Final Assignment - Multi-Media Writing

Online Story

“Shop til you Drop” used to be a light hearted phrase shouted in game shows, but this past weekend the saying was taken very seriously as over 226 million Americans spent an estimated $52 billion.

Thanks to Thanksgiving Day, Early Birds specials, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday; shoppers this weekend hit the stores and websites earlier, and in more ways than ever before.

Over three thousand participants were surveyed this weekend by National Retail Federation’s BIGresearch to find that the number of shoppers who started their trips Thanksgiving Day increased by 22% since 2009. The stores with the most traffic were department, discount and electronic stores, but even specialty and local shops saw an increase in sales.

Photo retrieved from National Post: Black Friday 2011

The study also shows that 37.8% of all purchases during the Black Friday weekend were made online, and 51.7% of participants said they have or will use their Smartphones and Tablets to make purchases.

“After a historic holiday weekend, retailers know the holiday season is far from over and will continue to look for ways to excite holiday shoppers and build on the momentum we’ve seen thus far.” Says Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retailing Federation. (199)

Print Story

“Shop til you Drop” used to be a light hearted phrase shouted in game shows, but this past weekend the saying was taken very seriously as over 226 million Americans spent an estimated $52 billion. Thanks to Thanksgiving Day, Early Bird specials, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday; shoppers this weekend hit the stores and websites earlier, and in more ways than ever before.

“Stuffed to the brim from their holiday meals and eager to shop, more consumers than ever turned out for retailers’ Black Friday promotions, a promising sign for the economic recovery.” said National Retail Federation CEO and President, Matthew Shay. The National Retail Federation conducted its annual survey with BIGresearch from Thursday through Saturday, involving over three thousand consumers. The poll found that the number of shoppers who started their trips Thanksgiving Day increased by 22% since 2009, and the stores with the most traffic were department, discount and electronic stores; however specialty and local shops also saw a large increase in sales.

The study also shows that 37% of shoppers owning Smartphones or Tablets will use them to research products, while 26% will use their devices to make purchases. Therefore, over half of the individuals studied said that their purchases would be made through technology.

Executive Vice President of BIGresearch, Phil Rist says, “Consumers are clearly demonstrating their desire to spend this holiday season, but are far from throwing caution to the wind when it comes to how much they will spend on gifts,” (250) 

Broadcast Story

BLACK FRIDAY SALES

Anchor - David

{***DAVID***}

<on cam graphic - shopper rush>

"SHOP TIL YOU DROP USED TO BE A LIGHT HEARTED PHRASE SHOUTED IN GAME SHOWS, BUT THIS PAST WEEKEND THE SAYING WAS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY AS OVER 226 MILLION AMERICANS SPENT AND ESTIMATED $52 BILLION. 

THANKS TO EARLY BIRD SPECIALS, THANKSGIVING DAY, BLACK FRIDAY, SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AND CYBER MONDAY; SHOPPERS THIS WEEKEND HIT THE STORES AND WEBSITES EARLIER THAN EVER BEFORE. 

<on cam graphic  - switch to sales graph>

(***SOT***)

{***IQ***}

"AFTER A HISTORIC HOLIDAY WEEKEND, RETAILERS KNOW THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS FAR FROM OVER ... 23 seconds <National Retailing Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay speaks about his expectations for the holiday sales>

{***OQ***}

{***DAVID***}

THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION CONDUCTED ITS ANNUAL SURVEY WITH BIGresearch THIS WEEKEND, INVOLVING OVER THREE THOUSAND CONSUMERS. THE POLL FOUND THAT THE NUMBER OF SHOPPERS WHO STARTED THEIR TRIPS BEFORE DAWN ON BLACK FRIDAY INCREASED BY 22% SINCE 2009. THE STORES WITH THE MOST TRAFFIC WERE DEPARTMENT, DISCOUNT AND ELECTRONIC STORES WITH OVER HALF THE PURCHASES MADE ONLINE. RETAIL RESEARCHERS SAY THIS IS A GREAT INDICATOR TO HOW THE HOLIDAY SEASON WILL GO.

