For the Record; an Oral History of Rochester, New York, Newsworkers
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Description
For the Record focuses on the experiences of journalists, primarily in their own words, who worked in Rochester, New York, on the Gannett owned Democrat & Chronicle and the Times Union. While there are occasional glimpses back to the beginning of the twentieth century and conversations regarding current newsroom policies by those who are still involved in the business, most of the material in this study centers on Gannett during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s-a period that may be seen as pivotal to the development of the Gannett Company. Although there is an enormous wealth of material available on the lives of editors, publishers, and owners of newspapers, the history of newsworkers remains quite limited. Brennen's primary intention for this project is to give voice to these newsworkers, investigating their work environment, routines, and expectations. Journalists shared their favorite stories, best interviews, greatest challenges, and most frustrating experiences with Brennen. In giving voice to those previously marginalized, this oral history project may help us to reach a deeper understanding of the challenges and realities newsworkers face in the United States.
ISBN
9780823221363
Publication Date
2001
Publisher
Fordham University Press
City
New York
Keywords
Newsworkers, Journalism, Rochester-- New York
Disciplines
Communication | Journalism Studies
Comments
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Gannett
Newsworkers' Introduction to Journalism 7
Work Routines 28
Beat Reporting 28
Attention to Detail 36
Women in the Newsroom 40
Moonlighting 49
Minority Coverage 53
Newsroom Struggles 67
Gannett Policies 67
Newsworkers React 75
Competition Between the Democrat & Chronicle and the Times Union 83
Guild and Gannett 89
Ideology of Gannett Newsworkers 109
Objectivity 109
Role of Reporters 113
Changing Technologies 120
Memorable Stories 130
Lucky Breaks 130
Drama on the Police Beat 135
Colorful Characters 148
Consent, Compliance, and Resistance: Toward a Critical Theory of Labor and Newswork 153