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Drones, language and The New York Times

David Poulson

By David Poulson
We’re always on the look out for innovative stories and reporting techniques at Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism.
In a couple weeks we’ll launch a series on civilian applications of drones for gathering information about the environment. I teach a course encompassing remote sensing, including the use of drones, as newsgathering tools.
So a story in the print edition of the New York Times, Drones Offer Journalists a Wider View, caught my eye at Monday’s breakfast table. It’s an interesting enough piece about a controversial technology. But what startled me was this sentence:
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MSU environmental journalism researcher recognized

Carol Terracina Hartman

The University of Wisconsin’s Office of Research & Sponsored Programs has recognized Knight Center doctoral student Carol Terracina Hartman for scholarship and creative accomplishments.
Carol is on the Department of Communication faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she serves as campus media advisor for the independent student newspaper The Royal Purple.
The recognition is based on her research papers and journal articles on environmental issues such as climate change and the use of social media for environmental action, as well as photographs she took for Great Lakes Echo and her freelance writing.

Once among the greenest cities, Bishkek ranks among the dirtiest

Eric Freedman

By Eric Freedman
It’s a crisp late autumn morning in Bishkek as I write this. I’m sitting on a park bench within sight of the White House, the center of Kyrgyzstan’s national government. It’s a sunny Sunday, a bit before noon, and I can see the reflection of yellow leaves—soon to fall—on my iPad screen. A few people are strolling through the park now, although later in the day young lovers and would-be lovers will occupy these benches.

Mountains outside of Bishkek. Image: Eric Freeman

In the distance, there’s already snow visible on the nearby Ala-Too range of the Tian Shan Mountains.
The roses, a summertime pride of Bishkek’s parks, are dead, the bushes cut back and awaiting clean-up. The marigolds, too, are dead but the cold-damaged mums still hang on.

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Knight Center offers trio of spring classes

By Eric Freedman
As the MSU Journalism School expands its portfolio of environmental journalism courses, we’re excited about a trio of spring 2014 offerings.
Whether your career or personal focus is journalism and communications, science, health, public policy or business, these courses will build your communication and research skills, as well as your knowledge and understanding of some of the most pressing and compelling issues of today and the future. All three courses are open to undergrads and master’s students regardless of major:
JRN 472/872: Evironmental Reporting Lab
Skulls & Crossbones—Reporting on Hazardous Waste, Nuclear Radiation, Toxic Chemicals and Invasive Species in the Great Lakes
Cover hot-button issues including leaking dump sites, nuclear power plants, pesticide run-off, alien animals and plants, air and water pollution, environmental health hazards, animal diseases and more for Great Lakes Echo, our online environmental news service. Opportunities available for text, photo, video, audio and social media reporting
3 credits: Tuesday & Thursday 4:10-5:30 p.m.
To waive prerequisites, contact Eric Freedman (freedma5@msu.edu, 355-4729)
JRN 473/873: Environmental Reporting Seminar
No Respect for the Boundaries—International Comparisons of Media Coverage of Environmental and Health Issues
Review and analyze some of the major environmental and health issues around the world in recent times, such as climate change, ozone layer hole, hydraulic fracturing, nuclear energy, GMOs, cancer, AIDS and SARS. Learn to apply a comparative cross-national perspective based on differences in culture, values and media systems.
3 credits: Thursday 12:40- 3:30 p.m.
If you have questions, contact Bruno Takahashi (btakahas@msu.edu, 432-2454)
JRN 492/892: Special Topics
Health & Science Writing: Unravel the Mysteries of the Universe
Science and health issues are too important to leave to scientists and policy wonks. Learn to explain fascinating issues that are important to the public. We’ll explore writing venues as diverse as magazines, blogs, brochures, museums, newspapers, broadcast scripts and planetariums.
3 credits: Monday 6-8:50 p.m.
If you have questions, contact Dave Poulson (poulsondavid@gmail.com, 432-5417)
Professionals and students at other colleges and universities are invited as well through MSU’s Lifelong Education program.
Finally, the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism welcomes your suggestions for future courses.