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Tuesday, 5:00
SCRIPPS 111
Celebrity Journalism

The Field of Photojournalism

Professional Dave LaBelle shared photo insights with journalism students at a guest lecture event.

F
story Sarah Grothjan
l photo l Graylyn Roose
From world traveling reporter Nellie Bly to the ground breaking, According to Eiler, searching for accuracy and candidness, creating
industrial photography of Margaret Bourke-White, photojournalists a sense of being, and interpreting an observation are several of the
have left astounding impacts on the field of journalism. For many fundamentals of photojournalism, which can easily serve as tenants for
photojournalism professionals, the connection between images and print print.
may be quite obvious, but the true nature of each is deeply intertwined. “It’s the same elements of journalism…the difference is the tool.
The job of a photojournalist is to convey a story using images and You are using images rather than text,” Eiler said. He describes photo
captions, a task that Dave LaBelle summed up as storytelling, when he and print as collaborative mediums that “form a bond that is stronger
said that, “at the core, we are all storytellers.” than either one of them would be on their own.” However, a fine line is
On Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in Ohio University’s Walter Hall, LaBelle drawn when text does not connect with image.
presented “Photojournalism: It’s always been more about the people than “What we
the photography.” He discovered his passion for photography early on. don’t need with
As a young boy from a family of modest means, photography served as pictures are
his outlet to success while other studies somehow escaped his interest. As words to tell me
he progressed behind the lens, Labelle utilized his talents in broader fields what’s in the
to make money. photograph, and
“When they started paying me to take pictures, I thought this was the so many captions
greatest thing to ever happen to me,” LaBelle reflected. He was offered do no more
one well-paying career in particular but turned it down because he felt than state the
compelled to tell stories, not to merely snap meaningless pictures. obvious,” he said,
“I will not go down in history as a great photographer. I don’t “I need to know
photograph wars. You know what I do? I photograph people doing good why this picture
things,” he said. is being put in
LaBelle regards himself as more than a photographer; he is both an front of me.”
artist and a poet. Influenced by artists such as Rembrandt, Steinbeck and An image may
Rockwell who “all were master storytellers,” he was particularly inspired stand alone from
by Rembrandt as someone that “taught [him] to see and to feel light.” He print if it is on
said he feels his soul purpose as a photojournalist is to share his work and the cover of a
understand the subjects behind his pictures. magazine, but, according to Eiler, the photo must be a “very dynamic
“If I can’t share, it’s like eating tacos for three weeks and not being image, and the person observing it would have to be very insightful.”
able to go to the Dustin Lennert, a first-year photojournalism student in the School of
restroom…I’m Visual Communication, attended Labelle’s presentation and said that his
ready to interest for photojournalism developed last year.

Inside Inc.
explode,” he “I liked art and writing, but I didn’t want to go in those two
said. directions. Photojournalism was kind of like the middle ground there,
Likewise, because pictures are kind of like art, and I’m still telling stories,” he
Terry Eiler, said when asked how his interest began.
interim director Katharine Egli, also a first-year photojournalism student in the
Page 2: Internship News and associate
professor for the
School of Visual Communication, finds that the most rewarding side of
photojournalism is “the adventurous aspect of it.”
Page 3: Sequence Updates
School of Visual
Communication
Egli is continuously learning new areas of photojournalism taking on
jobs beyond capturing photos that fit within her comfort zone. She is
at OU, supports quickly acclimating to experiencing interviewing for the first time and
Page 4: Religious Reporting sharing images
through the
taking pictures of people rather than objects.
While photo and print journalism continue to utilize two different
Page 5: From the President process of
meshing both
media, the two combined create a work even better suited for the rapidly
changing industry. Each in its own right can be magnificently used, but
print and photo. together they form something even more powerful. n
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NEWS
Society of Professional Journalists

A Change In Sequence Policy

New class prepares for a new J-school policy: the deadline for choosing a sequence has been extended.
story Rebecca McKinsey
l

