Washington Journalism Conference

Day One: July 12th

July 13, 2009

Arrival: When I first got here people where running all over the place, it seemed as though a lot of people knew each other and they seemed to be gossiping about the stupidest of things. They where all friendly, and I wasn’t to sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Being a New Yorker I always seem to be on the look out and always aware of my surroundings…But when things settled down and I actually talked to people they all really seem nice, but we’ll see my realistic outlook isn’t to sure yet. They are interesting I’ll admit that.

Our group seems pretty rad. They are from all over, and have all different outlooks and interests, but one thing we all have in common is writing. Lauren is our group advisor, she is totally a savior! Haha and she definitely. knows why. 

Dinner: What do I say… Well the food was good. I sat with some of the girls in my group Jess and Ryan. We where the only three talking and the rest of the table was really quiet. There was also this one creepy guy…Not going to mention names, but he kept looking at this one girls chest and it was really awkward once the whole table realized it. And thats all I’m going to say.

First Conference-“The Future of Journalism and Media” The Founder and CEO of C-Span Brian Lamb was a guest speaker at George Mason today. He talked about the news and how when he was younger the news basically told people how to think, and he wanted to do something different. He also asked for volunteers and asked them questions like “What is journalism?” and “Where do you see journalism and the media going in your future?” Every single person had a different answer it was really interesting… But then he said something that caught my attention “You can make a difference”.

Is that possible in this world? It seems that the only people being heard are the people on news stations. I mean people still read the paper, but they also get it fee online…So why pay the money when you get the “scoop” for free? Or does it matter who or what news station, it seems to me that they all say the same things over and over. 

SIDE NOTE: This really bothers me so I really want to put it out there, and I’m sorry if it offends you. But what is it about celebrity lives that is so amazing?! I mean they are people and they put their pants on the same way regular people do. Sure everyone knows there name…But I feel that we as Americans constantly obsess over them. For example Michael Jackson, yes he was a talented singer and dancer. But should the fact he took pills he wasn’t supposed to causing him to die be on the news twenty-four seven! Dude we are in a war half way across the world, we have killers, rapists, and criminals on the loose. Yes, those are extreme examples, but you see my point that life goes on. Sorry if that’s  to blunt.

Small Group Work: We basically talked for an hour and got to know our group…And Lauren made us brownies!!! She’s so funny and I love that she is open and honest with us.

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