response to article

Police beats and serious crime reports are not only hard to write, but they are also extremely hard to report because of the graphic images associated with them. But, it is indeed a job at the end of the day that needs to be covered, and that adrenaline and horror experienced by the reporter only adds to the story. Indeed, it will take a toll on the reporter's emotions and they may pick up habits such as smoking, but it will take a hard-skinned individual to see it to the end.

Police Beat Response

When a story that contains horrific details or disturbing images, many of us forget that the only reason we are receiving the story is because someone reported on it. Yes, someone has to do it, but I think that we should all have a newfound respect for those who willingly cover the "police beat". Like the article says horror and tragedy often visit reporters on the police beat, and on top of that, many times reporters attempting to get a story are put in danger.

I believe many people take the news for granted when an extreme case is presented. I definitely have grown more aware that there is a person behind that story who could have put themselves at risk just so I could know what is going on.

Response to The High-Stress Police Beat

I found this article extremely interesting. Partially because the police beat was one reason I became a journalism major in the first place. I personally hope to never have to cover the beat, because I want to be on the other side. I want readers to know there is a good side of the news too. After all it is no secret that crime reporting and tragedy in general command the attention of the journalism world.

I do think that we all forget or do not realize the ramifications of being a crime reporter. Mentally no one really can take their mind away from anything seen at a crime scene. I really think this article really did a great job of reminding readers of this. It also pointed out that crime reporters deserve way more credit than they deserve. It really is more of a lifestyle for them since they really work nonstop on this beat. The crime beat is draining emotionally, physically, and mentally. Those who report for the crime beat really do need help dealing with all that they come across on a daily basis.

Police Response

This story really opened my eyes to a crime reporter's life. I guess when I watch the news about a serious crime, I've always just focused on the story itself. This article made me see it through the eyes of the reporter covering that serious crime. It is one thing to read about or watch about murders and rapes, but to actually be there with the victims and criminals is in a totally different league. I cant imagine the stress and emotions that would go through someone who had to see and deal with that every single day, and then be expected to clock out and go home to live a normal life, while knowing the whole time what the world is really like out there. This article made me understand and have respect for the life of a crime reporter.

Response to Crime Beat

Although I've never considered being a crime reporter, I have thought about the possibilities of having to cover a crime. After reading this, I definitely hope I will be able to avoid drastic crime scenes. You can take your body away from the crime scene, but you can't take the crime scene out of your mind. When you leave the crime scene, you go home to your families. The way you usually act could change, and that could cause family problems. I agree that counseling should be mandantory. Many people think their personal ways to cope will work, but when it's over, they won't have the same mind frame. There are many dangers associated with crime reporting too, as mentioned. Having to gather courage to walk to someone's door could take days. However, as a crime reporter it has to be done eventually. I believe the hardest thing would be speaking with families who have lost children and teenagers. A life so young gone from the world. Reading the article, it was mentioned that one of the most difficult times was seeing two sisters killed in a wreck on the way to college. Not just one, but two deaths in one family having to be dealt with in one day. Crime reporting will not be for me.

Response To Police Beat

I agree with this article in that when reading stories about crime and tragedies we don't think enough about the people that it is dealing with and the reporters and police that have to deal with it. It's easy for us to just read a story and not think much more about it. I do agree with what the article was saying about how people dealing with these tragedies need to go see a therapist or counseling sessions . One should not have to deal with seeing awful things on a daily basis. Having different emotions about what they see at work is normal. I personally don't think I could handle a job like this. I have so much respect for the people who have these jobs. I would be able to console a family after a hard time but I could only do so much and then I would break down, feel bad for the families, and not know what to do. I do agree and think reporters should be offered counseling sessions. It is hard to sit there and witness people going through such hard times and it's hard for it not to take a toll on ones self. By reading this I have so much more respect for reporters because I'm more aware of what they have to deal with and what goes on behind the scenes of reporting.

Response to Police Beat

When reading the news or watching it on TV, it is easy to look at tragedies as things that are not real, just a fictional story like a movie. What I often forget, it that this is not Disney’s version of a tragedy, but people’s real lives, hurts, and troubles. I am guilty of not looking into a story seriously if I am not connected. However, as a crime news reporter, you have no choice but to put yourself into the situation. Being on the crime scene and witnessing the events first hand is something I do not feel I would be able to do. I know I would not be able to keep my cool when it came time to talk to grieving wives, husbands, children, or any significant other. I feel it would want to hung them and console them, instead of asking them how they were feeling. I know this is a job that must be done, in order to inform the public of events, so realizing just how much trouble witnessing these events causes a reporter, makes me gain a whole new respect for what they do. It takes a strong person to be able to put there self in that situation, and still remain human at the same time.

