When You Need a Short Story Who You Going to Call "VO Patrol!"

VO Patrol.

Sounds like something from Ghost Busters, but a "VO Patrol" is when one goes out and and shoots video and gets a couple interviews.  It's a mini story that is read by an anchor and usually lasts between thirty to forty five seconds. 

Well from Saturday until yesterday I was terribly nervous!  This was my first time using the KOMU cameras and reporting as a KOMU reporter.

Whenever I get nervous, I get more confident.  I know that whenever I walk into the station, I must always wear my confidence on my sleve, even when I'm not sure of what I'm doing or when I'm nervous.

My story was about the Columbia Vision Commission.  While I was at the meeting, some of the terminology used was difficult to understand. Going to a meeting where they are mid way through with their process was challenging, but I just had to ask as many questions as possible to make sure I understood just right.

The meeting started at 4:00 and lasted until 6:00 which made me nervous because it would air at the 10:00 and I still had to do some interviews.  Well, at that point my goal was to get back to the station at 7:00.  During the meeting I began to write my script because I had a lot of down time.  This helped a lot.  

Once back at the station, I had to wait for an edit bay, so I hopped on another computer started to write my script in iNews, plugged in my headphones to the camera and started to listen to my interviews. 

I felt good,  I was on time, and all I had to do was upload and edit my video.

The process was not bad at all and was a great way to ease into KOMU.  I made mistakes in my script ( which were caught before time to air) . The use of spell check is a must, as well as supers, and sot times.   I always said , "Oh I'm not going to make mistakes! I've learned from others!"  but it's not until it's time for you to do it that you make some silly ones.  Hey it's a learning process!  I enjoyed it though and feel a little more self confident! 

Reality TV in the newsroom?

Journalism as we know it is changing.  From citizen journalism to new uses of techonology, but when is it too much?  WGLA in Lancaster, PA invited citizens into their morning meetings via the internet.  During their 9:30 to 10:15 meeting to figure out what exactly reporters will be covering that day people could add in their story ideas or discuss it with the news director in a chat room.

http://localtvnews.wordpress.com/2009/02/19/the-morning-meeting-televised-best-reality-show-ever/

While this is a clever idea, I bet there are a lot of people who oppose this.  From attending conventions and listening to tons of conversations, some of the older generation of journalist believe it's only "journalist" that should dictate what goes into the paper or broadcast.  With the definition of "journalist" changing every day why can't citizens be part of the conversation?  With the overlap of technology , citizens have a great deal of control of what goes on in the newsroom. From tradition, some may believe general people are not capable of putting up information that is necessary rather than entertainment.  I find this to be the contrary, people want to know about their politicians, their schools and other areas that impact their lives.  Yes entertainment will always be there, but hey,  sometimes people need to get away from the hard news.  

This trend of inviting people into the boardroom and seeing how the process works might become a new trend.  This "reality tv" set up could increase viewership and people becoming more excited about the media.  People would feel inclined to believe that journalist aren't these people who think they are all holier than thou, but rather a neighbor or friend. 

Tuesday afternoon I took my edit test and I am glad to report I passed! While I was going through my test I had many thoughts that came to mind.  I have to take it upon myself to learn.  There is only so much our professors can spoon feed us, we have to be motivated and interested enough to feed ourselves.  Meaning, going to the station and playing with the equipment before its actually time for us to use it.  We have so much at our fingertips , we need to learn how to use it!  For example, on Avid, there are ways to add in "nat pops" without rearranging the entire sequence. This technology can enhance our stories to the max and make them more interesting and compelling.  

It's very important to make friends with everyone.  This does not mean best friends, but well enough to wave or just say hi.  Everyone at the station is very important.  That being said, it's crucial to treat everyone with the upmost respect.  Always ask questions.  I learned this when I worked at the desk, one has to put their ego aside and not worry about , " oh what are they going to think?"  Usually people are nice enough to help, and even if someone is snappy don't let it get to you because guess what, that's the real world.  

Music and Computer Fingers

Usually when we think of journalism we only think of hard news and some fuzzy pieces.  We  tend to over look other forms of journalism focusing on the arts.  I am taking a music criticism class at the moment and the material I have learned in this class has proven to expand my knowledge.  Some may argue music criticism is not a form of journalism and only reach editorial standards, but for this blog let's assume ( for the sake of argument and debate) that it is part of journalism.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/arts/music/04carn.html?_r=1&ref=music

Reading music critics takes more than front on knowledge.  The article will not explain every term mentioned, instead music critics assume their audiences have a basic music background. They assume because it's most likely true.   Like any review, one will encounter a scenery set up and then a synopsis of  the performance.

