My plea...

Ben,

I need an A- in this class (I think I'm close?) Then I would get straight As this semester. What a great way to end my undergraduate career, huh? Well... I thought I'd try. Thanks for a great semester. :) I learned a lot.

Shawna

Public records request denial causes concern for WSU community

Despite hard economic times and imminent budget cuts, Washington State University denies public records request despite boasting the importance of transparency.

Students have voiced their concerns regarding the budget process and have criticized the Washington State University administration and the Washington Legislature.

Additionally, due to the looming threat of layoffs, the administrative and professional staffs are concerned with the lack of disclosure regarding the budget process.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3.3 million Americans have become unemployed during the last five months. The national unemployment rate is now 8.5 percent.

In March, Washington State’s unemployment rate increased to 9.2 percent, an increase of .8 percent from the previous month. Whitman County’s unemployment rate has also increased by .8 percent to 5.8 percent.

Washington is currently facing an almost $9 billion deficit through mid-2011 despite a statewide hiring freeze implemented by Gov. Christine Gregoire in August 2008.

Gregoire ordered all Washington state colleges and universities to implement a hiring freeze while simultaneously reducing travel and equipment expenses.

Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd implemented a similar hiring freeze in April 2008. Floyd significantly slowed the pace of administrative and professional hiring.

As a result of the freeze, 215 fewer people were hired during May and December 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007, said Matthew A. Skinner, associate budget director. This means that there were nearly 50 percent fewer positions filled.

“The initial hiring freeze has proven to have been a prudent step. By slowing the rate of hiring last April, it has resulted in less people being laid off due to budget cuts,” Executive Director of Budgeting and Planning, Joan S. King said.

On Apr. 26, the Washington Legislature completed the state’s operating and capital budget. The legislature suggests that higher education be cut by 21.5 percent or $112.3 million over the next two years.

This figure assumes a 14 percent tuition increase for resident undergraduates; an increase of $870 next year.

Washington State University’s preliminary budget is aimed at cutting services, travel, hiring and expenditures, course reductions and the elimination or consolidation of several academic programs.

The decrease in state funding also necessitates that 370 employees be let go. Though 160 positions are already vacant, 210 currently filled positions or 3.3 percent of all Washington State University employees will be let go due to budget restraints.

The state legislature’s decrease in funding for higher education is the largest total budget reduction in history.

All of this information was not made public until Apr. 27 despite a public record’s request filed with the Office of Forms and Procedures in late March.

In December, WSU created a 15-member budget committee to oversee the expected reductions in the university’s operating budget. The committee is co-chaired by President Floyd and Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly.

In order to better prepare for the impending budget cuts, the budget committee requested that all university deans, vice presidents and chancellors prepare a 12 percent and 18 percent budget reduction scenario.

Documents pertaining to these scenarios were requested in order to analyze possible trends amongst colleges and departments regarding cuts in expenditures.

The public records were withheld in accordance with RCW 42.56.280, which provides that “preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memorandums in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended, etc. are exempt from disclosure until publicly cited by an agency in connection with any agency action,” Linda Nelson, public records coordinator said.

After contacting the Student Law Press Center to verify the legality of the denial, Mike Hiestand, an SPLC legal consultant said, “Just because the law may give them the option to withhold these records -- it is not mandatory -- does not mean that it is the right thing to do.”

“The university is choosing not to release these documents,” SPLC intern, Lisa Waananen said.

With the state legislature announcing alarming budget figures and proposals, the WSU community is wondering how the pending cuts are going to affect the university.

“I would hope the university would be dedicated to fully informing the public throughout the entire decision-making process,” Waananen said.

“Particularly in these times, when Washington state schools face extraordinary budget cuts that will require huge changes in what is funded and how, the public -- the owners of that education system -- ought to be made privy to all accurate information that could assist them in weighing in and having their concerns heard,” Hiestand said.

The preliminary budget is now available online. In addition, the budget committee is seeking comments and suggestions from students, faculty and staff regarding the preliminary budget.

---

References:

Matthew A. Skinner
Associate Director of Budget
(509) 335-1836

Joan S. King
Executive Director of Budget and Planning
(509) 335-9681

Linda Nelson
Public Records Coordinator
(509) 335-3928

Mike Hiestand
SPLC Attorney
(202) 777-3609

Lissa Waananen
SPLC Intern
(763) 242-8095

“Current Employment Situation”. Workforce Explorer: Washington. Washington State Employment Security Department. Retrieved 24 Mar. 2009, <http://www.workforceexplorer.com/cgi/dataanalysis/?PAGEID=148>.

Beat Articles

"Letters address governor, funding"
From staff reports
The Daily Evergreen

"New college graduates facing tough job market"
USA Today

Questions for Bill Morlin

1. Being a student at Washington State University, a school closely located to Spokane, I have covered the Jim West scandal in nearly every communication class. In my ethics class, we discussed whether the investigative reporting done by the Spokesman-Review (and inherently, yourself) was ethical. Looking back, would you have done anything differently?

2. Do you really believe that the Jim West story was a need to know or a want to know? Especially considering that the FBI never found any information indicating that he was abusing his office. And he was never linked the the sexual abuse scandal in the 70s.

3. Where do you draw the line in investigative journalism? Arguably, Mayor Jim West's reputation was severely tarnished, does selling a newspaper come at the expense of other people's lives?

4. Do you believe it is the role to watchdog government's, corporations and society? Is this where journalism is headed or has it always been this way?

5. Why you do find investigative journalism important in today's society?

6. Why do you think the Polygimist sect went unchecked for so long? It wasn't until teenagers started giving birth that people started paying attention. Wouldn't the idea of polygamy be taboo enough to catch society's attention?

7. Or, is it that it's too taboo for today's readers? We'd rather that the topic just not exist at all and it wasn't until a more socially accepted taboo was exposed that we began to look at the larger picture? Is this the role of investigate journalists? Find one piece of a story and use it as a tool to expose a larger trend?

Because 'We' Post on Blogs...

I thought this was interesting, especially since as a class we all post on our blogs for school and this was a University that was punishing a student for her blog postings. It really affects me because I write stories about WSU and am somewhat critical.