Response to Police Beat Stress

I think that it's easy to forget that when you read about crimes and murders in newspapers or see them on TV that a real human being had to see the horrifying things described up close and personal. I don't think I have what it takes to report on crime; I'm not sure that I could "turn off" my emotions. I have a lot of respect for someone who is tough enough to report on crime and still find a way to function normally. I do believe that the newspapers and stations should provide a counselor for their reporters who have witnessed the horrible things that happen on a daily basis. This article made me realize that those reporters out there day and night living on the edge of danger are human, not just a name below the title of a story.

The High-Stress Police Beat

A steady diet of violent crime, fatal accidents and human tragedy takes a toll on reporters. Some think newspapers and TV stations should do more to help their staffers cope. 


After our police beat discussion in class today, read the following story from The American Journalism Review and post your brief reactions here by Thursday, 10 Nov.

Intramural Soccer Kicks Off this Week at Ole Miss

It’s that time of year again, soccer has returned to the Ole Miss intramural field. Teams compete for pride and the infamous intramural tshirt. This is Jessica Lynch with 271-TV News.

Students who participate tend to get very competitive when it comes to their soccer skills.

It's the refferees job just to make sure everyone is out there to have a good time.

This is Jessica Lynch here with 271-TV news, hope you have a great night.

Ole Miss Looks to Reduce its Carbon Footprint with students' "green"

 Video (Taylor Cook - Campaign Coach, Lead Organizer)

The Green Fund is a program that looks to lower energy costs for the university as well as reduce the carbon footprint left behind.

The fund will add five to twelve dollars to students’ tuition every semester for energy saving renovations such as energy efficient light bulbs and better insulated buildings and even goes as far as installing solar panels on campus.

 These renovations are predicted to save the university thousands of dollars on energy bills and in the long run even slow down the steady increase in tuition for students. But how do students feel about this addition to their tuition?

Video (Mims Graeber - Undecided major, Sophmore)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ARqNZalXQ

Due to the shift toward globalization, the number of people coming from other countries to the United States has seen a drastic increase over the years. This can also be seen here at Ole Miss, where the number of international students has also seen an increase.

So why exactly do these international students decide to come to Ole Miss? German student Kirsten Liere-Netheler says she heard from other students that Ole Miss is a nice place and a lot of fun. Also, she and her German friends received scholarships from coming here.

Yes, the number of international students at Ole Miss is increasing, but are they really getting to know the Ole Miss students? Professor Michael Harvey says he never sees anyone speaking to any of the International students in his classes.

Liere-Netheler says she has not really made many American friends. All of her friends she has made are other international students.

The number of international students here is expected to continue to increase, so Ole Miss students could really take advantage of this opportunity and speak to people from all over the world.

Students Live on the Edge by Guzzling Down Energy Drinks Near Finals Week

As students guzzle down energy drinks to get through finals week what they don’t realize is by doing so, their living on the edge. Im Lucy Cross reporting got 271 news. As finals week approaches college campuses, the demand for energy drinks are on the rise. The energy drink industry is expecting nine billion dollars in revenue this year, finals week being one of their busiest times. Megan Hanna with Freds Pharmacy tells us how their company prepares for this week.

"There are piles upon piles of overstock of energy drinks and stuff to give you energy in our store. there is everything from Five Hour Energy, to Nos, to Monster, to Redbull. And when finals week comes around we sell out of everything literally in one week. Redbull and Five Hour Energy are the first to go."

As energy drinks fly off the shelves during exam week, what students don't realize are the serious side affects involved. Dietetics and Nutrition major Kaitlin Gates explains more.

" People don't realize the serious risks associated with consuming energy drinks. Some of the risks include high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and dehydration. Also, its not FDA approved so you really shouldn't consume it. People don't realize you can overdose on caffeine. In an energy drink, it is equivalent to two to three cups of coffee and the amount of sugar is equal to two slices of cheesecake.

With energy drinks being a staple during exam week, students need to take precaution to the serious side affects and consider alternatives such as green tea as a replacement. Lucy Cross reporting live for 271 news.