Reading critics can be quite fun, or quite a bore.  If one is unfamiliar with the topics, the the boring side can be quite tempting.  

Journalism in the arts I feel is going away.  Maybe thats because blogs are taking these up.  I feel our society has gone from cherishing paintings, live music, and dance and traded it for A-List celebrities.  

When I get to the computer and get ready to write, oh my mind goes crazy.  I honestly think I might have ADD ,  I feel my timeliness of getting  my scripts done are a little bit faster, but not a whole lot.  I need to write faster, sharper and clearer!  I think my mind is so foggy that I just can't think straight.  These days I have a hard time just explaining stories to friends.  Now, I think I know what my kryptonite is,  sleep.  I have been lacking in this department and feel I have actually gained insomnia.  My sleeping patterns have been so off that I just need to work on getting in a good cycle once again. 

Misleading and Movie Fun

I heard people talk about it in class.  They watched as it unfolded. They couldn't believe their eyes.  A nine-year-old girl was about to get married.  

When I heard this, I automatically thought this was happening at a polygamist sect in Texas or something of that nature.  Even when I went to CNN.com to look at the story they had positioned it something to the effect of, "Nine-year-old marries in Texas." 

When I clicked on the story I was completely amazed to find out this had nothing to do with what I thought.

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa090222_mo_dyingwish.41fc01bd.html

Turns out the nine-year-old is terminally ill, and dreamed of getting married.  Now, I am not here to position the morals or pass judgment of this event, but I am going to bring up the fact that journalist tend to hype headlines.   

CNN was telling the truth , a little girl was about to get married, but should they have included part of the detail in the headline?  Would that have caught peoples attention?  

I don't know whether or not it matters, but after reading comments , it seemed as though many people were thinking of one subject going into the story and then were surprised.  We are taught to use the surprise factor in journalism, but when does surprising almost to the point of misleading wrong?  

As I grow in my journalism career I will learn about headlines.  I already know they have a tremendous impact  on society, even to the point where events are given names because of headlines.  My hypothetical guess is newsrooms in all mediums of journalism do this to attract readers.  I was sucked in, they got me, I was interested to see what was this all about.  I think I would have been equally interested though if the extra details were given in the headline.  There is a movie by Nicholas Sparks called, "A walk to Remember."  Same scenario , the leading actress is terminally ill and creates a list of dreams and goals she would like to accomplish before she dies.  Well , she gets married , granted she is in her late teens early twenties, but after I saw the story of this nine-year-old that movie came to mind.  

This past week I spent a lot of time in Fulton.  I wanted to explore the connection between movies and the economy.  During the Great Depression , 9/11 and other tough times in American history, people tend to go to the movies to get away from reality.  With in the past two months, movie theaters have seen and increase in box office sale.  This is due to several things, first it's a cheap form of entertainment and it's also Oscar season.  

I went to the movies by myself two weekends ago and after I came out this idea came to me.  I felt stressed out and wanted to get away and step outside of my shoes.   I contacted  Fulton Cinema 8 and asked them if they had seen an increase in ticket and they said "yes."  I thought I was golden and could build a great story. 

Well I contacted experts( MU professors)  and many did not have the numbers or knowledge of this topic specifically.  Many were able to explain the "Golden Age" during the Great Depression, which was great, but I wanted more specific figures and numbers of  recent years. 

So I went to Fulton and checked out the theater and noticed people carrying in cans.  The movie theater set up a table underneath the marque inside the lobby and the table was very colorful with many cans.  

Come to find out the theater sent out coupons to Fulton residents  and if they bring in the coupon with a can of food they can receive a free movie ticket.  I thought this was interesting and found out the local food panty had an increase in people needing food.

I truly enjoyed meeting people in Fulton they were all so nice!  I find it interesting that SERVE, the Fulton food pantry, experienced lows, but put out a plea to local businesses and organizations and has since received a lot of food.  Lisa Brown the executive director of SERVE said they are beginning to see churches and other organizations slow down on the donations because instead of giving to SERVE they are giving aid to their own members, and volunteers.

