Alex Veeneman
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Articles by Alex Veeneman
The outcry over TCM was about more than old movies
When Turner Classic Movies launched nearly 30 years ago with “Gone With the Wind,” uncut and uninterrupted, the mission of this new cable TV channel seemed clear: to be a purveyor of the stars and moments integral to American film culture. For many, TCM provides rare access to a portfolio of cinema featuring groundbreaking filmmakers and actors like Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Bette Davis — and to connect these movies with American culture and history more broadly.
How the American culture of busyness can increase isolation
When Silvia Bellezza began researching busyness culture for a 2017 paper, she and her colleagues found that people who have this type of lifestyle ingrained into their professional routines are not seeking the luxurious things in life. Instead, it is a culture of people intending to boast and to signal how busy they can be, which speaks to their value and skills in the U.S. labor market.
Czech Stop Is Going To Be Okay, Y’all
“One person had to step away simply because of the noise,” she said, adding that concrete poles had previously been installed after a similar crash into another part of the building occurred more than a decade ago. Wolf said she’s grateful for the outreach from the public and that it’s been business as usual at the bakery. Jake Scott, who commutes from Fort Worth to Waco, is a regular customer to the McLennan County bakery.
Women at war and the lessons learned
Among the first female war correspondents was Martha Gellhorn, who wrote for Collier’s magazine. Gellhorn faced challenges when covering World War II, including from her husband, Ernest Hemingway, whose telegram to her shortly after their marriage made clear the sexism she endured. “Are you a war correspondent or wife in my bed?” Hemingway abrasively wrote. Gellhorn, undeterred, sailed on a hospital ship to Omaha Beach and was the only woman who covered the events of D-Day.
Wrestling with trust vs. attention when breaking news
By Alex Veeneman In June 2022, new CNN CEO Chris Licht issued a memo to staffers to reduce the network’s usage of the “breaking news” graphic on air. “Something I have heard from both people inside and outside the organization is complaints we overuse the ‘Breaking News’ banner,” Licht wrote in a copy of the memo obtained by Variety. “I agree.
How Alaskan radio stations share back-office services
In the world of 21st-century public radio, collaborations have become commonplace — from statewide partnerships in California, Texas and the Gulf States to networks focused on issues, such as Harvest Public Media, based in Kansas City, Missouri, and devoted to food and agriculture topics in the Midwest. Yet among the growing number of collaborations in public radio, one stands out for its track record of more than two decades and for the creative way it funds its operations.
Collaborative Sustainability
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Quill
Graphic depictions: Long-form comics as journalism In December of 1991, the comics artist Art Spiegelman, author of the two-volume graphic novel “Maus,” wrote a letter to the editors of The New York Times. After thanking them for acknowledging the unexpected success of his book, which had recently made the Times’ bestseller list, he expressed a concern about “Maus” appearing on the fiction side of the list.
Keeping an eye on hurricanes this season
By Alex Veeneman On May 24, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its outlook for the forthcoming Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters at the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center predict that this hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and ends November 30, will have 14 to 21 named storms – with 6-10 of them becoming hurricanes and 3-5 of them becoming major hurricanes.
Texas shooting renews debate about trauma journalism practices
“How can it be that nothing has changed?” That’s how Kai Ryssdal began the May 25 edition of the public radio program “Marketplace.” The story he referred to that prompted the question was not a classic “Marketplace” story, he acknowledged. But the big story of the week could not be ignored — that of 19 students and two teachers killed by a shooter at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. “Marketplace” was certainly not alone in trying to decide how to approach covering the shooting that week.
UN warns of ‘a significant number’ of risks towards journalists
January 7, 2022 • Featured, Quill Archives By Alex Veeneman The United Nations has warned that journalists still face a significant number of risks, even as newly released figures show the lowest death toll of journalists and media workers in over a decade. The Observatory of Killed Journalists at UNESCO, the UN’s educational, scientific and cultural agency, reported that 55 journalists and media workers lost their lives in the past year.
Careers, creativity and change
It was 23 pages when all was said and done — 23 pages of writing dating back to 2017 and ranging in quality, varying in subjects from geopolitics and the role of coffee shops to a study about one of the bastions of American literary criticism, The New York Times Sunday Book Review.