Is Oxford, Mississippi bicycle friendly? That is the question I asked Ole Miss student, Cody Shuffield and Courtney Keller, who recently moved from Louisiana to Oxford to open her own business.
Ole Miss’ campus is full of students who ride their bicycles to class, there seems to always be problems with student parking so for many a bike ride instead of walking makes their student life a little bit easier.
Cody Shuffield explained that he did not believe the campus or the city of Oxford was very bicycle friendly. He told me even the times when he walked instead of riding his bike, he still was always careful.
Courtney Keller recently moved here from Lutcher, Louisiana and she said that she believes the special lanes for bicyclists is a smart caution Oxford takes and believes the city seems safe for bicyclist.
There has been bicyclists injuries and even death happen in Oxford as well as on campus. The question is what things can be done to improve this? The campus does have a station set up with tools for students to repair their bikes if necessary, some believe the Oxford is bicycle friendly, but other do not. This is Michael Briscoe reporting from Jour 271.


http://youtu.be/j-28iL5Z5T8

Oxford Theft Rate To Increase Over Holidays

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK1BBxgdmdU

Old Taylor Road intersection to receive facelift

Have you ever feared for your life while walking across the Old Taylor Road bridge or crossing between traffic in your car? Well, your fears are about to be laid to rest. This is Natalie Moore for 271 TV News.

Old Taylor Road has been known to Ole Miss students as a frightening road whether you are a pedestrian or a driver. Drivers merging on and off Highway 6 often causes traffic jams and the narrow bridge does not leave room for pedestrians.

On October 18th, the Board of Alderman approved the rezoning of the Old Taylor Road. This is one of the big steps to add roundabouts on both sides of the bridge as well as another bridge for pedestrians.

Ole Miss students who often use the bridge agree that the Board made a step in the right direction. "I think Old Taylor is a very dangerous road. Since I've lived here on campus for two months I've taken that road maybe 3 times and each time there is almost two car accidents while I'm on that road." says Ole Miss freshman Jenna Hoppus.

The approval comes after 14 years of planning to improve many of the exits into Oxford from Highway 6. The Board of Alderman says they will be starting on this project very soon. This is Natalie Moore for 271 TV News.

Volleyball on the Rise Towards End of Season

The Rebels began play Friday night against SEC foe Auburn whole stole a win earlier this season.

It was Greek night at the Gillom Sports Center, which brought in a huge crowd of rowdy fraternity brothers.

Now to the action. In set one Morgan Springer plays the ball over the net and look at Kellie Goss going up and getting the huge block for the Rebels.

Head coach Joe Getzin and his team would go on to win the match 3 sets to 1.

We move on to Sunday and the Rebels welcomed another SEC opponent Georgia. The team warms up with a few spikes looking to get their third win in a row.

The Rebels would go on to sweep Auburn 3 sets to none in a match where they dominated and easily handled their opponents

http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhee

Idea of Midnight Classes Causes Mixed Reviews

It’s that time of year again. Time to start registering for spring classes. And some colleges are doing something a little different and offering midnight courses. Is this something Ole Miss should try? Reporting for 271-TV News I’m Olivia Rearick.

Discussion classes are loud and lecture halls are full. Some students say it’s difficult to make a convenient schedule and several think as enrollment increases so should the number of sections for courses.

Sophomore, education major, Casey Losee says in her own words, “I need to space them out, so there needs to be a lot more options when it comes to having class times.”

But what if Ole Miss decided to offer midnight courses to help with this problem? Other colleges nation wide are finding midnight classes are beneficial to students with children and inflexible jobs.

Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, Jenny Kate Luster, says, “The more you can give them flexibility in terms of their schedule and when they can offer classes is a good thing. However, I’m not sure that would really work for some of our faculty members that obviously work eight to five for the most part. But, for the student perspective, it probably would be a good thing.”

Not only would it be difficult to find professors to teach these courses, but it might be hard to get students to sign up. When told about midnight courses, I received mixed reviews from several students.

Sophomore, business major, Elizabeth Harris says, “I personally wouldn’t go to a midnight course unless it was a ghost hunters themed course then I’d be there like, I can’t even think of an analogy right now that’s how, I’d be there”

Losee says, “Absolutely not. I’m too busy. I need sleep.”

It’s unclear if Ole Miss is considering midnight courses. But, one thing is for sure, if courses keep filling up this quickly, additional classes may be needed. Reporting for 271-TV News I’m Olivia Rearick

http://youtu.be/Mftu8ZgMITQ

How Students Prepare For Exams

With the holidays and breaks approaching, that also means exam week is just around the corner. I interviewed a few students on how they were going to prepare for this semesters exams.

Hayden, freshman student at Ole Miss says, "This is my first time going through the college exam process. To prepare for it I am going to have to make note cards for certain classes, read the chapters, and take notes, and highlight for other classes."

Already knowing how and what you are going to study is very important to do well on final exams.

Margaret Anderson, junior at Ole Miss, says, "This year to study for exams instead of procrastinating and waiting until the last minute I'm defiantly going to study ahead of time. I already have my exam schedule written down so I can figure out which one is the most important and which one I need to work at the most. I think flash cards are also really helpful, looking over past notes, and really talking to your teacher to see what the exam is all about."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsowQRyq2XY