*All information is from the National Retail Federation, The Voice of Retail Worldwide. 

4 Part News Story

500-Word News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     Sara Lynn Colley

11/10/11                                                                                                          KSU Sentinel

                                                                                                                        706.975.1841

                                                                                                Scolley2@students.kennesaw.edu

Kim Kardashian Divorce

Only 72 days after the wedding of reality television star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphres, divorce paperwork was filed to end the couple’s marriage.

Kim met with lawyer Laura Wessner and filed for a divorce on Monday, October 31, 2011. According to TMZ, Wessner has worked for starts such as Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Ryan Reynolds and Marian Shriver in each of their divorces. The couple had signed a prenuptial agreement on their wedding, but Kim is not seeking an annulment. On the document, Kim’s requested for “dissolution of the marriage due to irreconcilable differences,” and to “Terminate the court’s jurisdiction to award spousal support to Respondent.”

Kris and Kim met in January of 2011, after Kim attended and Lakers game, and the two were introduced by a mutual friend. They dated for six months before becoming engaged. 

The couple tied the knot on August 20 at a private home in Montecito, California. Kim wore three different dresses designed by Vera Wang, and the ceremony and reception lasted 6 hours. Over 200 guests attended the wedding. According to the Huffington Post, the episodes directly leading up to and featuring the wedding ceremony were aired on E! News on October 9, and 10 and gave the show its highest ratings to date. The estimated cost of the wedding was $10 million dollars, and it is reported from TMZ that the couple earned $80 thousand dollars from the wedding that Kim’s mother, Kris Jenner, says will all be donated to the Dream Foundation.

E! News has featured the Kardashian’s in shows since 2007, which included “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” “Khloe and Lamar,” “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami,” and the newest show, “Kim and Kourtney Take New York.” None of the shows have current seasons airing, but the next season of “Kourtney and Kim Take New York” will show in-depth the problems in Kim’s marriage.

While the split and eventual divorce will be hard on Kim, it seems that the negative feedback from her fans will make it even harder. Kim announced her divorce on her website, and many of the 3,000 comments posted were from fans who believed the wedding and marriage were fabricated. The celebrity has over 11 million followers on twitter, and one of the most recent topics trending in the U.S. on the social networking site was #ThingsLongerThanKimsMarriage, which allowed each user to list 10 things they believed to last longer than the couple’s marriage. There were also many news articles and celebrities that went along with the trend, including David Letterman, The Daily Beast, MTV’s Newsroom, just to name a few.

There have been updates about the couple’s relationship, and TMZ reported that Kim flew up to Minnesota to Kris’ home on November 3rd. The site says that the reason for her visit was to meet with Humphres and the pastor who married the couple for a counseling session; however TMZ notes that this trip is not intended for reconciliation. (508)

300-Word Print Story

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     Sara Lynn Colley

11/10/11                                                                                                          KSU Sentinel

                                                                                                                        (706) 975-1841

                                                                                                Scolley2@students.kennesaw.edu

Kim Kardashian Divorce

Only 72 days after the wedding of reality television star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphres, divorce paperwork was filed to end the couple’s marriage.

Kim met with lawyer Laura Wessner and filed for a divorce on Monday, October 31, 2011. According to TMZ, Wessner has worked for starts such as Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Ryan Reynolds and Marian Shriver in each of their divorces. The couple had signed a prenuptial agreement on their wedding, but Kim is not seeking an annulment. On the document, Kim’s requested for “dissolution of the marriage due to irreconcilable differences,” and to “Terminate the court’s jurisdiction to award spousal support to Respondent.”

While the split and eventual divorce will be hard on Kim, it seems that the negative feedback from her fans will make it even harder. Kim announced her divorce on her website, and many of the 3,000 comments posted were from fans who believed the wedding and marriage were fabricated. The celebrity has over 11 million followers on twitter, and one of the most recent topics trending in the U.S. on the social networking site was #ThingsLongerThanKimsMarriage, which allowed each user to list 10 things they believed to last longer than the couple’s marriage. There were also many news articles and celebrities that went along with the trend, including David Letterman, The Daily Beast, MTV’s Newsroom, just to name a few.

