Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media

Generating story ideas, exercising news judgment and gathering information via interviews, observation and documentary sources to produce news and informational material for the mass media. Emphasis on analyzing and organizing information, as well as accuracy and principles of good writing. Use of AP Style.
For the final project, I selected a company and went a comprehensive branding exercise. This involved conducting primary and secondary research to create the development of a creative brief, crafting a unique tagline, and producing various advertising materials such as social media ads, a print ad, and a video ad. Through this assignment, I demonstrated the understanding of brand strategy, market analysis, and creative execution in the realm of marketing and advertising.

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​Introduction Writing Assignment: In this course I started the class by writing an introduction about myself and my goals. This assignment provided me with the opportunity to share my personal story, academic ambitions, and professional aspirations. It helped me connect with my peers and set the tone for active participation and engagement in the course.

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Lead Writing Assignment we tackled the task of condensing lengthy leads to no more than two typed lines, approximately 20 words. Through this exercise, we aimed to enhance our skills in crafting concise and impactful introductions while correcting any errors in grammar or structure.

​In this assignment, I crafted social media posts for Game Time, addressing concerns and promoting a fundraising event. For schools, I apologized and announced a sexual assault awareness fundraiser. For adult bowling leagues, I apologized and invited them to the event, emphasizing safety measures and the fundraiser's purpose. The strategy involved posting on Facebook and Twitter to reach parents and league members, showcasing Game Time's commitment to safety and community support.
The goal of the assignment was to craft a brief news story highlighting the 80th anniversary of the Iowa State University Ag 450 Farm. Writing this news story, I learned to summarize the history and significance of the Iowa State University Ag 450 Farm concisely. Crafting quotes from students taught me to incorporate firsthand perspectives, adding depth. Additionally, the assignment provided practice in structuring a news story with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, adhering to journalistic conventions.
Creating a media kit for Block and Bridle at ISU allowed me to apply my knowledge of public relations strategies in a real-world context. I had to identify the organization's key messages, target audience, and communication channels effectively. Researching the organization and compiling relevant information honed my skills in information gathering and synthesis. Crafting compelling content, such as press releases and fact sheets, enhanced my ability to tailor messages for different media platforms. Overall, this assignment provided valuable hands-on experience in strategic communication and media relations.
Designing ads for Block and Bridle at ISU was an exciting challenge that allowed me to put my creative skills to the test. I had to consider the organization's branding, target audience, and messaging while creating visually appealing and engaging advertisements. Researching effective advertising techniques and graphic design principles helped me craft compelling visuals and copy that effectively communicated the organization's mission and events.