Rough lede

For my story covering the topic of credit card debt and college students , I want to focus on how Towson University students work to erase debt or avoid it completely. I've already spoken to students on campus who have mastered the plastic card and I'm interested in seeing what other options are offered from campus or from Chevy Chase Bank.

For a lede, I'm considering opening with, Towson University students consciously conquer and avoid credit card debt through self control and money management skills.

While I would need to do much more research, this is definitely the main point I want to focus on in my story.

Sources

There are three types of sources that writers should resort to when writing a news story:

1. Everyday person (being impacted by the news)

2. Subject expert

3. Someone with control over policy

Each individual will be able to offer a different view and prime information to keep the story well rounded, unbiased, and interesting.

For our news stories covering college students and credit card debt, I sought out three sources that are directly related to local college students and the debt they have accumulated.

1. Hannah Riches; A sophomore at Towson University currently has two credit car and uses them for small purchases and building credit. She received a credit card application in the mail about a year ago and applied. Originally, her limit was $1,000 but has since increased to $1,500. Hannah has never been in credit card debt and would be a great resource for college students on how to remain debt free. I'll be able to interview her extensively for the actual story.

2. Chevy Chase Bank; The bank of choice on Towson's campus is always advertising new credit card deals for expense-ridden students. I would interview a bank representative about applying for a credit card and hopefully get rough statistics on Towson students who apply and how many are in debt.

3. Deb Moriarty; the vice president of student affairs at Towson University would be able to give me information on the campus policies for credit card sales and solicitation. I'll see her Tuesday morning and set up a meeting time.


As for my story, I want to focus on what Towson students can do to pay off their accumulated debt or avoid debt all together. All of my sources will be able to provide insight on how to manage debt and still gain the benefits of having a credit card.

Credit Cards- Something College Students Can Do Without

According to the United States General Accounting Office's Consumer Finance report, 63% of college students have at least one credit card. Of these card-swiping pupils, 59% reported paying their bill in full monthly. Of the remaining students, the average balance was $577. Between 14%-16% had balances exceeding $1,000 and only 5% exceeded $3,000. These numbers seem relatively low and I have to admit that they surprise me. I was sure that a larger percentage of college students would own credit cards and have higher balances because they are so easy to access.

A little more than 1/3 of all credit card owning college students claimed that they obtained their card through mail solicitation while 1/4 got their cards from campus displays. I remember receiving countless credit card applications in the mail after my 18th birthday and I can imagine how students desperate for more money would be tricked by the colorful wording of the company. Students use their credit cards to purchase books, supplies, food, clothing, entertainment, school fees, and tuition.

Personally, I do not own a credit card because I'm almost positive I would not be punctual with the payments and therefore would accumulate more debt. I say- stick to debit cards, they won't work when you try to use money you don't have.

How to Blog

In the article, “How to Blog," blogging is proven to be both practical and accessible. Mark Briggs explains that “a good blog is an ongoing conversation,” between the author and the readers. Blogging differs from newswriting because it allows for the writer to be informal and stray from the typical newspaper format. Readers will be able to get a taste of the author’s personality and insight into their sense of humor or passion. Blogging allows readers to participate in the particular blog through posting comments that can be read by the writer or other readers. Along with excess information provided through comments, the author can provide links in their blog to other databases or blogs for other insight or information on the topic. Blogs are also more accessible than newspaper articles and can be updated quickly and at any time.
I think that Bob Baker’s, “The Buzz Factor," is a great example of a blog. This indie music promotion blog is a refreshing blend of advice, podcast links, photos, and conversation between Bob Baker and his readers. Baker provides personal insight for anyone trying to make it big in the music scene and follows with helpful links.
Now that I’m taking Newswriting, I am writing in this blog regularly. Before enrolling in this class, I have kept a Livejournal and regularly check my friend’s blogs to stay updated on their lives back in New Jersey. Blogging has been a great way to organize my thoughts and keep in touch with friends who go to college in other states. As a college student, I am interested in blogs by my friends, news blogs, local activism blogs, and music blogs. Public relations practitioners can utilize blogs to post press releases, release information for their clients, and share campaign ideas.