Thanks to JRN 521 for joining me online to discuss the final project. You've probably already seen the parameters for story ideas that I've put down...here they are:
1. Find a controversy Something in your town, or that you know about, that has clear tension. A dispute over land-use, perhaps...a battle over noisy neighbors...a plan to shut down a town landmark. You want a story where you can find real passion on both sides of an issue.
2. Find the stakeholders Who are the people you really need to talk to if you're going to tell this story? Who is most affected? Who would be sorely missed if you did the story without them? Chart out who these people are, and come up with some ways to contact them. For our purposes, we'll want at least one character on each side of the issue, people with a clear stake in what's happening. And, we'll want at least two "outside" voices - it could be "man on the street" - getting reaction to this issue.
3. Find a scene We've heard some great scenes in class already, and I'll be sharing more examples. What we want is one of our stakeholders speaking in a place key to the story. Or, some action happening in that place. For the purpose of our exercise, look for a scene that will open the story...the first thing the audience will hear after the host intro.
4. Find your themes Even a great story has to be "framed" right for the radio. How do you want to tell your story? Whose points of view should be heard first? Who else needs to be heard? How do you work in your "outside" voices?
So, in your comments, tell me how you'd address these issues. What controversy? What stakeholders? What scene(s)? What themes? I've adjusted the comment field so you don't have to go through the google logon...but please put your name on the comment, so I can tell who you are!
78 comments:
Pathways to technology school
o Mayors office
o Surrounding property holders
Open container in cars law
o Police
o Lawmakers
o drivers
Should other cities follow Danbury’s example with sex offenders
o Police
o Mayor
o residents
In Milford, there is a brewing controversy about a scenic walkway the city wants to build that would link 3 beaches. The public would get a beautiful view of Gulf Beach amd private Point Lookout area as they walk, but the rich homeowners whose lots will be affected don't want to give up their privacy. So, the mayor is threatening eminent domain to get it built.
Would talk to mayor, homeowners in the area pro and con, environmentalist who favors the proposal, and members of the public who would benefit.
Thanks for being the first two to log on!
Prof. Dankosky,
Scratch the original idea for my final piece...Here's what I've come up with:
There's an ongoing controversy about having to tear down a shopping complex in Bristol...The city is going to turn the land into a brand new complex with a YMCA and a theatre, among some of the features...One store has left the complex, but another still remains because they're refusing to move. The old shopping complex is vacant, but the store, Ocean State Job Lot, stands. I would interview the mayor of the town for reaction and an update, plus I'd interview employees of the Ocean State Job Lot store---if they're willing to speak. I'd also include some statistical info. on when the complex will come down and what kind of impact the town's decision will have economically and financially.
--Posted by Mike Lyle on 3/27/07 at 5:34 p.m.
Heather - I like these ideas...but let me make sure I understand them better. Give me a little blurb on each of the three with the controversy, stakeholders, scene and themes. Do some of them require talking to lawmakers?
Mike - This is better...much more local. So, the city's already bought the land, but the tenant doesn't want to move? I think as far as stakeholders go, you don't want to talk with employees of the Job Lot, but of the business itself, which refuses to move. A question: Can you get to talk to the head of Ocean State Job Lot in person?
I think you're absolutely right to include information about what this might do for the town...I think your "missing" stakeholders, the residents of Bristol, might provide that piece for you.
Janet - this is the kind of story I love. It has it all, and I think a scene to start it would be easy. What's the mayor's agenda in all this...really just to build a walkway? The environmentalist likes it because it provides outdoor access? I assume it doesn't also damage any marshlands or dunes...
Also, do you think you'll be able to get comments from pro and con neighbors? If so, I think you should get started right away...
We already discussed in class the issues surrounding the Pathways Tech school proposed location near 84, Farmington and Asylum Avenues. I would speak to someone in the mayor's office and the businesses surrounding the land parcel as the stakeholders. The scene would need to be in Hartford near the proposed location. I would think that the mayors office would prove the case of it being an ideal location and the businesses begging to differ. It would also be interesting to talk to people on the street around the area to see what they think the impact would be.
