Welcome to the Industries

As a Broadcaster

2009-04-01T16:59:00.007-04:00

Done D-O-N-E Done DONE

2008-12-12T15:03:00.003-05:00

Here is the transcripts from the first interview I have done on finishing capstone. Barbara Walters and I sat down this week for the exclusive to discuss my thoughts.

Well Mr. Sadler I thank you very much for doing this interview with me.

Oh please call me Bill, and it was no problem at all.

How’s it feel to finish up?

It’s finally that time. The time where the road comes to an end and a new path must be taken. Capstone, Broadcasting and classes at Westminster College are completed. My capstone project went well, I completed a resume tape thru WKBN and had my courtesy interview with Gary Corson.

But how did capstone really turn out?

Well, as many know I changed my capstone project a few times. My original project was to bring a weather segment to The County Line. It took a large amount of time to prepare for that. I had to find slides, fonts, learn weather patterns, talk to the weather team of 27/33 to get all the needed information to start a weather segment from scratch. After some thought, and convincing, I decided to switch gears and become The County Lines Political Correspondent. It was at the height of the election, almost every candidate had something to say, but the Mercer and Lawrence County area didn’t have much excitement as I saw in Youngstown. So my final topic for my final project was to return to my internship, play an active role as an intern to become a reporter for the station then at the end have an evaluation/interview to see if I was qualified.

How did it go?

Well it took a lot of time to fulfill MY requirements and expectations of being a reporter. I wanted to go in at least once a week and play an active role as a reporter but my school schedule didn’t corporate with normal business hours, ie 9 to 5 or 3 to 11. So I started going in on weekends since it was the only way I could find time to cover stories. As a note there was no rule that said I needed to go in once a week, but I felt in order to find a good story and not be rushed to finish at the last minute I would start early and continually work on the project. So, I did work on my project every week this semester.

Could you see someone else doing this as a project, perhaps a future capstone student following your path?

Sure. I defiantly could see it being done again. While it wasn’t my original plan, and I did have my heart set on becoming a weatherman by the end of ’08, this concept was not a horrible thing to do, and it was fun. It can probably be done in and field of media, newsprint, radio, or even something outside that could qualify. But the key to the project is playing a very active, hands on role. There is no time to sit around and think about things to do you need to be in the role once you hit the door, carpe diem. Treat this as your job just like your fellow colleagues do, because you are one of them.

Now, you say you had various projects throughout capstone. How did you feel when others had a topic and you didn’t?

Yeah, yes I did have different topics and never knew which one to keep. But I wanted something that I would be happy with, something that I would possibly do when I leave here with my piece of paper. And while some never changed their project ideas it didn’t matter to me. Good for them, they know what they want to do but I don’t yet. Maybe it was that I never wanted to settle for something so I can just get it done and be over wit, because as you see this project has lasted three months. So for the broadcasters that are entering capstone next semester, next year, whenever I say to them. Do a project you want. It may not be your typical reporter, director, anchor project because some of us have no intentions of enter news as a career. But this is you last hurrah and make it good so you can enjoy it.

What’s next, Bill?

Bed. Ah Ha Ha Ha. Just for a little while, I’ll relax and think about my college life. But next semester while I will not be a traditional student I will still be seen on campus as an intern at the Admissions Office. So I while I will not start my professional career yet I have some time to research and evaluate my life goals.

Then and Now

2008-11-19T18:00:00.004-05:00

As previously stated in One Project Comes to Mind I talked about my video productions class and a project I did, well here it is. also I am posting the VO of Pac Media Day coverage from the Heinz History Center Sports Museum to see if there was any improvement.

FALL 2005

October 23, 2008

On the Clock

2008-11-17T18:05:00.000-05:00

The long and winding road to December is finally near. Soon Fall ‘08 classes will end, as will my time as a student at Westminster. Capstone is the stepping stone towards moving into graduation… and here’s how it’s going.

My Third Term as a WKBN Intern is going well. I try to make an appearance during the week but it has been difficult due to my school schedule. But I have been in every week since officially going back to the station in September. Recently I’ve been going in on weekends because there are only a hand full of people on hand and I have the chance to do something new and original versus being with the regular reporters and having an identical story during the week. My attendance on weekends has worked out for the producers as well, since they now have someone extra to get SOTs and info for VOs. When it comes down to making my resume tapeI know what stuff I will use but figure I will still go in because something exciting might happen or a better story may cross my path.

As of right now the “interview” for my “job” is still set for the same day but you never know what can happen in the world of news.

This type of project would be great for anyone who has never had an internship or someone who has had one. To make a resume tape at a commercial news operation is the best way to go. You have all the equipment needed from cameras to editing programs, events to cover, and an experience staff to answer any questions.

At the end of capstone in December I will be an intern at WKBN for every month since starting in January for the year of 2008, to say the least I have become a regular. I don’t know if I will be able to function without them.

Show your stuff.

2008-11-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

The Westminster Career Center welcomes all seniors to a yearly event called Dine & Shine. It is an evening of learning how to present oneself in professional meal gatherings and exactly what to wear when going on an interview or when there are no specific dress code they show what would be a safe bet. When I was a sophomore I was an invited guest to the event, well actually one of the models showing off the business casual dress. So as a senior I did not attend the event because for a few years now I have actively practiced what I learned that night.

When I was assigned to wear clothes from the Business Casual category I figured a nice polo and khakis pants would do, but I was wrong. Instead I would be wearing Haggar Clothing and Rockport shoes provided by the Grove City Prime Outlets. I never realized business casual meant wearing a suit but without the tie. Wearing my tan sports jacket, off-tanish dress paints, olive short sleeved tee shirt I showed my stuff to the seniors.

Speaking of my stuff I also participated in the eveningwear category using my own clothes. Being a broadcast major, in my opinion, it is essential to have a few different colored shirts, ties, and suits so viewers don’t spot that same red tie you wear every other day. It wasn’t that hard to wear a matching shirt and tie under my black suit and black over coat, except for being indoors wearing a heavy winter overcoat with the heat on. People thought I was sweating from being nervous but there was no fear when I stepped on the stage.

I also recall a few meal tips given by the guest speaker. When taken on a company meal whether it be lunch or dinner do not order anything messy, especially spaghetti. You want to eat meals with a fork and knife, nothing that requires using your fingers. If you walk away from the table remember to place your fork and knife crossing each other, making an X, which lets everyone know you are not finished with your meal. If you would like the plate removed, don’t push it towards the center, place the knife and fork together side-by-side which symbols you’re done. And never completely clear your plate, leave some food left on the dish so it doesn’t look like you are only eating that meal for the day. And don’t use bread or lick the plate clean. If it was the meal was that good go back to the restaurant on your own time.

Application

2008-11-05T17:33:00.002-05:00

For class I need to find a job posting and found a posstion for a videojournalist off the WKBN website. I would like to express my intrest for the class. It is not formal.

Gary Coursen
News Director
WKBN-TV
3930 Sunset Blvd.Youngstown, Ohio 44512

Dear Mr Coursen:

Last week I found a description for employment on your company website for Videojournalist which I believe I am well prepared for. I am contacting you regarding my interest in working for WKBN-TV.

