Journalism That Matters

Students sometimes see journalism as little more than entertainment. But at its best, journalism can reveal harsh truths, stand up to government, and present an unbiased viewpoint. For the last two years, the Washington Post has traced police shooting in the U.S. and has compiled statistics more complete than even the federal government has compiled. NPR reports.

Questions...

•Why is this valuable journalism?

•Are the Post's statistics more believable than police statistics or Black Lives Matter statistics? Why or why not?

•Why are cellphones and social media important in bringing this issue to the public's attention?

•How is live streaming of a confrontation with police an example of disintermediation?

•How can footage from officer cameras or social media posts be misleading?

Gotta Catch 'Em All

Pokemon is a little like a horror movie. Just when you think the monster is dead, it rises up once again.


Just when you thought you were through with Pokemon, it rises up in the form of Pokemon Go, which has become an immediate sensation. NPR reports.

Questions...

•Who has played Pokemon Go?

•How could the Getty Center use augmented reality? How could it be used for a Hollywood Boulevard walking tour?

•How much of Pokemon Go's success is due to escapism during a time of police shootings and other turmoil?

•How could Pokemon Go be used to get children (or adults) more physically active?

•What negatives could come rom Pokemon Go?

•Will this be a short-lived fad, or something that will hang around awhile?

Attention eSports Fans!

Playing video games before an audience now as a name: eSports. And eSports events are increasingly being played in arenas and streamed out to fans. Obviously, there are media opportunities here. NPR reports.

Questions...

•In NASCAR, they say "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday." If a game is selected for eSports competition, will it increase general sales of that game?

•eSports are now being played in arenas. Name all the media opportunities surrounding these events.

•What advertisers (besides game makers) would want to reach the eSports audience?

•Archery and shooting are Olympic sports. Chess used to be an Olympic sport. Should eSports become an Olympic sport? Why or why not.