Frequently
Asked
Questions
about
The Ranger
Why should I return phone calls to a Ranger reporter?
When should I return phone calls to a Ranger reporter?
Why do I get calls from several Ranger reporters?
Why should I talk with a Ranger reporter if I was misquoted at some time in the past?
Can I read the story before it is published?
Will anybody read the story before it is published?
What if something is incorrect?
Will The Ranger run a correction?
How can I communicate my pleasure or displeasure with something in The Ranger?
Do all letters appear?
Why does a story not appear in The Ranger?
Why does a photo not appear in The Ranger?
Can we request a certain reporter or photographer?
Can my event, project or news be on page 1?
Can I buy a photo taken by a Ranger photographer?
How do I get a photographer to my event?
Who writes editorials?
Who writes viewpoints?
What if I know students with an interest and/or ability to write, take photographs or create graphics?
They are students who are writing stories for grades in journalism classes. Like all students, they vary widely in the skills they bring to the program, confidence level, people skills, knowledge of journalism and so on. But they ALL learn by doing, and they should be treated with the same caring attitude as other students in the college.
Your event, project or news will not appear in The Ranger if the reporter cannot get complete and accurate information about it before the reporter's deadline. Reporters gather most of their information for stories by interviewing people and must verify press releases and other printed materials. We do not allow students to assume anything without verification. Actually, calls from reporters indicate that your information will be accurate.
As quickly as possible. Information that comes in after a deadline can't be used. Occasionally, the information will be verified too late for publication that week; we try to get every story into the newspaper at some point.
They are working independently on different stories, or they are trying to verify information in another story. Please return all calls. And it helps if you have a reporter's name when you return a call to the Ranger newsroom. We cannot identify reporters by some vague description.
Reporters are responsible only for their own work and not that of those who have gone before. Please treat each as a clean slate.
No. No newspaper worth its ink allows sources to preview stories before publication. You may request that reporters verify facts or quotes with you, but you may not see the story. This is a policy of professional press ethics.
Yes. An adviser works with each student on each story until the story is ready for publication. Then at least one other adviser (and often two) will see each story. Stories are proofed by editors and advisers on Thursday morning during production.
Let us know. Call the reporter or the editor and be specific about the mistake. Students also learn by dealing with the consequences of inadequate or sloppy reporting and having to write a correction.
Yes and no. Definitely, if the mistake is a serious error, if someone is identified incorrectly, if the mistake was damaging or if the public is served by a correction. No, if the error is inconsequential by the time the next edition comes out or if the perceived error is a matter of interpretation.
Write a letter to the editor. The best are short, specific and to the point. They state clearly what prompted you to write. Letters must be signed by one person.
No. Editors choose letters based on interest and space to fill.
Several reasons. The story is held until it's complete, the student never completes the work, the story gets too old before it is completed,the student never returns to class, the story gets bumped for those of higher news value or space is tight.
Several reasons: Photos are not of publishable quality, photographer is unable to get complete cutline information, news value, space is tight.
No. Editors and advisers make assignments.
It depends. The staff determines placement of stories, again taking into consideration news values and available space.
Perhaps. The Ranger will reprint and sell ONLY a published photo.
Make a request (not an order) well in advance. News values, students' schedules, etc. determine whether the event gets covered photographically. The Ranger does not take photographs of signings, grip and grins or groups.
Editorials are written by students but are unsigned because they represent the collective views of the staff. Editorial cartoons also represent the collective views of the staff.
Anyone with something to say and the ability to write it well is welcome to submit a viewpoint for consideration. We're looking for expertise or strong views on specific issues and the ability to write in an interesting manner. We will take a photo of you before it is going to be published. The Ranger staff solicits some viewpoints, but you don't need to wait to be asked.
Send them to the journalism-photography department in Loftin Student Center
Why can't The Ranger publish more "good" news?
A great deal of information in the Ranger fits that category - features on interesting programs, grants awarded, student success stories and so on. We try to give students information they need to know, deadlines for financial aid, club events, etc. But our job is to report facts, not to present the college in a positive light. See the college's public information office for that.
What are journalistic ethics?
Ethics are a voluntary code journalists follow in gathering, reporting and publishing information. Our goal is to teach the highest journalistic standards and ethics. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists code, revised in 1996. For example, it would be a conflict of interest for a student who belongs to a club to report on that club. Similarly, students can't accept freebies in exchange for coverage or wear political buttons.
Thanks for your help, and have a great year.
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