My favorite thing out of this entire story was my shot of Lisa.  I thought it was one of the best shots I have ever done in my life!  I can't say the same for other shots in my package, but at least I am happy with one.  My interviewing skills are getting better as I am able to get longer answers out of people.  

I am looking forward to fixing mistakes in my next package so I can get better and build some confidence.

cheers,

-Sophia Beausoleil 

"Me" in a Story and Being Verbs

I love listening to NPR and All Things Considered in particular.  I was listening to a story by David Greene called  "The Real World: 'We're Not Looking Forward To It.'" http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100651923  Greene goes to a cafe in Atlanta and talks to workers and customers in their 20s and early 30s.  Each person had a story to tell, but all had one particular concern, jobs.  As these young people begin to face reality of the recession they are all concerned about their future.

While I found the story interesting , hence I myself am concerned about my future after college, I wanted to look beyond me and focus on the delivery of the story.

The reason why these stories compel listeners have to do with all the natural sound.  You could hear the clicking of plates, the conversations in the background and it reminded me of sitting in a cafe.  

Greene used himself in the story quite a bit.  Meaning, "I" , "Me" , "We".   "As I made my way down I75."  "When I came to breakfast."  Some may argue he interjects himself too much into the story, but I like it.  I think it serves the purpose of making the listener feel like they are on the trip.  I understand removing oneself as a journalist from the story, but sometimes putting oneself in there makes it a little more human.   Now, for radio I think this works wonderfully. For TV, if it was a documentary, or if explaining something in a live shot or stand up ,sure.  Otherwise pictures and video can highlight and explain the situation.  Also, Greene gave off a young spirit persona traveling across the country feel.  Yes, he is traveling across the country documenting peoples feelings during the first 100 days of  President Obama, but this kind of technique I feel reaches out to that younger audience.  Hence, he talks to and about young adults , so I find it appropriate that he used this edgy more conversational approach. 

We have been taught to compile different versions of our stories when it comes to the Internet component and the actual story.  Greene changed a few things here and there on the website, but otherwise the sound-bites were the same. He removed his personal narrations ( the I's and Me's) but otherwise you could follow along with the audio and the text.  Despite the similarities, the written version still paints a picture even without the sound.  He uses descriptive words and it brings the story alive. 

Since I'm on the topic of aliveness, Journalism life is going pretty good.  I feel stressed but I think I know how to handle to some degree.  I am really enjoying learning!  I know the grades can scare people but I have decided to look past those letters and numbers.  My issue this week is writing. 

My new task in life, getting rid of being verbs.  I remember in middle school and high school teachers always took points off or scolded us for using being verbs.  Well, same thing in college. Not using being verbs consist of a lot of thinking. As I re-read this blog I accidentally skiped over being verbs because I am (BV) accustomed to using them daily.  As I write this sentence my conscious mind tries to reconstruct sentences to avoid being verbs.  The challenge requires a lot of patience, because after a while you want to tell everyone to forget it and just want to scream , " is , am , are , was , were , being , been , have , has , do , does , did!"  I get it, the English language consist of stronger verbs, but we use being verbs so frequently it becomes a hard habit to stop. 

So , here.  " I Sophia Beausoleil will ( being verb) try my hardest to quit the use of being verbs in my writing and daily vocabulary.  I understand in the long run this challenge can and will enhance my writing, but there is no guarantee that I will stop the use completely."

Hope everyone has a great week!

Cheers,

Sophia Beausoleil 

Keeping the "Watchdog" Out of the Cage.

This past weekend I read an article by Jennifer Dorroh called "Endangered Species" in the American Journalism Review.  It pointed out how as money becomes tighter, news bureaus shrink and shut down, democracy is at stake.  The article gave an example about Copley News Service Washington bureau.  This bureau unfolded the story about former Congressman Randy 'Duke' Cunningham,  and his connection with bribe-taking.    In the article,  former bureau chief for the company had state, " Nobody else would've gotten Duke Cunningham.  USA Today, AP, New York Times, none of them would devote resources to a backbench, local San Diego congressman in that kind of detail." The article goes on to say "local newspapers and newspaper companies are backing away from Washington coverage or dropping it altogether."   Another example is Newhouse News Service. The newspaper they served was not able to pay for their services hence forcing them to shut down November 7.  So right after the elections , editors and others were eliminated.  For other bureaus, they are cutting back on space, working from cars or working from from the Capitol itself.  The main concern the article poses is that there is a need for, "regional presence in Washington in terms of keeping up with the interests in Washington." 

