I know the Biggest Loser in game show history. He's my friend, Pete. Mind you, I am talking single-day loser here. It took Ken Jennings 76 appearances to top the $3-million mark, so his Jeopardy victims don't count. Pete was on the Wheel of … [Continue reading]
It’s not talent you lack, but ambition
Posted on March 2, 2010 Written by
(More old-school wisdom from the mcarp archives...) Why don't you make something arrogant and superficial of yourself? I came back from a story one day to find the fortune from a Chinese cookie stuck to my computer terminal screen. "It is … [Continue reading]
The Naked Truth
Posted on March 1, 2010 Written by
Ike's final day in television... Am I venting too hard on journalism lately? Maybe it needs a kick in the pants. I teased the other day to some people that I would share the story of my last day as a television reporter. It certainly doesn't have … [Continue reading]
Original Journalism
Posted on February 26, 2010 Written by
If we are to believe the survey results, more journalists are turning to social media for story ideas and information. This survey published in September of 2009 shows that 70% of journalists use social networking to assist in reporting. A … [Continue reading]
The mcarp guide to sweeps series planning
Posted on February 25, 2010 Written by
(I am pleased to deliver more prophecy from the mcarp archives...) Place blame now, and avoid the rush. Sweeps. Or, in newsroom vernacular, "Oh, shit." But consistent sweeps series production is easy if you plan, plan, plan. Herewith, the … [Continue reading]
Please stand still while I point my hat at you
Posted on February 22, 2010 Written by
(I am pleased to deliver more prophecy from the mcarp archives...) Tips from the I-Team toolbox. A producer in my newsroom was working on one of those 'evergreen' investigative pieces (i.e., one of those stories whose shocking secrets you can … [Continue reading]
Help Wanted: Editor
Posted on February 19, 2010 Written by
HELP WANTED: 40ish WM seeks personal editor to hlp aggregate and digest news and info. Prvs employees were fired for bias, laziness, and lack of relevance. Top candidates will be well-read, smart, connected, and eager to separate fact from BS. Job … [Continue reading]