From my resume you will note that I have direct experience in the field of broadcasting. My educational background established the knowledge of organizing of a newscast, comprehension of operating a show, as well as achieve the skills to present as on-air talent. My time as an intern at WKBN-TV gave the practice required to immediately enter a commercial station. I have witness videojournalists, photographers, and producers at work and understand the importance of bringing what the viewers want and expect from a news organization. As a Youngstown resident I have observed the product you produce on a daily basis and believe I can perform at the high quality of your station. I am looking for a challenging and rewarding career in broadcast industry and trust my qualifications will meet your requirements.

In May of next year I will obtain my Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication from Westminster College. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about a position with your company. Please feel free to contact me at (330) ***-**** or email @yahoo.com.

Sincerely,

William Sadler

One project comes to mind.

2008-10-30T22:47:00.001-04:00

In Video Production all students learn the basic skills to operate a video camera and for most the first time ever. Granted people have used a camera for home movies, graduation, or other usage that requires night vision, but most have never used camera that uses DVC tapes. When I started out in the class I learned there were many things that need to be set to capture the best image. You can’t leave the settings in automatic and expect video of high quality for viewers to watch. Some of the settings you need to learn first are white balance, focus, power switch, and record. Yes very simple things, but not on this bad boy.

As one of our first major projects of the class everyone broke into groups and needed to film a sports practice. My group, made up the illustrious Kathryn Larson along with a fellow broadcast major, decided to tape a football practice. It only ended up being me and the other girl since the “Illustrious One” was busy being editor of the college newspaper and couldn’t make it. Our goal for the project was to edit our shots together and to tell a story… kind of a video essay of the practice. After lugging the equipment to the practice field we get set up by opening in the tripod, connect the battery, but have nothing to white balance on. I remembered in class that anything white will work I look around, not noticing the players white pants, but see my shoes are white and balance off of them (a tip from the professor). I start out with the camera and I’m all over the place, literally. I’m in the huttle, next to the kickers, with them in jumping jacks, I mean everywhere, because another thing I remembered from class was to “be the zoom”. My partner did all her shots from far away with the zoom, but at least with a tripod.

Before leaving I had to think back if I had the three important shots a wide, a medium and a close-up. It wasn’t that hard to remember because I knew I would have enough to work with since I filled up an entire tape. When it came to editing all of us needed to use our own original shots, I did but when it came time to present our work to the class the three of us had many of the same images. Those duplicate images used by the group were also the main clips used in my package. But I saw no problem in sharing the wealth of a 33 minute tape full of football practice.

That project was my favorite of all time. I wasn’t going to hang on the side to take shots because I knew the best ones would be taken from right in the action. I gained the ability to become outgoing and had to overcome the fear of approaching people with a camera. I would always think “Do they want me in there face” and “I can’t get close to them they might push me over” but I realized I wasn’t a member of the paparazzi but just the local cameraman trying to get the news… while dodging punts, wild throws, and the out of control defensive tackler.

(Side note)

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon the tape that holds this project. It brought back many memories of the old days. I have been threatening to post it to my blog but never put it on a web format yet. But when I do you are forewarned it was my first year of camera work.

Who do I want to see ten years from now....

2008-10-24T12:20:00.003-04:00

One more visit

2008-10-19T21:43:00.005-04:00

One more visit from Senator Clinton to Youngstown. This is from Friday October 17. I used my flip video and put something together...roughly. The campaign stop for Obama features Senator Hillary Clinton (lady in red), Representative Tim Ryan (first person to talk and interview at end), and Governor Ted Strickland (not shown) and me.

Shinning Stars

2008-10-15T09:59:00.007-04:00

For this week I take a look at a younger student. An up and coming WC broadcast student, someone that I feel is working their hardest to make it big. To be honest I don’t have anyone to write about. I look at the younger students I try to look at them as people not future employees or competitors. When I socialize with them I try to avoid the topic of broadcasting since we’re not on the clock. But if I had to pick one I would say Jordan Early.

She has already reached her way to the top by achieving what many have never done before by getting an internship at CNN New York. While I have bragging rights for having one of the longest internships, she made it to the number one market in the industry and to one of the top national news networks seen worldwide.

I remember I made a visit to CNN Atlanta a few years back while visiting family in Georgia, but I never got to touch their equipment or talk to the reporters and staff. When I get older and look back I’ll wonder what Jordan is doing in the field. I know she will stay in the industry since this is all she has ever wanted to do and no matter how hard people try to knock her down she had the determination and the focus to make it big.

Because of all that I chose Jordan Early as my up-and-coming star in WC broadcasting, while trying not to outkast all the other great acquaintances I have made with the younger class.

Interview

2008-10-07T00:06:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to YouTube of my first interview I did this year for The County Line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA8FbIeav5U

That extra push

2008-10-06T23:35:00.005-04:00

In my years at Westminster I have received advice from many great students. In the beginning it was Heather Storm who showed me the ropes to the major while everyone else was too busy. Luke Garrett was the next who made an impression on me, was an all around professional and showed me to treat everyone as such. But the one and only true broadcast alum I will always respect as a mentor is Kathryn Larson. She may have graduated two years ago but is someone I will never lose contact with.

When I first met Kathryn it was in 2004 and both our first years at Westminster, hers since she transferred from The University of the South in Tennessee, and my first year out of high school. It was during our broadcast of the high school football games I would work with her, but it wasn’t until the next year I would learn her ways. In a video productions class we got paired up to work together and from that time on we were a team. I was her main, and at times preferred photog, that traveled with her to breaking news to the unimaginable stories. It was during that time I learned how knowledgeable she was in the news field since she balanced reporting for TV and being editor of the college newspaper. When ever she walked into the room the first thing she said was “Anything newsworthy?” In my mind I would imagine the things that would make me a great reporter but it wasn’t until she would say it I would make that image a reality.

Since graduation Kathryn has been working at TV 33 Cleveland Headline News as anchor/senior reporter, and since she is online I get to see “My Kathryns” from time to time. I talk to her at least once every month or two months and she still has the motivational power on me as she did when we were in classes together. It was because of her I stepped up at my internship. I wanted to do thinks and go on events but it was her that said “go on events, go in on weekends, do what you want you are there to learn.” Just last week I talked to her and again she told me to do the very same things I was thinking to do while anchoring. “Next time I see you anchor I want you to talk with your hands, everyone here in Charlotte does it and I know you can. It makes you personable and conversational.” I was asked if I was coached on anchoring after putting my visions to work. I said I wasn’t but it was a friendly push that motivated me.

(This our serious pic to be Your Late Breaking News Team from 3 years ago. We need a new one)

The final senior project

2008-09-30T20:54:00.000-04:00

If The Shoe Fits

In January of 2008 I started an internship at WKBN-TV Youngstown, a network I have watched all my life. I got the experience to watch all my favorite reporters and anchors prepare for a newscast and for the first time witness the behind-the-scenes crew at work. It was a once in a life time opportunity I never imagined possible that still continues to this day. Using my current status as intern I plan to take the position to the next level and become a “real” reporter every time I enter the building. My ultimate goal to end my internship is to have a completed resume tape to submit to the news director and receive an interview.