Nina Yoder was a nursing student at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. On March 2, 2009 the school dismissed Yoder stating that she had violated the school’s honor code by “posting blog items concerning patients activities and naming the university on her MySpace page” (Associated Press, 2009). Yoder’s attorney, Daniel Canon, is arguing that the postings were mostly political and did not identify patients. The nursing student’s blog covered topics including suicide, religion, sex, guns and politics. “She mentioned the university several times but revealed no patient names in postings” (Associated, 2009). The University of Louisville told Yoder she could not continue in the nursing program because of her blog posts. As a result, the University labeled Yoda as a “persona non grata”, literally “an unwelcome person” and was immediately withdrawn from classes.

Yoder appealed to U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson on March 13, 2009. She asked the court to issue an injunction that would allow her to return to classes and graduate in August. A hearing has not yet been scheduled to hear Yoder’s motion. Yoder’s case mirrors a national trend among colleges and universities seeking to exercise some control over what students are able to do and say off campus and on the Internet. “Students at universities around the country, including high-profile cases in Georgia and Colorado, have faced disciplinary action for their online postings” (Associated, 2009).

Yoder’s attorney, Daniel Canon, argues that his client’s right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, as granted by the First Amendment, has been violated by the University of Louisville. All nursing students at the University of Louisville sign an honor code that states, “[all students must adhere to] the highest standards of honesty, integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and professionalism” (Associated, 2009). Though Yoder had signed this document, Canon argues, “Public institutions can’t restrict speech. [The honor code is] too vague and regardless of the code any attempts to limit student speech are unconstitutional” (Bullard, 2009). In addition, while Yoder was granted the right to appeal her dismissal, which was denied, she was offered no hearing to present evidence and witnesses in her defense.

In Tinker v. Des Moines School District, 393 U.S. 502 (1969), the Supreme Court upheld the right of students to express their views in a quiet, symbolic manner that is non-disruptive to the educational process. Three high school students wore black armbands to school to protest American involvement in Vietnam. This act violated a recently adopted Des Moines, Iowa school district policy against such expression. As a result, the three students were suspended from school. The federal district court and the court of appeals found in favor of the school district. The lower court decision was reversed by the Supreme Court. In the majority opinion written by Justice Fortas states, “conduct by the student, in class or out of it, which for any reason—whether it stems from time, place, or type of behavior—materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others is, of course, not immunized by the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech” (Tedford and Herbeck, 2005).

According to the Tinker decision, Yoder should be allowed to return to school and graduate in August. Yoder’s MySpace blog posed no disruptions to the classroom environment. In addition, the blog posts were a form of political expression conducted in a non-disruptive manner according to time, place, and manner restrictions and should therefore be protected by the First Amendment.

Lacking many traditional barriers, the Internet has rapidly become a medium for a wide range of expression. Unlike traditional media outlets, the Internet has no gatekeepers. Because of this, it has become a forum for political speech and individual expression. In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress included a provision known as the Communication Decency Act (CDA). The CDA contained two provisions that were aimed at protecting minors from “indecent” and “patently offensive” communications on the Internet. Several plaintiffs, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), filed suit challenging the constitutionality of the CDA. In 1996, a special three-judge court panel unanimously declared the CDA unconstitutional (ACLU v. Reno, 929 F.Supp. 824 (E.D. Pa. 1996)). They argued that the law was inherently vague because “indecent” was not defined in the law and it prohibited speech that was legal for adults. The government then appealed to the Supreme Court, which held that the CDA was unconstitutional. This was the Supreme Court’s first decision on free speech in cyberspace.

The Supreme Court held that the CDA did indeed violate the First Amendment. Furthermore, they held that Internet speech was entitled to the highest degree of First Amendment protection. Due to the Supreme Court’s decision in Reno v. ACLU, it would be argued that Yoder’s MySpace blog does indeed enjoy First Amendment protection because speech found on the Internet is constitutionally protected. This is further compounded by the fact that political speech is constitutionally protected as long as it does not violate time, place and manner restrictions as annunciated in Hague v. CIO (1939), Schneider v. State (1939), Cox v. New Hampshire (1941) and Jamison v. Texas (1943). Yoder’s MySpace blog was created privately as a tool to release stress and it did not disrupt the education environment.

In United States v. Baker, 890 F.Supp. 1375 (E.D. Mich. 1995), a student at the University of Michigan posted a graphic narrative on a website which described the torture, rape and murder of a woman. In another story, the victim had the same name as one of the student’s classmates. A grand jury indicted the student for violating a statute that prohibited interstate communication of threats to injure or kidnap an individual. Baker’s attorney argued that the threats were not “true threats” and were therefore protected expression. Federal district judge Avern Cohn argued, “statements expressing musings, considerations of what it would be like to kidnap or injure someone, however unsavory, are not constitutionally actionable… absent some expression of an intent to commit the injury or kidnapping” (Tedford, 2005).

Based on the Baker decision, Yoder should be allowed to resume classes at the University of Louisville. The University of Louisville administration cited the gun-related postings as a reason for her dismissal. Yoder was merely expressing her opinions regarding gun-rights and posed no true threat to university administrators, teachers or students. Therefore, Yoder’s should be reinstated to the university’s nursing program.

Beat Articles

"ASWSU Senate passes tuition cap proposal"
By Staff Reports
The Daily Evergreen

"WSU halts incoming freshman applications"
By Andy Jones
The Daily Evergreen

Public Request Record Denial

Dear Ms. Sanford:

This letter is to acknowledge receipt of your Public Records Request 09-095 received on March 30, 2009, and respond to your request. You are seeking the following records:

1. Budget scenarios provided to the Budget Committee at the end of January; 2. Budget proposals from the College of Communications, College of Liberal Arts, College of Business, Office of the Provost, Office of the President, and University Relations; and 3. Any reports documenting trends or summaries in regards to the above proposals.

Your request must be denied. We are withholding the records you requested from production in accordance with RCW 42.56.280, which provides that preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memorandums in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended, etc. are exempt from disclosure until publicly cited by an agency in connection with any agency action.

This concludes the University's response to your request for public records.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Linda Nelson at 509-335-3928.

Very truly,

Linda Nelson for

Ralph Jenks
Public Records Officer


Linda Nelson
Public Records Coordinator
Office of Procedures, Records, and Forms
P.O. Box 641225
Pullman, WA 99164-1225
509 335 3928
FAX 509 335 3969
nelsonl@wsu.edu

Document-Based Story Proposal

I originally requested the 12 percent and 18 percent budget scenarios requested by the Budget Committee at Washington State University at the end of January. The request was denied based on RCW 42.56.280, which provides that preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memorandums in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended, etc. are exempt from disclosure until publicly cited by an agency in connection with any agency action.