Introducing the Corridor
I’ve been searching for this sense of permanency for a while now. It began as plans for graduate school in 2019 faltered — my family and I wondering how to keep a roof over our heads while I tried to figure out what was next. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, upending the routines of millions, and causing personal and professional lives to become intertwined — mine included. Along the way, there were more questions than answers.
A Global Network of Pen Pals Creates Connection During the Pandemic
Story published on: March 26, 2021 In journalism, there are six questions that are at the core of every story – who, what, when, where, why and how. When the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global health pandemic one year ago this month, those six questions became some of the most commonly asked questions by Minnesotans whose routines were upended overnight. The questions varied: How long will Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order last?
Introducing From A Freelance Correspondent
Hello, and welcome to From A Freelance Correspondent. I’m Alex, an early career journalist and freelancer trying to navigate journalism circa 2021. This newsletter chronicles my path towards a career in journalism and expanding my freelance work. If you’re looking at a career in journalism or writing, or trying to figure out your own next steps, then this newsletter is for you! Click “Subscribe now” below so you don’t miss the first issue.
The final tip
The Oxford English Dictionary lists a definition of security as “the state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety.” This definition caught my eye as I was completing a grant application recently, and comes to mind now. Those who pursue journalism, or for that matter any storytelling or creative endeavor, are not in pursuit of fame or fortune.
Journalism’s contextual collaboration
On the first Sunday of 2021, reports began to emerge about a conversation President Trump had with Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. It became that day’s lead story because the news of that call became public two days before runoff elections would be held in Georgia for the state’s two U.S. Senators. There was special interest across the country because the result of those two elections would determine which party would have the majority in the Senate.
My TikTok Journey
Hi, Please read about my pre-TikTok life first. A link will redirect you back here at the end. I got addicted to TikTok in February 2020 when I started watching YouTube compilations of the best COVID TikToks. I started watching TikToks using Chrome on my desktop computer. I added consulting for a digital media firm to my freelance work, which needed me to move to D.C. but I was miserable, and I eventually decided to take them off my client list.
Me, journalism and 2020
Ten days from now, revelers usually present at New York’s Times Square, the hub of New Year’s Eve activities, will gather virtually, and toast with gusto the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. As they do, the opportunity to emerge anew from the previous year takes center stage — though this particular New Year, that opportunity has a new meaning, as the world continues to try to work through life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Numbers- The Ultimate Weapon Against Fake News
The 2020 U.S election has become one of the most monumental in history as the pandemic response, social strife, and record unemployment rates have all but added to the existing social issues faced by the country. Adding insult to injury are the numerous accusations of widespread voter fraud from President Trump and his supporters. This rhetoric has continued to cause great division within the country as allegations, rumors, and fake news flood news outlets and social media sites in waves.
The byline, the brain and COVID-19
When I awoke from my Sudafed induced Thanksgiving nap, and my sinuses returned from turkeys back into their normal shape, my thoughts turned to trying to play catch up and get a head start on the week ahead during an unfathomable holiday weekend. The to do list in my mind was not all that long — I’d finally get around to writing this monthly piece so I could meet my self-imposed end of the month deadline, followed by a couple of networking emails.
The letter: Once lost, now found
I was curious about how a friend of mine was doing, so I decided something that I hadn’t done in a while — I’d sit down and write a letter. No, not an email — a letter. An actual letter that is stamped and is sent to the recipient through the vast network of the U.S. Postal Service.
The DEI Playbook and Strategies for Building a Championship Culture
How do winning teams win? They have effective playbooks. By focusing on the why within your organization – your mission, values, and key drivers of workplace culture – you’ll be able to put together a playbook that will facilitate an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging for your employees. We sat down with Nicole Smart, Founder & CEO of Smart EDI Solutions, to discuss how to create a workplace culture that will support diversity and inclusion.
A curious lesson from the Vinyl Cafe
Halfway between Montreal and Toronto lies the town of Picton, Ontario, in Prince Edward County. In 2009, Picton received a visit from Stuart McLean, journalist, author and broadcaster, who came with his crew to tape an episode of The Vinyl Cafe — the program from CBC Radio in Canada that became a staple of some line-ups of American public radio stations.
Reversing journalism’s lost generation
In journalism, there are six words that guide each story — who, what, when, where, why and how. They are ingrained into every journalist’s psyche, and every journalist knows a story can’t exist without those six words at the forefront of a piece. Yet, there are six more words that have been fully ingrained into journalists’ psyches since the coronavirus public health outbreak began — layoff, furlough, enemy, fake and pay cut.
