Possible Ongoing Issues to Cover

Here are three possible ongoing issues one of which I would like to monitor:

Katie Couric

Couric has been “the news” in the last couple of days since making her inaugural broadcast as the new anchor of CBS Evening News. It was met with a lot of media attention and fanfare. I would like to monitor the impact Couric will have on boosting the ratings for the CBS Evening News against the leader, NBC News with Brian Williams, as well as how she does when she tackles interviews with major newsmakers and covers international events. Definitely the opinions of critics such as Howard Kurtz, Tom Shales, David Bianculli, Bill Carter and others from their respective newspaper sites as well blogs and other outlets that monitor media news (i.e. Broadcasting & Cable, Advertising Age, On the Media, etc.).

Lebanon Post-War

This past summer was marked by the war between Israel and Hezbollah resulting in the bombing of Lebanon. I would like to monitor the recovery efforts (i.e. is the relief getting to those in need?; how are the people affected readjusting to life?) since the cease-fire and observe the difference in coverage between the Israeli, Arab and Western news media through online newspapers and blogs that offer a first-hand perspective inside Lebanon.

Atlantic Yards

Brooklyn is in the midst of a major redevelopment plan happening in the Atlantic Yards area spearheaded by Forest City Ratner that will bring new housing and a sports entertainment complex.  This would affect the character of the neighborhood and there has been opposing views to the development. The official site has information that supports the plan; the opposition group Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn has its own website that constantly updates news on what is going on in support of its cause. This is going to be an ongoing issue that the major New York dailies as well as the Brooklyn community papers and blogs (for and against the plan) will cover (Note: I might be covering this area for my Crafts 1 class as my neighborhood beat—would this still be okay to follow if I only focused on how the other NYC media covers this issue). 

Note to Professor Jarvis:

Here are my three possible ongoing news stories. I would like to pick the Katie Couric one because her situation with CBS is still ongoing and will be continually watched; plus I like reading and learning about media trends. But for any of the ideas, I welcome your suggestions, such as whether I’m not being specific enough or overreaching. I appreciate your feedback very much.