Three former Bobcats are now running their own businesses

Mass Comm Week - Thursday Wrap-Up on Storify

Copy editing Q&A with Matthew Crowley

By students in MC3383.010

Matthew Crowley, a copy editor for the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s universal copydesk, was guest speaker during Mass Comm Week for students in Elizabeth Clark’s online class, MC3383 (Editing for Clear Communication).

Crowley, a member of the American Copy Editors Society, has spent 24 years in print journalism at newspapers in Syracuse, Cortland and Glens Falls, N.Y.; and in Las Vegas. He has spent the last 14 years as a copy editor for the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s business and universal desks.

Many of the headlines he has written have gained national recognition in contests sponsored by the American Copy Editors Society, the Society for Features Journalism, and the Nevada Press Association.

Student contributors to this Q&A are Kara Thayer, Petronilo Garza, Lauren Bolado, Megan Parrish, Stephanie Lara, Kelly Marie Grazdan, Caroline Wharton, Kayla Poetschke, Amanda Howell, Andrew Osegi and Alaina Curry.


Q. What made you decide to become a copy editor? Was there a certain inspiration behind it?

A. I started out as a reporter out of journalism school at Syracuse and moved around the desks, from sports to features and eventually to business as my career progressed. I became a copy editor 14 years ago because it's where the opportunity was: I was working at a weekly at the time and the opening on the big daily where I wanted to be was on the desk. I'd already done some copy editing as ancillary duty in prior jobs and I knew I could do it. And being a reporter was great preparation because I knew how stories got put together and I knew what to report.

Texas Observer founding editor shares insight on investigative journalism

By Caitlin Clark and Kolten Parker

A veteran of Texas politics visited with members of the student newspaper Thursday before offering his advice to a large group of mass communication students.

Ronnie Dugger, founding editor of The Texas Observer, visited with Texas State students as a part of Mass Communication Week to give insight into what he learned in more than 50 years of reporting on Texas politics. The Texas Observer is a nonprofit news magazine specializing in investigative, political and social-justice reporting.

Dugger met with a handful of students at The University Star office to share a few of the stories he has collected from years of experience in the journalism industry before one of his scheduled talks Thursday afternoon.

Dugger shared anecdotes from campaign trails in the 1950s and 1960s, small Texas towns battling racism and the state legislature. Dugger recalled a visit he had with Lyndon Baines Johnson, former President of the United States and Texas State alumnus.

Dugger said Johnson was “playing a very conservative game” in order to get the support of the state of Texas as he ran for president. Johnson also tried to gain the support of Dugger and The Texas Observer, he said.

“(Johnson) said ‘Ronnie, what’s your circulation?’” Dugger said. “I said ‘About 6,000, senator.’ He then said ‘Stick with me and we’ll make it 60 (thousand).’”

Hollie O’Connor, journalism senior and trends editor for the Star, said it was interesting to hear Dugger speak about the reporting he has done over the decades.

“Lots of panelists at Mass Comm Week had ideas about journalism’s future, but Dugger gave excellent insight about where journalism has come from,” O’Connor said.

Nancy Young, public relations senior and news reporter for the Star, said she felt lucky to have Dugger visit the student newspaper’s newsroom.

“I really enjoyed listening to (Dugger),” Young said. “As an expert in the field, he has really great insight on the different aspects of journalism.”

Dugger spoke to full room of mass communication students later in the afternoon about his experiences with investigative journalism. Dugger said he made a deal with “honest liberals and conservatives” in order to find the truth of what was happening in Texas politics.

“I would tell them ‘I won’t give your name, I won’t say where you’re from and I’ll go to jail before I tell who you are — now tell me about bribery in the legislature,’ and they did,” Dugger said.

Dugger said a person needs to be informed, interested and unafraid to find the truth in order to be an investigative journalist. He said investigative journalists can’t be afraid to ask sources tough questions.

“You can’t flinch,” Dugger said. “If you flinch, you fail. I flinched once, I knew it, and the story was gone. I had failed. I’ll never flinch again.”

