Newseum.org

I initially selected this site after visiting the Newseum two summers ago. I was skeptical about the use of the site to future journalists. My thinking being that the sites main purpose is to attract visitors to the museum itself. After navigating the site for a short time, I discovered that I was not far off.

Newseum.org features several main tabs including: tickets, plan your visit, news, theatres and exhibitions, programs, education, fun and games and host an event. Right away you can tell that the sites main function is to share what the Newseum is doing and to try and get you to the museum.

Although the site services tourist rather than journalist, I still felt that the news tab would supply an adequate dose of the news. However, I came to find that the news tab was about news having to do with the Newseum itself rather than a daily record of important events. This tab seems to be updated on a weekly basis, which means that it is not always timely. The exhibits tab tells of the exhibits at the museum and future exhibits at the museum. The programs tab tells of different programs being filmed at the museum. The programs would be very beneficial to attend, however, again this seems to be aimed at tourists rather than journalists. The plan your visit tab gives you very basic information about the museum such as its location and telephone number. The education tab serves teachers and parents who may bring students to Washington to visit the Newseum. The fun and games tab includes simple games for elementary age children. The host an event tab gives information about hosting an event at the Newseum.

In conclusion, I would advise to stay away from Newseum.org if you are looking for informative material and a daily record. The site is an excellent source of information if you are planning to visit Washington D.C. It provides information about exhibits, ticket prices and special events at the museum. Having visited the Newseum I would advise anyone visiting Washington to visit. It is one of the newer museums on the mall and its exhibits are informative and entertaining. It covers many different areas of journalism including: broadcast, radio, print and photography. The Newseum provides insight into some of the greatest journalistic works in history. The site, however, does little for a working journalist.

Religion News Writers Association [rna.org]

The Religion News writers Association is a charitable, literary and educational organization whose purpose is to promote excellence in media coverage and in public discourse about religion. RNA envisions religion reporting and commentary informed by civility, accuracy, fairness and insight.

In 1999, RNA created an educational and charitable arm, the Religion News writers Foundation. Since it’s founding the RNF has received millions in grants to create tools and training for religion reporters. To be a member there is a $50 a year fee for journalists and educators, and a $25 a year fee for students.

When the site first opens up, the right hand side of the page is where members can sign in and underneath that there is a “latest news” column. Under the news column there is a calendar of events pertinent to the RNA. The main thing that sticks out when you first open the site is a headline that reads “Chandler Student Award”. It is encouraging students to enter the 2010 Chandler Award for Student Writer of the Year in Religion. Under that major heading ore three smaller columns labeled “Religion Link”, “RNA Conference”, and “Training”. The religion link column showcases issues that have to do with religion and writing and provides resources for those who want to cover a specific topic of religion. The resources seem to be very helpful. The RNA conference talks about their RNA conference in Denver, Colorado that will be held in September, and the training column links you to KnowledgeWebb which offers dozens of do-it-yourself lessons in digital media, including "Twitter basics”. The far left column of the page has links to RNA’s sister sites, membership and networking, donations, career center, about us, and a few other tabs that have to do with scholarships and advertising.

I think that this site can help journalists by providing them with resources for writing about religion. The religion link section of the site seemed to be the most helpful because it provides religion story ideas and resources. For example, on April 28^th the post was about “National Day of Prayer, and a National Debate Over Prayer”. It gives a brief history about court decisions about this issue and provides resources about the court case and other links that pertain to this topic. The career section of the site is really helpful because it provides a job search function as well as a job posting option. You can also post a resume or search for other resumes if you are hiring.

On a scale of 1 to 5 I would rate this a 3. I really liked the religion link resource, but I felt like that was about the only resource I could use as a journalist. Being a non-member I wasn’t able to utilize all of the resources the site had to offer, and I think if they get enough funding it might be more helpful to offer those benefits free of charge. Writing about religion is a tricky subject, so I am glad this resource is available for journalists to look at and reference to in times of confusion or even curiosity.

Unityjournalists.org

Unityjournalists.org is a website that advocates that journalism has the obligation to reflect a representative picture of the communities in the world which they live. Therefore, they want diversity in coverage and in the newsroom. Their mission states, “UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc. is a strategic alliance advocating fair and accurate news coverage about people of color, and aggressively challenging the industry to staff its organizations at all levels to reflect the nation’s diversity.”

The purpose of their goals is to include people of color in all aspects of journalism, whether it is with coverage or in journalism organizations at all levels. The objective of increasing these is to work against the media made stereotypes and myths. They advocate all types of diversity that accurately portrays the world.

The website presentation is rather simple with a selection of 15 tabs on the side that further detail the reasons for the organizations and the ways to get involved for the common purpose of promoting diversity.

One tab is named “Past Conventions.” It shows three different conventions held that take you to the advertisement for each. The “NewU” tab details a current competition for the summer of 2010 where students can apply for one of four positions in a “boot camp” with one-on-one mentoring which helps new entrepreneurs realize their ideas. The “News Releases” tab is simply what it states. It shows previous press coverage for the organization. The calendar has the next conventions with necessary information. The website takes donations. It has received $4,810 by four donors. Readers can also sign up for e-mail newsletters.