As a result, I contacted several people associated with Student Press Law Center to find out if this was legal. In my search, it is infact legal for Washington State University to withhold these documents.

Therefore, I intend to write a story about the budget process and why these documents should be made public to ensure public oversight and input. This process is importance since the public are indeed owners of the education system and therefore have a right to take part in the budget-making process.

Washington State University's refusal to release these documents goes against its policy of 'transparency'. I wish to further explore why these documents were not released, what their importance would be to the public-policy process and the reactions of SPLC members and students.

----

Sources:

Mike Hiestand
SPLC Legal Consultant

Lisa Waananen
SPLC Intern

Linda Nelson
Public Records Coordinator

Beat Articles

"Bailout only benefits banks"
By Gavin Mathis
The Daily Evergreen

"Tuition, fees, books could jump to $10,000"
By Andrew Garber and Nick Perry
The Seattle Times

Helen Thomas and Bob Schieffer: A Symposium to Remember

Helen Thomas and Bob Schieffer—recipients of the 2009 Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award—offered advice for current and aspiring journalists during their keynote speeches at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Beasley Coliseum.

Erica Austin, dean of The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University said, “Helen Thomas and Bob Schieffer are two veteran political journalists who represent the best of the Murrow legacy: exceptional achievement in communication and a responsible, ethical, productive career.”

“Uncompromising ethics and quality,” said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “This year’s recipients epitomize this standard. Because of their intellect and commitment, we are better as a country.”

Thomas and Schieffer both began the evening by praising the Murrow Legacy. “My favorite Murrow quote is, ‘We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty,’” said Thomas. Schieffer said it was an honor to even be mentioned in the same book as Murrow, let alone be given an award with his name on it.

The disappearance of newspapers, the integrity of those acting as journalists, the importance of news in a democratic society and the effects of new communication technologies on journalism were addressed by this year’s keynote speakers. Thomas said, “I mourn the loss of real journalism.”

For 57 years, Thomas served as the White House correspondent for United Press International (UPI). During that time, Thomas has covered every president since John F. Kennedy. She recently left UPI to become a syndicated columnist with Hearst Newspapers.

“Helen never forgot how to deal with the powerful,” said Bob Schieffer. “Never let them scare you and remind them that they are always accountable to the people that put them there; the voters.”

In her keynote address, Thomas credited Murrow with her career in journalism and her approach to covering politics in Washington. “Murrow taught us to not be afraid to challenge the powers that be,” said Thomas. “I do not see that kind of courage in today’s journalists.”

Thomas charged modern journalists with being apathetic in today’s coverage of politics. Today’s journalists are “easily intimidated by the extreme right,” said Thomas. She concluded that journalists have failed Americans post-September 11th because they have failed to seek the truth, wherever it leads, said Thomas.

Given the title of “nicest man in Washington” by co-recipient Helen Thomas, Schieffer has been a reporter for 52 years. In 1969, he began working for CBS News. Since 1973, he has been a principle anchor. Schieffer has covered every presidential campaign and been a floor reporter at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the Republican National Convention (RNC) since 1972. Schieffer also moderated the final presidential debates in 2004 and 2008.

Schieffer argued that new communication technologies have greatly effected how news is delivered. “Our profession is in a crisis and newspapers are in danger,” warned Schieffer. He argued that newspapers enlarge an individual’s experience and understanding of the world. “When we read a newspaper, we find two or three stories we weren’t looking for,” said Schieffer.

He urged audience members to recognize the change that is occurring in journalism due to new communication technologies. Though hardly a day passes without the news of yet another newspaper closing its doors, trained journalists are still needed, said Schieffer. “We need them now more than ever.”

Schieffer ended the evening with this piece of advice, “We must always adhere to the standards that Edward R. Murrow created in order for journalism to survive.”

----

Elson S. Floyd
Washington State University President
(509) 335-6666

Erica Austin
Dean of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
(509) 335-8840

----

1. The traditional media industry appears to be failing; the closure of many newspapers echoes this trend. What would you say to an aspiring journalists who are afraid that a career in journalism would not be available for them?

2. With new media quickly emerging due to the growing importance of the Internet, what do you envision the future of journalism to look like?

3. What was your most memorable interview? What made it so memorable?

Background Information: Helen Thomas and Bob Schieffer

Often refered to as the "First Lady of the Press", Helen Thomas has served as a White House Correspondent for United Press Internation (UPI) for 57 years. She has covered every president since John F. Kennedy and has ended each interview session with "Thank you, Mr. President" until the Bush administration. Thomas is known for asking the hard-hitting questions in her pursuit of the truth. She has written four books and is a best-selling author. Thomas recently left UPI and went to work at Hearst Newspapers as a syndicated columnist.

Bob Schieffer has been a reporter for 52 years. He has been with CBS News since 1969 and acted as a principle anchor since 1973. Schieffer is one of the few journalists to cover every beat in Washington, D.C. -- the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department and Capitol Hill. Schieffer has covered every presidential campaign and been a floor reporter at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions since 1972. In 2004 and 2008, Schieffer moderated the final presidential debate.

Beat Articles

"Tuition surcharge will hit where it hurts"
From Staff Reports
The Daily Evergreen

"Potential budget cuts loom over university"
From Staff Reports
The Daily Evergreen

"WSU may see massive cuts"
By Jimmy Blue
The Daily Evergreen

Many are still waiting for happy endings

A starting point
The hunt began in January 2008. Madeline V. Verochio would search the JobX website—hosted by the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of Career Services—and the classified section of the Daily Evergreen, looking for employment.

She spent countless hours filling out applications and job inquiries, sending resumes and writing cover letters explaining her merits. Unfortunately, her efforts went mostly unnoticed.

Verochio would sign on to her white HP laptop computer and check her e-mail at various times through out the day. “It got to be a little obsessive at times,” admits Verochio. Rejection letters would sometimes litter her inbox.

Verochio was beginning to feel restless and uncertain.

“I was really struggling to cover the rest of my living expenses and I needed a job,” said Verochio. “It eventually came to the point when I just gave up. I wasn’t finding anything. No one seemed interested. I got really discouraged.”

Eventually, she gave up the ghost. Instead, she focused on her academics making sure that she was on track for graduation in May 2009. In doing so, she almost entirely forgot about finding a job.