Journalism is a broad term at Ohio University. Every student in the
journalism school must declare a sequence – that is, an area of special-
ization within the journalism spectrum. There are six concrete sequences
within the Scripps College of Communication: Advertising, Broad-
cast News, Magazine Journalism, News Writing and Editing, Online
Journalism and Public Relations. There are many options and quite a bit
of flexibility when it comes to choosing a sequence best suited for the
individual student.
Normally, journalism majors at OU start their freshman year already
having declared a sequence. The class of 2013 is the first to see a change
in this policy. “Starting with this incoming freshman class, we’ve decid-
ed to allow students more time in choosing their sequence,” said Robert
options when it comes to sequences and advisers,” Stewart said.
How to know if your choice is a good fit:
Upon choosing a sequence, students begin taking classes specific to
that sequence; the very first class will indicate if the right choice was
made. “You’ll know if the sequence you’ve chosen is right for you when
you take the first class in that sequence,” Stewart said. “If you enjoy it –
if you’re saying, ‘I want to read the textbook, and everything else I can
get my hands on’ – then that sequence is a good fit. If you’re dreading
going to class each day, then it’s not.”
Stewart wants students to be passionate about what they’re learning.
“If you love a specific area in journalism, even if it’s more difficult to

“ “
Stewart, Associate Director of the School of Journalism. The new dead- find a job in that area, I would still encourage you to pursue that area,”
line for declaring a sequence is at the end of the winter quarter, when he said. “My goal is that students
students are beginning advising find a sequence that excites them,
sessions for spring quarter. because then they’ll do better.” If
students find their chosen sequence
Why it is important to have a
The idea behind sequences is that the isn’t for them, switching to a new
sequence: way that the journalism industry works, one is easy, Stewart said. All it
“The idea behind sequences requires is a simple form, and the
is that the way the journal- you need specialized knowledge that’s process can be repeated as many
ism industry works, you need times as necessary.
specialized knowledge that’s specific to various areas in the industry.
specific to various areas in the What to do if you want something
industry,” Stewart said. “Having more unique:
a sequence prepares students for Students who are interested in
the area of journalism they want to go into.” more than one sequence or something completely different have op-
Although recent changes in journalism have caused a need for more tions as well. Some of Scripps’s sequences have a lot of flexibility; for
flexibility in journalists’ knowledge, it’s still important for a student instance, the magazine sequence requires students to take four magazine
going into this field to have an area of expertise. This is what a sequence classes and four electives in other areas. This provides the variety that
provides. some students are looking for.
For those seeking something truly unique, there is another option.
The best way to choose a sequence: They can take advantage of the Carr Van Anda opportunity, which is an
Introductory journalism classes give students some background in the individualized, student-constructed sequence. It may be a combination of
various sequences they can choose. However, on-campus student media two or more of Scripps’s six sequences, or it may be a completely sepa-
organizations are a tremendously helpful resource as well. “If you’re not rate area in journalism that a student would like to study. This sequence
taking advantage of the hands-on opportunities available to you here, is declared during junior year, allowing journalism majors plenty of time
you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to make the best decision to make a decision. “The Carr Van Anda is the ultimate flexible model
possible,” Stewart said. “Anything you think you’re interested in, go out for journalism sequences,” Stewart said.
there and try it.” Although the Carr Van Anda isn’t for everyone, it’s an important op-
OU has various print, online, radio and television media outlets with tion to consider, Stewart said. This specialized sequence allows students
which students can become involved, and the hands-on experience that with a very specific, unique vision to create a degree that will fulfill that
comes along with these goes a long way toward affirming a student’s vision. The JSchool’s six areas of study, paired with the Carr Van Anda,
interest in a particular area. “Student organizations are also a great way provide a way for all journalism students to find a sequence that works
to network and meet upperclassmen who can tell you about your various for them. n
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A publication of the Ohio University
Society of Professional Journalists
Religious Reporting with Rebecca Woods
Reverend Rebecca Woods is the news and Web site editor for DisciplesWorld Magazine.
interview Kaitrin McCoy shoutout Rebecca McKinsey
l l
KM:. What drew you to religious journalism?
RW: Well, I majored in Public Relations at Miami University. Yes, I
