Yellow journalism’s backstory

The expression is 115 years old today, says Professor W. Joseph Campbell:

The phrase “the Yellow Journalism” appeared in a small headline on the Press’ editorial page on January 31, 1897. The phrase also appeared that day in the newspaper’s editorial page gossip column, “On the Tip of the Tongue.”

“Yellow journalism” was quickly embraced in American newspapering, as a way to disparage and denigrate the freewheeling practices of William Randolph Hearst and his New York Journal as well as Joseph Pulitzer and the New York World.

A page-scrolling, great read for everyone in journalism history.

The end run

Two articles dovetailing nicely today for your consideration. First, the technological tale of President Obama going direct to the people using Google+. I’m sure his administration enjoyed not having to work through media filters on that address. All you have to do is prep the president, sit him in front of a laptop and let him talk with his audience and answer their questions.

This means something to us as reporters, of course. The White House press corps still has their deadline, but they don’t have this story. In a lot of environments we’re now seeing a bit more of this, where newsmakers speak out directly, amplifying their own message. Gigaom points to a David Carr piece about Rupert Murdoch’s nascent use of Twitter. As rebuttal Gigaom mentions a Brian Stelter presentation where he last week discussed “sources going direct,” recognizing it as a disruptive change in journalism. Gigaom agrees it is a paradigm shift.

Is it good for journalism? How can you benefit from it as a reporter? How can you overcome the obstacles it puts into place?

Mobile reporting necessities

Backback journalists, one-man bands, multimedia reporters, MoJo — whatever you call that slice of the industry — is a skillset, a mindset and an equipment set. You have to be able to discern your story quickly and, just as quickly, understand and apply the appropriate medium to cover the details of the tale. You have to be able to work independently, often quickly and with several stories and moving parts at play.

And you need the right tools. Here are 10 must haves from Media Bistro.

It is a good list. I’d add extra batteries, an extra recorder and sharp, comfortable shoes.

Can a good journalist be a good capitalist?

Whenever we talk about entrepreneurship this is the question that should be rattling around in your head.

They have some answers for you over at the Carnival. (Great site worth your bookmark, by the way.)

Inspiring social networks

Matt Petronzio notes that social networks help develop your content — an observation you should also see coming into focus.

Authors and journalists have long been utilizing mainstream social media — Twitter, Facebook and Quora, for example — to promote their work and interact with other writers and readers, but what about platforms specifically geared toward that type of synergy?

He’s curated a list of 10 social networks that may be new to you where you can get feedback, exposure and ideas.