As the third segment of in internship begins I plan on taking a hands on approach to my role. I will now put myself in the reporters’ shoes and do exactly the same assignments they are assigned that day. Whether it being a package or SOT I will have it done, but will be my own version to hopefully meet their same deadline. However, when it came to edit, if an edit bay was needed for the newscast I am willing to complete the editing later in the day or on a quite weekend in order to not interfere with the actual product. I basically would do the same things I have done previously as an intern, but now work towards polishing and preparing myself for a career since it is closer than it ever was before.

My Interview is set for Wednesday December 3 and is when I will officially end my year long internship at WKBN but hopefully begin a new one.

The story continues...

2008-09-29T23:41:00.000-04:00

I said back on August 22 In Go Big and Go Home my internship came to a close and hopefully as in a good soap opera my fan favorite charater of superstar intern would come back. Well I found out no one was re-casted to fill the role so I’m back to reoccurring status in the role of intern at 27/33. This time for my senior project. Ahhh it’s nice to be back.

I hope you had a good day…

2008-09-23T19:15:00.003-04:00

Have you ever heard of Charles Gibson? If you have then you have watched ABCNews like I do.

When I read news on-air I imagine I am a professional news personality. Years ago, in my beginning years, I started out in radio news before I could be on TV and it took awhile for me to find my “voice” (I think everyone has an on-air voice that is different from the way they talk in person). At Westminster we play ABC’s radio news update at the top of the hour before we give our update and the time slot I had came after Gibson’s reports. The first few times I got excited to hear this big time anchor read the news before I did, but then I listened carefully and realized he did a good job announcing. From then on I was Charles Gibson reading the news the way he did and even tried to mimic his closing. I felt like I was Gibson… only on a smaller scale and still an amateur.

On the ABCNews site I learned Charles is a graduate of Princeton University and was the news director of the University’s radio station, a position only considered for the best of the class. I remember during ABC’s coverage of President Gerald Ford’s funeral he said he was a junior reporter during the Ford administration, which to me would seem to be an exciting job covering the White House and especially during that period since Ford replaced President Richard Nixon after his resignation. Gibson then moved up to Good Morning America as co-anchor along side Diane Sawyer, and is a position I would like to have since my new fascination is the early morning shows from 7-9 am est. I remember watching the announcement of his big move to World News when the position became vacant when Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff no longer where in the spot. Ever since then I have been a loyal watcher, follower, and fan of Mr. Gibson.

I think he keeps the news balance during this political race and doesn’t show signs of any favoritism to either party. The hard hitting questions were asked to Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin just as he asks any Democrat, Government Official, or news maker. Since I have come to admire him as a professional and someone I can learn from I name him my person of the week. And to steal another line of his, which my Uncle hates and say when I make it big to come up with something better, but I like it, and I hope you had a good day and from all of us at, my news not ABC, have a good night.

Professional Molding

2008-09-07T14:13:00.001-04:00

Unknowing to me this week my assignment is talk about someone who molded and shaped me professionally, as I thought about who has made the most impact in this situation it's hard to narrow it down to one since it really was a whole group of people.

When I graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 2004 I received the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship towards my college tuition. It wasn’t until the next year I would begin to evaluate how I looked at myself as a professional. I got a call one afternoon in April of 2005 from Cindy Miller (who does public relations, is the spokeswoman, and is basically the go-to-person of the Corporation) asking if I would like to read the introductions of the new scholarship winners at the awards ceremony luncheon. She and Mrs. York had figured since I was a broadcaster I would be a good Emcee and since Dr. York, who regularly does the intros, had to be in San Francisco to handle a situation they needed someone. I ecstatically agreed, and for my first jig I stumbled and flubbed the whole time I was up their, but learned a many things that day.

The first thing I learned was from scholarship committee member and former Ohio State Senator Harry Meshel telling me “Take your time when you get up to the podium. When I walk up there I find my papers get the mic leveled then start to speak. You don’t need to speak right away once you get up to the podium. Also move the mic down for the other speakers, you’re tall and need it high so remember to move it back up.”

I got told I did a good job from members of the York family and Cindy, but figured I ruined my public speaking career. But no later than a week of wanting to bury my head in the sand I started working for the York’s at their house that lasted for two years. Sure it wasn’t a suit and tie position (I guess I could have dressed-up to cut the grass and water plants) but working for them made a very large impact on my life. The family owns a professional football team and countless shopping centers across America but never stubbed their nose at me while I worked in their yard. I was treated as a friend and enjoyed my time there. It was through them I learned there is no place for and ego and think your self-worth is better than anyone else’s. If a powerful family could treat a yard worker as an equal than everyone deserves to be treated as an equal.

A few months after the luncheon, a benefit dinner and golf outing is held to raise money for next year’s scholarship recipients, and guess who was invited? This is a big time event and brings people from all over to Youngstown like Former Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris, former Notre Dame football player who had a movie made about him, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, current San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan, and at the time current 49ers Ken Dorsey, Kevin Barlow (who I beat in a game of pool), and Eric Johnson just to name a few. During the event I learned how to present myself by shadowing Cindy at both events. The major thing I learned “You gotta keep cool. If something goes wrong you don’t want to show it because if you do people will begin to look for things. Wait until you get to the back then let ‘em have it.”

Throughout my college career I have hung a 49ers poster on my wall to keep myself in check. It is always there to say the York family is watching you. Because of the York’s I got an extra push to enter college and rarely does a moment go by that the impression they made does not impact my actions.

--Also Mrs. Denise DeBartolo-York and Dr. John York are not mentioned by first name out of my respect towards them.

Shape Shifter

2008-09-02T20:43:00.000-04:00

When I began my internship I entered a whole new world in broadcasting. Where everyone has a place in the production of a newscast and sticks to that role. It was then that I realized broadcasting isn’t that bad. Since my start at Westminster I have done a variety of things for TV and Radio, willingly and unwillingly, and never liked wearing hats I didn’t want. I was told in my second year by a mentor and friend, Cindy Miller from the DeBartolo Corporation, that when I would graduate I would only be applying for the job I want and not be hired to do every position.
I saw that with my very own eyes at WKBN. When you are a producer you put your newscast together, if you’re a reporter you get your story together to bring the facts to the viewers, if you’re a director you program the show so it will go smoothly and efficient. Sure there are some cases that you need to do more jobs, like as a weekend anchor you do a small amount of producing when the shift changes, but you don’t get all the credit as a producer since you need to worry about being on-air. I know that it is nice to learn everything to show you are a well-rounded person, but is that really going to help when you like one position, have your heart set on it and know it’s your goal to have it as your career?

Even though I had my hands in almost every possible thing during my internship I began to realize why I wanted to be in the business and why I have watched news religiously for some 10 years.

Go big and Go home

2008-08-22T12:50:00.006-04:00

As the beginning of classes approach, the end of my internship nears. We can all see I enjoy going to the major events in the Valley and just because my time has ended doesn’t mean I’m not going out with a bang.

