3/4 - Paul Parker Summary, Amanda Wisniowski (Brendan Cox)

Speaker Paul Parker
Notes by Amanda Wisniowski
Discussion Leader: Brendan COx


As the last person to go, Brendan’s discussion was affected greatly by time. However, his discussion was just as valuable. Brendan’s questions were geared toward the future of print journalism and problems within the industry itself.

His first question for the class was to give their thoughts about corporate ownership of newspapers. He wanted to know whether their need to amass greater profits contributed to the death of newspapers and/or their duty to the public.

One student responded that the corporations who own newspapers also own the online rights to those papers. These corporations are giving their readers options, according to the student.

Another student brought up Hartford Courant music writer, Eric Danton, and the fact that the company that owns the newspaper has him appear on television news segments regularly.

The discussion of this question reached a consensus when a third student discussed that corporations are indeed running the kinds of news that is out there. Their business is their main focus, and the student questioned their bias and their interests. Brendan added to this opinion by stating that family-owned newspapers might be more like watchdogs because they were able to devote more resources and effort.

Brendan’s next question concerned journalists and their technological know-how. He wondered if new additions like videos, Excel, and other software were overwhelming the industry at all.

The first student talked about how our generation is familiar with these programs and software since we were young. Professor Dufresne interjected with a clarification that knowing exactly how to use a video camera, how to analyze an Excel spreadsheet for data—these were different. His main point was being able to do things in a sound journalistic manner with such technologies.

The next student added that it was in fact overwhelming because of the loss of jobs. More individuals are spread thin, and have more duties than just reporting; they may have to post things on a blog for example.

Brendan then asked if our generation was at an advantage with the new software and programs.

Next, someone responded that these technological advances as a disadvantage because everyone in the business is using them as well. There is “no leg up.”

The last student agreed with the former student in that it was a disadvantage. The Providence Journal reporter Paul Parker, and those like him, were at an advantage because they know how to clean files, how to determine if a file is clean or dirty, etc.

The majority of the take-away cards thought that computer-assisted reporting was intriguing to say the least. One student said computer-assisted reporting used during the Station Fire series reminded him of CSI episodes. Many students in the cards thought the simulations of the Station Fire gave a wider perspective to the tragedy. Some did not realize how common it has become in the industry. On a different topic, another student believed that newspapers were dying because of corporate ownership than competition with online sources. Lastly, one classmate was unsure about the pertinence of the “What If” Station Fire simulations; she thought the other possible situations were not reality either.

Take Away Cards
Alyssa Carroll: The coverage by the Journal on the nightclub was very interesting. I’m confused about the relevance of the “What If” story, seeing as those other possible situations weren’t reality.

Christine Gratton: Interesting how computer-assisted reporting is taking an increasing role in investigative reporting. I didn’t realize its prevalence in explaining and digging into cases.

Britton Taylor: It was very interesting how the computer software is used in stories. I think it seemed useful for simulations for the Station fire, otherwise it seems un useful.

Jesse Grab: I found it eye-opening the way the escape simulation was able to provide answers that were much foggier before.

Eli Pearlstein: The Station nightclub fire materials were really interesting. The computer simulations provided a unique perspective regarding tragedy scenarios.

Beren Jones: Newspapers are struggling for survival and the struggle has been made worse more by corporate machinations rather than by competition with online sources.

Erin O’Toole: Parker’s coverage of the Station fire was very impressive; however overall he seemed like one of the more old school speakers and I did not agree with him on the future of newspapers.