. The contest combination must be three photos from one photographer and two from the other. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules and restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
Criteria: Human-interest element, creativity, original point of view, emphasis of point of interest, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Read general photography rules
Tips and examples:
Below you'll find the top three winners from the 2009 competition.
The assignment was to shoot the "Big City."
The comments are mine, not the judges'.
Third Place
Two-Person Photo Essay
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each two-member team may submit a total of FIVE (5) photos to comprise the final entry. The contest combination must be three photos from one photographer and two from the other. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules and restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
Criteria: Human-interest element, creativity, original point of view, emphasis of point of interest, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Read general photography rules
Tips and examples:
Below you'll find the top three winners from the 2009 competition.
The assignment was to shoot the "Big City."
The comments are mine, not the judges'.
Winners
Winning essay critique - What makes this a winning essay is the expert use of advanced composition techniques and careful photo selection. The photographers manage to establish a visual theme (circles and curves) while artfully leading the viewer's eye with framing, leading lines, dramatic angles, repetition of elements, and perspective. At the same time that the visual theme is established, the photographers also incorporate plenty of variety with wide shots, medium shots, and detail shots. They even manage to capture a little action with the fountain shot. Personally, I like to see at least one candid shot of a person, but this is a very strong photographic essay.
Second Place
Second Place Critique - The combination of wide shots, medium shots, and detail shots define this essay. Candid moments and monumental street architecture give a nice glimpse into life on the streets in Dallas.
Third Place
Third Place Critique -
What makes this essay special is the variety. The graphic architecture shots of the buildings combined with the panned bicycle action shot, the detail shot of the parking meter, and the mundane street scene of the publications boxes both give a sense of the city and highlight the photographers' skills.
What makes this essay special is the variety. The graphic architecture shots of the buildings combined with the panned bicycle action shot, the detail shot of the parking meter, and the mundane street scene of the publications boxes both give a sense of the city and highlight the photographers' skills.
Contest tips - Sports Action Photography
TIPA Rules
Sports Action Photography
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each contestant may submit ONE photo. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules, restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
The sports contest will involve a tour of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Rules, guidelines and what is permissible are being dictated by the folks at the stadium -- not TIPA.
So, we have to abide by their rules. Anyone -- not abiding by their rules will not be permitted to participate.
There will be no leeway, no exceptions, no excuses.
Notice - Contestants should do advanced research about the stadium. Information about the Cowboys' new home will not be disseminated at the preliminary meeting, which will be at noon at the hotel. Since advanced notice is being given about the contest, contestants will have plenty of time to compile information about the stadium.
Also, all contestants should consider eating something prior to boarding the bus. No lunch is included in this contest. No refreshments or lunch will be served at the stadium.
Below is the information directly from the site administrators that TIPA is to follow:
Contestants MUST wear Durable work-type shoes.
Shoes must cover foot completely, have sturdy soles, and no stiletto type heels. Tennis shoes are not acceptable; thus, sandals are not acceptable.
* SHORTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AS FAR AS DRESS IS CONCERN
*An escort will come and meet you and provide you with a hard hat, safety glasses and a safety vest.
Criteria: Capturing essence of the event, human-interest element, original point of view, emphasis of point of interest, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Read general photography rules
Sports Action Photography
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each contestant may submit ONE photo. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules, restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
The sports contest will involve a tour of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Rules, guidelines and what is permissible are being dictated by the folks at the stadium -- not TIPA.
So, we have to abide by their rules. Anyone -- not abiding by their rules will not be permitted to participate.
There will be no leeway, no exceptions, no excuses.
Notice - Contestants should do advanced research about the stadium. Information about the Cowboys' new home will not be disseminated at the preliminary meeting, which will be at noon at the hotel. Since advanced notice is being given about the contest, contestants will have plenty of time to compile information about the stadium.
Also, all contestants should consider eating something prior to boarding the bus. No lunch is included in this contest. No refreshments or lunch will be served at the stadium.
Below is the information directly from the site administrators that TIPA is to follow:
Contestants MUST wear Durable work-type shoes.
Shoes must cover foot completely, have sturdy soles, and no stiletto type heels. Tennis shoes are not acceptable; thus, sandals are not acceptable.
* SHORTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AS FAR AS DRESS IS CONCERN
*An escort will come and meet you and provide you with a hard hat, safety glasses and a safety vest.
Criteria: Capturing essence of the event, human-interest element, original point of view, emphasis of point of interest, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Read general photography rules
Contest tips - News Action Photography
TIPA Rules
News Action Photography
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each contestant may submit ONE photo. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules, restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
Criteria: Capturing essence of the event, human-interest element, original point of view, emphasis of point of interest, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Examples and Tips:
Below, you will see the top three winners from the 2009 contest. I did not judge these, but having judged photo contests before, here's my guess at what happened:
The scene (news conference) is not that visually dynamic.
The judges probably got lots of well composed, well exposed shots of the speaker doing interesting gestures.
These three probably stood out because they tell more of a story. All three of them have clear and interesting foreground, middle ground, and background elements.
Lesson - When everyone is shooting the same story, find a unique angle on the story, and tell it visually. Sometimes capturing a great moment is not enough.
