Web Re-Write

Gang rape shocks quaint college town

A violent act against a young woman on Halloween jolts the mountain town of Boulder from its peaceful slumber to highlight an unsettling crime.

By Adrienne Saia Isaac [mailto: adrienne.isaac@colorado.edu - JRS: I'm not sure how to put the "mailto" in]

A recent gang rape in the college town of Boulder, Colorado, brought the issue of sexual assault to the forefront of the town's concern.

According to Boulder police, four men attacked and sexually assaulted a woman in the early hours of Friday, October 31.

No suspects have been arrested.

The sex crime gained immediate notoriety. An e-mail sent by the University of Colorado encouraged students to practice heightened safety procedures.

CU Chancellor Bud Peterson wrote in the e-mail that such crimes “offend the sensibilities and values of our entire campus community.”

Eight sex crimes were reported in Boulder during the month of October.

“So many women don’t report rape because they’re afraid,” said Colin Hotard, a nurse practitioner and volunteer at the Rape Crisis Hotline. “Hopefully this will encourage more women to speak out against their attackers.”

Police records state that Boulder residents reported 37 cases of rape and 94 instances of misdemeanor sexual assault in 2007. Only nine of the 37 rape cases resulted in arrests.

The victim of this recent attack underwent a rape examination. Police are awaiting the results of the DNA tests.

Hotard said that many women shower immediately following a sexual assault, making it difficult to identify their attacker through DNA. When anonymous attacks such as this one occur, DNA evidence might be the only clue to who committed the crime.

A map of the reported attack area and a description of the victim’s clothing can be found here. The Boulder Police also released a description of the attackers.

Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to contact Boulder Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or 1-800-444-3776, or log on to Colorado Crime Stoppers.

The State of Broadcast TV

The disparity of quality in broadcast reporting is alarming. Local news proceeds along at breakneck pace, trying to fit in easily digestible tidbits of information into a 30 minute newscast. Local newscasts strive to hold the attention of viewers in a society who rarely depends on local newscasts for information. The local Fox affiliate in Denver used few academic sources and relied heavily on observation and interviews for their information. The local station presented both sides of controversies, but only superficially, rarely delving into specifics and backgrounds of the people who they were interviewing. For instance, the national piece on merit-based bonuses for teachers featured a teacher named Dillon Prime. They failed to mention that Teach for America (not the school district directly) employs Prime, which would be an interesting factor in the discussion. [Blogger’s note: I know this because we attended the same undergraduate institution].

Additionally, the local news seemed unprofessional in both its editing and reporting. The audio and video tracks often failed to match up. In an interview with Mitt Romney, the beat reporter attempted to bait him into making a racially-motivated comment against a political opponent. These make up the reasons why I don’t watch local news and often rely on the Internet or national sources for my news.

Both national and cable news interests me more so than local news. Obviously, their resources (both financial and technological) are more abundant, allowing for a sharper newscast with better editing and more in-depth reporting. I watched CBS’s nationally televised show, 60 Minutes, which focuses on 3-5 stories in its hour-long show. The reporters on the show cite many legitimate sources on both sides of the story that they are covering. While the local news broadcasted only one interview in a particular story, the national news had time to broadcast many interviews of several sides of the argument. This has far more power - showing the interviews rather than having the reporter reiterate someone else’s opinion. In this way, local news can also seem more biased than national news.

The stories on the national news program (one on veteran’s rights and one on a man who impersonated a federal officer) did not apply to me directly, but were interesting nonetheless. National news programs select stories that have a hook appealing to a wide range of people. Ironically, most of the stories on the local news were about national issues (maybe there’s nothing newsworthy in Denver?).

I selected Mike Huckabee’s show, Huckabee, on Fox News for my cable news show. During Eastern Standard prime time, cable news networks focus on specific stories (i.e. a show on American Airlines on CNN) or interview shows hosted by a famous person (Huckabee or Keith Olberman’s show on MSNBC). Cable news lately has almost exclusively focused on the upcoming election. The two guests on Huckabee’s show, actor Richard Dreyfuss and comedian Bill Maher, discussed issues related to the election. No sources were cited, because the show was not reporting hard news. Since Huckabee is a conservative and both guests are liberal Democrats, both sides were represented, although the show presented the “controversy” in the form of a discussion, rather than as the newsworthy hook.

