Coach relents in battle with student media

We haven't talked about this story in class, but we probably should. For the last month and a half or so, UM football coach Bobby Hauck has refused to talk to the UM student newspaper, the Kaimin. Well, he finally relented this week, but only after the story when national, with the coach drawing condemnation from the likes of ESPN.com and SportsIllustrated.com.

Abandon the Web?

Here's the American Journalism Review story about the Rhode Island daily newspaper that is building a pay wall blocking its Web site in an effort to drive readers back to its print product, where the money's to be made.

Circulation on the decline

Here is the LA Times story on daily newspaper circulation declines I referenced in today's lecture.

Does the brain like Kindle?

Here's the link I promised.

No quiz

No current events quiz for tomorrow. I'm too busy. We'll talk a bit about the news of the week in class.

Wednesday discussion

Hope you are all are enjoying your Monday off from class. On Wednesday, Kellyn Brown, editor of the Flathead Beacon, will be in class so that you can get the word straight from someone who is still in the trenches, working at an actual newspaper.

As I mentioned, Brown will be talking to you about the newspaper's coverage of the Rehberg/Barkus boat crash. This will be your chance to talk to someone charged with making decisions about what aspects of the story the Beacon reports to its readers, and what it doesn't and why.

For class it would be a good idea to review these stories in the Beacon (and keep an eye out for updates Tuesday night):

Barkus doesn't remember much

Beacon discusses BAC issues

And here is an example of some good reporting from the Missoulian getting the point of view of the campers who first responded to the crash.

If there are heroes in this tragedy, these folks fit the bill.

And it wouldn't hurt to scan the SPJ Code of Ethics, to be found here.

Have a good week. I'll see you on Friday.

The future of books?

Read this story about Kindle, and new electronic version of the book. Be prepared to discuss in class Friday. An assignment will folo.