General Motor’s Lordstown plant manufactures the Chevrolet Cobalt which will soon be replaced with the newest small car called the Cruze. This has been known knowledge for some time but no one has ever seen what the car looks like… but soon the world will know. GM’s CEO Rick Wagoner will make his first ever visit to the plant and will show the first pictures of the car so we don’t have to wait until the Paris Auto Show next month to see the actual car. Everyone will be there, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Congressmen, and me.

The Plan: BE THERE ALL DAY….
5am and 6am LIVES with interviews… Noon LIVE… 2 pm Event LIVE… and 5pm and 6pm LIVES…
For the event WKBN will operate cameras for ONN’s national satellite feed… 27 Reporter Gerry Ricciutti will do a Live stand-up for ONN.

To prepare: Set up wires and cameras a day before since the event is literally in the middle of the production line.

I get to the event with the after noon crew who will man the main event. The station knew a little secret about the event... the car will be there… and there it was under a sheet… ready to be uncovered.

Already at 11am things seemed a bit stressing, which may had been the large breaks between every live, and more breaks were ahead. Confusion ran amuck since no one knew how the sat feed would work out, and to top off that have 27 master control and 33 master control operate their own unique shows off of three cameras. The rule for cameras was to make moves as it you were always hot, since you would never know which channel would have your shot on-air.

Many local people spoke before the car was unveiled all the local union presidents, the governor who walked on stage to the Ohio State fight song, then finally CEO Wagoner made his way to the stage and told them to remove the cover. The new car Lordstown would make shown its face. Now it was my job to play Media Relations… I had to pull the people Gerry and Peggy Sinkovich planned on interviewing, but it seemed everyone was running over to them so they could give their reaction. After the event went off air Peggy got the chance to speak to Wagoner one-on-one for ABC World News…which no one else had except for the CNN money reporter (and I didn’t know they were interviewing at the time I walked behind them because I needed to get back to our people) and Gerry got ready for his ONN hit.

For the five and six we had the benefit of the stage and car as a backdrop, but it didn’t make many stagehands happy. Once we were finally done that car and blue curtain disappeared faster then you could spell Chevy.

Even though this was my last official event as an intern, I don’t think this is the last the station and I have heard from each other. Just like a good soap opera my role of super “star” intern needs to go away for school, but will be back to recurring status if not a major role.

I have met the next President...but did I shake his hand?

2008-08-05T13:41:00.002-04:00

Whether Republican or Democrat, I have met the next President of the United States. I have seen him speak to crowds of supporters, kiss babies, and stand five feet from me…but did I shake the president’s hand?

Another day, another campaign stop in the Mahoning Valley, this time the return visit from Senator Barak Obama to Austintown Fitch High School. His visit fell on my regular day of interning and even if it didn’t I was planning on going to this early morning event. Yes early morning event, early enough to see the morning shows inside the studio live.

The Plan: Doors open at 7:15 am for this ticketed event. Senator to speak at 9 am.

Even though the sun wasn’t shining yet all the bright colored logos from station trucks and flood lights lit up the sky. Just to name a few of those in attendance Cleveland WKYC 3, Pittsburgh KDKA 2, Youngstown Local and cable access TV, and the Press Pool setup shop for this event. As we waited I watched as the crowd started to fill the stands. All the Democratic leaders showed up from City Council, Mayor, State Congress, US Congress, and Ohio’s very own Governor who gave the grand introduction to the Presumptive Nominee.

As I have learned from campaign events, when Press Pool starts marching in…Elvis is in the Building. The Pool begins to set up and while setting up someone plugs in a digital recorder into the audio box, when the device was plugged in it was in the wrong outlet so everyone lost audio for half of the event. Our station switched over to the CNN feed and put that on air so the event could be seen to viewers.

This must have been a big event in this small town because ABC News went all out. They had Jake Tapper do Lives for Good Morning America while standing on one of our city streets, but on this day he had to toss it back to Robin and Chris because Diana Sawyer was in the high school for an exclusive interview with the senator after the Town Hall. I got to see both of them, from a distance. But the big news was all the local media has permission for their own one-on-one with the Senator.

Since passing my background check I was going to be part of that interview…I was going to get personal with the senator, real with the questions, share a joke, and make sure he has the right answers for the community… Well the real reporter was, I would just stand there. We make our way down a few hallways into a classroom, and wait for about 2 minutes (it felt like 20) as the senator makes his way into the room. Hand shakes all around for our crew as he makes his way to his backdrop, then we hear the media relations women say “You have four minutes, four minutes for the interview. When you only have one minute left I’ll give you the signal.” And she gave that signal by swinging her hand in the air either to flag a Boeing 747 or dance to a 90’s hip-hop song, but none the less our time was up.

He shook hands and said thanks to our crew except for me…. I got a hand shake and “Nice to meet you Bill.” HE REMEMBERED MY NAME!!! No one else got their name said as we said goodbye. I made so much of an impression on him he remembered my name… or could it be he read my press pass that has my name and picture on it… I’m sticking to the first one.

There’s still more campaigning until the November election. My new goal: shake hands with John McCain so I can cover my ground and say I shook hands with the president and have my picture with the candidates as long as I don’t make any quick moves around Secret Service.

Busy

2008-07-29T15:29:00.002-04:00

We have a crew on the scene.....

From a slow news day to news happening everywhere. Early this morning a fire broke out at a metal fabricating plant in Austintown. Metal shavings sparked a fire and a lot of smoke for the fire department to act swiftly to prevent any further spreading of the fire. Only minor damages to the factory with no injuries. You ask me how do I know all that....well that's because I was there. Within 15 minutes of walking through the door I hear about the fire, I see our photog and reporter get ready and ask to tag along. Since it was early in the morning we did cut-ins during the national morning show and the infamous line "We have a crew on the scene..." was used and they were talking about me, because I was a member of the crew.

A story you will only see here.....

I figured since I went out on my one story early I would have a long boring day. But it's never boring in the newsroom... Once the regular crew came in I went out with a reporter to speak with a pastor of a local church who is helping families of a illegal immigrants, who one week ago were busted at a Mexican Restaurant, (which we will call Casa Bonita just like the Mexican Restaurant from South Park) for working with out "papers."

So we talk, chat it up a bit, then head to Casa Bonita for fresh footage for the pack. We then see signs reading "Open Tomorrow, $1 off all meals" and just so happen to see a worker out back. We ask if we can do an interview and they don't mind because they want the media to advertise the grand re-opening, literally.

We head back to homebase then we discover gun shots have been fired on a city street... Guess who is part of the investigative team to find out the truth, no need to answer that. But turns out no one is around and nothing happening.

I start out the day with BREAKING NEWS of a factory on fire and end it with the EXCLUSIVE of Casa Bonita re-opening which we stumbled upon.

But it was just your normal news day, nothing exciting, nothing to see...

When things go wrong

2008-07-09T20:18:00.003-04:00

Can you keep your cool when Video doesn't air... can you stay cool when you have no sound bite in your story.... and can you keep cool to toss to break. Well we found out who can do that during today's 5 and 6 on 27. Today I shadowed the director since majority of our reporters story's started before I did, I just staid at home base. Also I have been wondering what the director does to prepare for the shows since I started here and finally got the in-dept look.

