Spoken Like A True Professional

CBS -- Dave Martin

• National Security Correspondent since 1993
• Writer for AP
•  Author

As a veteran journalist, Mr. Martin spoke to our class about new media. There are so many more new forums of journalism today than there were when he started: blogging, twitter,and the internet in general.

"Writing is the number one objective."

                              - Dave Martin

Although a lot of things have changed since he began his career in journalism, the foundation of journalism remains the same:

1. The Art of Writing: it is the single most important thing to know. It has to make sense to the reader. It doesn't matter how much or how little the reader knows about the topic, everyone should be able to understand it, whether they are 12-years-old or 90-years-old. 

2. Write to Pictures: even if someone may not remember your story, they will remember the pictures. 

3. Interviews: It's always better to get an interview in person than over the phone. You have a better sense of accuracy in person.

4. Information: when you are interviewing someone it is important to be up on the current information -- asking the right question at the right time.

I feel like I could write my own book on journalism with all of the useful information I am getting this semester... don't worry, I won't attempt that... yet.