Word Cloud for MC Week

Thanks to everyone who used the #mcweek hashtag on Twitter during the week. We had more than 1500 tweets during the week. This word cloud illustrates the most popular topics that were discussed.

Scavenger Hunt

Here are the submissions we have received so far for the Scavenger Hunt. Take a look.

If you submitted one, but don't see it below, tweet us at @txstatemcweek or email croyal@txstate.edu

Aurora Blase

Ashley Jordan

@ace_toph

Stephania Lara-C.

Jordan Lee

Nikki Schnell

Alyson Svec

Lauren Petree 

Kelsey Nichols 

Kristina Kenney 

Lily Gutierrez 

Kenzi Morton

Memes. We've Got Memes.

We asked you to express yourself visually during Mass Comm Week. We've reached the deadline. Check the details here.

Here are the submissions for the contest that we have received. The specific requirements were to  "Use your visual creativity to shoot a video, create a meme, make an animated gif, create a Tumblr or any other online visual demonstration (there are websites that help you make memes and animated gifs) to express your interest in a specific career field or particular company."


They need your votes and comments! Visit the links below or check out the album on Facebook, which also includes some great shots by Professor Dave Nolan.

Get your friends to comment and like! We'll be awarding the winner after 5pm on Mon., Nov. 5.

Storify: Professionals Take Over Mass Comm Week at TX State

Ronnie Dugger Storify

The two speeches given by Ronnie Dugger, founder of the Texas Observer, during Texas State's Mass Comm Week, were profiled by Twitter users.

Statesman editor informs students, professors

By Casey Torrance and Jordan Dusek

Austin-American Statesman editor Debbie Hiott spoke to Texas State University students Thursday, Nov. 1 during Mass Comm Week about her career and experiences as a journalist.

Hiott was a student at Texas State and graduated in 1992. She now serves on the advisory board for the University Star, where she was once editor. She said she loves coming back to Texas State to speak to students.

"Every time I come back I'm really impressed with the movement of the program," Hiott said. "It's the kind of thing that will help prepare you for a newsroom like ours."

Hiott started off as an intern working for the Statesman while attending Texas State. After graduating, she continued at the newspaper as a reporter for eight years and moved on to several editing positions. She was recently named editor in 2011.

Beth Clark, a professor at Texas State, asked Hiott if she ever imagined herself becoming editor.

"I wanted to be a reporter," Hiott said. "That's all I ever wanted to do. The idea of being an editor was just the farthest thing from my mind. I'm as surprised as I can be in this position, but I love it."

 Hiott addressed concerns that many journalism students have about the industry by giving advice and tips. Kevin Stockwell, journalism senior, is one such student.

"I'm a little nervous of where I'm going to land post-graduation," Stockwell said.

"The big thing is to be active, do something now." Hiott said. "It can be your own blog. Having something that you can show is the biggest thing. You need to find out what you can do."

Hiott also talked about investigative journalism. She said that most investigative stories don't start out as a home run. She advised students to make sure they do research thoroughly, especially with investigative stories. Clark was impressed with some of the stories that Hiott told.

"I think it must be gratifying to know that you've made a difference," Clark said. 

Hiott can be followed on Twitter and the Statesman can be found online.

Photo by Jordan Dusek

The Texas Observer founding editor on investigative journalism

By Laura Garcia
Ronnie Dugger, founding editor and the publisher of The Texas Observer for 40 years, spoke to a group of students and guests Thursday afternoon for Mass Comm Week. Dugger, 82, suggested investigative stories that could be covered at Texas State University. He talked about nationally-renowned TV journalist Dan Rather and how Rather's investigative piece about then-president George W. Bush's military background cost him his job at CBS. He said to put yourself in your story and defend it. Dugger also offered this bit of advice for student journalists: you'll need tenacity and courage.

Robert Rivard By: Kaitlin Moore

Robert Rivard Speaks to Students on Changing Media World

 

Image approved by mysanantonio.com

By Kaitlin Moore:

            Creator of Rivard Report, Robert Rivard is a speaker for today at Texas State University’s Mass Communication week, speaking with students about how the world is changing and his position on storytelling of San Antonio through journalism.