I learned about the mos numbers and how they need matched up to the story, how to program the mics to turn on and off, and set up a double shot of the newsroom and the studio. All was fine leading up to 5. We printed scripts out did a check off our CG's and ready to go...

Tease.....
Intro.....
Stinger...
Live in the newsroom.........
Now what goes next.......

This is were the show takes an unexpected turn. After our LIVE transition the next shedualed story on the rundown is a SOT, but the video didn't play nor does the SOT. The anchor was able to recover to move on the next story a VO, just without the video. The entire A-block became stacked with readers since video didn't run. Then to top that off, some how the prompter switched to the 33 script which left the anchor to read every story off her papers.

While the show was on air, master control representatives, the assignment editor, and news director where talking at the same time in the booth with the director and producer. The show did finally come to a close for us to have a half hour to prepare for our next broadcast.

I played a big role in preparing for the 6 newscast too. I got to transfer over the full screen graphics, print, staple, highlight, and even....past out the rundowns.... But all that hard work didn't make a difference. During the first tease, even before the intro, our video went out again. We did about two minutes of news before going to break and moving into a very early weather forecast then another break to try and recover. If we actually recovered or not is not my decision to make, just those who had to figure out the problem can answer that.

For those on air, good job in keeping cool with the cameras because they were able to hide the anger and confusion of what was going on. And good job to those in the booth for a keeping a show together to air while things kept messing up. I guess that's the way it is when you need to keep the program going when your live and nothing works.

.....Oh and for those wondering how things went wrong, when the vo/sot's/packages were sent through the computer system only one layer of code was sent and since both didn't the master computer just said NO, not gonna do it, and gave us dead air.

G5

2008-07-02T20:14:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to give a shout-out to all my Bright Futures kids. I have been a councilor for the past three years for the same group of students from Campbell Memorial High School that spend 10 days on the campus of Westminster. It is always an exciting year for all of in the program.

G5.

Spice it up

2008-07-02T19:07:00.003-04:00

Just when I thought my internship got boring there was something to spice it up.

As we know I have been here at WKBN since February as an intern, so by now I have become a regular face around the entire station. I've talked to the weather people and graphics department when I needed help for my capstone project. I have been tagging along with reporters and learn tips from them on a regular basis. Just this past month or so I have been writing and editing VOs and SOT/VOs for the news and even the interviews for the SOTs. There really hasn't been any change or anything new happening for me during my experience. Except for yesterday...

I decided to go with a veteran reporter to the commissioner's meeting. Before the meeting we were going to interview the City Auditor then after the meeting talk to one of the valley's long time developers. Once the commissioners bring a close to the meeting we head over to the county administrator for his side of the story. Our reporter and the official were going at it for over an hour, talking about this...then that...what about this...so me, our photographer, and the NBC affiliate stood there and waited in the hope they would stop talking. The two reporters and the county official went to his office to talk about the issue some more, while we went outside and waited for another 20 minutes. While we stood outside by our station cars, decorated with the colorful logos, a man of the city came up to us and had this to say.

I am here...the new york affiliate from NBC... Dan Rather....we want to go LIVE....national with CBS... Tom Brokaw....LIVE...Let's Roll.

While we looked at this man like he was crazy (could have been) he kept saying let's roll and stared us down. I taught if we tried to leave he would jump on the car or jump in the car, hang on to the bumper... he finally walked away....only for us to encounter another person of the city...

Whyz the news here flimin my house? The news replay's back, Well that's because the Fire Marshall is here.

He was there because a "molitov cocktail" (fire bomb) was thrown into the living room as well as gun shoots fired at the home. But it was funny three of us were standing in the street but get referred to as Da News

I guess I'm going attending too many presidential campaign stops, shaking hands too many council members, and covering city clean ups...I need to look deeper into the city to find the memorable moments for my internship experience.

Am I a reporter now?

2008-05-21T16:04:00.005-04:00

This week I did my first interview and wrote a story. So am I a reporter?

Today I went to a grand opening, celebration of Senior Day, and a career day event. The important part of my day began at the grand opening of Little Caesars Pizza (LC) in Austintown. The events were only going to be VO's and used in "Neighborhood News"(the kicker segment at 6) so they only sent out a photog, TJ. When I asked if it was OK to go on the story from the assignment editor she told me it was ok and handed me the press release, but I told her we didn't need it TJ wrote down the directions. She responded by saying "That's OK take it anyway so you can write the story."

My first assignment. Yeah its not that exciting not like last week with the AG, but it's my first assignment. We go to the ribbon cutting and I'm trying to figure out what to write about the event. The owners of the shop were excited and even more since we showed up to cover it. We were just getting cover shots of the place until the Public Relations Rep. Asked if we wanted to interview the owners, TJ said sure, got the mic out and handed it to me. Now, not only writing the story I now will be doing interviews too.

TJ asks...are you nervous? I say "No, just don't know what to ask them." Since I really didn't have time or knew I was doing an interview I had no time to prepare. We set up, they stand in front of a L.C. picture and we begin. I ask them why you opened the store, why you moved here, and all the typical questions you ask in an interview. We move on to the next two places get footage then head back to Home Base to edit and write the stories.

We get back and I begin to write the readers for the 6 news. To make sure I remember to get all the important facts in the story I think back to the 5 W's and the H, Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. When I finished I gave it to the assignment editor then watched the evening news to see listen to my work.

Corruption in Columbus.

2008-05-15T18:56:00.008-04:00

A scandal was running amuck for Ohio's Attorney General (AG) Marc Dann. The big question....will he resign or stay in office? Well he decided on Wednesday to step down from office in a presser at 4:45.

The Plan: Go LIVE at 4:43 to intro the Governor and the AG in Columbus for both stations. Transition into the 5 and have the Political Experts on the respective sets to give their view on the situation.

I got in at 3:30 before the news broke about the event but within 30 minutes everyone was running around trying to put everything together. "What network is covering it...anyone...CNN...OK...what Channel!?!" "CNN is covering it, they just called." "WHAT CHANNEL!!!" As all this was going down I just sat, watched everyone and didn't move, because I wasn't about to get involved with any of the pandemonium going on. 4:45 rolled around we had anchors on the set, live feeds of the AG stepping down, and all was calm for the 5 to run late.

I planned on going to a City Council Meeting with a VJ but that changed because she was going to stay at the station to get local political leaders reactions. I asked the newest VJ if I could head out with her so I didn't have to stay in at "home base" and experience the City. She was only covering a scholarship ceremony for a VO, but that all changed quickly.

"We have a Marc Dann sighting "

After the former AG announced he was stepping down he left the capitol and headed back to his house in Liberty, and we knew where he was. So after the scholarship we dropped off the video and headed to Liberty. At first I thought it was weird and felt we we're stalking the man, but after arriving we saw members of the other local media were already camped out at the corner, so then I didn't feel as bad. Since the VJ was new she wasn't so sure of using the camera so we decided I would take the shots and she would report.

After sometime of waiting a mysterious person walks across the lawn and into a truck, pulls it out the drive and around the corner. Thinking to myself "Here we go, get ready." the truck pulls around the corner and I start rolling. The vehicle passes right in front of me, parks in the drive, the AG walks out, around, and into his house. Not much exciting footage but a rush.