Sarah Jolly, an acquaintance of Verochio, was employed with University Relations as a clerical assistant. Jolly was graduating in May 2008 which would in turn leave the position with University Relations available for the upcoming academic year. “Sarah recommended me for the position,” said Verochio.

Soon after Jolly’s recommendation, Verochio met with Barb Olson for an interview.

The reality
Many Americans are struggling to find employment. Due to a worsening economy, unemployment rates both nationally and regionally have drastically increased.

According to a recent report by the state Employment Security Department, Washington State’s unemployment rate has increased to 8.4% in February.

This rate has increased by .6% since January. Furthermore, unemployment in the state of Washington has increased by 3.7% since the same time last year.

Washington State’s unemployment rates are even higher than the national average of 8.1%.

Whitman County’s unemployment rate is up .6% from last year to 5%. The county currently boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the state despite Washington State University’s—a large employer in the area—hiring freeze and budget cuts.

In August 2008 Gov. Christine Gregoire ordered all Washington state colleges and universities to implement a hiring freeze while simultaneously reducing travel and equipment expenses. As a result, Washington State University has limited its staff recruitment efforts to allow only for the replacement of positions deemed essential to university operations.

Matthew A. Skinner, associate budget director said, “For hiring freeze purposes, each Dean or Director works with the Provost, Chancellor or Vice President of the department to determine if a position is essential.” Ultimately, there is no standard as to how ‘essential’ is defined.

The hiring freeze has resulted in fewer positions being filled at Washington State University. 215 fewer people were hired during May and December 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007, said Skinner. This means that there were nearly 50 percent fewer positions filled.

Joan S. King, director of budget and planning said, “The initial hiring freeze has proven to have been a prudent step. By slowing the rate of hiring last April, it has resulted in less people being laid off due to budget cuts.”

Washington State University’s recent budget cuts are aimed at reducing communication expenditures, increases in salaries and hiring new faculty and staff.

A happy ending
Shortly after the interviewing process was completed, Verochio was offered the position with University Relations. Verochio said, “Sometimes that’s all it takes. Knowing the right person and making the right connections.”

In a recent USA Today article, despite the economic recession, colleges and universities have created more than 220,000 new jobs since the recession began in December 2007. This sector of the national economy is one of the few industries still creating and filling positions.

Verochio’s hiring mirrors this national trend. However, her long and grueling search to find a job echoes a struggle that plagues many Americans today.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do after I graduate in May and leave University Relations,” said Verochio. “To be honest, I’m really scared. With the way the economy is going right now, things aren’t looking good for a lot of us.”

----
References:

Madeline V. Verochio – Clerical Assistant with University Relations

Joan S. King – Executive Director of Budget and Planning
(509) 335-9681

Matthew A. Skinner – Associate Director of Budget
(509) 335-1836

Cauchon, Dennis. “Certain areas of economy swelling with jobs”. USA Today.

“Current Employment Situation”. Workforce Explorer: Washington. Washington State Employment Security Department.

Profile Story - Topic 2?

Profiling a person struggling to find a job at Washington State University. What was gone through in finding a job -- goes over a year's journey. From applying for jobs to rejection to finally finding a job at WSU. This profile will be used as a tool to demonstrate the unemployment rates (United States > Washington > Pullman), the hiring freeze and the hiring of only those that are deemed "essential". What does this mean?

Interviews
1. Madeline V. Verochio
2. Joan King
3. Matt Skinner

Beat Articles

"Wash. unemployment rate jumps to 8.4 percent in February; higher than national rate"
By Rachel La Corte
The Seattle Times - Associated Press

"Certain areas of economy swelling with jobs"
By Dennis Cauchon
USA Today

"Wal-Mart starting to take shape"
By Taras Zhulev
The Daily Evergreen

Profile Story - A Topic?

Profile someone on the Committee (Ryan?) for finding a Dean for the School of Communication. Then tie this in to a greater trend at WSU concerning budget cuts and filling empty positions.

Beat Articles

"County boasts low unemployment rate"
By Taras Zhulev
The Daily Evergreen

"When economy bottoms out, how will we know?"
By Alan Zibel, Christopher Leonard and Tim Paradis
Seattle P.I.

"World Bank says global economy will shrink in 2009"
By Samantha Bomkamp
The Seattle Times

The U.S. military-media relationship has shifted post-Vietnam due to embedding

The media’s coverage of U.S. military involvement overseas has shifted from extremely negative to somewhat positive post-Vietnam. Embedding has in part, influenced this shift.

The First Amendment allows the press to freely criticize the American government. Citizens of the United States often take for granted that the press is independent of the government. Arnold S. Wolfe argues, “Information from diverse and antagonistic sources is crucial for a democracy.” As a result, the military and the media are often seen as competing (and sometimes hostile) institutions because of their contrasting objectives.

The media emerged as critics of U.S. foreign policy in the 1960s, especially in regards to U.S. involvement in Vietnam and Korea. The Vietnam War was the first war where television played an important role. Journalists reported the Vietnam War in terms that often contradicted the official declarations of the current administration. Reporters had the power to generate public opposition to the war. According to Jonathan Merman, journalists created opposition by writing “stories that encouraged Americans to question the wisdom and credibility of the federal government.”

Don Kirk, a foreign correspondent in Vietnam and Korea during the wars, said “It was almost fashionable to be critical of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. A majority of correspondence was critical.” This was partly due to the fervent anti-war passions that characterize the Vietnam era.

In order to combat the media’s negative coverage of U.S. military efforts, the government would limit wartime reporting through sequesters, deception, escorts, “televised spectacles”, news blackout, limited embedding or gag orders. These efforts were coupled with government’s ability to censor information based on issues of operational security or the success of the military mission.

In the wake of defeat in Vietnam, military officials gathered searched for the reasons for their defeat. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Douglas J. Goebel writes, “Many [military officials] concluded that the media’s coverage of the war was a factor in the outcome of the war.”

After Vietnam, the government has tried to curb negative coverage of U.S. military efforts. The Department of Defense (DoD) concluded that in order to win the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the media must report positively on the war efforts. Consequently, the military has encouraged the embedding of journalists. As a result, the military is able to influence the kinds of stories published. Wartime coverage has become more positive post-Vietnam. Don Kirk said, “I don’t sense the same level of criticism.”

The shift in wartime coverage may be somewhat attributed to the Bush administration’s decision to implement the “Embedded Reporter Program” in May of 2003. The program allowed journalists to cover real-time, frontline combat by being placed within individual military units. The program was implemented based on the premise that press reports of success and progress strengthen public support for foreign policy. The Bush administration and the DoD believed that embedded journalists would be more sympathetic (and therefore more likely) to publish positive stories about the military, the soldiers and their efforts.