On the home page there it a flash video with Unity slides. Underneath is UNITY news. Partners of UNITY include AAJA, NAJA, NABJ, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Visitors can also sign up for the UNITY News that gives them an e-mail with the latest news. Overall I rate the website a 2.5 out of 5. I felt it was almost too simple, and needed more updated information under “Past Conventions.” I do think what these journalists advocate is extremely important to accurate journalism.

Society for Professional Journalists

The Society for Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism foundation, dedicated to upholding the free practice of journalism and ethical behavior. SPJ was founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi. From my understanding of the website, Sigma Delta Chi is now a branch of SPJ that supports the educational programs of the Society and serves those pursuing a profession in journalism. SPJ promotes the free flow of information that is vital to a well-informed society; works to inspire and educate future journalists; and protects the First Amendment freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts. SPJ’s mission is maintaining a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty. The membership fee to join SPJ as a college student is $36 for one year. The website states that by joining SPJ, you are making a solid investment in yourself and your profession. Members are put at the forefront of industry happenings.

The website is full of information for journalists. On the home page is an article about SPJ’s current project, Access Across America. There are links to more information about the project, such as when the tour is coming to a town near you and a blog featuring more on the event. On the left hand side of the page is a toolbar, featuring everything from job postings for employees and employers to discussion boards about ethics.

There is a training section that would be very helpful for journalists. It features upcoming events such as Newsroom Training and how journalists can sign up for the conferences. The job bank is also very useful for journalists. Employers are able to post available jobs and job seekers (if they are members) are able to search available jobs.

There is a special section called Generation J that is aimed at making sense of the changing journalism field. It is targeted at recent graduates of journalism school and offers a mentoring program where recent grads are paired up with news veterans.

I would rate the site a 4.5 out of 5. There is a plethora of information to look at and it is presented in a logical manner. The site is very interactive and interesting and is aimed at a younger audience. All the articles were written very informally, which I really enjoyed. While the site offers helpful information, it is confusing at times. I was unclear on the differences between SPJ and Sigma Delta Chi. Both organizations strive to inform the public in an ethical manner, but it is clear they are two different organizations.

Center for Media and Democracy

The Center for Media and Democracy was founded in 1983 by John Stauber. Stauber ran Center for Media and Democracy for 16 years until July 2009 when Lisa Graves took over. The Center is a non-partisan, independent, non-profit organization that aims to sift through the different motives and manipulations plaguing today’s media and give only the facts. According to the Web site, the organization aims to: investigate and counter spin by corporations, industries and government agencies; inform and assist grassroots action that promotes public health, economic justice, ecological sustainability, human rights and democratic principles; advance transparency and media literacy to help people recognize the forces that shape the information they receive and promote open content to help all citizens “be the media”.
The Center for Media and Democracy publishes SourceWatch, an online encyclopedia similar to Wikipedia about issues, groups and people that effect the public agenda. It publishes PRWatch, Fake TV News and Weekly Spin, which gives information about the outside forces that manipulate the news. It also performs original investigations involving misinformation, supports public education campaigns, and staffs the PR Watchdog Resource Center, which answers questions from journalists and the public. The Center has also produced at six books about a range of topics.
The Center’s Web site gives viewers access to Sourcewatch, the encyclopedia, and their projects, some which are also listed under Sourcewatch. Others have their own adjacent Web site of their own. The projects include: Climate change, coal issues, nuclear issues and tobacco. The Web site also gives access to the different reporters who cover the different topics of interest.The main page of the Web site gives an variety of recent news stories from the different projects and reporters.
Fake TV News, which is under the Publications tab on the Center’s Website, is a 2006 report by the Center. The Center tracked 36 video news releases to see how TV stations used them as not only news but news that has been gathered by their own reporters. KOKH- 25, the Fox News syndicate in Oklahoma City, aired six of the video news releases, five of them in their entirety. KOKH-25 was the top offender in the report.
This Web site could be helpful to journalists, but I found it would be more helpful to the public. The Center for Media and Democracy aims the news stories at the public, not at journalists. I think the publications help point out the inconsistencies and wrongdoings of journalists and their organizations. Again, the Web site is aimed at educating and protecting the public.
I would give the site a 3. The current events on the homepage have been frequently updated, but many of the publications are out of date. Sourcewatch has an extensive database of names, groups and events but the information under each entry is lacking. There is a great wealth of information on the Website, information that citizens should be educated in. Journalists are citizens too and this site could be a jumping off point for good story ideas. However, as far as a resource for journalists, the Web site was lacking.