The CT legislature is trying to pass a bill that will ban open containers in cars. Many other states have open container bans but CT does not. Major stakeholders would be the lawmakers that proposed the bill and state police on one side and I'd have to research a little more in depth to find an opposing opinion on the matter. The scene would be set in the capitol buildings or possibly at an anti-dwi function, talking to MADD or the like as another supporting opinion. I'm sure that I could find an opposing opinion from some college students but it wouldn't compare in weight to a legislator, cop, or MADD spokesperson.
Danbury was just in the news for sending Danbury public school student parents the photos and addresses of registered sex offenders. The AP article says that 6400 families will receive the mailing which also describes a new ordinance establishing child safety zones in the city, such as banning sex offenders from parks and recreational facilities. I propose interviewing people around Hamden to see if they would like similiar ordinances in place. Stakeholders would be superintendent of education, mayor, police. Scene could be set on a playground.
Janet, good luck with talking to people in Milford. I am covering that town for my 504 class and the city employees are reluctant to talk to anyone. The boardwalk is going to be built anwyway. The money is there and they plan to finish it this summer.
Sorry, this is Jonathan Muss. I wrote the comment to Janet regarding Milford.
My project will be on what I mentioned in class- the revitalization of downtown Naugatuck. This project is called Renassiance Place and the development group behind (Conroy Development)it says that it will help bring more income into the town and will make the old buildings and storefronts look better.
Many people are worried that this project will ruin all of the town's history and destroy it's senic areas. We have received many letters to the editor at the newspaper where I work in which parents say that they don't want their kids playing near highways and malls.
Many people oppose this plan, but it has it's supporters too. It is a particularly "hot" issue right now, since Naugatuck's mayoral election is taking place in May ad all the candidates have a position on the issue. I can interview some or all of the candidates for the project.
My proposal is to cover the ongoing (2+ years now) dispute between the towns of Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and Essex and a private developer backed by Lehman Brothers. The dispute is over a 1,000 acre tract of land that the owner/developer is calling "The Preserve".
On "The Preserve" the developer wants to build 240+ homes and an 18 hole golf course on what is now undeveloped forest and wetlands.
All towns have put up road blocks to the project and their have been lawsuits.
Environmental NPOs have gotten involved and thrown their lot with the towns.
I would like to cover this story and make an attempt at getting each outspoken side of the story.
Who is covering Milford for their class? I know the mayor is looking for cooperation from the homeowners by asking for easements. Without it, things could get ugly. Some don't want to budge. I don't know that everyone (John Q Public) thinks eminent domain should be used for a project like this. The reports in my newspaper have only scratched surface.
I know I would have to go door to door in that area to get comments -all part of the fun!
Ok, I'm going to try this again. My wireless connection keeps kicking me off, and apparently, when I actually try to sign into Listeninglab, it won't let me.
I'm running into a problem with my town, West Haven. I've been asking around to various residents that I know, and no one is really having a "problem" at the moment, which sort of puts me in a quandary.
There are two issues that offhandedly come up, neither of which I'm particularly thrilled about either.
The first involves the Board of Education. Basically, the schools need more money and the city council is reluctant to give the schools more money because they believe the money only goes to salaries & benefits. Layoffs for non-tenured teachers are also expected this week.
The second involves the firehouses. Currently there are three fire districts in West Haven: Allingtown, Center, & West Shore. These three districts have three separate staff, three separate chiefs, etc. There are also three different fire tax rates, depending on where you live in West Haven. There has been for some time a movement to consolidate the three districts, but nothing seems to be happening.
For me, these are pretty poor examples, because of the people I talked to, when I brought them up, knew nothing about either issue. So I'm a bit stuck :-/
~Brianne
Gunnar, Jonathan - glad you joined us. Sorry for the late notice. Did you happen to make it to class, or are you at home?
One note here...you may have to periodically refresh your browser to get new comments. Thanks for joining me online. It's saving my voice today...I've got none left. As Heather asked me, "Are you sure you don't just want to enjoy the nice weather?" Well, I can't because I feel like crap...but I hope you're outside on your patio with a beer and a laptop. Anyone know where Eli is?
Comfortably ensconced in class.
Jonathan Muss
I am in class.
I am doing another story on a zoning issue in Milford. It is about a developer who is suing the city for denying his proposal for a 46-unit apt. complex.
Its Eli checking in from the classroom.
