Every story needs context. As journalists we not only bring the news to our readers/viewers/listeners but we also explain why that news is important. (Or at least we are supposed to do that.)

One of the real difficults has always been getting all the correct connections and in a timely manner. (Remember we are all on a deadline.)

The Internet has made a lot of data research easier. Just look back at often in this space have I have brought forward information from the vast data mines of the U.S. Census Bureau. But a lot of Internet searching is still moving page to page. Sometimes connections -- context -- are lost in the process.

I just saw a great video from TED by Gary Flake about PIVOT. Read more »

With all the problems we have in our industry, it is nice to know that there are some up sides to being a journalist that actually might make us look attractive to others.

Thanks to chapter president Andy Schotz for pointing this out on Facebook: 5 things you should know before dating a journalist.

A quick summary:
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The Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism put out its 7th State of the News Media report back on March 15. (Sorry, I have been busy and missed posting about this report earlier.)

And, as usual, the PEJ has some insightful and distrubing results.

For the third consecutive year, only digital and cable news saw audiences grow among the key sectors that deliver news.

In cable in 2009, those gains were largely captured by one network, Fox, though during the day, a breaking-news time, CNN also gained viewers.
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Author Name: 

Dan Kubiske

Author Email: 

Dan@kubiske.org

Join fellow freelancers for lunch at the monthly DC SPJ freelance group gathering.

When: Tuesday, May 18 at noon

Where: National Press Club (Map)

RSVP to Stephenie Overman at saoverman@comcast.net