Rivard also known as Bob, is famously known as the former San Antonio- Express News Editor and Executive Vice President, who had been a leader in the news room since 1997. The Michigan native has worked for over five Texas newspapers expanding over a 34 year career without ever getting a college degree. Rivard now operates and founded  www.rivardreport.com.

Rivard speaks about different ways graduating seniors can get jobs in this changing world. He suggests, “An awful lot of interesting jobs out there are from Start Ups if you are in the media world.” It is small people breaking out of small PR companies, advertising agencies, or marketing agencies.

Rivard also discusses how hiring for media positions have changed. “Previously in Express News people would need five to seven years of experience and worked at one or two other papers. Now we have switched rapidly to hiring people the day they get out of school. Why? Because suddenly we needed to get out of print and get into digital with people who understood how to operate on the web,” says Rivard.

 Rivard stresses to the audience about the importance of a good story. He says, “Everyone has at least one great story.” Rivard then connects storytelling from the days of campfires to today. Although it is done completely different people are still moved by a good story.  His website is meant for his readers to not only feel connected to the story, but to feel apart of it. Rivard's fans tweet their love about the website and city: @Thelocalistmap, "Members of our great city never cease to amazing me @rivardreport ! #sanantontio #community." Texas State Senior, John Carter says, “Bob’s story is really inspiring especially to our generation who are about to face the real work and need jobs.”

Mass Communication week will be continuing the rest of the week through November 1^st with many other exciting speakers.

Freelancing in journalism and mass communication

By Scot Wortner

Three freelancers visited Texas State for Mass Comm week to share the ups and downs of the business with students.

L to R: Leslie Hancock, Susan Lahey, Lance Lawhon. Photo: Scot Wortner

Leslie Hancock and Susan Lahey are freelance writers who have written for nearly everything from health care providers and marketing strategists to newspapers and blogs. Texas State graduate Lance Lawhon freelances his work in advertising sales.

Rising Stars panel speaks to high schoolers

A Texas State student media panel made up of five experienced students in mass communication spoke to high school students from Laredo's LBJ High School to discuss what is important for incoming freshman to know before ever setting foot on campus as an official college student.

Dan Jakpo, a member of Bobcat Nation and Bella Vista; Veronica Garcia, Ad Club; Joey Hernandez, public relations major; Miata Shaw, Apple employee; and Adrian Omar Ramirez, University Star news reporter, were part of the panel.

The panel expressed to the high school students that internships, networking and job shadowing were key.

"Even if internships are unpaid, which most of them are, it's experience to add to your resume," Garcia said. "Job shadowing helps you learn if you really want to do what you think you want to do."

Whatever path high schools choose to take in their career fields, they should know how to do a little bit of everything.

"Don't feel limited by what you haven't done yet because you are going to do it," Ramirez said. "Get involved in social media and a variety of different media. The more skills you have on your resume the more impressive it will be to employers."

Most students seem prepared from a resume standpoint but were a little confused when it came to internships and what they were all about. The panel stressed while it's not required to have an internship, it is unlikely to land a job if an employer cannot see experience that can easily transition into the position being applied for.

Shaw, who works for Apple in Apple's college program at Texas State, believes that just putting yourself out there is a big reason why students become successful.

You never know who you may meet," Shaw said. "Print your own business cards and make you have them with you at all times."

Even the simplest problems like grammar, spelling and punctuation cannot be overlooked, which students often times may not realize is hurting their applications, resumes and first impressions with potential bosses.

"It's important to write well in any field you go in to because it's the most basic form of communication," Jakpo said. "Approach talking to professionals in as professional a way as possible."