“We would publish press releases to generate publicity and the media would sometimes pick them up," LTC Whiteside said. "We would take them around and show them places so they could find their story. Sometimes, we would run operations just for the media and show them all the good we’re doing.” Ultimately, the media has become the mechanism in which the military communicates to the public its objectives and successes.

W. Lance Bennett said, “Journalists and political officials [are] engaged in a process of symbiosis or mutual dependence, in which each side used the other to promote particular organizational (press or government) goals.”

Andrew P. Cortell writes, “The embed program used in the 2003 invasion of Iraq represents a shift in U.S. military-media relations.” Instead of the military unilaterally determining and limiting the media’s role in wartime coverage (as was the case in Vietnam), they’re instead working with the media which has resulted in cooperation.

Embedded journalists have thus provided positive portrayals of the troops in their individual units and have found it difficult to offer an overarching picture of the military campaign. “The DoD judged its media strategy to be a success with respect to operational security, objective reporting, and public support,” wrote Cortell.

Though the relationship between the U.S. military and the media has improved considerably since the Vietnam-era, it is still not perfect. Cortell argues, “New technologies have… complicated the relationship between the military and the media.”

The military’s capacity to limit access of the media may be effective only for those members of the media who are willing to be restrained. James Reston believed that “it was no longer possible for a free country to fight even a limited war in a world of modern communication, with reporters and television cameras on the battlefield.”

Information regarding the military’s efforts is becoming increasingly available because of the journalist’s access to new technologies. Journalists are now able to file their stories directly from the field. Technological advances could result in breaches of military secrets to compromises in U.S. military forces’ image with domestic and foreign audiences. “The new technologies can pose problems for operational security and could compromise the casualty notification system but there’s an implicit trust between the soldiers and the reporters,” said Whiteside.

Though, there are military officials that are still concerned with the media’s coverage of war. The military is afraid that reporters only want ‘bang-bang’ stories of battle which is contradictory to the military’s belief that war coverage should focus on political, economic and diplomatic progress. “The media wants the scandal. Not the good that we’re doing,” said Whiteside. “The media tends to be more negative; it’s the nature of journalism or maybe it’s just the nature of humans.”

According to a McCormick Tribune Foundation conference series that analyzed the current military-media relationship, “The military feel aggrieved that their successes are not given more coverage by the media.”

Though, many journalists believe that it is their job to tell the truth and let the public decide on the success or failure of the war. During the conference series, many journalists believed that it was the “role of the media to be watchdogs and not take sides.”

References:

Cortell, Andrew P., Robert M Eisinger and Scott L. Althaus. “Why Embed?: Explaining the Bush Administration’s Decision to Embed Reporters in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq”. American Behavioral Scientist. 2009: vol. 52: p. 657-677.

Goebel, Douglas J., LTC USAF. “Military-Media Relations: The future media environment and its influence on military operations”. Air War College, Air University. April 1995. .

Mermin, Jonathan. Debating war and peace: Media coverage of U.S. intervention in post-Vietnam era. 1999. New Jersey: Princeton Review.

“The Military-Media Relationship 2005 – How the armed forces, journalists and the public view coverage of military conflict”. McCormick Tribune Conference Series: Executive Summary. McCormick Tribune Foundation. publications/milmedia05_execsum.pdf>.

Wolfe, Arnold S., Jeromy Swanson and Stacy Wrona. “What the American people deserve from American journalism during wartime: A First Amendment view abetted by semiotic analysis”. Journalism Studies. 2008: vol. 9, no. 1. 38-56.

Media-Military Critique Topic

So I won't forget, this is my topic for my media critique paper...

The media's responsibility regarding wartime coverage and how it's changed post-Vietnam to present and how embedding (particularly Bush's 2003 embedding strategy) has influenced this change.

Beat Article

"Economy affects WSU endowments"
By Jimmy Blue
The Daily Evergreen

"Few rough roads lie ahead for Pullman"
By Taras Zhulev
The Daily Evergreen

"Bernanke: recovery hinges on financial turnaround"
By Jeannine Aversa
The Seattle Times

Whiteside Questions

1. In your opinion, how does the media influence the public's perception of the military and their success/failure? Or, is there even a noticable difference?

2. In your opinion, are members of the military left to fend for themselves after their service is completed?

3. How has the media portrayed the War in Iraq? Do they make it seem more negative than it actually is?

4. Is there a difference between how retired military deal with the media over active material?

5. Is there a difference between civillian reporting and military reporting and how journalists are dealt with?

Beat Articles

"More of economic-rescue plan to be unveiled"
By Kevin G. Hall
The Seattle Times

"Murray says recovery bill may not be enough"
By Jennifer Sullivan
The Seattle Times

"GOP tries to restore image of fiscal discipline"
By Liz Sidoti (AP Wire)
The Seattle Times

Gregoire’s proposed capital construction package affects WSU

Gov. Christine Gregoire proposes a package which seeks to stimulate the economy while simultaneously furthering Washington State University’s strategic plans despite impending budget cuts.

For the last two years, WSU’s annual allocation for its operating budget was $262 million, said Joan S. King, executive director of budget and planning. Gregoire’s proposed budget recommends cutting that figure by 12 percent, or $31 million.

Matthew A. Skinner, Associate Budget Director said, “Gregoire is looking at a 12% reduction while still introducing the construction package. The state senate is looking at an 18% reduction scenario.”

“At this point, actual size and depth of the budget reduction will not be clear until the legislature’s deliberations are complete,” explained Skinner.

In December, WSU created a 15-member budget committee to oversee the expected reductions in the university’s operating budget. The committee is co-chaired by President Elson S. Floyd and Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly.

“The university is in the process of gathering information and ideas on how to handle potential budget reductions,” said Skinner.

Gregoire’s recommended biennium budget does not include any of WSU’s new requests for its operating budget.

According to WSU’s The Daily Evergreen, the requests in additional funding would “support salary increases for faculty, staff and graduate students, funding for a new Core Computer Systems program, money to accommodate increased enrollment, funds for the new School of Global Animal Health and funds for new agriculture-related projects.”

Though Gregoire denied WSU’s requests for additional funding for its capital budget, the governor did include many of its project proposals in a special package aimed at stimulating the state’s economy and providing jobs to Washington state workers.

