More data journalism, good news for BuzzFeed hopefuls, podcasts and the Rolling Stone

BuzzFeed brings itself to you (sort of):
BuzzFeed reveals their Emerging Writers Fellowship Program, which details a four-month program that provides potential candidates with career mentorship, financial support, and a variety of writing workshops and panel discussions. Being a part of a major news-related corporation has just become more accessible– if you know anyone who would be a perfect fit for BuzzFeed, encourage them to apply before October 1.

More on data journalism (because it’s relevant always):
Data journalism seems to be a recurring topic in these Fresh Powder reports, (probably because it’s super-important, but we hate to sound repetitive.)  Here’s another invaluable resource for you: PBS’ guide on how to teach data journalism. Maybe you’re already a data journalism pro, and you want to cross-reference your own syllabus with this article. Perhaps you’ve dipped your toe in the data pool, but aren’t quite sure where to go from there. Maybe you haven’t even touched a computer. No matter where you are in your educational journey, this article is worth a once-over. Maybe even a twice-over. Have we mentioned data journalism is the future?

Tweet better:
On the subject of data, many of you in the SNO network have a heavy social media presence for your paper (which is awesome, and we heartily endorse such behavior). Here’s an article on how to make your social media image look even better.  This article details seven tips to cultivate a more engaged following, which is a must for scholastic journalism programs.

The new-age of podcast journalism:
Has your program been trying to work podcasts into its production, but just can’t seem to master them?  Now you can peer inside the brains behind NPR and see how they strategize their own podcasting.  As we may have mentioned, the crew here at SNO headquarters is unanimously obsessed with Serial, and if the creators of such a fantastic podcast are willing to share their tips, we’re pretty sure they’re worth listening to.

Freedom of the press trumps religious freedom law:
In a bold (and awesome) statement regarding the latest upset in Indiana, the Indianapolis Star protests the religious freedom law, as they dedicated their entire front page last Tuesday to the issue. Written as an editorial piece, it condemns the new law, joining a long list of others who have also very publically voiced their disdain (Hillary Clinton, George Takei, and Nick Offerman, just to name a few).

Rolling Stone, “A Rape on Campus,” and what went wrong:
And, last but certainly the longest, we have the Rolling Stone article on the inaccurate reporting of an extremely sensitive subject, and the implications of that in the field of journalism as a whole.  It’s not a quick read, but it’s an important one; not only does it explore the investigative reporting of a subject that we still aren’t sure how to handle, but it chronicles one journalist’s journey reporting on shaky factual ground. If you have some time, or any big projects you’re trying to avoid, you should try and make it through the entire thing.

These things also happened this week:

+ More than 1,000 dogs have been struck with the doggie flu in Chicago. (Save the puppies!)
+ More on animals: New York’s cat cafe brings cat-specific music to the kitties up for adoption to find that music composed specifically for cats helps them feel happy and calm.
+ If you haven’t already, read up on the California Drought; it’s one of the best states we’ve got, let’s try and keep it around for a while.