There have been updates about the couple’s relationship, and TMZ reported that Kim flew up to Minnesota to Kris’ home on November 3rd. The site says that the reason for her visit was to meet with Humphres and the pastor who married the couple for a counseling session; however TMZ notes that this trip is not intended for reconciliation. (302)

200-Word Online Story

Kim Kardashian Divorce

Only 72 days after the wedding of reality television star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphres, divorce paperwork was filed to end the couple’s marriage.

Kim met with lawyer Laura Wessner and filed for a divorce on Monday, October 31, 2011. According to TMZ, Wessner has worked for starts such as Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Ryan Reynolds and Marian Shriver in each of their divorces. The couple had signed a prenuptial agreement on their wedding, but Kim is not seeking an annulment. On the document, Kim’s requested for “dissolution of the marriage due to irreconcilable differences,” and to “Terminate the court’s jurisdiction to award spousal support to Respondent.”

Photograph of Kim and Kris walking from their wedding reception. Courtesy of Urbanspit.net

While the split and eventual divorce will be hard on Kim, it seems that the negative feedback from her fans will make it even harder. Kim announced her divorce on her website, and many of the 3,000 comments posted were from fans who believed the wedding and marriage were fabricated. The celebrity has over 11 million followers on twitter, and one of the most recent topics trending in the U.S. on the social networking site was #ThingsLongerThanKimsMarriage, which allowed each user to list 10 things they believed to last longer than the couple’s marriage. There were also many news articles and celebrities that went along with the trend, including David Letterman, The Daily Beast, MTV’s Newsroom, just to name a few.

Photo of Kim travelling to Minnesota, courtesy of popsugar.com.

There have been updates about the couple’s relationship, and TMZ reported that Kim flew up to Minnesota to Kris’ home on November 3rd. The site says that the reason for her visit was to meet with Humphres and the pastor who married the couple for a counseling session; however TMZ notes that this trip is not intended for reconciliation. 

30-Second Radio Read

Kardashian Divorce TRT 30 Seconds

Only 72 days after the wedding of reality television star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphres, Kim met with lawyer Laura Wessner and filed for divorce. There have been updates about the couple’s relationship, and TMZ reported that Kim flew up to Minnesota to Kris’ home on November 3rd. The site says that the reason for her visit was to meet with Humphres and the pastor who married the couple for a counseling session; however TMZ notes that this trip is not intended for reconciliation. (86)

*All information used in this report is from TMZ, Daily Mail and the Huffington Post.  http://www.tmz.com/2011/10/31/kim-kardashian-divorce-kris-humphries-files/#.TroezvQUq30

http://www.tmz.com/2011/11/09/kim-kardashian-kris-humphries-no-reconciliation/?adid=hero2

http://www.tmz.com/2011/11/09/kim-kardashian-kris-humphries-no-reconciliation/?adid=hero

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2058318/Kim-Kardashian-divorce-Drained-reality-star-emerges-Kris-Humphries-Minnesota-home.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

November 3, 2011 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         Contact: Sara Lynn Colley

November 3, 2011                                                                              (706) 975-1841

saracolley20@yahoo.com

Women’s Empowerment Conference

Harmony in Your Life is coming to the Peabody Hotel this Saturday for a woman’s conference offering growth, networking and fun, with proceeds to benefit the Palmer Hospital for Children & Women

Keynote speaker Dr. Ruth Westheimer is a nationally recognized television and radio personality. Dr. Ruth is a psycho-sexual therapist, and will discuss current sexual issues as well as the fostering of gratifying sexual relationships through respect for self and others.

The conference will also feature area professionals who will present on 10 different topics. Throughout the day, each patron will choose three workshops, taught by local professionals, she wishes to attend. The topics for the workshops include:

·         Empowerment!

·         The Food Trap – Breaking Its Hidden Control

·         The Woman’s Balance Beam

·         Hello Exercise! Good-bye Blues!