Gregoire unveiled the capital construction package on Dec. 18. It is intended to quickly stimulate the state economy which has been staggering due to the economic recession.

The governor’s capital construction package includes many of WSU’s requests for its 2009-2011 capital budget.

The $38.6 million Applied Technology Classroom Building on the campus of WSU Vancouver, WSU’s highest priority, was included in Gregoire’s recommendation. The building will support high-demand engineering degrees and research projects.

Gregoire’s capital construction budget also proposed $7.4 million in design funds for WSU’s second highest priority, the Veterinary Medical Research Building in Pullman.

Further, the proposed capital budget also provides $200,000 for the pre-design of the second phase of the Global Animal Health Building.

King said Gregoire’s capital construction package will likely undergo many changes as the package enters the legislature where it will be debated. The budget will not be completed until late spring.

Larry Ganders and Gov. Christine Gregoire's offices were unavailable for comment prior to the release of this article.

Joan S. King – Executive Director of Budget and Planning
(509) 335-9681

Matthew A. Skinner – Associate Director of Budget
(509) 335-1836

Larry Ganders – Assistant to the President and Lobbyist in Olympia
“Gregoire budget cuts WSU by 12 percent, $31 million”

Hiring freeze affects those seeking employment by WSU: Re-write

Due to worsening economic conditions, a hiring freeze enacted by President Elson S. Floyd in early April continues to affect students and individuals seeking employment by the University.

Matthew A. Skinner, associate budget director, said that 215 fewer people were hired during May and December 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. This means that there were nearly 50 percent fewer positions filled. Forty-nine fewer faculty members were hired as compared to the previous year, said Skinner.

The state of Washington currently faces a $5 billion deficit for the two-year budget. Gov. Christine Gregoire says this could increase to $6 billion if the economy continues to deteriorate. Gregoire has asked the state’s colleges and universities to prepare for a 20 percent budget cut, or $600 million over the next two years.

Gregoire ordered all Washington state colleges and universities to implement a hiring freeze while simultaneously reducing travel and equipment expenses. Shawn Hoch, associate director of Culinary Operations, said, “It was just announced that $47 million is being cut from the university’s budget.”

President Floyd’s hiring freeze mirrored announcements made in early August by Gregoire. The governor announced a statewide hiring freeze in order to meet new budget demands.

“The hiring freeze was a good idea in order to slow spending and prepare us for the upcoming budget cut. It was a prudent step,” Joan S. King, executive director of Budgeting and Planning said.

The president wrote an e-mail to WSU chancellors and vice presidents in April explaining his decision to enact the freeze. It was Floyd’s goal to slow the pace of administrative and professional hiring at WSU in order to prepare for upcoming budget cuts. Floyd advised that the Budget Office should be consulted before posting vacant positions and awarding promotions or increases in salary.

As a result, WSU has limited its staff recruitment efforts to replace only those deemed essential to university operations.

King acknowledges that the university’s hiring has been reduced as a result of the freeze, but she said, “Student workers have been exempted from the freeze; we hired hundreds of students, for instance, for the re-opening of the CUB.”
Skinner added, “We don’t anticipate a slowdown in the number of student positions.”

“The university relies on student employees. Our operations would be seriously hindered without them,” said Hoch. Even though students are exempt from the freeze, they are working fewer hours as part of the budget restraints.

“I’m limited to only working 10 hours a week,” Madeline V. Verochio said. Verochio is a senior in political science and is currently employed as a clerical assistant with University Relations.

“I couldn’t work more, even if I was needed, and there have been times that I was, but I couldn’t because of the strict budget limitations,” Verochio said.

In order to better prepare for the upcoming budget cuts, Floyd and Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly have requested that all university deans, vice presidents and chancellors prepare a 12 percent and 18 percent budget reduction scenario. The budget cuts are aimed at reducing communication expenditures, increases in salaries and hiring new faculty and staff.

Joan S. King – Executive Director of Budget and Planning
(509) 335-9681

Matthew A. Skinner – Associate Director of Budget
(509) 335-1836

Shawn Hoch – Associate Director of Culinary Options
(509) 335-8488

Legislative Story Proposal

Gov. Christine Gregoire’s capital construction package and how it relates to Washington State University.

During the last two years, or the 2007-2009 biennium budget, Washington State University was allocated $262 million for the operating budget. Gregoire’s budget proposal suggests that this be cut by 12 percent or $31 million for the 2009-2011 biennium budget. Furthermore, the Governor’s proposal approves none of the new requests made for its operating budget which include salary increases for faculty, staff and graduate students, funding for a new Core Computer Systems program, money to accommodate increased enrollment, funds for the new School of Global Animal Health and funds for new agriculture-related projects.

Although these requests weren’t allocated to Washington State University’s operating or capital budget, many requests did become a part of Gregoire’s capital construction package. The following are all proposed to encourage economic recovery in the state of Washington.

$38.6 million for an Applied Technology Classroom Building at WSU Vancouver.

$7.4 million in design funds for a Veterinary Medical Research Building in Pullman, the university’s second-highest legislative priority.

The package provides $15.7 million for construction of a wastewater reclamation plant to supplement to the existing Pullman wastewater treatment facilities.

Possible Sources
1. Larry Ganders, Assistant to the President and Lobbyist
2. Joan King, Executive Director of Budget and Planning
3. Matt Skinner, Associate Director of Budget and Planning
4. Gov. Gregoire's Office


Analyze the House’s 2009-2011 capital budget proposal (HB 1216) and compare it the Senate’s 2009-2011 capital budget proposal (SB 5222). How does allocation to Washington State University differ?

Interviewing Techniques Lecture

Refer to the Clemens and Wallace Interview - 60 Minutes (CBS)

Why do people talk with the press?
To raise awareness, ensure accuracy of the story, belief in an issues, defense against allegations.

Interviewing Techniques

• Listen. Ask the questions and let them sit for a little bit.


• Preparation. Must have prepared, written questions. Though, you're not bound to these. The best interviews are conversations. Forces you to be aware of the topic. Ease the interviewee into the conversation. Know the answer before you ask it, or at least expect the answer. Think about the structure of the interview, it's important to know the intended 'flow' of the interview. Save the tough questions for the right moment.


• Face to Face Interviews. Be honest with the purpose of the interview with the individual you're interviewing.


