There's Always Time for Class

Editors make time to train their newsroom, and journalists take the time to hone their skills -- at least that's the way WashingtonPost.com rolls.

During a roundtable discussion and tour he gave my graduate class this weekend, Chet Rhodes sounded off on reporters picking up video skills and the majesty that is the Washington Post family of products.

Rhodes, a former U of MD professor, oversees the daily videos at WashingtonPost.com as Assistant Managing Editor. His academic experience, combined with 8 years at one of the top mainstream papers in the country, definately showed. He provided some excellent words of advice for print or online journalists struggling to make deadlines, much less class.

His advice for those making the transition:

- If reporting live or doing a stand-up for a basic news package; remember to give the viewer three things --
1. Who you are and the newsroom you represent
2. What happened; and
3. What's next

- To get the best shots keep these three things in mind
1. Don't Zoom While Taping -- the human eye doesn't zoom.
2. Get Wide, Medium and Tight shots
3. The Pan RARELY works -- use it sparingly and only for visually interesting views

Of all the advice Rhodes offered, his recomendation to take classes, seek training and ask questions truly stood out.

"We train our reporters," Rhoades said. "There's always time for classes."

Check out Mr. Rhodes talking about the training the Post has done below.




You can also see some highlights from a class Rhodes conducted during the Online News Association Conference.

With all the reporting on petty politics, any Energy for Education coverage?

Each issue within the President's reach will have consequences that reach every constituent, directly or indirectly. And, most of the public follows the lead of the media to pinpoint how an issue affects them. Without a strong, well-rounded education, however, most issues will likely seem irrelevant.

So why is it that most political coverage of late has focused on the oil/energy and financial crisis (well, that and insults)?

Despite the lack of buzz, education plans and education reform should receive more attention.

The public has ample opportunity to hear politicians hurl party insults, and most have the gumption to pay attention to the positions politicians (like McCain and Obama) take while "on the stump". Still, most of the public needs mainstream media to provide a clear portrait of action from candidates. Good journalism does this by tracking and compiling votes, giving context for statements made and reporting on them in a way that the general public can digest.

Though less glamorous than Oil and Terror, Education moves the American public -- with or without their knowledge. The outcome of government roles in Education and the advancement/decline of our academic status in the world should receive more attention. The next President's action for Academia should make front page now. After the election, it may be too late.

In traditional media some outlets covered it early on. But the media that showed the public what mattered and why were, not surprisingly, unaffiliated blogs.