·         Fashions for the Shape You’re In

·         Cosmetic Surgery – The Choice is Yours!

·         Why Does He Do That?

·         Our Sexual Selves

·         Boredom in the Bedroom

The event will also have:

·         Door Prizes

·         Exhibits

·         Free Booklets & Resource Information

·         Items For Purchase

·         Discount Coupons

·         Book Sales...Delicious Luncheon

·         Community Referral Information

·         And the Woman of the Year Award

The ladies’ luncheon will be November 5th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets are $35 per person, and are tax deductible as all proceeds go to benefit the Palmer Hospital for Children and Women. The event is sponsored by Doctors Health Care group and corporate Tables are available.

For tickets please call: Rosalie Bledsoe 875-6682

For Press information contact: Trish Weaver-Evans 628-5431

For PruCare or Prucare Plus, call: 875-6682

Final Copy of Television News Story

Sara Lynn Colley

COM 3330

Professor Maguno

October 6, 2011

Final Copy of Television News Story

APPLE CEO’S DEATH

Anchor: Piers Morgan

{***PIERS***}

STEVE JOBS, THE VISIONARY IN THE BLACK TURTLENECK WHO CO-FOUNDED APPLE AND BUILT IT INTO THE WORLD’S LEADING TECH COMPANY AND LED A MOBILE-COMPUTING REVOLUTION WITH WILDLY POPULAR DEVICES SUCH AS THE I-PHONE, DIED YESTERDAY AT AGE 56.

WITH US IS JACK WELSH TO TALK ABOUT THE INCREDIBLE INSPIRATION STEVE JOBS OFFERED TO WELCH’S CAREER.  JACK?

{***CUT***}

{***BEEPER***}

{***B-ROLL***}

-IC-

<00.23 STEVE WAS AN AMAZING MAN. HE WAS NEVER AFRAID TO WORK TO MAKE HIS VISIONS A REALITY, AND THAT INSPIRED ALL OF US. 29.8>

-OC-

{***TAG***}

{***PIERS***}

THANK YOU JACK.

All information for this assignment was taken from www.cnn.com

Interview Feature Story

Sara Lynn Colley

COM 3330-4

Interview Feature Story

September 27, 2011

Jeff Cooper is director of residence life at Kennesaw State University, and is responsible for all staff, programs and budget matters in the department. He has served residence life at KSU for three years, and is actively involved in national, regional and state-level associations related to student affairs and student housing. Cooper, who is also residence life representative on the committee for the new KSU dorms under construction, sat down with reporter Sara Colley to discuss those new residence halls.

Colley: When is the estimated date of completion for all of the south-side dorms?

Cooper: Although we do not know an exact date they will be done by August 2012, just in time for the next group of students.

Colley: Can you tell me what the individual dorms will look like? How many rooms, will residents be sharing a bathroom, etc.?

Cooper: The new residence halls are fashioned to resemble the existing dorms at KSU’s University Place, and will be located on the other side of the street. The dorms will be brick with elevators in each building. There will be three buildings with 450 new rooms in each, and one common area in the terrace level of one of the buildings. This common area will accommodate all programming needs for the entire UP community. Each dorm unit will have four bedrooms and four bathrooms, with a living room and kitchen.

Colley: What is one thing the new residential halls of UP will have that will make residents want to move into them?

Cooper: There will be an outdoor amphitheatre in between the old and new University Place residence halls, making it the center of the new community. The amphitheatre will have a built in stage, and possibly host concerts, comedy acts, and open microphone nights.  

Colley: What does residence life expect from these dorms?

Cooper: The dorms will be occupied for upperclassmen only, but we don’t want it to be a “retirement home”. It should have identity and excitement, with more large scale events.

Colley: As director of residence life, what are some changes you will make to accommodate for the new residence halls?

Cooper: We will hire 10 more resident assistants for the buildings, and possibly one more resident director.

Colley: Why was the name University Place kept?

Cooper: The name UP was kept because the name is so well known by KSU students and they have so much pride in it. There were focus group surveys conducted over the summer, and the name is already so established. Plus there is a lot of literature to be changed when you change the name of a residential community as large as UP. It is a costly change, and we have other places we can spend that money.