When the video aired for the 10 o'clock everyone complemented the VJ on her great work and the good footage she got, and I said..... Thank You.

Continuing Coverage

2008-05-10T23:59:00.005-04:00

When I started my internship at 27/33 back in February I never imagined it would be so entertaining. Being able to do what ever I wanted to do, go on whatever stories, do stand-ups, sit at the anchors desk, and even experience the weather wall. It has been great to meet the people I have watched for many years on Youngstown TV and to finally see the people behind the camera.

I must say it was hard at first to wake up on Tuesday mornings to be at the station at 8 then end at 4, then the next day have class at 8 end in the afternoon to be back at the station at 3:30 and stay till 11:30. I was always afraid of what they might do to “the intern” and wonder who’s going to be rude to “the intern” (Cause I’ve heard horror stories.) But I was treated like a regular member of the staff (but that also may have been from no one knowing if I was a paid member of the staff since I started shortly after the merger between the two stations.) I must say that I do have my preferences as to who I would rather deal with in certain situations but don’t have any major problems with anyone.

As I compliment 27/33 on how wonderful my time was, I received a complement from them. A few weeks ago I was told I was “the model” intern, I came in did what was asked, asked what I could do, and wasn’t in anyone’s business. Because of the positive influence I made on them I was told I could continue my internship throughout the summer. Once I heard that I ran to Westminster’s Career Center so I could finally get credit for my internship.

So I will be at 27/33 during the summer Continuing Coverage of all the news in Youngstown as a class! (I’m calling it a class since I had to apply for summer school and will get 4 credits like a class)

So with 3 more months at the station I can Continue to work on my resume tape by doing more stand-ups that look better. Sit at the anchor desk again and not stumble through the news, because I realized I was actually sitting in a real studio and the same set I watch every night which Literally took my breath away. Work on the illustrious Weather Wall which will help with the focus of my senior project, and my original interest of the TV industry.

Since I have been at the station for awhile I have a groove going. I know how to use ENPS, Avid, and some stuff an employee/Broadcast Buddy/person previously mentioned in a post doesn’t know. (But he does know more than I do when he teaches me new stuff, but I know tricks he doesn’t.)

During part two of my internship I will make sure to “kick it up a notch” but not too much to dominate anyone because after all I am only an intern.

So, make sure to tune in to my blog as it will have Continuing Coverage of all my adventures at 27/33.

Mast Up

2008-04-24T21:38:00.005-04:00

From my last post you can tell I have been involved with the political events in Youngstown courtesy WKBN. Well, not to turn this into a campaign blog but I saw another candidate…actually the Republican nominee. I said last week Senator John McCain was coming to the valley and I wasn’t sure if I would go, but I did. My day started out on a bad note, but thanks to all those a 27 it turned around. I logged on to ENPS to find out want was going on for the day and found out T.J. Renninger (the same TJ from Broadcasting at Westminster) was on the schedule to cover a lot of the Senators events. I contemplated on staying in the station and passing up the chance to jump on the campaign trail, but since my buddy was the lead photog I decided to tag along.

The plan: 11:15 Sen. McCain does a presser at a struggling factory plant in Youngstown, Noon Sen. speaks at Youngstown State University (YSU) for a town hall meeting, 2:30 Sen. tours the Fireline plant in Youngstown.

We leave at 10:30 and TJ is stressed out. If I didn’t go he would have been all by himself in the live truck without backup. TJ and me have become better friends because of the 27 connection but he was very short with me throughout the day because of the pressure to make sure things go flawless. So, we go to the first stop for the day and Jackie Preston, from the morning show, comes along to cover the story for noon. But guess what? As I have learned things don’t go according as planned. The Senator was coming from Alabama and was running late… a lot late. We were told he was on time, then 15 minutes away, then on his way, he didn’t get there until 12:30ish. The only way I remember was we had to interrupt The Young and the Restless when it started. When things finally get clam at after his speech, TJ and I go to YSU to meet up with Roxanna Seabest to get ready for the plant tour.

We head over to the plant and the media relations woman made sure the Press Pool (national coverage) got the best shots, and the local news had to deal with whatever they got. TJ was running around trying to get clear coverage of the senator talking to employees and the owner without the national media waving him out of the way.

When the day is all said and done I applaud TJ for being “the new guy” and having to do all the coverage of the political visit for the 2008 election. I am happy I got to tag along with him because I was able to get more of an in-depth look of things since I knew him.

So I may have met the two the two candidates vying for the White House in November or even the next president, but we have to see what the Democrats decide to do.

2 out of 3

2008-04-19T16:35:00.003-04:00

Hillary Clinton is preparing for the Pennsylvania Primary for Tuesday and since the state is one of the largest (acreage wise)in the nation there is a lot of ground to cover and she can’t do it all herself. So last Wednesday her husband and former President Bill Clinton made a stop in New Castle on the Solutions for America tour, and it just so happens I went.

27 was covering it for the day and running live shots for the 5 and 6 on the day I go for my internship and I tagged along with the crew to experience the power of the former President. People lined up outside in anticipation of his arrival and we waited while security swept the building so we could finish setting up. It was getting close to our live at five shot and the president still never made it to the stage, but the show must go on. I got to play a crucial part for the shot…stand behind the camera and make sure it doesn’t fall…so I did, I stood there with my IFB and made sure it didn’t move. Then what do you know just as we go live the crowd starts screaming and the president walks on the stage, you couldn’t have wished for better timing.

However, I must say I enjoyed listening to Hillary when I saw her in Ohio a few months back for our primary. She seemed to be the better motivator for me to go and hit the polls, but than maybe I wasn’t motivated cause I already voted. Looking at my title 2 out of 3, that ain’t bad for meeting The Clintons. Chelsea made her way to the area but I didn’t have the chance to see her due to conflicts in my schedule. For Senator Obama’s visit I was in class, and now Senator McCain will be stopping in Youngstown on Tuesday April 22 the day of my internship, but I don’t know if I will make that due to some interviews I need to do. What excitement on the campaign trail.

Under Pressure

2008-04-09T22:01:00.003-04:00

Today I experienced the power of a deadline. Reporter Mandy Hackman and I went to the Lordstown school board meeting to cover an issue of the elementary school being moved into the old Career Center building. Parents and teachers had mixed feelings about the move, some liked it because the current Elementary school has cracks on its exterior and is out of date. Teachers wore shirts saying “We’re worth the wait” to say to the board that they want a school up to code, state of the art, and not rushed because of funding issues.

We got b-roll of the two schools, an interview, then head to the meeting, which was a good thing. When the meeting started parents were making comments about the move and would not stop going back and forth about the same things which lasted for an hour and a half. So it was 8:30 we had nothing but footage of parents saying nothing new and the board made no decisions on issues, we have a half hour drive back and Mandy fronts the story in the newsroom for 10.

This is where you shift into fifth gear. I didn’t bother her while we were in the car or when we got back so she could write the story, and trust me it was a difficult task. Mandy ended up lucking out, because of the American Idol special running long the VO for the first half of the hour long news cast on FOX was dropped but the package for the second half needed to be done. She got the pac done but literally two minutes before it ran on air, then tweaked it for 27/33 edition.

