Grad student, reporter joins MTV election coverage / LJWorld.com

Archive for Friday, December 28, 2007

J-W Staff Reports

December 28, 2007

Alex Parker, a Kansas University journalism graduate student and part-time reporter for the Lawrence Journal-World, has been selected by MTV to be part of a new election coverage team.

Parker, 27, will be the Kansas representative of "Street Team '08," a group of 51 citizen journalists who will report on national and local races and issues leading up to next year's elections.

"I feel like there is so much opportunity to tell important stories and help people out," Parker said.

Team members will contribute weekly reports in numerous formats, such as videos, blogs, animation, photos and podcasts.

The reports will be distributed to The Associated Press Online Video Network, Think.MTV.com and other platforms.

"Recent MTV research shows young people believe their generation will be a major force in determining who is elected in the upcoming local and national elections," said Ian Rowe, vice president of public affairs and Strategic Partnership, MTV.

"Street Team '08 will be a key way for our audience to connect with peers, as well as get informed and engaged on the local and political issues that matter to them most," Rowe said.

The "Street Team '08" program was made possible by a $700,000 grant from the Knight Foundation, according to a news release from MTV.

Parker, originally from Kansas City, Mo., said he hopes to tell stories from across Kansas. He said there is national interest in political news from Kansas because of its seeming contradictions, such as being a traditional bastion of Republicanism while electing a Democratic governor.

He invited people to visit his Web site at think.mtv.com/AlexParker/.

He said the "Street Team '08" program is an example of new ways to cover the news.

"The news isn't necessarily in the hands of only reporters. People who aren't professional journalists are going out and talking to people. It's an opportunity to add to the conversation," he said.

Discussion

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28 December 2007
at 9:18 a.m.

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lawrencechick (Anonymous) says…

That is one assignment I would not be proud of. MTV has gone so far down hill the past 10 years, you mind as well be on the Jerry Springer campaign coverage.
28 December 2007
at 10:04 a.m.

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i_have_only_valid_opinions (Anonymous) says…

lawrencechick, just FYI, it is “might as well” not “mind as well”. I agree though, MTV sucks ballzack these days.
28 December 2007
at 10:07 a.m.

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i_have_only_valid_opinions (Anonymous) says…

I don't mean that as negative against Alex Parker's gig with them. That has to be great exposure for a grad student. Despite what I think of MTV myself, that will look awesome on a resume. Congrats!
29 December 2007
at 3:20 a.m.

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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…

Video killed the radio star and so did “A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila”, in which 16 straight men and 16 lesbians compete for the chance to move into the MySpace star's mansion.

I wonder if Mr. Parker will meet Ms. Tequila! That would be one of the most exciting moments in my career if I was an Ace reporter landing my first big gig on a national TV network. That, and of course, my editorial reporting techniques. Does Hillary wear boxers or briefs, and can she blow a sax like Bill?

Don't knock MTV. According to The Leslie Nielson ratings, the most watched television program by KU students is “A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila” and #2 is “Jackass, starring Don Vito” and #3 is “Real World VS Road Rules - Malibu Beach House vs Winnebago season” and #4 is the “Colbert Report.”