So as to make the most efficent use of our time together, I've also done another post with some listening links and comment questions. You can do some listening while waiting for me to respond to you if you'd like. I hope we'll all be done here before 8 p.m.
Hey Eli - thanks for joining us...again, sorry about the late notice. This should be a bit quicker, and might work out better anyway. So, have fun listening, and check back for comments in a few...
So, Prof. Dankosky,
For the SOT, the mayor of Bristol, the head of the Ocean State Job lot, and some local residents would help?
Overall, you do like the structure of this story? 3 minutes long enough for this piece?
Thanks!
---Posted by Mike Lyle on 3/27/07 at 6:36 p.m.
As for you guys on campus, I'm only 1.5 miles away, beer will be served on my patio! haha
The idea I have right now is to cover both sides of the issues surrounding the redevelopment of the Silas Deane Highway, a major commercial fare that runs from the Hartford/Wethersfield border to Cromwell. This once pedestrian-friendly street has been widended in recent years and been the victim of some poor town planning decisions that have left the road disjointed and unwelcoming to shoppers and visitors alike. The town of Wethersfield wants to spearhead an effort to not only make the road more asthetically pleasing, but more attractive to local businesses. This will, of course, come at a cost that many taxpayers may not want to face in light of recent increases for renevations to the town hall, library, and the building of a new police station. If I could get the comments of the town manager or town council members, a member(s) of the redevlopement board, and residents as well, I think it would make for a good story.
Heather - I think these are three good stories, but for our purposes, number 3 might work out best. The idea of taking a controversy from another town, and asking the question in yours is..well, just really good, basic local reporting. I think you might also have the most realistic chance of getting a range of opinion. Has there been talk of this type of sex-offender notification in Hamden?
Caitlin - Obviously I like land use stories (almost as much as immigration stories!).
Do you have specific stakeholders in mind?
I might worry that making it too "political" would take away from the basic theme - but if there's a clear division between candidates, that could make for interesting opposing views.
What's the scene you have in mind?
My project will be on what I mentioned in class- the revitalization of downtown Naugatuck. This project is called Renassiance Place and the development group behind (Conroy Development)it says that it will help bring more income into the town and will make the old buildings and storefronts look better.
Many people are worried that this project will ruin all of the town's history and destroy it's senic areas. We have received many letters to the editor at the newspaper where I work in which parents say that they don't want their kids playing near highways and malls.
Many people oppose this plan, but it has it's supporters too. It is a particularly "hot" issue right now, since Naugatuck's mayoral election is taking place in May ad all the candidates have a position on the issue. I can interview some or all of the candidates for the project.
Heather-
I agree that the sex offender idea is good- it's a wide reaching topic As a matter a fact, a sex offender just moved into my neighborhood, and the police handed out informational packets on his history, criminal record, etc... I think it's good to inform people like this
I didnt find to many topics that i thought would fit the criteria for the final project. But i did however come across an article a few days ago about a truck driving school in seymour that may not happen because it would be in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There is a potential appeal from the trucking school.
Janet - The "door to door" you're talking about is really the only way to get this kind of info. One suggestion. Find out through someone else who the prominent homeowners are who are opposing this...then call and set up a pleasant conversation. That's usually a better way in than a "cold call" knock. Sometimes, though...that's all you've got.
I'm not aware of any talk in Hamden about sex offenders. I know that people are typically taken by surprise when they see the large number of registered sex offenders on the website and by printing out a current list of Hamden registrees, I'm sure I could get some interesting sound bites.
By the way the trucking school was mine- Eli
Who is this "Anonymous"
I didnt find to many topics that i thought would fit the criteria for the final project. But i did however come across an article a few days ago about a truck driving school in seymour that may not happen because it would be in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There is a potential appeal from the trucking school.
Here is the link if my description of the story topic was a little vague- Eli
http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18117339&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=517514&rfi=6
Any ammends for my story, Prof. D? Are you cool with it?
I got rid of the "popup" window that appears for comments...does this work better, or the other way?
The scene of the story would be in downtown Naugatuck... In the area where all the old stores are that would be knocked down.
Who exactly are stakeholders? People in the development group? Investors? People whose land is being redeveloped?
Sorry, the ammends comment was posted by me...Mike Lyle.
