By GenJ Guest Blogger Robert McLean

Lay offs, furloughs and buyouts have hit the journalism industry hard in the past few years. Even The Grey Lady – The New York Times – hasn’t been immune from the profession’s transition into the 21st Century.

Yet young journalists continue to find jobs. Non-profit journalism organizations are hiring reporters and editors fresh out of J-School. Recently, I spoke with three of these non-profit journalists about their careers.

From left to right: Michael Todd, Managing Editor of Hear Nebraska (photo by Rob McLean), Rebecca Thiele, Radio Producer for WMUK (photo courtesy of Rebecca Thiele), Lauren Mills, Digital Analyst and Reporter for IowaWatch (photo courtesy of Lauren Mills)

Lauren Mills, Digital Analyst and Reporter at Iowa Watch

Lauren Mills turned a student job into a full time journalism gig.

Mills and I met at the 2012 SPJ Region 7 spring conference in Ames, Iowa. She was in her senior year at the University of Iowa, and had just completed a project on nitrogen pollution in the Gulf of Mexico for the non-profit news site IowaWatch.org.

She landed a reporting gig at IowaWatch after applying for a fellowship program with the organization– a website that dedicates itself to “producing and encouraging explanatory and investigative journalism in Iowa, engaging in collaborative reporting efforts with Iowa news organizations and educating journalism students.”

Mills started out as a student reporter, but moved up to web manager and assistant editor during her senior year. After a brief stint at the Sioux City Journal, Mills joined Iowa Watch as a digital analyst and reporter.

Aside from reporting, Mills has sit in on board meetings, where she said she gets an inside view on what the organization is doing in various areas. It also gives her insight into how the organization is coming along in funding.

The main difference between working at IowaWatch and a traditional newspaper, she said, is the length of journalism. She said IowaWatch is able to do long-form pieces, averaging one article per week.

Participation is also different, she said. Iowa Watch has a smaller staff than her old newspaper, she said, which lets everyone participate in every aspect of the process.

Michael Todd, Managing Editor of Hear Nebraska

Full disclosure: I’ve made a monetary donation to and have written a few articles for Hear Nebraska, a non-profit music journalism website focusing on the Nebraska’s music scene. That’s how I came to meet its managing editor, Michael Todd.

Todd has been with HN since the organization’s early days. He said he really likes the creativity he’s allotted by the website’s co-founders, Andrew and Angie Norman.

“It’s just very open, productive and creative,” Todd said.

He met the Normans, after inviting them on a radio show he hosted on KRNU – the University of Nebraska’s student radio station. After the show, Todd said he applied for an internship with the organization and worked his way to managing editor.

Todd said he focuses most of his energy on producing editorial content, leaving development and conferring with the organization’s board of directors to the Normans. However, he has worked on fundraising initiatives for the site.

For instance he took a lead roll in posting social media about the Give to Lincoln Day fundraising initiative, where the organization raised more than $10,000.

Pitching ideas for the website is relatively easy, Todd said. He said he isn’t sure that would be possible at a newspaper that is already established.

Rebecca Thiele, Radio Producer at WMUK

I met Rebecca Thiele while she was freelancing for Patch.com in the St. Louis area. I was a Local Editor, and she had written some news coverage for the site I managed.

The call of the north, however, was too strong to keep her in Missouri. She took a radio producer position covering the arts at WMUK, the public broadcasting station at Western Michigan University.

Thiele graduated from the University of Missouri in May 2011. She said she was trying to find a job in radio, and the WMUK job looked attractive.

She said the organization is very good about keeping the news department separate from fundraising and other nonprofit aspects of the organization.

“When we need someone to do on-air fund drives, the news people are pretty much the last pick,” she said.

However, she’s not totally isolated from all aspects of the non-profit model. For instance, the show she produces has underwriting from the Richmond Center for Visual Arts – an organization on which she might report.

Thiele said when an opportunity to cover the organization arises, she asks herself if she would cover that story if the organization wasn’t underwriting the show. If the answer is yes, she pursues the story.

Rob McLean is a Digital Managing Editor with Hearst Television. He has been a member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010 and a member of the Online News Association since 2012. Interact on Twitter: @robertmclean.

It’s not news to anyone that more and more news is being consumed online. Yes, people still read the newspaper and watch television and listen to the radio, but the Internet and social media are becoming the popular choice for consuming news.

