Analysis of News Reports

Analysis of News Reports INTISAR SAIF SALIM AL HASHMI Hard News – Court Drops Murder Charges against Mubarak STAGE ONE Introduction Hard news is a term often used by media practitioner or journalists to refer to the fast-paced information that is worth appearing on the newspaper front, usually a headline. This does not mean it is a controversial one, with topics of interest like business, political uprising, new transport system introduction that will reduce traffic congestion and other international news. It is argued that what defines hard news is not about the controversy in the subject matter but rather what some will call fast paced or heavy reports on it that makes it hard news. The term hard news is not of scientific and can be traced back to have been first used by the US journalists to classify various types of news. Since then, the two terms have found their way into the academic circles being used in journalism. Schramm (1949) was one of the first people to document the types of news as hard news or soft news. In this work, the hard news chosen is the acquittal of former president, Hosni Mubarak of murder charges which hit the headlines this week. It was reported in almost all mainstream media in the world and for the purpose of this study, we have picked only the three Omani newspapers; The times of Oman, the Oman Tribune and the Muscat Daily. This news is going to be analyzed in terms of the already set principles that make it newsworthy to be printed in the headlines. These set principles include; timeliness, proximity, impact or consequences, prominence, conflict, human interest. Timeliness This is the immediacy of the news item. Because news, become outdated quickly, it is better if a hard news hits the newsstands immediately and it happened in the case in which an Egyptian court acquitted the former president on 29th November 2014 and the following day, the newspapers reported it. This was a timely reporting and on the part of print media. Proximity This refers the closeness of an event to home. The concern of what was going to happen to the former leader, Hosni Mubarak was something of interest to the whole Arab world. Since the beginning of the famous Arab spring, people in the entire region have always focused to the events shaping the politics in the region. This kind of news is closer to Oman and therefore qualifies under the proximity principle. Impact or Consequences The impact of his acquittal is seen by many as a miscarriage of justice to the families of those who died in the demonstration that saw the former leader ousted. Others also see it as a relief to his supporters since someone who has led a country peacefully should not be humiliated when he leaves power and they argue he should retire honourably. The consequence of the news serves as a warning to those who think they should shame a president who has devoted his time to lead his people. Prominence This story carried on the three newspapers is about a prominent personality, Hosni Mubarak and Egypt, which is known place with rich historical background ranging from history of ancient education to the Pharaos and the Pyramids. The country is well known for the continuous and persistent demonstrations that hit its cities forcing their president to resign. This news is definitely of interest to many readers. Conflict The newspaper article also shows some kind of conflict between the supporters of the former president and the relatives of those who died. The supporters see the ouster and subsequent humiliation of Mubarak as not worth since there has been no change to the problems facing them and in any case, it has just gotten worse. The bereaved relative on the other hand view this as justice denied by dropping the case of murder against him. Human Interest The news is of human interest in the sense that people would like to know how the Egyptian democracy progresses after the ouster of Mubarak and Morsi. In fact, democracy has not been granted to the Egyptians since their democratic leader was dethroned by the military and since then, there have been demonstrations after demonstrations. Grading of News In Terms of Accuracy, Clarity and Style Accuracy The reporters have done this work accurately bearing the power such reports have on the people. This is because what they write can easily influence people’s decisions. They have done it so accurately that what appears in the three papers have no spelling errors. The news also doesn’t mislead the public or distort what the court announced. Clarity Since newspaper reporting is different from an academic writing, it should be brief and to the point. This is because no one has the time to devote to the news except to obtain information. Looking at these news reports, they have been written with the clarity that the journalism approves. The writers seem to have the readers in mind by using simple language, short paragraphs as well as short stories while avoiding no bombastic words. Style The designs on the newspapers are done in styles that beckon the reader to buy. They are arranged in layouts that are attractive to the eyes and this has the aesthetic value and ability to kill boredom. It also assures the reader of the value for money when the paper is still on the newsstand. Even though the primary objective is to report the news to the people, the three newspapers have been done artistically that is different from the old type of writing. The different fonts have also been used to appeal to the buyer. STAGE TWO HAND WRITTEN NOTES AND FLOW CHARTS ON MAJOR INFORMATION ON THE THREE NEWSPAPERS. STAGE THREE My own hard news Hosni Mubarak murder charges dropped by Court HIS TWO SONS AND 7 COMMANDERS ALSO ACQUITED AS JOY AND JUBILATIONS RETURN TO EGYPT. MAJAN TIMES REPORTER CAIRO An Egyptian court dealt a