know that’s the wrong school to mention around here. I worked the
technology side of newspapers in the Detroit and St. Louis areas. I later
worked for a technology subsidiary of Gannett Co. But when I read the
religion section in these newspapers, I saw that their focus was more
community-oriented, like a church celebrating its 75th anniversary or a
banquet being held in honor of a pastor. I realized that it takes special-
ized training in religion to really write it properly. So, I left the company
in 2001, became a freelance journalist and attended the United Theologi-
cal Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where I received my masters of divinity.
KM: Do you have any suggestions or advice for journalism students who
wish to pursue religion journalism?
RW: It’s important to be informed, so I’d recommend taking a reli-
gion class or two. If possible, you should try to specialize in religious
studies. As for the actual writing, you need to respect the person being
interviewed and remember how deep their beliefs go. Also, and this is
something journalists forget, you should remember that much of the
audience reading mainstream or secular journalism hold religious beliefs
or are interested in religion.
KM: Did you find the transition to a religious publication difficult?
RW: Well, it’s a different environment. There’s always the pressure not
to write any “bad news.” You know, how giving in the church is down,
Mac or PC? OU J-school students sound off about their computers of choice.
“Macs don’t get sick. They don’t crash. They’re shinier than PCs. And I
like the noise they make when they power up – it lets you know they’re
okay.” -Caitlin Whitehurst, Sophomore, News Writing and Editing/
Magazine
“Honestly, with this technological revolution we’re experiencing, this
shouldn’t even be a debate anymore. Macs seem to be the smarter op-
tion because I don’t have to fear getting a virus and wiping out the
memory on my computer; they’re more versatile; they have many more
useful features; and in my opinion, they’re much more reliable. And to
top it all off, they’re even environmentally friendly. Sure, they’re a bit
costly, but they more than pay for themselves in the long run. I love my
MacBook Pro and I wouldn’t trade it for even the best PC out there.”
-Tanya Parker, Freshman, Broadcast
“With a Mac, you can call the service center and get your computer
fixed in 10 minutes. With a PC, you make a call and they transfer you to
India, and then to Bangladesh. Then you’re transferred to the moon, and
then finally back to the person you started with – and your
computer still doesn’t get fixed.” -Kyle Grantham, Senior,
Photojournalism
PROFESSIONAL
NEWS
or a respected church leader has done something wrong... it brings down
the church. But at DisciplesWorld Magazine, our philosophy is it’s
healthier for the church if we discuss these issues and bring them out in
the open. Also, it helps us fix the issues themselves.
KM: What about non-religious issues? What are your thoughts on reli-
gion journalists reporting on politics?
RW: That’s a pretty tough question. Some Christians believe faith and
politics should be completely separate. They don’t want to read it, hear
it, or have their church leaders speak about it on any medium. I do think
things like endorsing candidates from the pulpit is a very bad idea. But...
I think it’s hard to read the Bible and not apply its teachings to public
life. Still, among other Christians, people don’t agree on scriptural inter-
pretations. We need to understand diversity of thought and allow healthy,
diverse discussions.
KM: How do secular journalists react to your work? Is there any sort
of division between the religion and secular journalists in Cincinnati’s
chapter of SPJ, for example?
RW: There is something like a disconnect between “us” and “them.”
I’ve never really heard anything said, but there may be some questions
and raised eyebrows at us. And some of them have distanced themselves
from me; maybe they’re afraid that I might think their work is wrong or
sinful? People need to get to know others better and remember that my
approach to journalism is the same as theirs. n
“I’m a PC, mostly because they’re less expensive and I’ve worked
with PCs my whole life. Macs are so confusing to me.” -Kellie Asmus,
Freshman, Public Relations
“I don’t like the Mac at all. I love PCs. Macs have a really weird and
confusing setup. I know a lot of people with Macs who still don’t know
how to use them. I’ve always had a PC and I love them because they’re
easy to use and more convenient.” -Katie Fetheroff, Freshman,
Magazine
“I like PCs better because you have Vista, and because Internet Ex-
plorer works better on them. And because every time you move the
cursor, all your windows don’t disappear. Also, I think the guy in the
PC commercial is really cute.” -Natalie McGee, Junior, News Writing
and Editing
“When it comes to visual media, whether it’s design or animation, I
simply prefer Mac. On the other hand, there are several programs un-
available to Macs that I require on PC for music production. Not to say
that Macs lack audio programs. I’m simply accustomed to the resources
I already have on my PC.” -Josh Adams, Freshman, Magazine
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A publication of the Ohio University