Lyndon B. Johnson High School Laredo students attend Mass Communication Week at Texas State University

About 40 Students from Lyndon B. Johnson High school arrived this morning from Laredo, to participate in events at this year's Mass Communication Week. They all wore beautiful smiles as they got  ready to take a tour of the campus and get that feel of being a student at Texas State University.
L.B.J. High School students participate in the Mass Comm. Week every year. The tours and sessions are important to these students because the events help in preparing  their smooth transition to colleges. Join us on this tour!

It wasn't a surprise for these students and their counselors to bump into Freshmen that are alumni of their school, an example of  how important the Mass Communication Week is, to these students.
Meet Rene Lara (in cap)-Bio Chem Major, and Marco Melecio (in Black T.Shirt) Electronic Engineering Major

Debbie Hiott on Being an Editor

Debbie Hiott, editor of the Austin American-Statesman, spoke to students Thursday about her passion for reporting, and how she never thought she would be an editor. However, she learned to love editing because it allowed her more control over the paper's "bigger picture."
Session sponsored by the Texas State Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Rebecca Aguilar Speech at Texas State University on Social Media

What is in a Name? Aguilar Speaks on Image in Social Media
By Arlyn LaBelle

Rebecca Aguilar speaks about the merits and dangers of social media for modern
journalists. Photo by Arlyn LaBelle

Rebecca Aguilar understands the importance of her image. A few minutes before her presentation began, she walked down the center isle to the back of the room where a tripod and computer were positioned to broadcast her presentation live.

“TV people,” Aguilar said, “Always see what you’re going to look like.”

After a moment and a comment of the lighting, she approved of the presentation and turned to walk back to the head of the room. While passing me, she placed her hand on my shoulder.

“You’re going to be on there,” Aguilar said.

Turning around, I noticed that I was well within the range of the camera, and took a moment to adjust my hair.

Aguilar smiled at me, and took her place in the front of the room.

Aguilar spoke today at 11:00am in Old Main, discussing the importance of creating and controlling your image within the realm of social media.

During her 31 years as a TV journalist and internet freelancer, in which she has been received 48 awards and nominations including multiple grammies, Aguilar has adopted one simple motto.

“Be in control,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar stressed the importance of owning URLs for social media sites like Facebook and YouTube under your name. She discussed how social media could be a tool to display your talents, and also on how important is it to keep your image presentable for possible future employers.

“You have to establish yourself,” Aguilar said, “And that’s why social media is important.”

Aguilar learned of the possible dangers social media can present to journalists when she lost her job of 14 years due to controversy over a video story she created that was posted online. However, this was also what allowed her to begin her career as a freelance writer.

“That’s the best thing that ever happened to me, that I got fired,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar worked to engage the attendees, pulling up their blogs and youtube profiles and giving them critiques.

“I had never really though about it,” electronic media major Patrice Cross said, “After hearing her talk about it, I would agree, it’s very important to own your name.”

However, not everyone agreed with Aguilar.

“You don’t need to name yourself in every single issue,” mass communications major Brandon Searcy said.

However Aguilar expressed that the image of someone who works in the field of journalism is something to be maintained.

“It is you,” Aguilar said, “We’re like Coca-Cola. There’s only one Coke. There’s only one Pepsi. To me, there’s only one Rebecca Aguilar.

Live reporting with social media

By Stephanie M. Salinas

Fazia Rizvi (left) and Will Brown (right) speaking to students about live-repoting with social media.

 Photo by Stephanie M. Salinas

Armed with iPhone's and old-fashioned reporting skills, Will Brown and Fazia Rizvi live-reported the 2012 Texas Water Safari through social media outlets.

Brown, a sports reporter for the Victoria Advocate, used old fashioned reporting methods to create content and coverage for the paddling event through Twitter.

Brown started his panel by saying social media does not make up for old fashioned reporting.

"I talked to a lot of people," said Brown. "Before the race, during the race, in the moments before the race started, and  I was able to have conversations with people and have people be comfortable with me."

Brown said the reporting that he had done previously regarding the Water Safari allowed for his tweets to actually mean something. He said if pre-reporting is done before the event, that as a reporter, you will sound more informed  and people who are looking for information will look to you for that information rather than doing random searches on Twitter.