Journalism in the time of COVID-19
Anyone can publish on Medium per our Policies, but we don’t fact-check every story. For more info about the coronavirus, see cdc.gov. When I started writing this essay, the clock on my computer told me that its a few minutes before 3am. By the time I’ve finished this, it will be Monday morning across the contiguous United States — or what would be construed as a normal Monday, and I’m trying not to hit another wall. I’ve returned to my computer after 3 days where I didn’t really do anything.
Humanity in the time of COVID-19
Anyone can publish on Medium per our Policies, but we don’t fact-check every story. For more info about the coronavirus, see cdc.gov. Earlier Monday, Michigan became one of several US states in the last few days to announce an executive order declaring that its residents should stay home, that non-essential travel should not go ahead, and one should only go out unless one absolutely has to. The order, which takes effect at just after midnight local time, is in effect for at least the next 3 weeks.
Resilience at a distance
Whilst flipping channels on TV the other night, I stumbled upon an episode of the animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers. I hadn’t seen very much of the show, and tuned in late, but had been looking for something to watch. However, a particular moment of the episode I watched stuck with me. One of the episode’s focuses was on the creation of the Burger of the Day, and Bob’s struggle with writer’s block. He began with one idea, the Say Cheese Burger.
I’ve had my fair share of criticism on social media but when someone posted ‘I needed raping’ enough was enough
Reporter Amy Fenton from Newsquest daily The Mail reveals her ordeal after a sinister threat was posted online… It’s fair to say that few court reporters will have escaped the wrath of a disgruntled defendant who disagrees with the concept of open justice. No doubt we’re all familiar with the accusations that we have “made it up” or written “a pack of lies” and yes, this is something which goes with the territory.
Super Tuesday’s super coverage tips
Jennifer Brandel did not mince words. The journalist and founder of the engagement journalism organization Hearken had seen enough of how American politics had been covered in modern times, especially in the 2016 presidential election, and knew that changes were long overdue.
My (somewhat) resilient brain
It’s a late hour on a cold night as I try to muster any ounce of creativity that I have. Any idea of what I want to write and what thought I was going to have alternates with whether or not this essay is worth it or I’m worth it. This channeling of creativity (or lack thereof) is an act of trying to remain resilient — and it is easier said than done.
Journalism’s unimpeded role
It came through a text message early Monday morning — a friend of mine sent along an article from The Washington Post spotlighting the launch of a brand new publication. It was called The 19th, named after the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution declaring that the right to vote in America would not be denied based on gender. Co-founded by Emily Ramshaw and Amanda Zamora (both recently of the Texas Tribune), The 19th is focused on reporting at the intersection of gender, politics and policy.
Twitter, authenticity and the audience
The record in the background is one with a driving rock, sort of punk sound, with vocal elements that echoes a sound nearly similar to that of the British rapper The Streets. Not too far away, a visual recording is taking place.
Journalism and the “a” word
I am not one for New Year’s resolutions. The last time that I planned one, it was foiled in a few short days. However, as 2019 comes to an end, and with 2020 getting under way in less than 2 weeks, it has been cause for reflection and contemplation, in a year where the industry, and those who work in it, continue to be challenged.
We’re all in this together
It is not a secret that it is not an easy time to be in journalism. Whether its facing uncertainties in economic models evolving every day or trying to restore trust as the rhetoric of the President of the United States and others, morale has been impacted in this profession — and combined with the stress of trying to assess its future takes a toll. I should know, as an early career journalist trying to figure things out myself.
Figuring it out as we go along
Katie Hawkins-Gaar, a freelance journalist and media consultant, was wondering something too. Shortly after she took on a role at CNN’s iReport, she reflected on adjusting to her new role, which included more higher-level meetings. Hawkins-Gaar, writing in a recent edition of her newsletter My Sweet Dumb Brain, reflected on keeping up and getting on with the task at hand — until one day, with new concepts flying at her every which way, causing an overwhelming environment, enough was enough.
The cited truth
The traditional culture of journalism is seen as an attempt to one up the competition — a winner take all, survival of the fittest routine. At the same time, there’s a lot of information available — so much information that it is hard for consumers to process all of it at the same time.
