Feature Story Assignment

• Target Publication

My target publication is the Oregonian, a local newspaper here in Oregon. It has a Mission Statement that covers three points of great importance to the paper. The three points it discusses are “Oregon’s Leading News Source,” “Serving Our Communities,” and “Embracing the Future.” The Oregonian has been serving their community “for more than 160 years.” The Oregonian is a defining source that also aids businesses, “reach their ideal customers through a robust mix of digital advertising, search marketing, SEO, social media strategy and other services.” In terms of “Embracing the Future,” the Oregonian is keeping their media up-to-date with the changing technologies to appeal to their readers. They are found online via OregonLive.com.

The demographic for my story is the general public of Oregon, primarily home and business owners in major cities such as Portland. The demographic for the Oregonian is local readers from Oregon and those who get their news from online sources.

The Oregonian has a broad range of articles from primarily local news to national news. Obituaries, Featured Stories, Business Articles, Sports Articles, Entertainment Articles, and Opinion Articles can all be found in the pages of the Oregonian. Articles in the Oregonian seem to run from an average of 450 to 860 words. Each article is unique to its word count apparently with no seemingly standard count for each topic or category. The Oregonian’s “Letter to the Editor” standards list that, “Please limit letters to 250 words and include your home address and phone number. All submissions become the property of Oregonian Media Group and will not be returned.” There is no “query letter” listing, only a “Letter to the Editor” listing and standards. There are no requirements for submission formatting listed on their website as far as I could find. Most of what is covered is found in the “Letter to the Editor” information or “Join the Team” link. The standards that will be utilized are those listed in the rubric for this assignment. They state, “400–500 words, single spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.”

• Query Letter

To whom it may concern,

The Oregonian has reported local news longer than I have been alive. Though it has reported on the issue of homelessness many times before, I feel that this topic should continue to be reported over and over until the aid necessary is received. This feature story shows the Oregonian’s initiative to help the community and lower the number of people who fall prey to homelessness. By educating the public we can hope to open the eyes of those who are in power and have the ability to start new programs that provide aid to those who are homeless.

My angle on the story has a personal spin on it with hopes of inspiring more locals to donate to the foundations that make a difference. Publishing stories like mine is what makes the Oregonian such a great source of information by showing its integrity and passion to help its own locals in need.

Regards,

W.S. Klass.

• Feature Story

The Offensive Reality of Homelessness

We have all heard about homelessness over the years. When we see these encampments scattered about our cities it is safe to say that it is no “Garden of Happiness” for the individuals dwelling within them. We all have our opinions of the topic. What many people do not realize is that there are those who do not choose this path. Life throws a lot our way and not everyone has the resources to deal with unexpected situations such as losing a job or facing a divorce.

Oregon statistics show that our unemployment rate has dropped to 4% as of January 2017, according to the NCSL, (http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/state-unemployment-update.aspx). It helps to know that the unemployment rate is not entirely accurate. It covers those collecting unemployment which runs out after six months. Once this unemployment benefit is used up the individuals in question are no longer a part of the statistic.

In February 2016, Goldberg and Jones reports, “Oregon has the fourth highest divorce rate in the nation at 12.8%,” (https://www.goldbergjones-or.com/divorce/divorce-statistics-2/). Every situation is different but the end is the same. Without resources and support systems these individuals are forced out on the streets into the category of homelessness.

The Oregonian reported in November of 2016, “The 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report estimates that 59.1 percent of Oregon’s homeless families with children spent the night on the street or in a car, park or another public or private place that is not normally seen as sleeping accommodations.” As we see those individuals “pan-handling” on the street corners or freeway exits and on-ramps, we often ponder the question, “Are these real homeless people or just people that don’t want to work?” The reality is we do not know.

While some people give freely, some bark out comments like, “Get a job!” The facts that some people are not aware of are that in order to obtain a job you need a place of residence and a phone number. A true homeless person might not have access to these. While there are agencies that aid the homeless, these agencies can only aid so many and others are left to fend for themselves.

About a week ago I ran into an elderly fellow in downtown Portland as I was leaving a job interview. I noted he was leaning on a trash can and had a foot brace on displaying a possible injury. Several people passed right by him ignoring his beckon for help. As I passed by he stated, “I haven’t eaten in three days. Can you help me?” He didn’t ask for money. He didn’t smell of booze. He was just hungry! I offered to buy him Subway and did so. The man was very thankful and did not ask for anything else afterwards. This experience only fueled my passion to write this story.