• Interviewing Style. Get away from your desk and get the interviewee away from their desk. You want an interactive interview that allows for more a more comfortable and relaxed interview with will be more beneficial in the end. Make sure that you're observant and respectful of your surroundings and the individual you're interviewing.


• Questioning. Keep questions short. Ask the question and then be quiet and listen for the response. Leave the questions short and open-ended. Make sure that each question only contains one thought. Ask for examples because concrete people need to be involved in the story. Ask the most obvious questions and clarify any thing that does not make sense.


• Quoting. Use past quotes. This is especially true of public figures. Have them explain what they meant in previous statements.


• Documents. Make sure that you have supporting documents in order to deflect fault away from you.


• Keep Control. You need to be respectful but in control. Keep the individual on track and not distracted. Make sure you have individuals show proof of their stances.


• Hostile Sources. Rephrase the question and try again if they dodge a question. No comment sources of off the record sources. How serious are the concerns of your sources? What is the real justification for wanting to remain anonymous?

Types of Sources

1. Professional Sources


2. The Newbies

E-Mail Interviews
This is the least desirable format for a slew of reasons. They can pick the questions they life and it is difficult to ask follow-up questions.

Phone Interviews
Avoid hang ups. Get on a first name basis because then they will be more comfortable to continue the interview. Keep asking questions in order to continue the interview. This is where the prepared questions come in handy.

Note Taking
Double check the spelling of names, dates, ages. Use key words because often times you won't be able to keep up and won't be able to write the quote verbatim. When you hear a good quote, take the time to write in and it's okay to stop the interview. It can be effective to slow the quote down in order to get more information. You should develop your own system of shorthand or abreviations.

Tape Recorders
Sources fear the misquote, but they're even more afraid of having that quote caught on tape. Public figures will expect a tape recorder but the average person is very fearful of tape recorders. Because people freeze up and rephrase what they would normally say.

Ending the Interview
Clarify. If you are uncertain about a point, ask the source to clarify. Ask summary questions because now that we know all the basics of the story, given them a chance to summarize. Make sure you ask a last question like, "Anything else I should know?" or "Anyone else I should interview?" or "Is there anything I didn't ask that I should have?" Make sure that you thank them for the interview. It's perfectly okay to contact the source again, especially since you're already developed a repore.

Definitions

• Off the Record. Information that cannot be used in print but can provide reporters with leads that can be purused from other sources. It has to be agreed upon by the reporter.


• On the Record. Information can be reported and attributed to the source.


• On Background. General information may be reported but without direct quotes or source identification.


• Anonymous. Information may be reported directly (and quoted) but the information cannot be attributed to a source.


• Not for Attribution. Information may be reported without source identification.

Beat Articles

"Early retirement incentive detailed"
By Jimmy Blue
The Daily Evergreen

"Locals dodge downturn"
By Brent Lindquist
The Daily Evergreen

"Economy slashes college endowments"
By Genevieve Marshall
The Morning Call

Beat Articles

"House passes economic stimulus, prodded by Obama"
By David Espo
The Seattle Times

"Floyd announces more possible cuts"
By Jimmy Blue
The Daily Evergreen

"Veterinary College cancels annual conference"
WSU Today

5 Questions for Andrew Schneider

1. What factors played into your decision to write the Libby story? What motivated you to continue the story as a series?

2. Doing such an emotional story, about the town in Libby, was it sometimes hard to detach yourself from the piece? Or do you remember times during your investigation and writing when you just said, “I can’t do this anymore?”

3. Did you feel as if more was expected of you once you became a Pulitzer winner?

4. Because you’ve now won two Pulitzers, do you notice yourself having more authority when it comes to which stories you choose to write about?

5. With the Seattle Post-Intelligencer closing its doors, what’s next on the agenda for you as a journalist? As a writer?

Hiring freeze affects those seeking employment by WSU

Due to worsening economic conditions, both nationally and regionally, coupled with harsh budget cuts at Washington State University, a hiring freeze enacted by President Elson S. Floyd in early April continues to affect students and individuals seeking employment by the University.

The state of Washington is currently facing a $5 billion deficit for the two-year budget. Gov. Christine Gregoire says this could increase to $6 billion if the economy continues to deteriorate. Gregoire has asked the state’s colleges and universities to prepare for a 20 percent budget cut, or $600 million over the next two years.

Gregoire ordered all Washington state colleges and universities to implement a hiring freeze while simultaneously reducing travel and equipment expenses. Shawn Hoch, Associate Director of Culinary Operations, said, “It was just announced that $47 million is being cut from the University’s budget.” The hiring freeze, coupled with drastic budget cuts, has caused all University staff and faculty to feel the effects of a worsening economy.

President Floyd’s hiring freeze mirrored announcements made in early August by Gregoire. The governor announced that a statewide hiring freeze would be implemented in order to meet new budget demands. Joan S. King, Executive Director of Budgeting and Planning said, “The hiring freeze was a good idea in order to slow spending and prepare us for the upcoming budget cut. It was a prudent step.”

The president wrote an e-mail to WSU chancellors and vice presidents in April explaining his decision to enact the freeze. According to Washington State University’s The Daily Evergreen, Floyd wrote in part, “Given an increasingly uncertain financial future for the state and the nation, it is my desire to slow significantly the pace of administrative and professional hiring within WSU.” Floyd further advised that the Budget Office should be consulted before posting vacant positions and awarding promotions of increases in salary.

As a result, WSU has limited its staff recruitment efforts to allow only for the replacement of positions deemed essential to university operations.

Matthew A. Skinner, Associate Budget Director, said that 215 fewer people were hired during May and Dec. 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. This means that there were nearly 50 percent fewer positions filled. Forty-nine fewer faculty members were hired as compared to the previous year, said Skinner.

King acknowledges that the University’s hiring has been reduced as a result of the freeze, but she said, “Student workers have been exempted from the freeze; we hired hundreds of students, for instance, for the re-opening of the CUB.” Skinner added, “We don’t anticipate a slowdown in the number of student positions.”

“The University relies on student employees; our operations would be seriously hindered without them,” said Hoch. Even though students are exempt from the hiring freeze, they are still feeling the effects of the budget cuts.

The cuts are affecting hourly employees and the amount of hours they are given each week. “I’m limited to only working 10 hours a week,” Madeline V. Verochio said. Verochio is a senior in political science and is currently employed as a clerical assistant with University Relations. “I couldn’t work more, even if I was needed, and there have been times that I was, but I couldn’t because of the strict budget limitations,” said Verochio.