I think that local news, especially in a small market, is in danger due to poor reporting and “unshiny” production. However, national and cable news probably won’t fall prey to the Internet and print publications as quickly (same reasons that local newspapers are dying but periodical magazines are still doing okay). People might turn into local news for fast information (especially on sports or weather) but national and cable news most likely provides most people with info on national issues (such as the election). I found it difficult to watch all of the shows (although 60 Minutes was definitely the most palatable, due to the interesting stories). I am used to blogs and written news; I appreciate carefully and wittily crafted word as opposed to quick video sound bites. It was painful sitting through all three though; this blogger is sticking to the Internet.



NOTES ON THE BROADCASTS

LOCAL:

FOX 31 News at 9pm - Denver
# of stories: 17

The news commenced with a report on the Barack Obama rally in Pueblo, Colorado. There, Obama talked about his proposed tax breaks for the middle class. However, one shop owner interviewed railed against this, as the Secret Service closed down her shop, citing safety reasons. She stated that she is voting for McCain. Although she was the only source to have their interview aired, the reporter stated that other shop owners did not oppose the rally and were supportive of the publicity that the rally brought to their town. Both sides were presented, but only the negative opinion was aired; arguably, this dissenting opinion made the story newsworthy.

Next, a reporter discussed Obama’s aunt, who is an illegal immigrant residing in Boston. Cited: Obama and the Associated Press investigation
Both sides presented.

McCain rally - You Decide 2008 - in VA. Presented his economic plan. Will be in NYC tonight. Palin back in CO. No sources.

Mitt Romney at CO rallies - interview him.

CO’s Most Wanted
Denver gunman shot three people; they are recovering. Two separate incidents in Stapleton. Gave description of subject.
Interview neighborhood members, Denver police dept, victim’s descriptions of the perpetrator, anonymous hotline info.
No controversy

Denver YG30 Bandit - bank robber - need to catch

Carjacker and killer captured in KS - update

Fires in Lafayette Motel
Neighbors pulled him out but he died
Fire under investigation
No sources

Barn fire - 4 hourses
No cause
Under investigation
Cite police
No controversy

Mitt Romney - stumps for McCain in CO
Romney says polls are close, Obama not doing well, people not comfortable with him. Reporter brings up race (unprofessional). Romney steps over it. Poor editing. Says he’s not thinking about running again.
One source, one side - Romney.
Supposed to be an opinion piece.

Talking with R Giuliani tomorrow night

Election Night coverage piece - internal advertisement

Across America segment - Police officer down - St Louis MO, shot and killed. Have a suspect
N Tex - earthquakes
No sources stated

Naked Voting; in Pasco County, FL, head of nudist colony cited, no controversy

Daylight savings time, firefighters cited - change batteries in smoke detectors. No controversy.

Weather

Leap program starts - low energy assistance - no sources, no contro.

Flu and holiday travel; airports offring flu shots. DIA. Organizers cited - shots on the fly. travelers interviewed. Denver Health Clinic. No contro.

Fox Alert - Aurora - pedestrian accident, woman and child taken to hospital, she was pregnant. No source, no contro

Teacher pay increases - NYC - Dylan Prime (Hamilton grad?) - $2000 bonus for teachers who improve test scores. Dept of Ed likes it. NEA doesn’t like it. Presidential candidates like it. National story. Controversial.


NATIONAL:

60 Minutes - CBS - 11/1
# of stories: 2 (in 30 minutes)
Good editing,

650000 called to duty since 9/11
USERA law - must take soldiers back at same pay; thousands of guard and reservists penalized or don’t have their job when they get back from active duty. Problem is that service people are losing their jobs and not getting compensated for back pay. Some employers won’t hire people who are in the military.
Interviewed 3 army members who lost their jobs, one of whom works @ the VA medical center and was denied back pay after being gone 2 yrs (in military 25 years), Pentagon cited (#s - 10% have problems), lawsuits cited, asst sec of defense Hall interviewed, privat4e sector (Dave Miller, Conway nat’l shipping company - at first supported, but now having problems with 2nd and 3rd tours), Sherwood Police Dept and its chief, quoted Pentagon policies.
Definitely has an agenda, but allowed for all sides to be represented.