Colley: What is your biggest concern with the new apartments being built in Kennesaw?

Cooper: The impact to university housing demand may decrease, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Our main concern is that students have quality housing, a safe place to live, and somewhere that is academically supportive. We do hope students do their research on which housing community will fit them best. 

Rough Draft of Interview Feature Story

Sara Lynn Colley

COM 3330-4

Interview Feature Story

September 20, 2011

Jeff Cooper is the Director of Residence Life at Kennesaw State University, and is responsible for all staff, programs and budget matters for Residence Life. He has served this department for __ years, and is actively involved in national, regional and state-level associations related to student affairs and student housing. Cooper serves on the committee for the new dorms to be built as Residence Life representative.

When is the estimated date of completion for all of the south side dorms?

“Although we do not know an exact date they will be done by August 2012, just in time for the next group of students. “

Can you tell me what the dorms will look like? How many rooms, will residents be sharing a bathroom, will they have living rooms, etc.

“The new dorms are fashioned to resemble the existing dorms at University Place, and will be located on the other side of the street. The dorms will be brick with elevators in each building. There will be 450 new rooms, divided into three buildings, with the Terrace level of each building dedicated to community use. Each dorm will have four bedrooms and four bathrooms, with a living room and kitchen.”

What is one thing the new UP dorms will have that will make residents want to move into them?

“There will be an outdoor amphitheatre in between the old and new University Place dorms, making it the center of the new community. The amphitheatre will have a built in stage, and possibly host concerts, comedy acts, and open microphone nights.”

What is the reason for building new dorms?

“KSU is expanding, and we needed more availability for those who live on campus.”

What does Residence Life expect from these dorms?

“The dorms will be occupied for upperclassmen only, but we don’t want it to be a retirement home. It should have identity and excitement, with more large scale events.”

As Director of Residence Life, what are some changes you will make to accommodate for the new dorms?

“We will hire 10 more resident assistants for the buildings, and possibly one more resident director.”

Why was the name University Place (UP) kept?

“The name UP was kept because the name is so well known by KSU students and they have so much pride in it. There were focus group surveys conducted over the summer, and the name is already so established. Plus there is a lot of literacy to be changed when you change the name of a dorm as large as UP. It is a costly change, and we have other places we can spend that money.”

What is your biggest concern with the new apartments being built in Kennesaw?

“The impact to University Housing demand may decrease, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Our main concern is that students have quality housing, a safe place to live, and somewhere that is academically supportive. We do hope students do their homework.” (504)

Final Copy of Basic News Story

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is one of 19 colleges in the United States to receive an "A" rating for its general education from the yearly "What Will They Learn?" report from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

In an article submitted to KSU faculty, Aixa M. Pascual says the American Council of Trustees and Alumni placed the school in the top 2 percent of the 1,007 Universities studied, including public and private four-year schools. Pascal quotes KSU President Daniel S. Papp as saying that, "This recognition attests to the rigor and breadth of the core curriculum that our undergraduates are required to take. They are getting a high quality, comprehensive education at KSU."

According to “What Will They Learn?” website, the ratings are based on composition, literature, foreign language, U.S. government or history, economics, mathematics, and science education. Schools are given a grade based on how many of the seven subjects students are required to take.

The “What Will They Learn?” online newsletter credits KSU’s General Education system as saying, "In a series of interrelated courses in the liberal arts and sciences, it provides the opportunity for them to acquire the intellectual skills and knowledge characteristic of educated persons in a diverse, global community. Thus, it forms the basis for success in academic, professional, and personal arenas." This is KSU’s second consecutive year receiving this rating, and it places KSU alongside University of Georgia, Texas A&M University and the United States Military Academy, just to name a few.

On the website KSU is also showcased as a Hidden Gem or a school that distinguishes itself further by additional core requirements. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni says KSU is one of three Georgia schools to make the list, and “Kennesaw State accomplishes that goal while charging quite reasonable tuition.”