There is a lot of pressure that goes on when you have to meet a deadline, especially in broadcasting. It was amazing to see how she kept cool and calm, well at least not showing panic or running around screaming, I will have to remember how to do that for future events.

The race is on!

2008-03-30T01:01:00.002-04:00

Team Extreme ready for the race!

Get both sides

2008-03-25T21:27:00.007-04:00

When telling news stories it is important to cover both sides of the story, I learned that early during my internship. On my first trip with Peggy Sinkovich to Warren in February, she got the information of a young man who was tortured by some individuals over $50. When we began the story we were at the Court House, so we got interviews with the officers who were first on the scene as well as the prosecutor. What Peggy said next has stuck with me on every story I’ve gone on, “I hope get in contact with this young man… I have to get both sides of the story.”

She wasn’t trying to exploit this man who was beaten with a hammer, blow torched, and had a power sander put to his head and foot, but she wanted to make sure all angles were covered to have a good story. I bring this up because a story ran this week that didn’t have both sides.

A woman said her one of her dogs was beaten and another shot by her neighbor that happened to be a employee of the city, then said she didn’t have money to pay for medical attention for the animal. Well, when the story ran for the newscasts at night then early morning viewers got a bit emotional, to put it lightly, about the story. A local radio station that runs a call-in program spent the entire morning talking about how horrible city employees are becoming, and what kind of man can do this. Meanwhile at the TV station, the news line was ringing constantly with people wanting to know more on the story and give donations.

Well since the story caused such an uproar we were careful on what we told callers (apparently it wasn’t good enough for one woman, who sounded like she was going to beat me in the parking lot when she hung up) while we check the facts again. When we got the other side of the story it was totally different than what the woman with the dog said, and to support the new information the Dog Warden confirmed it. Because of the story, an on air apology was on the rundown for all newscasts of the day.

So I thank you Peggy for reminding me of a key element for a story, both sides.

Live from New York....Is that our new president?

2008-03-23T11:30:00.004-04:00

With a nonstop race until the November election, presidential candidates have found time to stop on entertainment programs to spread their message. Both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton have gone on to Saturday Night Live (SNL) to say trademark greeting. It was back in October Sen. Obama dressed as himself to a Halloween party thrown by his rival Democrat candidate. Sen. Clinton made an appearance a few weeks ago before the Ohio/Texas primaries to talk about the previous debates. Looking at the other side of the isle Republican Presidential Nominee Senator John McCain hasn’t been on since 2002 when he host the show. Being it’s SNL we know this won’t be the last time we see the candidates, well at least in person since each candidate has a actor that plays them as long as their still making news. If any of they say something notable on the news networks, a campaign speech, or in a debate it will be seen on SNL (as long as they have a new show scheduled.)

SNL is not the only stops the candidates make The Tonight Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Daily Show have seen at least one since the race heated up. Even though the Republicans are taking it easy with their nominee when the Democrats eventually close in on theirs you can expect high demand for appearances.

What is the attraction to late night programming? Could it be the number of viewers that watch them regularly or is it the timeliness since they are produced regularly. Maybe it is the opportunity to say in the public eye while on the campaign trial in individual states. Which ever it may be, the Road to November is going to be a long one and with many local and national media sources to stop for it’s going to take longer then expected.

The Good Old Days

2008-02-21T16:52:00.002-05:00

This video is the last show Chris Norris and I did on The County Line. I found it a while back and had a good laugh.

Just to let you know

2008-02-21T11:30:00.006-05:00

The Price Is Right is returing to prime time! Six new Million Dollar Spectaculars will be on Fridays starting February 22 at 8pm. So just incase 11am on weekdays are too early for you, the chance to see my faviorite show is in your hands. I have no plans to throw any parties yet but I'll let you know....

Free Radio

2008-02-20T20:16:00.004-05:00

You may be thinking, all radio is free…well not in this day and age, we now have Satellite service and HD receivers in our cars. I’m not talking about the radio itself but a TV show named Free Radio on VH1. It has only been on for a few weeks and usually follows their weekly entertainment recap show Best Week Ever.

This new show is about an Intern, Lance, who replaces a long time shock jock who up and left the station high and dry. Since the show must go on the feeble minded intern goes on the air and interviews celebrity guests, but sometimes he has no clue as to who the guest really is, what made them famous, or goes completely off topic and talks about previous work the guest had done ten years ago.

The situation in the TV show is not unheard of; stations have had a void in the line up and have placed interns in the position. The intern in Free Radio may not know what’s going on but he is bringing in the ratings which is keeping him on air.

My favorite episode is with TV personality Howie Mandel who is a germaphobic.( If you ever watch Deal or No Deal notice how Mandel will never shake hands but give a fist pound and is careful where he places his hands on the props in the show.) Lance pulls a prank on the newest intern tells him to flush the toilets because the radio personalities have no time to do it. When the two go to the commode Lance pulls the old “floating Baby Ruth candy bar looks like waste” trick then eats it, as seen in Caddyshack. Lance then tries to justify that the water in the commode was clean since he flushed it two times before putting the candy in it, Mandel thinks otherwise.

For more information on Free Radio and episodes go to VH1’s web page . It's an interesting show and might be the path that happens to me with my internship.

Closing, Closing, Closing

2008-02-13T20:49:00.005-05:00

...and I'm not talking about a furnature store that everything must go.....

It is winter time and it showed its face yesterday. When I left for my internship there was no major snow in the area, but a few hours later it was all over. Where I was at in the studio building there are no windows and I couldn't tell how bad the weather had gotten, but appearntly it was bad. The phones were ringing off the hook with cancellations and closings from schools, BINGO's, to even swim practice. There were so many calls it was desided that only schools would run on the scroll and everything else would go to the web, then a few minutes later informing people to call ahead before going to the event. My Tuesday was spent inside the studio updating the calendar and updating closings. I was about to learn how to update the APclosing list but the system was acting up and I never got to learn it. That would have been cool. I could have been every high schooler's best friend if I would have been the one to type-in school was cancelled when they looked at the TV. When I finally got out of the studio my car had a layer of ice on it from the freezing rain, so I had to get out my trusted ice scrapper and chip away at it.

As Wenesday rolled around the weather got no better, which brough along another day of cancellations in the area. One of those schools cancelled was none other than the one I attend, Westminster. When I found that out I went back to bed. ZZZZZzzzzzZZZZZ. Today was my late night at WKBN/WYTV, but it was eventful. I was able to learn more about their editing system with Roxann, and I found out she is a area native.She had more time to explain what each colored button on the keyboard did, since her video was captured and written out. (I guess today’s theme was presidential candidates, foreshadowing). The pack she was working on was about a local veterinarian that wants to be the independent candidate for president. The local vet has a long way to go because he needs more than on hundred thousand signatures in California and Florida to be recognized. When the pack was done I watched WYTV 33 news at 5 and 5:30 then WKBN 27 First News at 6 in the director’s booth, respectively.