I understand this article caters towards the newspaper industry, but I find this article brings up a very important issue.  With all the cut backs, how are regional newspapers going to follow their representatives to Washington and be the ultimate "watchdog."  I remember freshman year reading Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach.  There was an example highlighting the fact that for a country to take full control they have to control the media.  Now I'm not saying that is the objective of US politicians, but journalist have a big role in making sure there is a balance of power and something like this does not happen. Journalist in all mediums (tv, print , radio) can be viewed as an audit person, always checking , researching and making sure that politicians are doing what's best for their constituents.   So, having regional reporters follow their representatives is important due to the fact what might impact someone in Texas won't necessarily impact someone else in Ohio. It's vital that the people who voted them in are aware of the decisions regardless if it only applies to a state, because their decisions can effect the country all together.   It's scary to know that the industry is in such a bind to where regional journalist are out of jobs because of cutbacks.  I know there are ways to cover issues from Washington without being there but it's just not the same.  Having someone physically be there and truly getting to the point is completely different. 

After I finished my package for broadcast two, I realized that not only do I have a lot to learn, I have a lot to do in a short amount of time.  I like the challenge though, hence that's why I chose this major.  My next story is about sport injuries.  Specifically focusing on a woman who used to be a cheerleader and is still feeling the impacts of her cheerleading accident in college. This is just an idea, and I might focus on something else, but I think this would be a great opportunity to work on my writing and shooting skill.  Every opportunity is a good one, but I really want to learn how to be creative.  While working on my last package, I got really excited when it came to sit down and write.  This is a new phenomena for me , especially since I find writing to be weak point, but I truly want to get better.  What I learned from my last package is that I need to ask better questions.  I get so caught up with introducing the question that by the time the subject answers, they don't have much to say.  I have to be specific with out being specific. Become a better interviewer or writer isn't to just get a good grade. I know I could always be thinking, " oh your grade is on the line!"  but for some weird reason, I don't view this as something I'm doing for a grade.  I view it as my career and my job.  I think that is the better mind set any ways, rather than looking at it as a class project but rather an opportunity to become a great journalist. 

Cheers,

Sophia

"3-2-1," Shadowing the Live Truck

So before I talk about my shadow shift adventure let me explain what exactly this is.  As a broadcast two student at the University of Missouri, we are required to shadow four shifts ( a producer, reporter, live truck operator and re cuts)  at KOMU-8 news channel.  Shadowing can basically be explained as "go to work with parents day."  Unlike elementary school where one was excited to skip school,  this is an awesome opportunity to soak in the advice and lessons from people working a specific job since it will be the future job.  Shadowing let's a person observe how a specific job works and how it contributes to the newsroom and to media in general. 

It may have come across one's mind, but how exactly does a person on the local, network or cable news appear live on television?  It's not magic, but yet the help of what's called a live truck.  

Tuesday January 27, 2009 I went to KOMU-8 news room to shadow live truck engine operator Stephanie Tabor.  It was the State of the State address here in Missouri and live shot was being done at the steps of The Capital in Jefferson City, Mo.  Kaylin Krashesky was the live shot reporter for the 10:00 p.m. newscast  so I got to learn two important roles that helped contribute the newscast. 

In order to shoot a live shot with the live shot it takes team work of the reporter and the engine operator.  Usually the Live truck operator will arrive a an hour to two hours before the live shot.  Now , typically this time can change depending on a lot of things, breaking news, location, and the story that is being covered.  For an event like the State of the State, KOMU-8 sent out two live trucks about two hours before it began.  This is due to the fact that there is time needed to set up and also find a good spot.  Remember, there are other media from around the state coming to do their live shots as well, so the early bird gets the worm.

Stephanie explained that once you get the hang of setting up a live truck, it takes about twenty-five to thirty minutes to hook up all the wires, set the lights, camera,  set up the mast , and get ready to shoot the reporters live shot.  

I learned that doing mock practices of setting up the live truck is a good idea before going out to a real situation and having no clue what you are doing. 

