Emma Louise Blight - Negotiated Portfolio: Is That Karma?

Project Brief

Welcome to my blogbook for my Negotiated Portfolio; the final module of my Ba(Hons) Journalism degree.

Please make sure you head right back to the oldest posts in order to see all of my thought processes and research, or if you prefer, click the tags relevant to the articles within the portfolio which can be found to the right hand side of the blog.

Many Thanks,
Emma x

Project Brief

In this unit you will be required to produce an 8,000-word (or equivalent) portfolio of journalistic work that is targeted at existing publications and online media outlets, together with a log book or blog that documents your research and decision making process and a critique of your work.

Using the core journalistic skills already accrued on the course you will be expected to produce a number of pieces that demonstrate an appreciation of both audience and style. With the support of a tutor and through peer group work you will initiate ideas and develop a portfolio of marketable stories.

Your portfolio must include an appreciation of online journalism and include at least one item that is written/designed for the web. You may, if you choose to, submit a new magazine concept for part or all of this assignment.

Sunday, 15 May 2011

Is That Karma?

Wiltshire council have revoked the licence of Chippenham’s most popular night club, Karma

Police have felt that following prior warning and a licence review in August 2009 that the club has failed to adhere to demands. Karma owners were told to begin controlling the trouble caused by drunken customers.

Owner Mike Rosser and manager Jack Frost claim that they have made improvements and increased vigilance when it comes to drunken disturbances caused by their punters. However Wiltshire Council has been unsatisfied with the results and withdrawn their licence rights.

Rosser and Frost have confirmed they will be appealing the decision through the courts.

Is That Karma? Research

Wiltshire council taking away Karma Nightclub's licence.

Karma have previously been warned to control drunken customers behaviour.

Owner Mike Rosser and Manager Jack Frost believe they have improved and will be appealing.

Mike Rosser Quote
“Just to confirm, we are still open as usual. We have not been closed; we are going to Court to get this sorted once and for all.”

Mike Smith Quote

“I go to Karma whenever I am on a night out in Chippenham. It’s the best nightlife the town has. There are plenty of other places in Chippenham that have cheap drinks and people will get drunk there before heading to Karma.”

“Those places aren’t getting in trouble. I think the council will find that even with Karma shut, people will still get drunk and cause problems. They can’t close down every bar in Chippenham."

News Piece Section

This section of my portfolio is to display my news writing skills. I have chosen to write 4 news pieces. 3 for national news and one for local.

The national news outlets I have been looking at include 'The Daily Mail', 'The Times', 'The Daily Express'. The local paper I have been looking at is Wiltshire's 'Gazette & Herald'. Their writing styles are relatively formal and to the point. I will be using the generic pyramid format to write all of these articles.

The focus will not so much be on the length of the article or the quantity of information as much as it was with features. Instead the focus is on including the important facts in the correct order.

I have chosen four articles to write. They are as follows:
1. Chelsea vs Manchester United - A win for Chelsea could bring them closer to holding onto their Premier League title. A win for Manchester United will all bar 1 point secure their 19th title.
2. Blue announced as UK Eurovision act
3. Eurovision Winner
4. Local Night club loses licence.