Introduction to Journalism & PR

Dr. Jennifer Cox

Assignment 1 – Hard News Story

Due Tuesday

For your first assignment, you will need to use the information below to write a hard news story. You will need to reflect back on the previous three homework assignments to put together the best article, using inverted pyramid, quotes and good grammar and AP style.

You will need to use at least three quotes, and your article should be no longer than 1-1.5 pages. You will need to print the checklist and show that you have gone through it yourself as an editor. Make sure both are printed, stapled and ready for turning in at the start of class.

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What: 10 dorm room break-ins

When: During the month of February

Where: Salisbury University

Who: No suspects; students whose rooms were broken into; campus police; members of the Student Government Association

Why: Motive unknown

Interviews:

Colby Myers, Salisbury University Police officer

- The high number of break-ins during this one-month period suggests the culprit or culprits are the same

- All break-ins were to unlocked rooms

- Most common items stolen include jewelry and small electronics, such as cellular phones, iPods and laptops

- Amount of goods lost valued between $100 and $1,500

- Urging all SU students to lock their doors and be on the look-out for anyone hanging around dorms who is not usually there

- “It is unfortunate when things like this happen because it is very preventable. Students need to be vigilant and protective of their property.”

What: SGA passed a resolution authorizing Salisbury University Police officers to increase patrols in the dorm area at night, increasing security spending by about $2,000 per month

When: Monday

Where: Salisbury University

Who: members of the Student Government Association

Why: In response to September break-ins

Michael Hernandez, SU Student GovernmentAssociation senator

- Made the motion for the increased patrols

- Resolution passed 30-15

- Hernandez proposed the solution to help students feel at ease on campus; believes student safety is the most important thing

- “You cannot put a price tag on the feeling of safety and security this measure will give our students. It is not about the items stolen; it’s about feeling secure in your home.”

Lawanda Meeham, SU Student GovernmentAssociation senator

- Voted against the resolution

- Said the cost is too high; said students should just start locking their doors

- Would rather launch a crime awareness campaign

“Student safety is important, but it needs to be the students’ responsibility to protect themselves and their belongings. We just can’t authorize frivolous spending because a few dorms got burglarized.”

Gary Hedgepeth, SU student, marketing major

- Was interviewed after the Senate passed the resolution

- Said he appreciates the importance of safety, but isn’t sure the cost is worth it

- Didn’t used to lock his door but now is much more careful about it

- “I feel bad for the students who lost their things because that could have easily been me, but I’m not sure this kind of spending is the right thing to do.”