Journalism

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Newscast

I've never done a newscast before and I was faced with several challenges. I had positive feedback and liked the outcome. I had issues with my time adding up, finding an anchor, and selecting the right packages. I had to add some stuff to make up time but I hope it does not affect me too drastically. However, everything came together and I was able to get it done. My anchor messed up and did not finish some of her sentences. I was extremely upset at first but I said “Lord you fix it.” After that, I knew everything would fall in place. I was able to cut out some stuff and make it look better. I had no idea of how to do a rundown but I kept observing examples and it eventually came to me. Doing the newscast was truly an experience and great practice. Putting the newscast together allowed me to explore and become aware of the types of software I will use in the near future. I thought my newscast was not going to come out good but I think it looks great. I selected great packages and updated them as possible. I was able to get through my first newscast and accomplish everything it offered. I believe my newscast looks nice and my news judgment was perfected well.

Funeral Home Etiquette

My third package is Funeral Home etiquette. My angle centralized on a funeral processional and the procedure of driving in one. I enjoyed doing all of my packages but I enjoyed this one the most. This package came together easily and with no hassles. However, I did face obstacles and the DEVIL tried to intervene but I was not letting him take control whatsoever. The funeral director was supposed to meet me on a day he arranged but could not because he was meeting with families. I got his cell phone number and called him the next day. I had already left a message and one of his receptionists never gave him the message because upon arriving, his brother read the message on the desk that I left. We were able to meet the next day after I called his cell phone. Yet, I had to wait again because a couples' baby died. Through all of these challenges, it was well worth the wait. I was able to go to a funeral and get great footage. The funeral I attended was different from most funerals. The deceased man was a veteran and had a nice home-going service. I was able to get everything done and I loved the outcome. I knew this package would be nice because his family put him away nicely. Since taking TV News, I have learned an overflow of information that will help me for the rest of my life. Through it all, when you want something or have to get something done, you have to work at it and make moves.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Sunburn; cancers, how bad?

My second news package is Sunburn and some of the types of cancer you can receive by being exposed to an excessive amount of heat. While working on this package, I learned a plethora of information and I’m grateful for it. Although I had a difficult time finding someone to interview, I was able to get the project done. I called all the dermatology offices in Tallahassee, Fla., Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and their Bixler emergency center, Capital Regional, doctor’s offices and many more. I left messages and was able to speak with a few too. Most of the places I called said their doctors did not have time in their schedules or said they had a no solicitation policy. I called and called places and no one would agree to do an interview. I called Jefferson County Health Department and they explained to me they did not have any doctors in that day. Later that day, I decided to show up at the Jefferson County Health Department because no one was trying to help me. I explained to the receptionist what I was doing and she went in the back to check for someone to speak with me. The nurse practitioner at Jefferson County Health Department greeted me and appeared a little nervous about doing an interview and being on camera. She agreed to do it and was glad afterwards. She informed me that Caucasians are not the only race entitled to get sunburn and that African Americans can become at risk as well. Overall, she was a pleasant person and gave me encouraging words to take me through my college career. I believe I improved on this package way more than the last one. I tried my best to fix issues I had on my first package to make this one much better. Unfortunately, while I was in the middle of a stand-up, the camera died after being on only two bars. My first battery was dead and I never knew it until setting up the camera for footage. I am glad I went to get a battery before leaving campus because if I did not, I would have been hurt.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

West Nile virus

On Thursday, May 21, my first news package is due and I am nervous. This is my first news package and having to shoot, interview and edit the package. I faced many challenges attempting to get the package done. I had dilemmas of finding the appropriate person to interview on West Nile virus and wondering if they would agree to do it. When I received the topic, I automatically thought about a health department. Therefore, I called all the health departments in Tallahassee, Fla. And finally reached someone. The communications person, Page Maloney, instantly called me back and wanted some details on my project to tell her staff. She explained to me that several people had workshops and meetings to attend but she would see if she could set up an interview. I became a little discouraged but I kept the faith and believed I would get what I needed. She told me to email her a few questions of what the interviewee could do to be prepared for the interview. She called me back that afternoon and said I had an interview the next morning. I was elated and grateful that they were able to help me. I know I have to work on a few things on my next packages, such as, B-roll sound, voice-overs, and shakiness with the camera. I was so happy to get my first news package done and thought the topic was much needed for people and informative.