terrible blow to the relatives of those who were killed during the uprising by declaring that the former Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak has no case to answer. Mubarak was accused of killing the protesters in 2011 during the uprising which saw the former president tender his resignation to allow the military takeover to manage a transition. His supporters went into jubilation when the announcement, which also cleared his former interior minister, was made. The judge also noted that charges should not have been preferred against the former leader. The relatives of those killed were not happy and one by one they started to assemble in the famous Tahrir square to oppose the move. They said this is a blow to the rule of law and miscarriage of justice. The sons of the former dictator, Alaa and Gamal, were also cleared of corruption charges. When a private radio station contacted him on phone in his hospital room, he remarked, â€Å"I did nothing wrong at all. And when the first verdict was read, I laughed.† Former president Mubarak The former leader also praised his three decades of rule which was what looked like a police state. There was heavy handedness in his last decade which saw many people with divergent views arrested and imprisoned. In his ruling, the judge said it was not fair to try him for the charges according to the penal code and insisted that there should have been no charges in the first place. Mubarak’s lawyer supported the ruling and added, â€Å"it is approved the Mubarak’s regime’s integrity†. This looks like the Arab spring and the efforts to bring democracy has been dealt a terrible blow according to some analysts. STAGE FOUR COMPARISONS BETWEEN MY HARD NEWS AND THE NEWSPAPER’S. One idea per sentence In the ‘Times of Oman’, the rule of one idea per sentence is adhered to since in the first paragraph, when the reporter writes about the court acquitting the former leader of murder charges on the 800 people killed during the uprising. Also in the second paragraph, he brings two issues but separates the sentences using a comma. This trend continues until the end of the story. In the Muscat daily, the same trend of one idea per sentence is maintained, separating the Mubarak acquittal, his ongoing imprisonment and the acquittal of his generals and sons. In the Oman tribune, the reporter maintained the one idea per sentence as we observe him writing about the dropping of corruption charges against the sons and separating it from the acquittal of the military generals so that these two or three ideas do not go into one sentence. In my own constructed hard news. I have maintained this journalistic requirement by preserving the one idea per sentence rule. Manageable sentence length (20 – 25) words per sentence In these three newspapers together with my own story, the sentence length is about 20 – 25 words at most. Though there are some sentences that are shorter than this but all the same, they are still comprehensible. I have also made sure that my sentences are within the same range of manageable length to avoid giving the readers hard time in comprehending the news. Subject verb order The subject verb order is observed in the following instances: in the Oman Tribune, â€Å" I did nothing wrong at all†, (The Oman Tribune 30 November 2014, p. 16) his lawyer Farid Al deeb said that the verdict was a good ruling in that it proved the integrity of Mubarak’s era. In the Muscat Daily, the sentences are of subject verb order for example, â€Å" the court also acquitted the ex-strongman of corruption charge†, (Muscat Daily 30 November 2014, p. 1) and the same trend can be identified in the whole story including my own version and even in the times of Oman. Use of strong verbs and active voice The tribune of Oman uses strong words such as ex-strongman, the Muscat daily also uses the same term but in my story, I avoided this because it may not depict what I really felt about Mubarak. There is a contrast between my view and that of the other reporters as it appears that he was just doing his own job. Without him, Egypt is not any better, it is worse than before. Use of simple and precise words There are very simple sentences which can be comprehended by any person who has learnt some English be it as a first or second language. The simple words like. â€Å"When I heard the first verdict, I laughed†, Rashidi also acquitted Mubarak of corruption charges for exporting gas to Israel†. (The Oman Tribune 30 November 2014, p. 16). Similarly, in my own hard news, I have written some short sentences like, â€Å" judge said it was not fair to charge him according to the penal code† Not more than three prepositional phrases per sentence. In these writings, like the Oman tribune script, we see sentence such as; â€Å" the court also acquitted the ex-strongman of corruption charge but he will remain in detention because he is serving a three-year sentence in related graft case†. (The Oman Tribune 30 November 2014, p. 16) They are only three in this case. In same news by the Muscat Daily, I met a sentence like; â€Å"seven of his security commanders, including the feared former interior minister Habil al Addy, were acquitted in connection with the deaths of some 800 people killed during the revolt† (Muscat Daily 30 November 2014, p. 1). The same prepositional phases are less than three. References Wilbur S., (1963), â€Å"Communication Development and the Development Process,† in Lucian Pye (Ed.) Communications and Political Development, NJ: Princeton University Press. Mass Media and National Development: The Role of Information in the Developing Countries. Stanford University Press. 1964. ISBN9780804702270. Roberts, D. F. (Eds.). (1971). The process and effects of mass communication (Rev. ed.). Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press. Appendix 1

