Aug 28, 2006

Mirror, mirror, on the blog ...

The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications (my alma mater - ugh, don't even get me started) seeks to honor excellence in media industry reporting with the "Mirror Awards."

And despite the fact that work published on blogs can be included for consideration, Dean Rubin doesn't even read them.

mediabistro.com: How do you think blogs have affected journalism at-large, and the Syracuse program specifically?

Rubin: The question isn't 'What are we teaching students about blogging?' It's 'What are students teaching us?' We discuss blogging in the very first freshman class, the first day. Many of our students come in with blogging experience, if they're not bloggers themselves. We discuss particularly how you have a chance to be noticed because you blog — it doesn't mean you will be noticed. But if you have style, or write well, or have something unique to say, you have a chance.

mediabistro.com: What types of media do you consume daily?

Rubin: The New York Times, in print, The Wall Street Journal, in print and online, Syracuse Post Standard, NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered. If I get home in time I'll watch the CBS evening news — I'm warming up for Katie. Then later I watch MSNBC's Keith Olbermann — he's the best writer in broadcasting, very, very entertaining.

mediabistro.com: What about blogs?

Rubin: No. People will send me things and point me to them, but I just don't have enough time.

Whatevs, man.

A top-ranked j-school would be remiss to ignore blogging and the effect it's had on traditional media, so I'm glad that at least Newhouse is including them for consideration. But c'mon, Rubin. Get with the program, yo.

Anyhoo. My friend E over at Soft Pretzel Love has an intersting take that's worth a read.

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