So, we know this, but how are we capitalizing on it? And are we doing it often enough?

I would argue journalists can always do more with web content. More videos, more social media interaction, more interactives, the list goes on and on.

Here are some successful web content elements I have created.

1. Live streaming. The Oprah interview with Lance Armstrong is a perfect example of this. While the interview was live on television, it was simultaneously streaming live on the web. You can do this with court events, press conferences and more and you don’t have to interrupt any programs on TV.

2. Web interactives. Data is great but can be overwhelming and dull at times. Web interactives can make the data easy to understand andeasier to sift through for your audience.

3. Web extras. Have an incredible interview but can’t include it all in the piece? Why not add it to the web? Or behind-the-scenes videos or explanations of how the story came a part are always great too.

4. Live blogging. Live tweeting. Sometime your audience cannot always be watching or listening live to meeting, press conference or court event. So, why not live blog the event or live tweet it with hashtags? It can help you gain followers and it helps share information as it happens.

5. Photo slideshows. People love photos. From people to animals to scene photos, people will look and they will click on them. They are a great way to generate clicks and hits for your website.

I think all of these are worth trying and once you try them I bet you will keep doing them and see results.

Lynn Walsh in the Investigative Producer for WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida. She is the Chair for the SPJ Generation J Committee and also sits on the Board for the SPJ South Florida Chapter. Connect with her on Twitter, @LWalsh or send her an e-mail: Lynn.K.Walsh@gmail.com.

As I watched NBC’s TODAY Show this morning on the elliptical (while switching between channel 2 and 7 as well) I realized that broadcast journalism still relies heavily on hidden camera investigations.

And then I thought, is that right?

In a world where we, the “trained professionals,” are fighting to distinguish ourselves from the bloggers, do we have any right to go about using hidden cameras, concealed recording devices and other “007-like” techniques?

I don’t think we do, and I’m going to tell you why (and please, feel free to disagree in the comments, I love a good discussion).

Everyone is capable of performing a hidden camera investigation these days. For all you know, you could be photographed at any moment. Cell phones and other handheld devices have made it incredibly easy to point, shoot and record any and all interactions with others. And there’s nothing to stop these “photographers” from posting to their various social networks. What does that mean for journalists? We’re supposed to be different. We’re supposed to take photos as a means of recording historical (or soon-to-be) events. We’re not supposed to do it for the thrill; we’re supposed to have an ethical judgment that helps us know when to shoot and when to stop.
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By: Claudia Amezcua

With more than 500,000 apps available for iPhone/Droid what are the best apps out there to help a journalists cover stories out in the field, everyone has their favorites.

Personally, while on the field I have found the following apps useful when I need to get something out to the world promptly.

1. Twitter
Okay, I know we all have this app at our disposal, but I honestly think its so much better than the other incarnations out there that offer the same ability to tweet on the go.

2. Facebook
When I need to update my friends and fans with news and also find story tips.

3. Hootsuite
Best app when I want to update all my social media platforms with one single entry. The best part of this app is that I can also schedule tweets for later postings.
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By Jennifer Nicole Sullivan

It’s challenging to find a job after graduation, not to mention a job in journalism. But it can be done if you become proactive and prepare. So before you begin your job search, get a jump on the competition with these tips (listed in no particular order).

1. Print business cards: Vistaprint offers nice and inexpensive cards. Include your website and Twitter handle (if appropriate).

2. Create a one-page resume: Nobody wants to read more than that! Check out “One-Page Resumes – 12 Edits to Make Everything Fit.”

3. Create an online portfolio: Include your best clips, multimedia samples, resume (sans address) and bio. Have an online presence. Check out “Portfolio Websites for Journalists: Where to Begin.”

4. Get active on LinkedIn: Keep up with contacts, peers and news sources. Make new connections. It’s your online Rolodex. You might even get a job through LinkedIn (I did!).

5. Get several internships: One is not enough. Shoot for the national media outlets. Publish as much as you can in these positions.

6. Publish work in professional publications: Either through an internship or as a freelancer. Look into Patch.com in your area or other local publications.

7. Regularly save your clips: Always save pdfs and hard copies as you go. It’ll keep you from scrambling around when you need them.