Gerald, MO
tiny police force, big drug problem
Bill Jacob - UC fed agent - clean up meth labs; dozens rounded up; hero; too good to be true? 1200 residents. 2 mos - arrested 20 people. Jacobs was NEVER a fed nor a certified cop - was bankrupt and unemployed - elaborate con into believing him - ‘multi jurisdictional narcotics task force’ - quote from BHCop2. Completely made up evidence. Arrested people never read rights, no search warrants, could not call lawyers - now none of this is admissible. Reporter did background check; Jacob arrested by FBI. Long history of conning people. Officers and chief fired, people arrested now suing the town. Jacob pled guilty, will be sentenced in Dec - 5-6yrs in prison.
Interviewed Jacob, Ryan McCrary - police chief, Mayor Otis Schulte, reporter Linda Trast, Michael Holland (suspect who “confessed”)
Huge controversy - all sides spoken with, except for federal agencies.


CABLE:

special interest stories, esp in prime time (EST)

Fox News, Huckabee
# of stories: none, really - a couple things in the beginning, but two major interviews (one in first 30 minutes)

Show w Gov Mike Huckabee
Shows SNL making fun of Presidents and Presidential candidates
Thenoseonyourface.com - Obama carved on Mt Rushmore - team members of Huckabee’s show
Interviews w Bill Maher & Richard Dreyfuss
RD
played vp cheney in W by Oliver Stone
who voting for? not McCain
issue of civics and lack of prep in education of students

no sources because it’s an interview segment - q&a, not evaluating a story or reporting hard news

Broadcast Writing: The Economic Stimulus Package

ECONOMIC RELIEF MAY BE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER.

CONGRESS WANTS TO PASS A NEW STIMULUS PACKAGE TO HELP FIX A CRISIS THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ENDING ANYTIME SOON.

THE HEAD OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE, BEN BERNANKE, IMPLORED CONGRESS TO PASS A NEW STIMULUS PACKAGE TO HELP THE NATION'S FLOUNDERING ECONOMY.

(sound bite/video from Burnanke's address to the House Budget Committee):
"With the economy likely to be weak for several quarters, and with some risk of a protracted slowdown, consideration of a fiscal package by the Congress at this juncture seems appropriate."

A STIMULUS PACKAGE MIGHT LOOK LIKE THE ONE FROM LAST FEBRUARY WHEN PEOPLE RECEIVED TAX REBATE CHECKS UP TO $1,200. LEADING DEMOCRATS AGREE. HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI HAD THIS TO SAY:

(sound bite/video from Pelosi):
"I call on President Bush and congressional Republicans to once again heed Chairman Bernanke's advice and as they did in January, work with Democrats in Congress to enact a targeted, timely and fiscally responsible economic recovery and job creation package."

BERNANKE HOPES THAT A STIMULUS PACKAGE WILL HELP CALM FEARS OF BOTH BANKS AND CONSUMERS. FIVE OF WALL STREET'S BIGGEST FIRMS FOLDED THIS YEAR AND 15 BANKS HAVE CLOSED.

(visual: Wall Street, exteriors of bank buildings and pedestrians)

THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED IT WOULD GIVE $250 BILLION TO U.S. BANKS TO REBUILD RESERVES AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO GIVE OUT LOANS.

(video: Henry Paulson, any tape, no sound)

A RECENT POLL FROM AP/YAHOO! CLAIMS THAT ONE OUT OF THREE AMERICANS WORRY ABOUT LOSING THEIR JOBS. HALF FEAR THAT THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO PAY THEIR CREDIT CARDS AND MORTGAGES ON TIME. LEADERS HOPE THAT A NEW STIMULUS PACKAGE WILL HELP CALM THESE FEARS.

ADRIENNE SAIA, NEWS TEAM BOULDER.

Comparing Crime: Boulder and Philadelphia

The crime rates between a large city on the eastern seaboard and a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains present a striking numerical evaluation.