Brianne -
I'll agree that the schools story might not be the best. Really nothing new there that doesn't happen in every town. But, tell me more about the fire districts...it seems that someone in the town has got to consider this structure to be a HUGE waste of money, no?
Gunnar - I know this story a bit. Who makes the final decision here? I mean, is this up to the state DEP to give a water certificate? Also, is the developer local...and would you be able to get him/her?
Jonathan Muss -
Tell me more about your Milford story...you'd have the devleoper and the city, I assume. What's the controversy about? Why no approval?
Hmmm. I can't get the radio pieces to open. I get a note saying I don't have the correct program to support it. I am trying to download something called rollup. Anyone else having this problem?
Some residents do see three fire districts as a waste of money & resources. I'm not terribly familiar with the fire system & how it works, but I imagine that a town that is really only about 11 square miles does not need three fire districts. Also, some residents wind up paying more taxes because of their respective fire district, which no one ever really likes.
But, if the fire houses are consolidated, it leaves the question of the firemen. Will they be laid off? Will they go quietly to a new district? Although they are part of the same town, there's solidarity with those they share their house with. It's tricky and not much has been said lately about the consolidation process, but I'm sure I could find out more from some of the firemen that I do know. (The Allingtown volunteer firehouse is actually right down my block; although this isn't the main Allingtown house, there might be a connection there).
~Brianne
I do believe the developer has a local presence. But my concern is their willingness to talk. How the issue will get settled is a compromise between the town's zoning boards and the developer. The developer is in the process of revising its plans currently - possibly building fewer houses.
For Eli's Story
The Controversy is having a Big Rig truck driving school in the middle of a residential neighborhood and near a school.
The stakeholders are the Owner of the potential school, neighborhood residents.
The Scene would be the Neighborhood, and if the truck driving school has an alternate site or current location it would take place there too.
The theme would be neighborhood residents fighting to not have this school next to where their children go to school because its noisy and dangerous.
Starlet
Controversy: A civilian (editor of the Fairfield County Weekly) filed a complaint alleging he saw two Bridgeport police officers drinking on duty at a Bridgeport bar. The police chief has recommended that these men be fired. Disciplinary hearings are beginning soon with the Board of Police Commissioners. In the backdrop, there's a dispute going on between the police chief and the Board of Police Commissioners over their recent decision not to support the chief's recommendation to fire an officer who's had numerous brutality complaints from citizens in his 14-year career and a recent domestic violence arrest. So at this point, a showdown is expected on how to handle the two officers who allegedly drank on duty. Citizens are tired of cops getting away with misconduct.
Stakeholders: Bridgeport Citizens, Bar Owner, Civilian who filed the complaint, police chief, Member of the Board of commissioners
Scene: the bar
Theme: In a city that recently brought back community policing, can citizens take comfort in knowing an on-duty officer may be having a drink in the community bar?
Start with the bar owner: Is this a common occurence? Deal with those in favor of firing, then those not in favor of firing. End with board member, who I assume will take the middle-of-the-road approach by saying we'll have to wait until the hearing to examine the facts.
Mike -
Yeah, I think you need the Mayor of Bristol, the head of the Ocean State Job lot, and some local residents...but I really want you to find out more about this controversy first? What do you think town residents will say?
Oh, and as for story length...we're not there yet.
Eli - I hadn't heard of this before...very interesting. Sorry if I missed this earlier, but what town?
Also, I think we'd want to hear from town officals on this, too. They may have the possibility of stopping it. Aren't there zoning concerns?
Johnathan -
The idea you propose on the Silas Deane Highway is great. In fact, I think you already have the beginnings of a host lead in this (admittedly too long) sentence:
"This once pedestrian-friendly street has been widended in recent years and been the victim of some poor town planning decisions that have left the road disjointed and unwelcoming to shoppers and visitors alike."
My question...what's holding this up? Why isn't it getting done?
Jonathan Muss
On the Milford Story:
The developer, D'Amato Bros., was denied because of traffic density issues. According to the developer the city didn't even hire a traffic engineer to gauge this. D'Amato did and the engineer said, not surprisingly, that it wouldn't be a problem. The real issue is that there would be affordable housing units within the complex. This increases the density of the complex but also strikes fear into residents. Affordable housing can include section 8, but in Milford it's criteria for rent means that the family has to make $40-50k a year. The state has presented no case thus far and will leave it to the judge to decide.