Love Stories

What is the one emotion that has started as many wars as it has ended? What emotion has had more plays, songs, and stories written about it than anything else? Love is that one emotion that makes enemies into friends and friends into enemies. There are so many legends surround this emotion, from the goddess Athena and Helen of Troy to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The purpose of this paper is to perceive the great feeling of love though the legends and myths. To trace some minute although very meaningful for lovers patterns of love. Unfortunately, many of love myths end tragically, with the exception of a few which have happy endings. For example, the stories of Pyramus and Thisbe, and Orpheus and Eurydice both have unfortunate endings. On the other hand, the story of Eros and Psyche can have either a tragic or a happy ending, depending on the version that is told. Upon closer consideration of the legend about Pyramus and Thisbe we learn that their love was strictly forbidden, however, this two loving hearts were inseparable. They used to talk secretly to each other through a narrow crack in a common wall that their houses shared. They would meet in different strange places just to be together for a while. For example they would meet near a tomb on the outskirts of the city near a mulberry tree or in an open field just to converse freely. Analyzing this legend we may draw a parallel with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, for the ending is a similar one. They both die occasionally without considering and analysing a critical situation. â€Å"The deep red fruit of the mulberry is the everlasting memorial of these true lovers and one urn holds the ashes of the two whom not even death could part† (Hamilton, Edith, 138). Within this story love takes shape of a passionate but blind and very raw feeling. Here love is a kind of a heavy disease that two young hearts are not able to understand with their mind, thus it turned to be a fatal one. Another legend I would like to focus my attention on is a story about Pygmalion and Galatea. This story is the most romantic and exciting at the same time. The theme of love is leading throughout the story. This love is very unusual and remarkable, for it was addressed not to human being but to statue, that was much more than a person for its creator, it was the more perfect than any living woman. Love is illuminated through every word of the story. Pygmalion caressed it, and gave it presents such as young girls love; this was an expression of his love. We may suppose that this love is somehow an obsession, for at long Pygmalion’s love made his beloved come to life. â€Å"The maiden felt the kisses, blushed and, lifting her timid eyes up to the light, saw the sky and her lover at the same time† (Hamilton, Edith, 142). Looking for a tender and long-lasting love we may turn to the story about Baucis and Philemon whose love survived through the whole their life and at the end bestowed them happiness of being together till last breath. Realized that their lives were at their dawn they embraced each other and Baucis was turned into a linden tree and Philemon into an oak. Two different but beautiful trees intertwined with one another symbolised their true love. In wonder, people came from afar to admire and hang wreathes on the branches in their honour. Also, we may learn about the impatience a loving heart experience. The bright example thereof we see in the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus’s love was so strong that made him overcome obstacles and save Eurydice from underground. In spite of God’s prohibition, Orpheus’ impatience to see beloved woman before they step from underground separate them forever. As a result, we come to a conclusion that a heart that loves randomly is rational. Love is always above any reasonable thoughts and logic. Subsequently, we may proceed endlessly the list of love patterns within different myths and legend. The theme of love was always a central one, thus it did not pass over the works of old Greek talents of mankind, such as Ovid for example. His myths and legends will agitate generations after us. Our successors also will cry for a tragic love or cheer at happy ending. Bibliography: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1998, 1942.      

How to Analyze That Problem.

Case 02: How to Analyze That Problem? 1. What Is your decision? I have formulated the following decisions after delightfulness all the relevant facts revealed with the help of the Scheduling Supervisor, Joyce Lane, during the said meeting: * For the succeeding operations, the production department must stick to the steel which contains the old formula of alloy since the one with the new formula of alloy has an effect on the Panther panels, thus, making them burred.The objectives of the company about the welfare of its employees must be cleared to them so that they may be encouraged to work harder and stop from doubting the intentions of the company, thus, learn to trust the company's interests. * The issue between Farrell and Valentine must be put to an end to prevent such from leading into a more serious problem. Farrell must be reprimanded for not informing Cogging first about his concerns before suspending Valentine. Also, Valentine must be ordered to come jack to work since there Is no proof about him being accused of drinking on the Job, In the first place. . Who will Implement your decision? The shift to the steel which contains the old formula of alloy and the outsourcing of products will be implemented by Robert Polk as the Production Chief and Ben Peters as the Quality Control Manager together with the men in the lines where Panther panels are being produced. * The gathering of employees and resolution of the conflict involving Farrell and Valentine will be headed by Cogging, the Industrial Relations Manager. 3. What measures will you put in place so that the problem will not recur?The Internal control of the company regarding the purchase of raw materials Is poor. If new materials will be employed In the future, there must be tests or examinations to be performed first to know the changes that may occur as well as materials. * A system of quality control which pertains to policies and procedures to be taken into consideration by each and everyone comp osing the whole entity must be established and highlighted, especially such policies and procedures which focus on ethical requirements, to prevent future conflicts between them.

