:: LNR Journalism ::

The rise of ad-hoc journalist support networks

PBS Mediashift :: Journalistic collaboration isn't just something that happens between newsrooms. Increasingly, journalists working outside of traditional news organizations are coming together to support each other in a range of ways, from offering safety advice when covering protests to sharing news tips, local resource recommendations and more.

A report by Josh Stearns, www.pbs.org

Charlize Theron in talks to play war reporter Marie Colvin

The Hollywood Reporter :: Charlize Theron and producer Basil Iwanyk are teaming up for a film about the life of recently killed war journalist Marie Colvin.

A report by Borys Kit, www.hollywoodreporter.com

HT: Ben Child, Guardian

Staci D. Kramer, paidContent: Time for me to pursue new challenges

paidContent :: My two-month contract gig at paidContent turned into eight years of covering the economics of digital media while we were living it. But after thousands of posts, many paidContent events, one funding round, and two sales, it’s time for me to pursue new challenges.

A report by Staci D. Kramer, paidcontent.org

DiAngelea Millar: The last 'Money' intern at The Times-Picayune turns out the lights

Reynolds Center for Business Journalism :: Through my brief tenure at the paper during this summer I’ve been confronted by the reality of the journalism industry in one of the harshest ways imaginable. I know the business of journalism; it slapped me in the face this summer as the paper announced they were cutting printing back and firing reporters.

[DiAngelea Millar:] I’m the last Money intern the Times-Picayune will ever have.

A report by DiAngelea Millar, businessjournalism.org

DiAngelea Millar on Twitter

Syrian TV presenter Mohammed al-Saeed executed

AFP | DOHA Centre for Media Freedom :: Syrian television presenter Mohammed al-Saeed, kidnapped from his Damascus home in mid-July, has been executed, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Saturday. "The television presenter, a well-known figure on state TV, has been executed, and the Al-Nusra Front has claimed responsibility for the killing," the Observatory's Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

(Note:) Contacted by AFP, state TV director Maan Saleh said: "We have no material proof of this killing."

A report by AFP, www.dc4mf.org

Gore Vidal, celebrated author, playwright and commentator, dies in Los Angeles

Associated Press | Washington Post :: Gore Vidal, the author, playwright, politician and commentator whose novels, essays, plays and opinions were stamped by his immodest wit and unconventional wisdom, died Tuesday, his nephew said.

A report by Associated Press, www.washingtonpost.com

Media activist Mohammad Al-Husni killed in the Syrian neighbourhood of Homs

Doha Centre for Media Freedom :: Media activist and Director of Media Centre in Al Qusour, Mohammad Al-Husni, was killed in the Syrian neighbourhood of Homs on Thursday. Husni, 29-year-old, was filming in the area when a bomb blast took place that led to his death. His colleagues told Doha Centre for Media Freedom that he died due to shrapnel injuries from the blast.

A report by www.dc4mf.org

Permanent updates on the situation in Syria: Reports by Alex Thompson, Channel 4

Syria endgame: who and what will emerge from the ruins?  - Martin Chulov, Beirut, Guardian

HT: last two links: Mark Little via Twitter

Gabriel García Márquez's writing career ended by dementia

Guardian :: The Nobel prize winning author Gabriel García Márquez is suffering from senile dementia and can no longer write, his brother has revealed. Jaime García Márquez told students in Cartagena, Colombia, that his older brother, affectionately know as Gabo, calls him on the telephone to ask basic questions.

"He has problems with his memory. Sometimes I cry because I feel like I'm losing him," he said.

Continue to read Conal Urquhart, www.guardian.co.uk

'Discover a world of unlimited stories' - Margaret Atwood: Why Wattpad works

Guardian :: Once again people are giving me strange looks. Why Wattpad? And, indeed, what pad? Wattpad, as in wattage, the kind that makes the lights turn on. "But Margaret," you can hear them whispering. "You're a literary icon at the height of your powers; it says so on your book covers. Why are you sneaking out with an online story-sharing site heavy on romance, vampires and werewolves? You should be endorsing Literature, capital L. Get back up on that pedestal! Strike a serious pose! Turn to stone!"

Why Wattpad works by Margaret Atwood, www.guardian.co.uk

HT: nyrbLit, here:

Our friend @MargaretAtwood on the value of the internet and @wattpad to writing, writers, literacy and fun! bit.ly/NdqtQU

— nyrbLit (@nyrbLit) July 7, 2012

PGR says 22 year old U.S. journalist killed in Mexico was accident

Justice In Mexico :: The death of 22-year-old up and coming U.S. journalist Armando Montaño (AP) was an accident and unrelated to his profession, reported Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (Procuraduría General de la República, PGR). Montano’s body was found on June 30 in an elevator shaft in a building near his apartment in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City.

PGR / posted by kheinle, justiceinmexico.org