In 2006, Philadelphia recorded 406 murders within a population of 1,448,394 people. That is a rate of 2.8%.

Conversely, the city of Boulder, Colo. only experienced 1 murder in 2006 among their population of 102,659. The murder rate here ranks much higher at 9.4%.

Although Philadelphia experiences more instances of violent crime, it actually has a lower rate due to its high population.

In Boulder, despite being a relatively safe city, one crime drastically raises the crime rate.

This small case study proves that statistics can be misleading. Statistics should always be examined with prejudice and in the context of other statistics, such as population.

---
Resources:

U.S. Census Bureau
City of Boulder - Police Crime Statistics
City of Philadelphia - Police Crime Statistics

Rich, pg 117 exercise

Adrienne Saia Isaac
Newsgathering I
September 24, 2008

Rich, page 117

a) She felt bad about missing the school board meeting, but her editor fired her regardless of her excuse.

b) We will join together in prayer for the students who died in the shooting and we will fly the flags at half-staff.

c) It is all right if you miss class for a job interview. You can make up the test tomorrow.

d) We will divide the workload among three students.

e) The St. Joseph Board of Commissioners plans to submit a proposal for a bond issue to pay for road improvements. They hope that the election committee will reach a consensus to put issue on the ballot.

f) Each of the applicants will have a chance to discuss their strengths and weaknesses with the personnel director.

g) Based on your writing skills, it looks like you could be a good journalist.

h) Each of the students will receive a plaque with their diplomas at graduation.

i) She was embarrassed that she had fewer than five answers correct on the quiz.

j) After the boss read the report he gave it to Jim and me to rewrite. He said that it is due back by Monday.

The Page 42 Assignment - REDUX

Study Shows Right-handed People Live Longer

The hand you write with might determine how long you are going to live.

A study released in today's New England Journal of Medicine suggests that right-handed people are more likely to outlive their left-handed counterparts.

Diane Halpern, psychology professor at California State University at San Bernadino, studied the death certificates and dominant hands of 987 residents of Southern California. She and her colleagues determined that left-handed people were six times more likely to die from accidents than right-handed people.

"The results are striking in their magnitude," Halpern said. She found that right-handed women outlive left-handed women by six years. Right-handed males tend to outlive left-handed males by 11 years.

Halpern offers a practical reason for the frequency of accidental deaths among left-handed people. "Almost all engingeering is geared to the right hand and left foot," Halpern said. She adds that, "there are many, many old left-handed people" and that her study "should not, of course, be used to predict the life span of any individual."

Left-handed People are Weirdos and this is the Best Headline Ever

For this "blog," we were to complete the assignment on page 42 in Rich's book Writing and Reporting News.  The following article is based on information given to us and is in no way meant to represent any factual news story.  In the words of Norm McDonald on SNL - "And here's the fake news...":

Focus sentence: Right-handed people live longer than left-handed people.

Suggestion for visual: Bar graph with male left-handed people, female left-handed people, male right-handed people, and female right-handed on the horizontal axis.  Ages in ascending increments would run up the vertical axis from zero.  This is the easiest way to show the results of the study, minimizing variables and providing an easy-to-read chart.

The article:

Study Shows Right-handed People Live Longer

The hand you write with might determine how long you're going to live.  A study released in today's New England Journal of Medicine suggests that right-handed people might outlive their left-handed counterparts.  

Diane Halpern, psychology professor at California State University at San Bernadino, studied the death certificates and dominant hands of 987 in Southern California.  She and her colleagues determined that left-handed people were six-times more likely to die from accidents that right-handed people.  

"The results are striking in their magnitude," Halpern said.  She also learned that right-handed women outlive left-handed women by six years.  Right-handed males outlive left-handed males by 11 years.  Halpern adds that "There are many, many old left-handed people" and that her study "should not, of course, be used to predict the life span of any individual."

Halpern suggested that individual health and fitness also influence life-span.  She offers another practical reason for the frequency of accidents among left-handed people.  "Almost all engineering is geared to the right hand and right foot," Halpern said.  Halpern warns against trying to change the habits of left-handed children precisely as a result of the study.  She adds, "some of my best friends are left-handed."