Music Journalism - The big hit!

Dear Journalism and blogger friends,

So I started with a new study book this week: music journalism. It's awesome! I can't tell you how interesting it is already, after reading only a couple of pages. This might actually be my new focus! Should I be a music journalist? So far, it's sounds pretty exciting to me.

So what's "inside": The first chapter starts with an introduction into music journalism: definition, professionalism, print, broadcast and a critical reflection. Gives a great overview on the topic! The second chapter is all about the music industry: Who are the people behind the music industry? Publicists, musicians, and managers. What changes happened within the music industry? Also, there is a critical reflection at the end of the chapter. The third chapter deals with "sources" such as press releases, music (live or recorded), interviews, and events. The most interesting chapter is to follow, chapter four talks about the "content" such as news, interviews, video- and audio interviews, articles, documents and alternative content.

Of course, there are exercises after each chapter to be solved voluntarily.

I can't wait to get started with the exercises, they sound fun!

I hope this little insight into the music journalism study book gives enough information to let you know how interesting and awesome this topic is.

I'll keep you posted as my study progresses.

Best,
Kate

Travel Journalism and Blogging

Hello,

I hope you all had a great week! I am really excited to tell you about my newest endeavors in Travel Journalism! Believe it or not, but I am almost finished with the study book. I have read all chapters (still need to do the exercises), because I enjoyed it so much. It was really easy to read one whole chapter each day. I highlighted with a marker most important information for later, when I actually prepare for the exam. It was a real joy!

So now here we go: Travel Journalism is probably not really my future, although I really think it is an awesome journalistic field. Why? Because I think you need to be fully equipped with all kinds of things that I just could not imagine carrying around all day, several days. It seems to me that Travel Journalists need to be cross-media oriented which is exactly what carrying around a lot more equipment is all about. Maybe I'll change my mind... once I studied the whole course.

So blogging has always been a passion of mine. The most recent study on blogging and journalism - its similarities and differences - was quite motivating. It reassures me in my decision to take a journalistic journey in order to train my skills.

Btw, the next study field will be Music Journalism. Stay tuned!

Yours,
Kate

Travel Journalism

Hello journalism friends!

So I took the exam on "Interviews" the other day. It was quite interesting - I have never taken an online exam before. I was a little nervous about it, but I think I did well. Still waiting for the result!

I already started with the new module book on Travel Journalism - what a joy! I love it very much. Let me tell you a few things about this specific module: It has 7 chapters, including the topics "Travel writing context", "Categories and audiences", "Conveying place", "The features of the feature", "Travel Markets", "Travel writing issues", and "Travel writing futures". So far, I have read the first 15 pages which encompass the first chapter, including summary. I really like the fact that each chapter has a short summary. It makes it easier to remember important aspects after reading a whole chapter. Also, there are exercises (tasks) after each chapter to help you repeat what you have just learned. I have not looked at them yet but of course I will eventually.

The school recently published a new survey on blogging and journalism which was interesting to read. The results are astonishing: There is not so much difference, in fact, between those two. Blogging requires almost the same skills as professional journalism!

Well, I need to get back to work. Stay tuned with Kate for more!

Next entry will be all about Travel Journalism and a few details on blogging (my personal experience) in comparison to my first humble attempts as a journalist.

Yours,
Kate

Happy New Year, Journalism friends!

Kate is back! :)

Barely... I made it barely back to my desk this time. I had such a nice time with my family. My niece got a dog for Christmas - can you believe it? From an ethical point of view, this is certainly something to discuss. But it was good to see her smiling face when she held her puppy close to her. Nothing better than seeing happy kids on Christmas!

I actually interviewed a couple of people during the holidays. So there is my uncle Gerry and my aunt Betty who really loved my "technique". I also interviewed my little niece I just mentioned (the one with the puppy) - that was quite a pill. She is just not old enough and I had some trouble to keep her focused. I also interviewed my Dad. Interestingly, I didn't just "practice" my interview skills, I also found out some family secrets! Sorry folks, I cannot publish them on this blog. ;)

Well, I think I'm ready for my first exam. It's a little scary because I'm not sure how this works. I have to take the exam online. But I'm sure it'll be fine!

I already know which study topic is next for me: Travel Journalism! :) I can't wait to start reading it.

Well, I better prepare for my exam now... Interview is still on the desk and I need to get it done by the end of this week.

Stay tuned!

Yours,
Kate