The next presidential candidate of the night is, Barack Obama. His campaign set up camp in Youngstown and had a rally for the valley at the Chevy Centre. 33’s anchor Angee, 27’s reporter Mandy, and myself went to the rally but were told press had a limited time to be inside the room and once the main portion of the rally started we had to leave. So we got some interviews, cover shots, and stand-ups then went back to the studio to edit. I hung around Mandy tonight and which was the second story I worked on with her (if you recall the python). After that I watched 27’s first news at 11 then called it a night.

a Giant, Super Dupper, Eventful week.

2008-02-06T21:17:00.001-05:00

Well weeks start on Sunday, so let's start there. I missed the first quater of the SuperBowl since some people in my household thought it would be a great idea to fix my breaks on this of all days. I missed pre-gaming coverage that I planned on watching all day, the national anthem, kick off, and the G-men score. But all is well since I watch them win in the end. (p.s. I watched them all season, not just to hope the Patriots lose and ruin there perfect season.)

Movin' on to Monday, and what a day it was. Wore my Giants hooded sweatshirt to show off the winning team, then all of a sudden...(Ring,Ring) I look at my phone. The call that I have been waiting for came through. It was WKBN 27 Youngstown calling about the possiblity of becoming there newest intern. I sent an email about two weeks ago after I found out the possition of intern was vaccant but never got any word back, which made me sweat a bit. One week after sending that email a representative from the station was at my school for a job fair, in which I think I did my in-person interview. After talking for a good 20 minutes we parted ways, and the waiting game began but only lasted four days. My phone conversation consisted of rules, guidelines, and procedures, then "When can you start?" How exciting, I will be able to walk around the building that holds the studio I watched for years. But my excitment only lasted a short while because in order for me to start early in the morning for them, I need to go to bed.

Super Duper Tuesday saw 23 states voting in primarys or caucuses and I saw my hometown news team in person. I showed up at WKBN's studio bright and early, well minus the Bright, to do my intern duties. It really wasn't nothing too difficult update the assingment calendar with press releases, call all the local police departments to see if anything news worthy happend overnight, then I got to go out in the field. There was a ground breaking for the expansion of a local business which brought a county commissioner, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, and other local figures to the event. For my big TV debut.....I got to push the zoom button for the reporter during his stand-up.... But not all is lost. When I went back to the studio I got to write a story about tobacco tax and it was read on the air, exactly the way I wrote it. I kept checking the script to make sure no one re-wrote it, and I rushed home to watch the news.... and what do I hear.... the same exact words, sentences, and pauses I typed out. Except the anchor personalized the story to the way she talks while on the air. What a day. Now, a full day lies ahead with classes, then a night of news.

Wednesday, not just a member of the Adam's family anymore. When I showed up at the studio today, everyone was there, and I mean everyone. I was star struck. And anyone who has watched news as much as I do, has the right to be. It was so weird finally meeting all my favorites and to see the evening news broadcasted. But as much as I would like to see more, it's time for me to head out. I tagged along with a reporter who covered a town meeting that had a poor showing of residents... well actually I think only one showed up. But excitment is down the road where we got to meet a 13 foot python. A neighbor called about a dog, but when the dog warden showed up he got more than expected. So I got to pet the snake and take some shots of it. We went back to the studio where I watched the Ten and Eleven news broadcasted then went home where I currently find myself now, ready to TapouT, aka go to sleep.

It’s a Race! I hope I win!

2008-01-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

Assignment Uno: Do you think you have the guts to race across the globe for one million dollars? All of us in broadcasting capstone think so! …well, maybe our professor is the only one. Our first assignment is to do all required work to become a contestant on the CBS reality show The Amazing Race. The application process has roughly an 11 page questionnaire that asks your name, biggest fears, and questions about your teammate, then your team needs to make a three minute VHS of why you’re the best team for the Race. Am I excited? A little bit, I know I’m doing this for my class but just the chance of actually ending up on the show Amazes me. I can now say I have tried out to be a contestant on a reality show. Putting the million dollars aside, our project has a hidden message. The questionnaire was to show us that we have a wide variety of strengths and we are qualified for any task given to us. Not to mention we will be entering the Race of the job market soon and we will be competing against many for one prize. Maybe we could remake the movie Rat Race, if we do I’m going to be Enrico Pollini (Rowan Atkinson) because I already have all his lines memorized, and enjoy the character Mr.Bean. Just incase you didn’t know my title came from a line Atkinson said in the move and sums up how I feel about this.

An Introduction to WAI

2008-01-26T19:55:00.000-05:00

Welcome to WilliamAndrew Industries (WAI). You may be asking your self, What is WAI? WAI was established in 2008 and is partnered with Westminster College Broadcast Communication Capstone class to be a reflection of my studies as a student and a preparation for my career. What will be my career? I'm not sure. If you told me right now I could have any job no questions asked I would be hosting The Price Is Right tomorrow (sorry Drew Carey). But realistically I have no clue. I'll tell you one job today, but it was different then yesterday, and will be different tomorrow.

I like doing things in front of people that's why I picked broadcasting, but now I've found out there are many options behind the scenes. But I want to end up somewhere notable, a place that is a household name, and a location that is glamorous. A few years back in a communications class a professor of mine wanted the class to create resumes, cover letters, and “apply” for a job opening. The job we applied for had to be an actual vacancy we found via an internet website, newspaper classifieds, or any other method as long as we could show proof if was real. I found a media relations opening for Chrysler LLC and the description sounded perfect, dealing with the media in photo shoots, car shows, company announcements and so forth. There isn’t anything else to say about that except. I didn’t get the job. One I didn’t have enough experience to meet the qualifications and two my professor wasn’t doing the hiring.

That job seemed perfect because sometimes for a job I want to be the guy that has all the info and is in the know about everything, the one you have to go to since he’s “in-the-know”. I do from time to time like watching the Press Secretaries for the President, simply because they are the ones that have all the information that other people want to know. Is there room to start a branch for Public Relations in WAI? I don’t think so, in my Public Relations class at Westminster it seems they emphasize writing and producing projects or reports for other people to present. I’m not a big fan of that, I want to be the spokesman not his assistant.

Going back to WAI’s current focus in broadcasting I like live events NFL games, WWE productions, or evening and 24 hour newscasts. Where there are not many chances to reshoot a scene and you need to go with the flow. For a possible career I have been eyeing morning shows or the extremely early morning news updates, the ones that are on at 3 in the morning. I like anchoring however, lately my original passion has been coming back into the foreground…the weather, that’s what originally sparked my interest of television.

That is why I have placed the word Industries in my blog, I want to be involved in a little bit of everything. But since I want to hold “stock” everywhere it has also made things a bit more cluttered.

The Mission Statement of WAI

Metaphorically speaking, right now on my dinning room table I have 500 puzzle pieces scattered all over it, which represents my life and future goals. I am entering my final times at Westminster and I look at that puzzle and wonder where to start on it, while everyone else “says” they have finished theirs. You think it would be easy, but not for me. When I originally started out in my first year of college there were only 25 pieces to it, and now it has grown enormously. My blog will be in update on how far I am getting to put that puzzle together as well as displaying my talents as a broadcast student, working on my senior project, and every once and again reports on what I consider good TV programs, and it won’t always be The Price Is Right either.