Asking for the h-word - help
The leaves are beginning to turn on the trees outside, yet the refrain in my brain is a constant — a refrain that has similarities for those in journalism. The refrains are uttered discretely or loudly (usually never in the presence of children), are four letters long and are reflective of the tension and anxiety that is felt at that very second. It is a refrain that culminates after masses of frustration and anxiety — and is spur of the moment.
John Peel and the search for authenticity
In an edition of Write On, the former BBC World Service programme devoted to examinations of its output, a programme they profiled was described as one that split listeners. It was said to be a phenomenon that either caused “blood to boil or the heart to beat just a little bit faster.” Some of them prepared to switch off in disgust as they heard the theme tune, while others waited in adoration to hear what would be the content of that week’s show.
Journalists are human too
Wednesday, the 4th of September — roughly 5pm. The Starbucks located off a corner of a crowded mall in downtown San Antonio, Texas was compact with a few folks ducking in and out as the Allman Brothers Band’s Ramblin’ Man played through the speakers. I had sought a caffeine boost a few hours after my flight landed and the (what felt like) long hours spent waiting for my hotel room to be ready.
Optics and an engaged electorate
Ahead of one of the biggest stories of the week in the realms of American politics, Margaret Sullivan began her Monday column in The Washington Post like this: “In political media, as in love, there aren’t many chances to correct a serious wrong.” Sullivan was referring to the testimony of former special counsel Robert Mueller before the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees in Washington — the story that would receive the most attention wherever news was consumed.
Engaging the status quo
“There’s got to be a better way to do this.” That’s usually a common thought I have in an attempt to figure out what role I am supposed to have in journalism. It’s more evident now, two months after the date of the 5th anniversary of the completion of my undergraduate degree. Studying as journalism began what appears to be a constant change, the focus appeared simple — get as much experience as I can mixed with the knowledge of ethics, law and complete the degree on time.
The (not quite) big idea
The other day, I found myself on the telephone to an industry colleague at the University of Missouri. She was spreading the word about a job vacancy that was in her department and I phoned her to talk about it. What was initially a conversation about that job turned into an interesting chat about what it means to work in journalism today, and the added challenge of working in an industry that is trying to navigate its future.
The possibilities of innovation
There are a plethora of things that are certain. Sometimes it snows in April, headlines from NPR are guaranteed at one minute past the hour, and in the culture of journalism circa 2019, fascinating ideas are frequent. These ideas have been a part of an effervescent drive to innovate in a time where there is equal excitement and opportunity along with equal concern and anxiety in the industry.
Dear journalism student: Don’t worry, be happy
The School of Journalism at the University of Missouri, one of many schools that will welcome back students in the coming weeks. Photo – mojourcomm / Wikimedia Commons (CC) It is an important question – a question where the opinion you get will be different every time it is asked, a question that has been asked a lot recently. But most of all, it is a question that may not be easy to answer at first, but allows a great debate and eye as to where this industry will go. Where is journalism going?
The need to think why, not what
In journalism, there are a series of six questions that journalists set out to answer in a story. These questions are ingrained into our psyche and at the core of traditional newsgathering — who, what, where, when why and how. Yet, as journalism continues to shift, especially in how audiences are consuming news, we as a world have found ourselves inundated with information.
A tip about the tip sheet
Journalism is going through a vast amount of change — change so quick and so paramount that its implications are being felt in every part of the industry — from the people who are dedicating their careers to informing and educating the public, to the public themselves that consume the news. There also This is where The Tip Sheet comes in.
The Tip Sheet - Medium
A tip about The Tip Sheet Journalism is going through a vast amount of change — change so quick and so paramount that its implications are…
Lessons from conversation
By Alex Veeneman On the first Thursday of December, I flocked to the Starbucks in City Center on 6th Street in the attempt to try to get some work done while fire alarm testing was conducted in my apartment building. As 9:30 in the morning came, the flurries fell as the line of drinks – caramel macchiato, chai tea latte, hot mocha – and their recipients, are recited in a somewhat poetic fashion.
Securing journalism’s future together – Alex Veeneman – Medium
It was a notification from a Facebook group on engagement journalism that piqued my interest last week. That notification contained details about an opportunity that had not been presented before in journalism by another organization, but one that was responding to a need of those who work in journalism. The opportunity was a grant from the newly established Peer Learning and Collaboration Fund from the Center for Cooperative Media, based at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
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