There is something magical about being asked what you want for Christmas. It’s like everything you’ve ever needed or wanted flies immediately out of your brain and you’re left shrugging your shoulders and muttering "I don't know." This answer infuriates my mother. She always says "I don't know where to buy 'I don't know.'" It's just difficult … [Read more...]
What Journalists Want for Christmas
There is something magical about being asked what you want for Christmas. It’s like everything you’ve ever needed or wanted flies immediately out of your brain and you’re left shrugging your shoulders and muttering “let me think about it.” While I’m grateful for pretty much anything I don’t have to purchase myself, it seems some people would … [Read more...]
What Journalists Want for Christmas
There is something magical about being asked what you want for Christmas. It's like everything you've ever needed or wanted flies immediately out of your brain and you're left shrugging your shoulders and muttering "I don't know." The response frustrates people, especially my mother who tends to comment "And just where do I buy that?" While … [Read more...]
Taking Care of You
Journalists are nearly guaranteed to cover traumatic events. In fact, about 80 percent of journalists report covering traumatic events as part of their jobs. Because trauma exposure is almost guaranteed in our profession, it's important for journalists to practice self care, before and after this exposure. Self care can help journalists … [Read more...]
How News Media Should Use Facebook
The best advice I can give journalists right now is a phrase I tell my students not to say—"use social." Using social media to reach audiences is an important takeaway from the 2015 State of the News Media report. Pew Research Center researchers compile the data and issue the report each year. The findings are based on data from the previous … [Read more...]
How to Pitch Stories to Journalists
Public relations practitioners have more methods than ever to deliver messages to their publics. Websites, blogs and an array of social media make it easier for PR pros to communicate directly with their chosen audiences. While these tools are helpful in your communication toolbox, they are additions, not replacements. This means PR pros still … [Read more...]
The Best Thing That’s Ever Happened on Twitter
I experienced the best thing that's ever happened on Twitter. This is a big statement coming from me. Twitter is my favorite social medium. I have met amazing people and learned a ton there. I also have seen some crazy stuff go down via tweet. So, saying something is the best thing that's ever happened on Twitter is huge for me. I could not go … [Read more...]