The Crucible by Director Nicholas Hytner - 1182 Words

When Arthur Miller published â€Å"The Crucible† in 1953, the play’s audience was a nation of Americans seized in the grip of McCarthyism. The Communist â€Å"witch hunt† has long since ended, but the public’s fascination with this shameful piece of American history has not. The original play unfolded over the course of 4 acts that mainly consisted of dialogue. As a result, the creators of the 1996 movie adaptation had an ample degree of creative latitude to update the narrative for a modern audience. Director Nicholas Hytner utilized a host of cinematic techniques that enabled the moving images to tug the heartstrings of the audience just as effectively as the book had done before. Given the temporal limitations of a film, several scenes were†¦show more content†¦Parris declared that he had been educated at Harvard, to which Giles energetically replied that he himself knew arithmetic. This separation of reasons to be tense into different scenes w as important because it made the movie easier to understand than the book. Another scene that the director modified was the conclusion of the testimony of Mary Warren against the other girls. The setup for this scene in both the book and the movie was the questioning of Elizabeth Proctor about whether her husband was a lecher. Hale’s immediate defense of Mrs. Proctor’s false lie was played as the camera zoomed in on Abigail’s worried face. Danforth might have considered Hale’s logic more carefully if Abigail had not distracted him by beginning to shriek. Abigail pretended that Mary Warren was â€Å"possessing† her body and tormenting Abigail by appearing in the form of a yellow bird. The dialogue in the movie and the play was consistent- it alternated between queries from Proctor and Danforth to Mary, as shown here: â€Å"Danforth: You have seen the Devil, have you not? Proctor: God damns all liars!† (p. 119). After a couple questions, the soundtrack is filled with the soul-wrenching sound of girls screamin g in sheer unadulterated terror. The movie took a turn from the book and increased the severity of Mary Warren’s power by having Abigail and her fellow â€Å"possessed† friends run screaming into the pond outside the church. In this way, the scope of the trial involved theShow MoreRelatedComparison Of The Movie The Crucible827 Words   |  4 PagesThe Crucible, a movie directed by Nicholas Hytner, was critically acclaimed and earned several awards. It received an Academy Award nomination for best screenplay based on material previously produced or published, a BAFTA award for best-adapted screenplay, and Golden Globe awards for supporting actor and actress in a motion picture. In Empire’s review, they say, â€Å"In this almost perfect screen adaptation, the lingering question is the most important one: what caused such madness?† This movie adaptationRead MoreThe Effectiveness of the Closing Scene of Arthur Millers The Crucible973 Words   |  4 PagesTh e Effectiveness of the Closing Scene of Arthur Millers The Crucible Arthur Miller was born in 1915 and was only fourteen years of age at the time of the Wall Street crash, this clearly affected his life. His plays often concentrated upon contemporary society and problems it may face. This is why at first sight The Crucible seems to break this mould, instead of a play showing contemporary society; it concerns a study in the mass hysteria which led to the 1692 Salem witchcraft Read MoreThe Crucible, Directed By Nicholas Hytner Essay2664 Words   |  11 PagesThe movie I chose to research was The Crucible, directed by Nicholas Hytner but written by Arthur Miller. This film starred a young Wynona Ryder along with Daniel day-Lewis and Paul Scofield. Originally released on November 27th 1996, the film was well received even being nominated for an Oscar in 1997, along with 26 additional academy awards that year, sadly it only won 4. Of course a film about witchcraft, an affair, and people being hanged would spark controversy especially since it was ratedRead MoreThe Crucible By Nicholas Hytner Essay2598 Words   |  11 Pages The movie I chose to research was the crucible, directed by Nicholas Hytner but written by Arthur Miller. This film starred a young Wynona Ryder along with Daniel day-Lewis and Paul Scofield. Originally released on November 27th 1996, the film was well received even bei ng nominated for an Oscar in 1997, along with 26 additional academy awards that year, sadly it only won 4. Of course a film about witchcraft, an affair, and people being hanged would spark controversy especially since it was rated