In order to better prepare for the upcoming budget cuts, Floyd and Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly have requested that all university deans, vice presidents and chancellors prepare a 12 percent and 18 percent budget reduction scenario. The budget cuts are aimed at reducing communication expenditures, increases in salaries and hiring new faculty and staff.

Joan S. King – Executive Director of Budget and Planning
(509) 335-9681

Matthew A. Skinner – Associate Director of Budget
(509) 335-1836

Shawn Hoch – Associate Director of Culinary Options
(509) 335-8488

Beat Articles

"Microsoft cutting 1,400 jobs today; up to 5,000 in next 18 months as recession hits harder"
By Benjamin J. Romano
Seattle Times

"Education leaders focus on future despite economy"
By Donna Gordon Blankinship
Seattle Post Intelligence

"WSU wants small tuition increase"
By Adnrew Talevich
The Daily Evergreen

"Committee hears budget concerns"
By Erik Fena
The Daily Evergreen

Story Proposal #1

Hiring Freeze and the effects on University Employment
Governor Christine Gregoire plans on saving $90 billion from the state budget after a $6 million defecit for the two-year budget. In an August 4 memo, Gregoire ordered Washington agencies and colleges to freeze hiring and reduce costs on travel and equipment. President Elson S. Floyd instituted a slowdown in administrative and professional hiring by the university in late April. Since the announcement, President Floyd has limited WSU’s staff recruitment efforts and has focused only on hiring employees deemed essential to university operations.
Since Gregoire’s initial announcement, Washington State officials are projecting a 5 billion dollar deficit for the next two-year budget. Governor, Christine Gregoire says this could increase to 6 billion due to the deteriorating economy. Gregoire has asked the state’s colleges and universities to prepare for a 20 percent budget cut, or 600 million over the next two years.
The hiring freeze on the Washington State University campus has resulted in less employment opportunities for new faculty and students. Even if a student is lucky enough to be employed by the University, scheduled hours have been limited.
Possible Sources:
1. Joan King, Executive Director of Budget and Planning
2. Madeline Verochio, University Relations Assistant

How budget cuts are affecting Dining Service’s University Catering
For the last two years, Washington State University’s annual allocation for its operating budget was $254 million. Gregoire’s proposed budget (announced in December) recommends cutting that figure by 12 percent ($31 million). As a result, the University announced a budget cut in November which totaled $4.47 million, which includes a $2.5 million cut in the academic budget. This has brought the total budget cut to $10.5 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
As a result of the economic crisis, the University Budget Committee (co-chaired by President Elson S. Floyd and Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly) has requested that all campus chancellors and administrative vice presidents to prepare a 12 percent budget restriction scenario for their areas.
Due to budget cuts made in November, many departments had to cancel their holiday events, causing University Catering to lose money. Now that budget cuts are inevitable once the Legislature approves the budget, other events and conferences are sure to be cancelled as well, leaving Catering even more financially insecure. What are the effects of department budget cuts on University Catering and what it the outlook for the University’s catering business?
Possible Sources:
1. Rosita Sandell, Catering Manager
2. Amy Gibson, Catering Coordinator
3. Shawn Hoch, Executive Director of Dining Services

Beat Note

The Economy: Washington State University

Introduction
The economy has quickly become a highly controversial issue that has incited a vigorous political debate. This is especially true because of the trouble it is currently causing in regards the national economy. An economy is not a specific size. It can be used to describe the entire world (international market), a country (national economy) or a city (local economy), as long as it is involved in the production of goods and services.
It is important for the average individual to understand at least the basic mechanisms of the nation’s economy. The news media has already partially informed Americans about the economy’s influence on the international and domestic stock markets, state and local government’s budgets, interest rates, unemployment rates and retirement plans. It will be the focus of this beat to examine the effects of the national and local economies on the average individual (student or employee) in Pullman, Wash. and Washington State University.
The growing financial crisis began in July of 2007. It was initially referred to as the “credit crunch” or “credit crisis” by the United States news media. The economic volatility peaked in September of 2008 when a variety of international stock markets crashed, causing a myriad of banks, mortgage lenders and insurance companies to fail. The crisis is often attributed to the collapse of America’s housing market but, America’s financial system was already volatile because of highly insecure financial contracts.
The economic crisis at first, affected only those directly involved with home construction and mortgage lending such as Countrywide Financial. Mortgage lenders, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, were then taken over by the Federal government. Washington Mutual, the largest savings and loan association in the United States also failed.
As a result, the United States Congress passed a 700 billion bailout plan for the finance industry. Consequently, Congress also passed legislation that gave 25 billion to the “Big Three” (Ford, GM and Chrysler) in order to bailout the automotive industry. This has ultimately caused a variety of industries to seek a Federal bailout, including the adult entertainment industry.
Washington State officials are projecting a 5 billion dollar deficit for the next two-year budget. Governor, Christine Gregoire says this could increase to 6 billion due to the deteriorating economy. Gregoire has asked the state’s colleges and universities to prepare for a 20 percent budget cut, or 600 million over the next two years.
Washington State University has already begun to prepare for the hard economic times. President, Elson S. Floyd implemented a hiring freeze during the spring and took a cut in pay.

Story Proposals

1. The hiring freeze and its effect on student employees and/or hiring new professors, deans and professional support.


2. Statewide budget cuts and how it’s affecting Washington State University.


3. How budget cuts within departments at Washington State University are influencing other WSU businesses.


4. The housing market and how it’s performing in Pullman and the effect of low interest rates on real estate.


5. Pullman’s financial situation as compared to other cities in Washington.


6. Washington State University’s financial situation as compared to the University of Washington.

Relevant News Articles

1. “Gregoire looking at massive state budget cuts” by Andrew Garber, The Seattle Times, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008451090_budgetcuts30m.html.


2. “WSU finds ways to deal with steep budget cut” by Andy Jones, The Daily Evergreen, http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/27333.


3. “Academic budget to be cut by $2.5 million” by Staff Reports, The Daily Evergreen, http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/27306.


4. “Economy drives universities to stall hiring” by Karlee Weinmann, MN Daily, http://www.mndaily.com/2008/11/23/economy-drives-universities-stall-hiring.

Potential Sources

1. Joan King, Executive Director of Planning and Budget


2. Javin Bakke, ASWSU Senator


3. Shawn Hoch, Executive Director of Dining Services


4. Greg Blanchard, Manager/Chef


5. Madeline Verochio, University Relations Assistant