From Eli-
The town is Seymour and just last week the zoning and planning commission voted and rejected the plan for the school in that site. But now it looks like there will be an appeal from the driving school owner, so I felt like the story is still kind of ongoing even though it has been initially shut down. I am definately going to be making some phone calls, because im not sure if the owner already owns the land or what, but i thought it was interesting.- Eli
Ok, I just spoke with my aunt regarding the fireman issue.
Apparently, it would need a referendum within the city charter to consolidate the firehoues. Also, part of the problem is the fire tax. Currently, the chiefs & support staffs of each district determine their fire tax for the respective districts, which is why residents of all three pay different amounts in taxes. However, there isn't a financial consultant coming up with the numbers; it's the firemen in the districts themselves.
Also, part of the reason why the firemen are so adament against consolidation is that then they would answer directly to the city & the city can regain control over the fire department. While the money from the fire tax does go to West Haven, the firemen again determine salaries, raises, benefits, etc. Under consolidation plans, the city would now control those aspects.
The three houses would remain as is, but everything would be under one chief, one deputy chief, etc.
It's been an issue for many years. The past mayor, Richie Boer, was for consolidation, and the current mayor, Picard, is also for it. However, a referendum has yet to appear on the city council.
~Brianne
Quick stop to comments...had to deal with computer issue. Back in a moment...everyone able to see the new post and listen to the stories there?
Prof. D.,
I think there will be mixed reaction about this controversy. Some will say its "out with the old, in with the new", others will be disappointed in the change.
So, I'll start setting up interviews this week or early next week and get cracking...unless you have anything else to add.
Starlet - I've had to take a while to think about yours. Boy...that's a big topic. A very good one...but very detailed.
Getting the Bridgeport police chief and board of commissioners to talk for a story like this might be a tall order. Also, what does the BPD police union have to say? Also, how much misconduct is there, really within the department? Is this an isolated incident in any way?
Controversy: A civilian (editor of the Fairfield County Weekly) filed a complaint alleging he saw two Bridgeport police officers drinking on duty at a Bridgeport bar. The police chief has recommended that these men be fired. Disciplinary hearings are beginning soon with the Board of Police Commissioners. In the backdrop, there's a dispute going on between the police chief and the Board of Police Commissioners over their recent decision not to support the chief's recommendation to fire an officer who's had numerous brutality complaints from citizens in his 14-year career and a recent domestic violence arrest. So at this point, a showdown is expected on how to handle the two officers who allegedly drank on duty. Citizens are tired of cops getting away with misconduct.
Stakeholders: Bridgeport Citizens, Bar Owner, Civilian who filed the complaint, police chief, Member of the Board of commissioners
Scene: the bar
Theme: In a city that recently brought back community policing, can citizens take comfort in knowing an on-duty officer may be having a drink in the community bar?
Start with the bar owner: Is this a common occurence? Deal with those in favor of firing, then those not in favor of firing. End with board member, who I assume will take the middle-of-the-road approach by saying we'll have to wait until the hearing to examine the facts.
7:00 PM
Mike -
You can start setting up interviews for your story this week, to be sure. For everyone else who has already gotten comments, here's what's happening for next week:
1. Please listen to the stories on the other posting, and write down some of the "comment questions" I've asked.
2. Re-read the "Updike Manifesto" about getting started on writing a piece. Use the "theme" you've developed to write a possible "host lead" that sets up the story. That will help you focus the rest of your script when you start to get interviews and write.
Don't all go away though...more comments are coming (and welcome, if you have any)
Janet - all the radio stories linked in that blog should be available if you have a Real Player. They've been loading at the school computers if you can't at home.
Jonathan Muss On the Milford Story:
So this makes it clearer...the "affordable housing" thing is a big issue in many of these developments. Who's supporting this plan, besides the developer? Sometimes, housing advocates (usually on the opposite side of big developers) will join forces, because they really want the units built.
Is there a third story to comment on? I can only link to the Kahn story & the census story...
~Brianne
Prof. D.,
Would you like some NAT sound in this as well? Just curious.
---posted by Mike Lyle at 7:30 p.m.