8. Join Society of Professional Journalists: (Hopefully you have already!) It’s great for networking, attending superb conferences and getting valuable advice from committees such as Gen J. Plus, you receive SPJ’s Quill magazine!

9. Attend seminars, conferences and networking sessions: You’ll make important contacts and learn about social media trends, writing tips and industry news.

10. Network (yes, really!): It sounds like a scary word, but it doesn’t have to be. Relieve the pressure with this Woody Allen quote, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” Just show up and conversations will happen naturally without the stress.

11. Make friends with other student journalists: Keep in touch after graduation. You never know how you can help each other out.

12. Learn technology: It’s not enough just to write well. Learn to shoot video, edit video, take photos, report on camera, write for online, engage in social media and use design software such as InDesign. And be familiar with HTML and content management systems.

13. Google yourself: What pops up? If it’s undesirable, fix it before future employers see it.

14. Follow the top news outlets (and read more than just the headlines!): Read a variety of magazines and newspapers that contain opposing opinions and points of view. The more you read, the better journalist you’ll be.

(Tips presented at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., in early November 2011.)

Jennifer Nicole Sullivan is a copywriter for Real Simple magazine in New York City. She’s also a fashion, arts and entertainment contributing writer for the weekly newsmagazine Newport Mercury in Newport, R.I. The Dallas native is a former features reporter at Corpus Christi Caller-
Times. She has degrees in theater and radio-TV-film from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in English from The University of Rhode Island. Visit JenniferNicoleSullivan.com and follow her on Twitter @trendyjenny.

By Jennifer Nicole Sullivan

During the SPJ National Conference in 2010, I realized my folder of photocopied newspaper clips was so antiquated. I needed an online portfolio. Unfortunately, I never learned how to create a website in school. But I didn’t want to pay someone to design one, so I decided to tackle this project on my own.

Today—although I’m still in the process of uploading clips—my portfolio website, www.jennifernicolesullivan.com, is up and fully functional. And I did it all without taking an HTML or web design class. So if you’re in the same position I was in, just follow these simple steps to launch your own website:

1. Buy a domain: As Claudia Amezcua mentioned in her Gen J post “WhyYourDomainNameIsImportant.com” on November 3, 2011, select a domain that reflects your name and/or byline. My byline is Jennifer Nicole Sullivan because there are hundreds of Jennifer Sullivans in this world. I bought my domain at Dreamhost.com for $9.95 a year.

2. Select a web host provider: After polling my friends, I selected Dreamhost to host my website for $119.40 per year. So far, so good.

3. Select a publishing platform: I chose WordPress.org to create my website and to use as a content management system (not WordPress.com which supports and hosts blogs). WordPress is free.

4. Select a template: You don’t need to design a website from scratch. Just select a free template from WordPress or from the thousands of free templates online.  Some templates are available for purchase only (mine was purchased).

5. Find a friend who knows WordPress: Luckily I knew someone who helped me upload my template onto WordPress. My other good friend is the book, “WordPress for Dummies.”

6. Play and explore: I figured out how to tweak the HTML code in my template and upload content to my site simply by putting in the hours. My method was trial and error. If I didn’t know a certain HTML code, I searched Google for information.

It takes a lot of patience and persistence, but you’ll feel great when you have a nice, professional portfolio to share with future employers. These are the basic steps I took, but I’m certain there are better routes to take.

Know of a great journalism portfolio you can recommend? Have any portfolio tips or tricks? We’d love to hear your ideas and see your portfolios!

Jennifer Nicole Sullivan is a copywriter for Real Simple magazine in New York City. She’s also a fashion, arts and entertainment contributing writer for the weekly newsmagazine Newport Mercury in Newport, R.I. The Dallas native is a former features reporter at Corpus Christi Caller-
Times. She has degrees in theater and radio-TV-film from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in English from The University of Rhode Island. Visit JenniferNicoleSullivan.com and follow her on Twitter @trendyjenny.

By: Claudia Amezcua

Dear (DOT) com.

I think that my name is unique enough, so why should I get a “.com?”

Yes, this question actually was asked by an experienced reporter a few months ago while discussing career tips with me when I first began freelancing.  Seriously though, what is the big deal with having my own website?

Actually, it is a big deal (unless you are a “big deal”), and when it comes down to it, it is simply called a domain name.  A domain name is the url (universal resource locator) to a personalized website, blog, etc., that can be purchased through a domain registrar. The reason why this is important is because it is the single most important url associated you that a potential employer can remember to better remember you.