Brown also gave advice about tweeting event coverage.

"If you seem enthusiastic about what you are talking about, people will want to follow you," said Brown.

Rizvi, former webmaster and technology support specialist from Texas State whose goal was to report the race to a specific audience, was using her iPhone and iPad to report on the standings of the race, and the racers no matter what their position was in the competition.

"My audience in mind was family and friends [of the racers]," said Rizvi. "I was trying to get everyone, not just the front runners."

Rizvi said that while reporting during the race she would go to the checkpoints to get all of the basic facts regarding the race about each competitor.

Rizvi shows students a photo slide show of the race and competitors.

 Photo by Stephanie M. Salinas

"The fact that she [Fazia Rizvi] can reach out to those communities that had no way to pin-point where their family member was, that's huge," said Margot Hake,  a Public Relations senior. "If I were on the other side of that tweet reading them, I would be watching for every next tweet."

The Texas Water Safari is one of San Marcos' best kept secrets. This 260-mile canoe race begins at the head of the San Marcos river and ends in Seadrift on the Texas coastline of the Gulf of Mexico.

Freelancing and Branding in the Television Industry: Rebecca Aguilar

Rebecca Aguilar joins us at Mass Comm Week. She discussed on freelancing and branding in the TV industry, as well as emphasizing the importance of social media and Web skills.

Video streaming by Ustream

Mass Comm Week Live Stream

When we are live, you'll be able to watch the video streams right here. Or watch on Ustream.tv and join the live chat.
Participate on Twitter using the #mcweek hashtag.

Tune in here to watch the following events live during Mass Comm Week (linked events are already recorded):


Schedule of Live Streams:
Monday, Oct. 29
9:30 a.m. CT
Digital Journalism
Karla Leal, Telemundo & Diego Aparicio, Univision

12:30 p.m. CT
Preparing for Political Coverage Targeting Hispanics/Latinos in an Election Year
Luis Patiño, Senior Vice President of Univision Television Group

3:30 p.m. CT
Ethan Zuckerman Interview
Ethan Zuckerman, Director MIT Center for Civic Media

Tuesday, Oct. 30
9:30 a.m. CT
Social Media & Arts Outreach
Annie Werner, Tumblr

11 a.m. CT
Orange County Weekly
Gustavo Arellano, Editor, Orange County Weekly

Wednesday, Oct. 31
2 p.m. CT
Innovation in Journalism
Evan Smith, CEO and Editor in Chief & Rodney Gibbs, Chief Innovation Officer, Texas Tribune

3:30 p.m. CT
Design 1up: Design in the Details
Sam Kapila; Anthony Armendariz, Product Designer at Evernote; Courtney Ryan Buie, Integration at McGarrah Jessee

Thursday, Nov. 1
11 a.m. CT
Freelancing and Branding in the Television Industry
Rebecca Aguilar, freelance reporter, Dallas

Media experts discuss innovation in journalism

.@evanasmith said any news company that doesn't see itself as a tech company first is digging its own grave. Great perspective #mcweek #txst
— jonzmikly (@jonzmikly) October 31, 2012

This is the best time for college students to be in mass comm. "You practically have USB ports in the side of your head." EvanAsmith #mcweek
— kymfox (@kymfox) October 31, 2012

By Weldon McKenzie

As far as maverick of media Evan Smith is concerned, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in media.

“You probably feel like you’ve lost the lottery generationally,” Smith said. “But I’ve never been more optimistic about this line of work.”

Smith, CEO and editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune, accompanied by Chief Innovation Officer Rodney Gibbs, weighed in on the ever-increasing role of technology in media this afternoon in a talk hosted by Texas State’s annual Mass Comm Week.

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media outlet that is only available in online form. The innovative publication focuses on matters in government and data presentation through the use of info graphics and other visual media.

Historically, journalistic practices have been reserved for those who institutionalize themselves under a publications brand in order to produce media. However, through the utilization of technologies such as social media and blogs, Smith said, we are slowly moving away from that “short-leash” mentality.

