We have been focusing on profile writing as of late in #loweclass. Profiles give the readers an extensive look at newsworthy people by providing them with a "show don't tell" representation of who the person is.
It took me a while to find a profile story on CBS News. I browsed through each category on their website before finding one on the entertainment page. To find other profiles though, I had to use the search bar.
What I noticed immediately was that the majority of profiles were videos. There were a few of them embedded on the website with a corresponding article. However, most of them were on CBS News Sunday Morning or 60 Minutes – two websites supported by CBS. It did not surprise me when I saw most profiles were on the 60 Minutes website because that television series is known for producing investigative interviews, profiles and reports.
Many profile stories on CBS News include a video and written article. Background information about the subject is the main focus of the written piece. The video features the person narrating their story. I came across a profile on Norman Vladimir in the entertainment section. He is a pop-soul singer from Tennessee. The written portion about him was relatively brief. It began with an anecdotal lead before discussing his background. CBS News let Vladimir's words tell the story, as over half the article were his quotes. Vladimir discusses his love for music and growth in the industry during the three minute video. It also shows clips of him preforming at various locations. The video and article focused on his music, but looked at different aspects of it. Each gave you a little more insight into the rising artist.
There was one thing about the Vladimir profile that I had a problem with. From the video readers can see what Vladimir looks like. CBS would need to strengthen the article if there was no media piece. It lacks description by focusing more on basic past, present and future details. If the written piece were to stand alone it would need more description so readers could get a better understanding of Vladimir.
I eventually came across the most recent textual profile that featured Reeva Steenkamp, Oscar Postorius' late girlfriend. CBS News ran the profile the day Steenkamp died. They incorporated video, picture galleries and tweets into the story. The beginning referenced the circumstances surrounding her death. Afterward, the reader gets a sense of who this model was. Steenkamp had a law degree and campaigned against the rape and violence of women. CBS News described her as someone who was constantly breaking the celebrity stereotype with her angelic soul. Without even looking at a picture of Steenkamp, readers could get a visual based on how the media outlet described her – as a freckled blonde. The profile gave readers a better understanding of who this celebrity model and advocate was through insight into her life.
CBS News mainly uses videos to profile the subject, but provides a textual story as well to further enhance the piece. Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes only provides video. I like the package of both formats to tell a persons story. In the video you get to hear the person speak of themselves, particularly what interests them. The article then delves into their background and further explains their story. It is where the readers finds a "show don't tell" description. Both pieces compliment one another to produce a strong profile.
It took me a while to find a profile story on CBS News. I browsed through each category on their website before finding one on the entertainment page. To find other profiles though, I had to use the search bar.
What I noticed immediately was that the majority of profiles were videos. There were a few of them embedded on the website with a corresponding article. However, most of them were on CBS News Sunday Morning or 60 Minutes – two websites supported by CBS. It did not surprise me when I saw most profiles were on the 60 Minutes website because that television series is known for producing investigative interviews, profiles and reports.
Many profile stories on CBS News include a video and written article. Background information about the subject is the main focus of the written piece. The video features the person narrating their story. I came across a profile on Norman Vladimir in the entertainment section. He is a pop-soul singer from Tennessee. The written portion about him was relatively brief. It began with an anecdotal lead before discussing his background. CBS News let Vladimir's words tell the story, as over half the article were his quotes. Vladimir discusses his love for music and growth in the industry during the three minute video. It also shows clips of him preforming at various locations. The video and article focused on his music, but looked at different aspects of it. Each gave you a little more insight into the rising artist.
There was one thing about the Vladimir profile that I had a problem with. From the video readers can see what Vladimir looks like. CBS would need to strengthen the article if there was no media piece. It lacks description by focusing more on basic past, present and future details. If the written piece were to stand alone it would need more description so readers could get a better understanding of Vladimir.
I eventually came across the most recent textual profile that featured Reeva Steenkamp, Oscar Postorius' late girlfriend. CBS News ran the profile the day Steenkamp died. They incorporated video, picture galleries and tweets into the story. The beginning referenced the circumstances surrounding her death. Afterward, the reader gets a sense of who this model was. Steenkamp had a law degree and campaigned against the rape and violence of women. CBS News described her as someone who was constantly breaking the celebrity stereotype with her angelic soul. Without even looking at a picture of Steenkamp, readers could get a visual based on how the media outlet described her – as a freckled blonde. The profile gave readers a better understanding of who this celebrity model and advocate was through insight into her life.
CBS News mainly uses videos to profile the subject, but provides a textual story as well to further enhance the piece. Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes only provides video. I like the package of both formats to tell a persons story. In the video you get to hear the person speak of themselves, particularly what interests them. The article then delves into their background and further explains their story. It is where the readers finds a "show don't tell" description. Both pieces compliment one another to produce a strong profile.