Reflecting on Being a Writing Buddy

My writing buddy was named Ashley and it turned out that even in our differences (she was a Newswriting student, I was an Editing student), we had some things in common. We were both juniors; we were both transfers into the Journalism Department. I started as a declared English Literature major when I entered UNH as a freshman. She started as a declared Environmental Studies major when she entered UNH as a freshman. In that sense, we both had some common ground on which we could relate to one another.

I feel lucky in the fact that I was partnered with a writing buddy who, although she was as busy as me, was prompt in responding to my emails or calls and was reliable. We met three times at Panache in the MUB for coffee and to discuss any problems she was having. She asked me about AP style (something I related to having a lot of difficulty with in the beginning), about getting involved with on-campus publications like The New Hampshire, about internship-searching (something I was going through at the same time this year), and reporting in general (questions about sources, leads, story ideas, etc.). We read over her profile/feature on a UNH student who was affected by the New Zealand earthquake, and her trend story about feather hair accessories.

I got more out of my experience than I thought I would. It wasn't all too different from my own experience as a Newswriting student paired with an Editing student, Sylvia, a few semesters ago. Although she helped in critiquing my work directly, some of the most helpful advice I got from her had to do with choosing classes, study abroad options, and job-searching. It was indispensable advice and I hope that I helped Ashley in the same way.

I hope that the Journalism Department considers developing on this idea of journalism buddies, even an alumni network, because I think especially in this changing industry, it's comforting to have someone to talk to about things beyond AP style, sources, etc.

Answer Three

Item one: No, I don't agree to using Jake Mahoney's name in the today's story. Even though there is no law against reporting the name of a minor involved in a crime, Jake is eleven years old and these stories tend to be controversial when the name is used. Regarding the television station as having identified Mahoney as a "person of interest,"we can report that statement, but I wouldn't push it further.

Item two: Avoid this issue altogether and cross-reference the illegal alien's information with another tenant. Someone should be able to confirm this.

Item three: He is still not convicted and he is a minor. We cannot use his name yet.

Item four: Yes, this case was elevated to a murder and the boy is arrested. So, yes, we can now identify him as a suspect.

Item five: With Jake's confession comes the search for the missing evidence that is key to solving this case. I wouldn't have waited long enough to forget something like this tucked away in a drawer. I would have brought the can to the police straight away, explaining and apologizing profusely. In a small town, the police are a source that we cannot afford to lose.

Item six: Yes, this reporter should have been well aware of the legal and ethical issue here.

Item seven: Yes, if the police have a search warrant, then we must cooperate. Again, the police are a source we cannot afford to lose.

Item eight: It depends on how the public reacts. First and foremost, I would write an editorial apology in the paper as soon as possible and talk with my higher editors. If they feel readership will be affected in the future from these actions, then I would consider resigning.