“Technology has broken down the barriers of journalism,” Smith said.

Smith said this upcoming generation of workers is well equipped for the future of mass media, as it has become acutely familiar with the technology that is changing the field.

Gibbs, who has been with the Texas Tribune for about six months, is in charge of the implementation of technological resources into the publication. He said he views the organization as a tech company who happens to deal with news.

“Our tech department tries to see around corners to figure out the next trending thing,” Gibbs said.

One example of innovation from the Texas Tribune is the creation of two applications that gathers and presents data about public and higher education, which is an otherwise difficult topic to find information on.

Gibbs said one problem he sees with the role of technology and new media is the oversaturation of content. The convenience of social media sites has made it difficult to break through, but the accessibility of these resources gives you many opportunities to make that breakthrough.

“This conversation really made me consider the infinite possibilities I have as a mass comm. student,” said mass communication junior Anish Banskota.

Smith said there is almost no difference between a journalist and a data reporter at the Texas Tribune as a result of the convergence of technology and media.

“We even give technology supporters a by-line for their data,” Smith said.

Mass Comm Week began on Monday and will continue through Thursday Nov. 1.

Storify: MCWeek Design One Up

Storify: Be a Unicorn. A Very Pretty Unicorn

Storify: Top Ten Tips on Internships

Storify: Flexibility Equals Jobs

Storify: Landing the Perfect Internship

Storify: What I Wish I Knew Then...

Storify: Design Panel at #MCWeek

Storify: Wednesday Recap

Career and internship panelists talk ambition, experience

A media panel addresses students Wednesday evening.

By Liza Winkler

Dozens of students gathered in Old Main Oct. 31 for a panel discussion on the importance of internships, job flexibility and networking in the journalism field.

Dino Chiecchi, administrative editor and editor of Hispanic publications at the San Antonio Express-News, headlined the discussion. He is one of the many leaders who took the stage during Texas State’s annual Mass Comm week to lecture and interact with aspiring media students.

Six other mass communication professionals joined the talk including moderator Terry Scott Bertling, features/niche products editor at San Antonio Express-News and panelist Amanda Dugan, morning traffic reporter at KXAN Austin News.

Chiecchi, who also works professionally as an intern recruiter for the same publication, gave firsthand tips for how to “stand out in the crowd” and navigate the “scary competition” to score an internship. Chiecchi also spoke about his humble beginnings in El Paso and his current ventures in the world of mass media.

“When I was a student at UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) I had this epiphany that changed my life,” Chiecchi said. “I realized that the farthest east I had ever traveled was Clint, Texas. Clint is about some 60 miles east of El Paso. That’s when I decided I would change this. (Throughout my career) I’ve worked in Austin, San Antonio, Tucson, Hong Kong and the Associated Press in Dallas.”  

Chiecchi said he believes students go to school to learn skills necessary for working at their college newspaper. He said students should then utilize the clips and skills from that newspaper to apply for internships, and ultimately use those internship clips to apply for a job in the professional world.

June Leal, mass communication senior, said she will take into consideration the advice she gleaned from the panel when submitting internship applications.

“I really want to go into fashion public relations,” Leal said. “There’s one in Austin that’s a lifestyle PR (firm) and they deal with music, fashion and architecture. Univision would also be really cool, and Clear Communications would also be a place I’d be interested in applying to.”

Jayme Hunter, mass communication senior, said she took many useful tips from the discussion including how important confidence, awareness and networking are regarding internships.

“I learned that being comfortable with yourself and the position that you are applying for is essential in an interview situation,” Hunter said.

Dugan said her calm and relaxed personality on-air did not come easy at first. She said she got her start in Pittsburgh and admits she has learned through trial and error in her internships, which ultimately led to her career in television news.

Christa Freeland, marketing specialist for Journyx, Inc., said she also learns from her mistakes and strives to continually get out of her “comfort zone.”

“Do something that makes you uncomfortable, be okay with failing, and surround yourself with positive forward-thinking people,” Freeland said.