Second Place
Third Place
Read general photography rules
News Action Photography
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each contestant may submit ONE photo. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules, restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
Criteria: Capturing essence of the event, human-interest element, original point of view, emphasis of point of interest, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Examples and Tips:
Below, you will see the top three winners from the 2009 contest. I did not judge these, but having judged photo contests before, here's my guess at what happened:
The scene (news conference) is not that visually dynamic.
The judges probably got lots of well composed, well exposed shots of the speaker doing interesting gestures.
These three probably stood out because they tell more of a story. All three of them have clear and interesting foreground, middle ground, and background elements.
Lesson - When everyone is shooting the same story, find a unique angle on the story, and tell it visually. Sometimes capturing a great moment is not enough.
Winner
Second Place
Third Place
Read general photography rules
Contest tips - Feature Photography
TIPA Rules
Feature Photography
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each contestant may submit ONE photo. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules and restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
Criteria: Human-interest element, original point of view, strong, single emotion, emphasis of point of interest, creativity, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Read general photography rules
Feature Photography
Time limit and deadline will be announced at contest. Shots may not be staged. Each contestant may submit ONE photo. Photographers must abide by all guidelines, rules and restrictions pertaining to contest participation.
Criteria: Human-interest element, original point of view, strong, single emotion, emphasis of point of interest, creativity, suitability for publication and cutline information.
Read general photography rules
General Rules - Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY
(All photo contests will be digital. No film developing will be available.)
Photographers will NOT be permitted to download onto a computer to edit or manipulate photos in any way before submitting entries.
1. Students entered in the On-Site Photography Contests (News Photo, Feature Photo, Two- Person Photo Essay, Sports Photo) must provide their own equipment and supplies, including digital camera, related lens, flash units and flash cards/memory cards.
2. On-Site Photography Contests are scheduled with limited time-overlaps, giving photographers opportunity for multiple contest participation. Team members of the Two- Person Photo Essay contest must be from the same school.
3. All photo contests will require cutline/caption information. All contestants must provide their own information-gathering tools and materials. NOTE: Photos without proper cutline/caption information will be disqualified.
4. Contestants in each photography contest will meet for instructions and information about
the assignment. Locations will be posted/distributed at the registration table. Each contestant may enter more than one photography contest within the limits of the schedule.
5. Photographers will shoot photos, have the opportunity to self-edit photos and select the photo(s) to submit for the contest. Photographers will then bring flash card/memory card to a designated location where the selected photo(s) to be submitted will be downloaded to a computer storage drive via card readers. After the photo(s) are downloaded, the flash card/memory card will be immediately returned to the photographer for the next contest. Judges will review the photos via computer/LCD projection.
6. Photographers must turn in cutline/caption information when photo(s) are downloaded.
7. Specific time schedule and time frames will be announced at the respective photography contest orientation.
(All photo contests will be digital. No film developing will be available.)
Photographers will NOT be permitted to download onto a computer to edit or manipulate photos in any way before submitting entries.
1. Students entered in the On-Site Photography Contests (News Photo, Feature Photo, Two- Person Photo Essay, Sports Photo) must provide their own equipment and supplies, including digital camera, related lens, flash units and flash cards/memory cards.
2. On-Site Photography Contests are scheduled with limited time-overlaps, giving photographers opportunity for multiple contest participation. Team members of the Two- Person Photo Essay contest must be from the same school.
3. All photo contests will require cutline/caption information. All contestants must provide their own information-gathering tools and materials. NOTE: Photos without proper cutline/caption information will be disqualified.
4. Contestants in each photography contest will meet for instructions and information about
the assignment. Locations will be posted/distributed at the registration table. Each contestant may enter more than one photography contest within the limits of the schedule.
5. Photographers will shoot photos, have the opportunity to self-edit photos and select the photo(s) to submit for the contest. Photographers will then bring flash card/memory card to a designated location where the selected photo(s) to be submitted will be downloaded to a computer storage drive via card readers. After the photo(s) are downloaded, the flash card/memory card will be immediately returned to the photographer for the next contest. Judges will review the photos via computer/LCD projection.
6. Photographers must turn in cutline/caption information when photo(s) are downloaded.
7. Specific time schedule and time frames will be announced at the respective photography contest orientation.
Contest tips - NEWSPAPER FRONT PAGE DESIGN
TIPA Rules
NEWSPAPER FRONT PAGE DESIGN
Deadline is one hour. Contestants will use a broadsheet or tabloid format for their layouts with appropriate materials provided. A selection of elements will be available for use in laying out the front page. Materials needed: Contestants should bring a pair of scissors, a black ballpoint pen, a ruler and a glue stick or double-sticky tape. Criteria: News judgment, headline balance, use of photos, use of graphics, readability of page and spatial arrangement (design).
NEWSPAPER FRONT PAGE DESIGN
Deadline is one hour. Contestants will use a broadsheet or tabloid format for their layouts with appropriate materials provided. A selection of elements will be available for use in laying out the front page. Materials needed: Contestants should bring a pair of scissors, a black ballpoint pen, a ruler and a glue stick or double-sticky tape. Criteria: News judgment, headline balance, use of photos, use of graphics, readability of page and spatial arrangement (design).
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