Jonathan Muss
I don't know of anyone else who wants the apts. built. I haven't gotten that far but that is an interesting point. Apparently 10% of homes available in a CT city/town must be labeled as affordable housing. Milford has about 5%.
Brianne -
All of this is pretty itnteresting. Can you find people who think it's a waste of money? The idea of people paying more in taxes seems like a smaller thing than the battle over whether this system is really one that works for the town. Try and find some outspoken residents...try and talk to the fire chief(s)...talk to town managers. I think this could be good. It's a story I don't see covered much.
Gunnar - the key is actually getting these people to talk. I think local residents might be willing to lend their voices...and a scene should be possible...but those key interviews could be hard. Work this week on seeing if they'll cooperate.
Mike...your question on nat sound.
YES - That's what the scene has in it! Listen to the stories on the other post (I'll make sure all three have links) and listen for how the NAT sound (terrible TV term...we use the more lyrical "ambience") is used to set various "scenes" in the story.
Jonathan-
This is the key to making this interesting...
"Apparently 10% of homes available in a CT city/town must be labeled as affordable housing. Milford has about 5%."
Find out more about this...it's a big problem in many towns...it pits enviros against housing advocates and liberals against liberals. Very interesting stuff.
So we only have 2 stories to comment on?
Starlet -
Any thoughts from you on my comments? I'm worried this story might be pretty big...
It shouldn't be hard to find outspoken residents in West Haven!
Getting the fire chiefs to talk to me, that might be a little more difficult, but hopefully they'll be willing.
~Brianne
I will. And I'll keep you posted on developments via e-mail.
Professor any more thoughts on my story? did you see the additional information i had provided. It is in Seymour and the Zoning and Planning board last week shot it down, but now there is going to be an appeal by the truck driving school owner, so i felt like the story is still ongoing.- Eli
Jonathan Muss
Are you suggesting I follow the Milford story in this direction or use ct as a whole?
Eli - I think your story still works very well. Give me an update on what you find next week...start to see if you can get interviews.
Thanks, over and out- Eli
Jonathan Muss writes:
Are you suggesting I follow the Milford story in this direction or use ct as a whole?
I'm saying use Milford as a specific example...my comment was just to point out that this is part of a trend...you may be able to dig up other similar stories to help inform yours. It's a good technique: Use what I call "benchmarking" to see how similar towns have handled the same issue. Sometimes that can make for a good interview. Yes, I'd pursue this story...very interesting.
Well, since there are no more comments on my story- Bye everyone!
Okay...we're at about our limit here.
1. Please listen to the stories on the other posting, and write down some of the "comment questions" I've asked. You will see the third link very soon.
2. Re-read the "Updike Manifesto" about getting started on writing a piece. Then, use the "theme" you've developed to write a possible "host lead" that sets up the story. That will help you focus the rest of your script when you start to get interviews and write.
You can bring that host lead to class next week. I will be there...well rested. We've got several weeks to do this piece...so, if I've given you the go ahead to start doing interviews, go for it. If there's still some questions about whether your idea will work...or if you'll be able to get the stakeholders to talk, make some phone calls this week. Either way, I'd like to talk about what progress we've made in class.
Right now, I'm gonna get that link to work...and crack that much-needed beer.
Thanks for doing this tonight...it was fun, and a bit different. I'll work out some kinks for the future.
See you in person next week. JD
Yes, it's a tall order, but I'd like to make calls now to see if I can get them to talk about this matter. I need to check my clippings to get the union's position. It's not that there's a lot of misconduct, it's that when there is, the officer always "gets away with it." This is an isolated incident, but it comes at a time when the new chief (hired last year) is implementing new initiatives to make Bridgeport safer. One is community policing to give residents a sense of security in their neighborhoods.
Do you think I should go for it?
Here's another story idea to consider:
Upcoming Bridgeport mayoral election. With the mayor's June 06 admission of cocaine use, failure to keep up his end of the bargaiin on the promises made to the public to report on his recovery progress, but major progress in efforts to revitalize Bridgeport through economic/property development, where do folks stand? Do we want to see him back in the mayor's office for another term.
Stakeholders: Mayor, citizens, city council members
I think I can set up something next week, Prof. I'll keep you posted!
---posted by Mike Lyle at 8:45
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