NEWS
Society of Professional Journalists

Big Rewards Offered at Star Summer Program

Gain experience and training with the Pulliam Journalism Fellowship Program.
story and listings Cameron Glover l

When journalism students search for the perfect summer job, many
consider what they can contribute to a certain media company or
publication or how they can impress an employer. But does anyone think
about how that job can benefit his or her journalistic career, beyond
earning a salary?
The Pulliam Journalism Fellowship Program is an internship
opportunity to spend a summer with the Indianapolis Star, a Gannett
Co. newspaper. It is open to all junior and senior journalism students as
well as recent graduates interested in writing, design or photography. It
focuses on teaching young journalists through various writing workshops
with a professional writing coach, setting this position apart from the
typical summer job. Program Director Russell B. Pulliam said that this is
one of the highlights of summer.
“The workshop’s held partly because the coach is one of the best,
Sherry Ricchiardi, and is cited by previous fellows as the best part of
the program,” Pulliam said. Ricchiardi is a journalism professor for the
School of Journalism at Indiana University. According to her biography
on the school’s Web site, she started as an international reporter for The
Des Moines Register in 1971, and she began teaching at the collegiate
level in 1986.
The program’s Web site provides two big names of possible returning
participants to act as guest lecturers, including reporters Paul Glader
from the Wall Street Journal and John Fritze from USA Today.
The Indianapolis Star is not the only publication where the Pulliam
Journalism Fellowship Program offers positions for eager student
journalists. The Arizona Republic, another Gannet Co. newspaper, has
the same internship program available in Phoenix. Interested students
should contact Aric Johnson at Aric.johnson@azcentral.com or at 602-
444-4368 for more information.
The internship is a 10-week position where students can earn $650
per week. If accepted, he or she will also receive a cash grant of $6,500.
While the application deadline is Nov. 1, the Web site does indicated
that late applications have a chance of being reviewed. The application
process includes completing a five-page form, writing samples, a
copy of college transcripts, a recent mug shot and three letters of
recommendation. The program start date is June 7, but Pulliam said the
rest of that week can be negotiated.
More can be found about the program and application process at
Indystar.com/pjf or by contacting Pulliam at Russell.pulliam@indystar.
com or 317-444-6001. n

Who What When Where Why How

INTERNSHIPS

Ohio Investigative Winter 2009 Columbus, Ohio Uncover Visit www.ohio.

Watchdog Internship corrupted public watchdog.org.
officials.

American 10-week NYC or A summer Contact Cary

June 2- Aug 6,
Society of internship for Washington of editing Frith at frith@
2010
Magazine juniors D.C. magazines. ohio.edu.
Editors

RMD 12-week Winter 2009 Columbus, Ohio Be part of Visit www.

Advertising internship advertising and rmdadvertising.
program PR solutions. com.