Kaylin and I were pressed for time back at the news room.  Right after watching the State of the State, she had to put together a script that gave a overall summary of what Gov. Nixon covered. I know she was stressed, but I felt her pain. I even jumped in and tried to help her highlight key points in the governors speech.  We were both concerned about time and the fact that the roads were not the best , it was snowing  and the roads were slick.  We left the station at around 9:00 p.m., rushing to get to Jefferson City by 9:30 to finish setting up, and practicing the script.  Fortunately we made it on time, and Kaylin had a good amount of time to practice and do what she needed to do. 

As Stephanie and Kaylin informed me, it is very important that reporters come to live shots with their scripts ad ideas of where they want to shoot their shot.  It is the job of the live truck engineer to shoot the shot, but the job of the reporter to decided where exactly would be the best place to set up the shot.  The report must think visually, and how to convey a shot that makes sense to viewers and help enhance the feeling of really being there at the scene. 

If you have ever seen a news truck  with a satellite on top and tall looking pole. That pole is called a "mast" it helps transmit the signal back to the control room at the news station.  

Stephanie would dial in an "IFB," Interruptible Feedback , to the control room at KOMU-8 news. The IFB allows the engine operator as well as the reporter hear the cues from the producer, or control room back at the news station.  The earpiece that a reporter or anchor is wearing during the live shot is the little voice in their head ( also known as the producer or news director) letting them know what is coming up next, if there are any changes and when to cue.  This is very important because it is the basis of communication to which make the live shot and the news cast make sense. It allows the viewers at home to make sense of the situation of what is going on.

I had always figured that's what the earpiece was for, but wasn't sure if reporters had a direct link to the FBI or something.  I'm just kidding.  About ten to fifteen minutes before it was time to go live, Stephanie had dialed the IBF.  For my future expriences , I always want to be early for this and have everything practiced and rehearsed a million times before, but learned that you must be prepared for the unexpected, and be ready to go at all times. 

So it was time "3-2-1,"  and Kalyin did her thing. It was actually really exciting to watch this unfold and understand the work that goes behind the live shot.  It really pumped me up and look forward to working hard and under pressure to make something like this come together.  The live shot probably lasted a couple of minutes, but it takes a lot of practice to get those minutes just right. 

Again, and again Stephanie and Kalyin explained that a reporter can truly help a live truck engineer by tearing down after the live shot is over.  Usually the live truck operator will set up, because mean while the reporter is putting together the story and writing their script.  At the end though, it's always important to be polite and thankful for the live truck operator.  Yes , it's their job, but they not only help shoot the story , but make a reporter look good on camera. So at KOMU-8 always help them tear down the equipment.  

Unlike a reporter who is wearing business attire, the live truck operator will wear clothes in which they can function well.  It is a hands on job, so wearing jeans, and sneakers is A-okay. They would probably wear a shirt or jacket representing their jobs logo, but depending on weather, wearing the proper attire is crucial since one can be out on the field for long periods of time. So wearing snow boots when it's snowing is okay.  Don't expect to go out there in heals or nice dress shoes, not only will you freeze, you will also look pretty silly.  

Stephanie said she has seen some funny things while shooting live shots.  She said it's critical that reporters arrive EARLY.  The most common mistake or problem  that plagues reporters doing a live shot is arriving late, looking at their script and saying "um..".   Of course, in this business arriving ten minutes before a live shot could happen due to traffic, changes in the story back at the station, getting lost etc.  To prevent all these things, I learned one must be on the ball and seriously either have a GPS, get the directions before hand,  and pay attention to the news about traffic.  

Shadowing Stephanie and Kaylin was pretty exciting!  Even with snow filled roads and frigid temperatures seeing the final product live was inspiring.   After watching the Kaylin putting together her script, driving to the site, doing her make up practicing and trying to compose herself, I was awed.  I came to the realization that hey, this is broadcast journalism and that is what you have to do , under pressure. 

The three of us tore down the set and packed up and headed back to KOMU around 10:30 p.m.  It was very interesting yet fun and exciting at the same time.

This was indeed a very long blog, but I wanted to share with everyone some of the behind the scenes magic of TV journalism. More shadow shift blogs are to come as well as other blogs about journalism, stories and reflections. So look forward to the behind scenes look of television journalism and my thoughts. 

Cheers!

-Sophia Beausoleil