Class, you've got two feature story pitches due Friday at 9 a.m. Each should give a paragraph of detail about what the story might focus on, and include possible sources (people and paper).
I'd like one of the two pitches from each of you to be about the weather. Use your creativity to turn the topic into a story. To get started thinking, I'd suggest thinking about how the heat wave has been affecting certain groups or people -- the very young or the very old; folks who have to work outside all day; farmers and their crops; folks who have to dress up in silly (and hot) outfits and stand on street corners to sell their wares; folks who sell hot dogs outside all day on the National Mall. You get my drift.
Check out the National Weather Service site for a starting point, to get perspective on just how how hot it's been, compared to previous years here, and compared to other parts of the country. Then do some searches to see what others have been writing about the heat. Then start looking around and talking to people.
For inspiration, read this story written on a daily deadline by two undergrads in my news bureau four years ago. One concentrated on the text, one concentrated on the photos and audio. It was a nice read: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/drought101907.htm. They were seniors in college. I don't expect your story to be quite so nuanced--or so filled with multimedia. We won't have time to learn audio editing in your three weeks here!
Start thinking and searching!
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With record breaking heat waves and warnings overwhelming the Midwest and East Coast, how will it affect us and our day to day lives? The National Weather Service reported that the forecast through Friday range from 105 to 115 degrees, with a possibility of higher temperatures. On Thursday, News Channel 8 said the heat was so severe that from being outside for twenty minutes you can lose almost half of your body’s water weight through sweat. Not only does the heat affect you, but the environment as well. It can cause farmers crops to grow irregularly and burn quickly, same for plants. Some small lakes and ponds have even dried up. Don’t let yourself become the victim in this drastic heat change.
Many 90’s babies will be reconnected with their old childhood favorites when Nickelodeon launches there “The 90’s Are All That” series. At 12:00 Monday morning they will begin re-airing four classics: “Kenan and Kel,” “All That,” “Clarissa Explains it All,” and “Doug.” These generation hits were extremely popular in that decade and will most likely bring a numerous ratings to the channel. Starting July 25h, Nickelodeon will reintroduce a capstone of entertainment that will satisfy millions of viewers.
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