RICHMOND, Va. (Apr. 13, 2011) – Intelligent media such as the internet, radio and various news stations help convey, to their respective audiences, relevant local and international information.
Virginius Dabney Professor Lonnie Lee Ivory, born in Hot Springs, Ark. and graduating from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark., got his start as a sports editor of the campus paper, The Oracle. Even though he credits himself as a dynamic writer, he also warns about believing everything posted in most media.
“I think the public has to be very careful about what it digests…what it considers news,” said Ivory. “Pretty much anybody can write a column or a blog and post it.”
With the rise of internet and false news, journalists have to approach their audience in a way that gives them straight facts and portrays the world entirely. And although some parts of internet news are faulty, other parts can be very helpful.
“The internet has given us more eyes than ever and transparency is always a good thing,” said Ivory.
Like Ivory, students and those aspiring to be journalists and reporters must approach their writing in a “meticulous and ethical” manner that is objective and factual. He understands that great writing takes a lot of practice and that a certain practice can add substance to your writing and gives you a visual of how other writers put their ideas together.
“Read and write, then read and write some more,” said Ivory. “No one comes out of the womb a journalist. It’s a craft that has to be practiced.”
When it comes to good writing, there may be times a student has to emulate someone of great writing stature. Not plagiarize, but more so using someone else’s style in efforts to help better their own. Ivory compares it to bike riding.
“You can’t pick up a bicycle and expect to be the best bike rider after just one time,” said Ivory. “You have to practice. It’s the same with writing. There’s no secret formula to it.”
Sometimes a job like this could seem complex, however, Ivory says he believes in students that work hard and show strong journalism qualities.
“It’s one of the greatest professions in the world, especially if you’re curious, a quick learner and like talking to people,” said Ivory.
Ivory considers himself confident, a problem solver and a leader. He says he thinks that students not only have to build on their craft but they should also have the same confidence in themselves that he has in himself. He credits his late HSU journalism professor, the late Dr. Claude Sumerlin, for helping to build on his character and prepare him and his colleagues for the real world.
“He taught us that no matter what, you could always fall back on your writing,” said Ivory. “We did a lot of it in school, which is the same thing I try to pass on to my students here at VCU.”
Therefore real news media can stay alive.
“I think most people appreciate good, honest work,” says Ivory. “In the end, journalistic integrity will prevail.”
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