How to purchase a “Domain”

Go to domain registrar such as GoDaddy.com, Domains.com, Google.com or Yahoo.com, etc. to purchase your domain.  Typically this can run as little as $10.00 to $20.00 dollars a year.  Keep in mind that if you are planning to map your new domain name to your website hosted on another site (i.e. your blog on wordpress), it is possible to accrue an additional fee. Other alternate sites such as WordPress, Blogger and Tumblr allow you to purchase the domain through their site, which is usually less expensive than a registrar website.

What happens when my name is already taken?

So unfortunately, your name is potentially already being used by someone else.  Before you begin to think your life as a journalist is over, get creative and think of another variation.  Try something like “TheRealClaudiaAmezcua.com” or “TheClaudiaAmezcua.com,” (yes, I know its not as creative, however it still is professional).

Remember, whatever you choose as your domain name; make sure that it is something that is easy to remember and above all, who you are.

Claudia Amezcua is a freelance multi-plaform reporter and production assistant based inf Los Angeles, CA. She is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelors in Communications, and is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in On-Air Radio Broadcasting from Mt. San Antonio College. Ms. Amezcua’s work experience includes anchor, reporter, and DJ at 90.1 KSAK in Walnut, CA, and as a freelance production and library assistant for CNN.  You can follow Claudia on twitter by @ClaudiaAmezcua, or visit claudiaamezcua.com.

By: Mike Brannen

Storytelling may be a lost art in local TV. While there is a sporadic collection of stations determined to keep that art of reporting alive, most seem content to present simply the meat and potatoes of a story, rather than treat it as a full course dinner. The stations branding themselves as storytellers typically allow their on-air talent to take credit for humanizing subjects and making each report memorable. KARE’s Boyd Huppert, KGO’s Wayne Freedman, and KOMU’s Sarah Hill are masters of this craft, perfectly weaving words, pictures, and sounds seamlessly. Most of their work tells the stories of people in our communities. They remove themselves objectively from the dramatic, emotional, and comedic tales that make life interesting. But a photographer in New York last week took storytelling in a new direction.

WKTV’s Tim Fisher has been gaining attention virally this month. Fisher was sent out to cover a deadly house fire in Utica, NY. A family cried out, saying firefighters weren’t doing enough to save three people inside. One member outside of the house came at Fisher in a display of anger and fear. Firefighters fell to the ground, choking on the thick smoke. Fisher packaged the basic details for the 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts as he would any other deadly fire.

Then, he took it even further, producing a 7-minute story narrative of what happened that day for the station’s web site. He provided more context for the man who aggressively pushed him. He took more time to show how beaten and embattled were the firefighters. He used words, pictures, sounds, AND PERSPECTIVE to tell the story. The viewer had a new angle to what in most cases would appear a routine house fire.

Most importantly, the story’s details dictated how long the piece should run. It’s refreshing, it’s different, and it’s unique.

Adding “perspective” to a story may sound like adding subjectivity to a story. I think in some cases it is okay, because in all storytelling accounts, subjectivity exists. As humans, we add flavor to a story based on how we tell it. We highlight details we find more important or interesting. Journalism requires objectivity when necessary information needs to be distilled. Objectivity exists as a means of remaining ethical when addressing tenuous topics.

I’m curious how it would look if stations explored adding more perspective like Fisher’s. I envision it wouldn’t go over well with some. Not everyone wants a “full course dinner.” Sometimes they prefer just the meat and potatoes of a story. I’ll take the former every once in a while, just to try something a little different.

There’s one more thing to take away from Fisher’s work. After garnering a huge response online in the early evening, WKTV chose to air the 7-minute piece in its entirety in its 11 p.m. newscast. It’s a brilliant move that seems like an obvious decision…on the surface. In reality, stations often forget they have fascinating web content that people might want to see on TV. Rarely does a project of this length originating on the web appear uncut for air. The fact that this piece was an exception to the rule speaks volumes about the excellent quality of Fisher’s anecdote.

Mike Brannen is a morning newscast producer for KIRO7, the CBS affiliate in Seattle. He recently received a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and completed his thesis, Motivational Use of Twitter. He previously worked multiple positions at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri during the past four years.