RTDNA

The Radio Television Digital News Association is the world's largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession.
RTDNA has more than 3,000 members including news directors, reporters, anchors, producers, educators and students. Its core goals are to maintain journalism ethics and to preserve the free speech rights of broadcast journalists. A lot has changed since RTDNA was founded in 1946, but its commitment to encouraging excellence in the electronic journalism industry never has.
RTDNA is a membership oriented organization. For its members it provides a wealth of information on technological, industry trends, management techniques, and industry updates.
RTDNA is also an excellent source for networking between members.
Whether you're a member or not, anyone who considers themselves a journalist is encouraged to attend the annual RTDNA convention; this year it was in Las Vegas. The convention brings news professionals from all edges of the nation together to discuss the news industry: where its going, how it can be improved. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an eager college student the networking opportunities are unmatched; having everyone in the same place with a built-in happy hour is bound to create friendships.
Networking is such a big part of what RTDNA does that its website even has its own career center. Here you can check the job bulletin or post an opening and watch the strongest candidates come forth.
There is a research section for in-depth information into various topics - the big one right now: Women and Minorities in the Newsroom.
RTDNA even gives out awards including the Edward R. Murrow award for journalists who demonstrate the spirit of excellence the made Murrow a standard for the broadcast news profession.
RTDNA offers scholarships for students pursuing careers in radio, television and digital news. In addition recipients are awarded an expenses-paid trip to the RTDNA International Conference and a one-year membership.
There is a "Best Practices" section which offers information, tips and links to everything you'll need to gain a greater understanding of how to report in difficult situations or on difficult topics.
And of course the "Communicator" tab offers various multimedia content and up to the minute info on everything RTDNA is doing.

Over all I give rtdna.org a 5 out of 5. This is the complete package. Whether you're a member or not the resources seem limitless for everything from networking to researching to getting the latest updates. I've seen the conference first hand and having the opportunity to meet so many top level professionals is an unrivaled experience; the forums are simply unmatched.
RTDNA is the leading broadcast journalism organization for a reason: they go all out for their members and non-members. Come for the networking, stay for the prolific information.

Native American Journalists Association

The following is an analysis of the Native American Journalists Association, also known as NAJA. Their Web site can be found at http://www.naja.com. NAJA is located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications building.

In 1983, a group of Native American journalists met at Pennsylvania State University to assess the state of Native media and its communications with the public. They decided that a national organization was needed to advance and improve Native media. The same journalists met again in 1984 and created the Native American Press Association, also known as NAPA. In 1990, the organization's name was changed to the Native American Journalists Association to better reflect the group's goals to expand and include those in the radio and television news industry.

Membership of NAJA includes individuals, associates, students, high school students, high school teachers, as well as corporate, non-profit, academic and tribal members. Membership dues vary depending on your classification among the groups just mentioned.

NAJA's primary goal is to improve communications among Native people and between Native Americans and the general public. NAJA has several missions. First, NAJA's mission is to serve and empower Native journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures.
Secondly, their mission is to recognize Native Americans as distinct peoples based on tradition and culture. Their mission also is to educate and unify its membership through journalism programs that promote diversity and defends challenges to free press, speech and expression. NAJA is also committed to increase the representation of Native journalists in mainstream media. Lastly, NAJA encourages both mainstream and tribal media to attain the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and responsibility.

The Web site is very easy to use and navigate. On the left side of the page you can find the information just mentioned, as well as 2010 convention information, how to donate, the latest news and issues among Native Americans and general information for students about internships, scholarships and NAJA student chapters. There is also general information for professionals about jobs, awards and opportunities. The information on these tabs are informational and useful, however, the resources tab is by far the best tab. Under the resources tab, you can find two things: community links and media links. Under community links, you can find Native American publications and organizations, as well as journalism organizations. It was so easy and helpful to navigate and read the Native American Times and the Navajo Times under this link. Under the media links tab you can find reference guides such as SPJ codes, journalism centers, journalism libraries, journalism organizations such as the Web sites our class has been blogging on all semester and then some, job sites, publications, news sites, news research, as well as newspapers, radio and TV organization links.

NAJA's Web site could be very beneficial to anyone and everyone in journalism. Not only can it help you become involved in a local chapter, but the site also provides very helpful links to internship and job sites for journalists to gain the experience they need. The media links tab is the most crucial section on the Web site. Everything a journalist could need is at your fingertips and is just a click away. Whether it's reading a publication or finding facts for a story you are working on, it's going to be under the media links tab under the resources section. The site also helps provide a Native American outlook on issues, as well as topics and issues facing the Native American community. Thus, it provides a diverse perspective on issues in order to reach and accomplish NAJA's missions and goals.

An issue facing all journalists now is the job market. As mentioned, NAJA provides current job and internship listings to members, as well as visitors. However, NAJA doesn't outright address jobs and internships as an issue, nor does NAJA address any issues whatsoever. On the other hand, NAJA does provide a link to the Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism, also known as CIIJ. On the CIIJ's Web site, you can find issues facing journalism. For example, CIIJ mainly addresses the issue of diversity in the media as a concern, which calls for more diverse media organizations.

Overall, I would rate this site a four out of five. It was very helpful and easy to use. It also wasn't as complicated or complex as some of the Web sites we have blogged about this semester. Simple seems to work best. The resources tab is the best part of the Web site without a doubt. Everything a journalist could want or need can be found under the resources tab links. I also felt that NAJA accomplishes all of their missions and goals as well. For example, NAJA provides a Native American perspective, but they also promote journalism professionalism. If NAJA would have outright addressed issues facing journalism and how to resolve those issues, then I would have given the site a perfect rating.