Analysis:
This story about a student career day in Muskegon tells us many things about how broadcast journalism is done. First, the story provides no context. Viewers are never told who organized the event, not the current state of employment opportunities for high school graduates. Second, the story talks to just one student who has very little to say, so why use her comments, particularly the comments about being their just to “check out the guys.” If anything it furthers a stereotype about teens, particularly young women. Lastly, channel 17 could pass up the chance to mention that they had a table at this career day. Viewers should ask themselves would channel 17 have even reported on this event if they didn’t have a table there?
Story:
WXMI 17 News reader - Career Day at LC Walker Arena in downtown Muskegon. High school students from all over the area getting a taste of what it is like in the real world and hopefully some good ideas on what they might want to do for a job when the finish school. Kids got a chance to meet everybody, from surgeons and military recruiters, to news anchors. Our own Brent Ashcroft out there. All to find out what the job is like. Others had a different goal in mind.
White Female Student - It's cool. I'm checking out some guys. That's about it. No I like the cosmetology though.
WXMI 17 News reader - And they had a booth for that too, the cosmetology stuff. The job fair was hosted by the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District.
Total Time: 40 seconds
