10/29 Reporting

Quotation Marks and Punctuation

  • Use of single quote marks in headlines.

  • Punctuation rules regarding quotation marks:

    • Punctuation always goes inside the quotation marks.

    • Importance of the placement of quotes.

Financial Figures in Text

  • When expressing ranges of numbers, use the full amount:

    • Correct: From $12,000,000 to $14,000,000

    • Incorrect: From 12 to $14,000,000

    • Explanation: "12" looks like a dollar figure ($12).

Percentages

  • Use of percentage point, percentage sign, or spelled-out percentages.

Religious Titles in Text

  • For references to religious figures:

    • First reference: "the Reverend [First Name] [Last Name]" (e.g., Reverend Phil Smith).

    • Subsequent references: Just last name (e.g., Smith).

    • Do not abbreviate as "Rev." in subsequent references.

    • Capitalization rules: Uses lowercase unless it's part of a title preceding a name or at the start of a sentence.

Address Formatting

  • Do not abbreviate "Road" (should always be spelled out).

  • Abbreviations allowed for: Avenue, Street, and Boulevard.

Seasons

  • Names of seasons (i.e., summer, winter, fall, spring) are lowercase unless used in a title or heading:

    • E.g., "in the spring" or "this fall".

States in Text

  • Always spell out state names in the main body of the text; they should never be abbreviated.

    • Exception: Abbreviations allowed in datelines, except for eight specific states.

  • Eight states that are never abbreviated: Texas, Utah, Ohio, etc.

  • Examples of datelines:

    • "Dallas, Texas" (Texas spelled out, not abbreviated).

Current Events Discussion

  • Encouragement for students to stay informed about global events, particularly:

    • Relationship dynamics between South America and the USA.

    • Current military presence of the USA near Venezuela (regarding drug cartel activities).

    • Mention of increasing tensions and military responses involving combat threats.

Federal Food Aid and Hunger Crisis

  • Announcement regarding upcoming federal food aid suspension starting November 1.

  • Discussion about struggling food pantries and the impact on the community.

SMU Police Records and Clery Act

  • Overview of how to obtain police records:

    • FOIA: Freedom of Information Act for when access is denied.

    • The Clery Act mandates that universities publish their crime statistics and reports.

  • Importance of local crime logs available through universities.

  • Use of police reports for generating story ideas based on crime trends on campus.

Examples of Campus Crime Reports

  • Types of incidents reported:

    • Reckless damage, alcohol consumption by minors, thefts, disorderly conduct.

    • Possible trends to explore for stories.

Profile Writing Workshop

  • Initial discussion about storytelling, utilizing official data reports.

  • Proposals for student profiles:

    • Celebration of local figures within SMU.

Individual Profile Proposals

  • Profile ideas discussed in depth:

    • Hairstylist focused on community and artistry, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes.

    • SMU dietitian addressing student dietary needs and personal history overcoming eating disorders.

Interview Techniques

  • Suggested strategies:

    • Direct observations during services (hairstylist).

    • Potential additional interviews with related professionals and personal connections noted.

Conceptual Ideas and Participation

  • Students encouraged to share and critique creative proposals in a workshop setting.

  • Involvement of student peers in providing feedback on story ideas.