Whose News?

What's a press release? A press release is a faxed, mailed, or emailed document sent to news media organizations to get journalists to report on the subject.

The NY Times article "The Lincoln Center Turns 50 and Prepares a Party" is an example of a press release. The article gives the brief history of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and lets the reader know the future construction plans as well. This is a press release because the story is pretty much a lengthy ad. It advertises the Lincoln Center's 50th anniversary as well as giving a preview of upcoming events. It is clear that Lincoln Center president, Reynold Levy, wants the public to share in arts the center has to offer. To check out this article, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/arts/17linc.html?ref=arts.


What's original reporting? Original reporting requires journalists to get out there and research for a story.

The NY Times article "Big Storms Are Taking Heavy Toll on Midwest" is an example of original reporting. It's original reporting because Ike is big news right now. It's important for a large publication like the NY Times to keep up with every new development with the hurricane in order to compete with other publications. Therefore, waiting on a press release is unnecessary. To check out this article, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/us/16midwest.html?ref=us.