Eight-week Multiple Chance to Visit

Insititute for Spring or
investigative locations around average 30 www.theihs.
Humane Studies Summer 2010
reporting the United States professional org/journalism.
internships clips.
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A publication of the Ohio University COMMENTARY
NEWS
Society of Professional Journalists

“
What I Learned On My Summer Vacation
Columnist and SPJ President Ian Bowman-Henderson talks about the lessons learned at a summer internship.
column Ian Bowman-Henderson
l

I’ve never been one to espouse the virtues of Clear Channel’s near turn family over to the police. Never mind that my story was often paired
monopoly on commercial radio (though the argument probably goes with rants about crime going unpunished in Cincinnati. The irony of
something like this: “Sure they only play six songs, but that means you following stories about how hard it is to be a cop with a fable-presented-
can travel to the other side of the country and still be able to sing along as-fact about why you should never ever be a snitch didn’t come up in
– Clear Channel is the glue holding America together!”). However, in the writer’s meetings.
the holy name of resume building, I took a summer internship in the I believe it was E.W. Scripps himself who famously said, “Screw ethics,
promotions department of their Cincinnati branch. I shook the adolescent the best way to be a journalist is to lie to people (especially about crimes
self-righteous chip off my shoulder, told myself that even media empires against women) until you’re filthy rich.” My only criticism is that I had
are made up of regular Joes and Janets and psyched myself up for the to wait through almost three weeks of my internship before I got the real
most soul crushing experience of my life. world experience to drive home this important lesson.
The way I was taught to give constructive criticism is to start with a Compliment:
compliment, then let loose the disparaging remark and end with another I think I may have been too harsh with my criticism. I did get some
compliment. This is commonly called a “shit sandwich.” I’ve never real journalism experience. For instance, I was sent downtown to the
worked at a deli before, but I courthouse in search of a home-
know how to slap a turd on a less person for Eddie and Tracy to

“
bun, and I have been waiting all I shook the adolescent self-righteous chip interview on air. The question of
summer to call “order up” on the day was ‘why do the home-
the internship program at Clear off my shouder, told myself that even media less insist on sleeping in front of
Channel Radio. empires are made up of regular Joes and the courthouse?’ Eddie and Tracy
Compliment: even helped out by giving me my
If I have one great flaw it is a Janets and psyched myself up for the most first tip as a real journalist – I was
tendency to obsess about the soul crushing experience of my life. told it would be best if I found
difference between right and them a woman or a minority.
wrong. Well, Clear Channel gra- Working for Clear Channel was
ciously attempted to cure me of a great networking opportunity
my ethics hang-ups, and all it took was a little harmless coercion. Need too. I got to meet one of the company’s most storied and celebrated
somebody to call into your morning-zoo radio show on the day after Mi- newsmen, Mr. Sean Hannity, at his very own Freedom Concert. Han-
chael Jackson’s death and call the deceased a hell-bound child molester? nity wasn’t the only famous person I got to meet; Oliver North (of
The intern with no experience, no connections within the company, and a Iran-Contra fame) was there too. ‘Ollie’ was the perfect person to drive
grade riding on his performance review is probably home Eddie and Tracy’s point about how awful
your man. snitching is.
Criticism: … I wish I had listened to them, because now
That was my on the job training. Or rather, it was I’m in the awkward position of asking the
the audition for my on the job training, because I administrators and professors of the J-school to
apparently did well enough to earn the privilege of permanently censure Clear Channel Radio of
helping Eddie Fingers and Tracy Jones defile the Cincinnati by refusing to send any more of our
historic airwaves of WLW in their afternoon-drive talented students to be twisted and manipulated
slot. I was recruited for a recurring role as “Joey,” at the hands of their do-anything-for-a-buck crew
a boy whose father had secretly taped thousands of shock jock hacks. I would like to say I learned
of women naked in his hotel – a la Erin Andrews. nothing during my time at Clear Channel, but
I was the platform that they used to tell the entire that would be a lie. I learned the wrong – that
tri-state area that it didn’t matter how many feloni- is the morally and ethically wrong – way to do
ous sex crimes your father committed, you never everything. n