Final Paper

I have learned a lot of things this semester in News Media Practicum. There are still many things to learn, but in due time I will be able to compete with the upperclassman. Everything I have experienced has been generally sport-related, since that is what I am most passionate about. There have been three areas where I have further learned about my craft. First, Moc Sports Talk with John Luti and Justin Richards has helped me exponentially. Then, going to all the sporting events has also given me a better understanding. Lastly, the projects we do in class helps keep me informed on what is current and relevant. So with all these things combined, and then some, I have learned quite a bit about broadcasting.

There has been so much I have picked up on doing the Podcast Sport shows with John and Justin. I remember the very first show I ever did, and I was extremely nervous. From there, things have only felt more and more comfortable. One of the jobs that I would love to have is being some type of radio broadcaster. I really admire some of the people on ESPN Radio, and how they are so passionate about various sport debates. I would love to obtain what they have. Doing this podcast has developed my broadcasting skill, and if I keep doing it, I could get really good behind a microphone.

Going to our home sporting events on campus has been very helpful. At our volleyball, basketball, and soccer games, I have been able to learn a lot from the upperclassmen. There, they have showed me how to videotape, take notes for editing, give an interview, etc. Videotaping is a very intricate and precise job. Zooming in and following the ball can be challenging. However, the really hard part is finding the really important parts to capture. For example, it is a necessary detail to see if a coach is yelling, or how a team’s body language looks after a goal is scored against them. In terms of editing, writing down the time and action of when something crucial happened on tape can save a lot of time when putting together a highlight.

Our class time every Wednesday has kept me up-to-date on all the new cutting edge technology that is out and about. There have been numerous discussions about 3D TV, new ideas from companies, interesting cutting edge technology, twitter, facebook, etc. It is really similar to a current events class. However, the events are not about politics, but about media related technology and happenings in the world. The sites that we look at are very valid and are loaded with information. Finding and researching articles from there have given everyone a better understanding about the communication world.

I ended up getting a lot out of this course. I certainly did not think this would be the case going in, because it was only one credit. However, I have used this one credit to my full advantage. From it, I have bettered my knowledge in the fields of radio speaking, videotaping, and current events. Without it, I would not be as well prepared to take on my major.

36!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11/8: For 1.5 hours, I helped at the basketball game. I watched John broadcast the entire thing and continued to get a feel for how he narrates the action. I am drooling to be the color guy. The podcast shows that I have done can definitely help me for such a task; maybe in the future...

34.5

11/8: Today I worked another hour at Moc Sports Show. I supervised for a little, and I worked the audio again. I further learned how to control the audio box. I'm getting pretty good at it. The show is getting smoother and smoother the more everyone does it.

33.5

11/6: Today I helped clean up the studio. I dusted, vacuumed, moved wood, etc. I learned how much effort actually goes in to making the studio and I do not take it for granted.

32.5 SO CLOSE

12/1: Today I helped with the Moc Sports Show, for an hour, with Kevin, John, and many others. For the interview part, I just observed everyone doing their jobs. I got to step back and see how much work actually goes in. Then for the show part, I got to work at controlling the prompter that the anchors read. That was interesting; I learned how important a job it was because I was essentially controlling how well they said a sentence.

31.5 hours

11/30: First, I once again did my sports podcast with luti and justin for 1.5 hours. I think I'm getting pretty good at these types of talk shows, and it's really making a difference for me. I'm not as nervous to speak my mind in public; it's fun.

Later, I went to the Men's basketball game and watched John do the play-by-play of the game for 2 hours. I learned how he announced the game, and how difficult it is doing by yourself; it's a lot of talking. It gave me more respect for the play-by-play and color guys that host every game on TV.

28 hours

11/17: I stayed 0.5 hours after and helped Charlotte and her group members put together a commercial for their project. I further learned how to act in front of camera, and things of that nature. Then later that day, I watched Luti edit the sports show for 1 hour. I got a better feel for how to edit, though I dont know if I am ready to do it myself. But i watched and learned little tricks.

11/20: I went to the thriller basketball game, which was our opening night. I chatted with Luti about communication related activities and then helped Jordan with her sports package. I learned some of the elements necessary to put together a package, and it's a lot of work. You need a lot of sound bites, a lot of video footage, and you gotta be your own anchor. It was interesting. This was 1.5 hours, making my new total 28.

25 hours

11/10: I helped work on the Moc Sports Show for 1.5 hours, bringing my total up to 25. My main job was controlling the audio of the two anchors with the soundboard. Bivens showed me how it worked, and I learned a lot about how to manage sound for a show.

23.5 hrs

11/9: I got 2 more hours today for my efforts in the podcast with Justin and Luti. The show ran for an hour and we listened to the recording of it, critiquing ourselves for another hour. We had some heated debates, and talking behind the mic is only becoming easier for me; its nice. My new hour total is at 23.5

*sorry 21.5 hours

11/2: I earned another 2.5 hours yesterday filming the quarterfinals of the women's soccer game yesterday against St. Leo. I really got a lot out of it because Luti and Kevin let me film the entire 1st half. They said that I am starting to develop my style, so I guess I am getting there.

My new total is 22 hours

11/2: I did the podcast for 1.25 hours today with Justin and Luti. I'm really starting to get comfortable behind the mic, slowly getting the hang of it. I'm gonna be a good radio guy.

I also stayed after and listened to our podcast recording and watched John work for another 1.25 hours. I got to listen and critique myself accordingly and further learn how John sets things up.

my total now is 19 hours

7/26- I did the sports podcast with Luti and Justin again for 1.5 hours. I got even more comfortable speaking this time, and was less nervous. I'm learning a lot from doing the show.

7/27-I helped out with the Mocs sports show for 1.5 hours. I further learned how they operate things, and how they prepare for it. I even got to work behind the camera in the studio, which was a lot of fun.

I also went to the women's soccer game yesterday for 1.5 hours. I got more action using a camera, despite getting eaten alive by bugs. I also took notes when highlights happened in the game.

My new total is 16.5 hours

7/23: I spent 2 hours at the soccer game yesterday, bringing my total to 12. I helped film the game. I learned how to further record a soccer game and get more acclimated with using a camera.

7/19: I helped et things up in the studio for my podcast (1 hour). Then I watched editing for a basketball package (1/2 hour). I got a feel for the technical stuff and how things work. There are lots of wires and technology everywhere.

7/20: I did the Mocs Sportstalk podcast show yesterday (1.5 hours). That was some really good experience for me. I need to get a feel for radio talk. I was nervous at first, but i figured out how to push through it.

What I've Learned in practicum

There have been many things to learn in this News Media Practicum course. Going in, it did not seem like it would be a very rigorous class being only one credit. However, little did I know, it requires a lot of time. Doing 36 hours of media related work will make me a much smarter person in the field of communication. There is a lot to learn in class, too. Everyone has to report on a television/news related story and it is very informative. So between doing extra-curricular work and in-class work, I have been able to pick up on quite a bit.

Outside class for the 36 hours, there will be a lot of work to do. Sports seasons are starting to carry on, and teams are starting to get their identities. The main sports playing now are men's and women's soccer, and volleyball. Both the tennis teams are playing a little bit as well in out-of-season tournaments. There have been a couple opportunities to video tape these events. Personally, I've been able to work behind the scenes of two volleyball games and a women's soccer game. During these, I learned how to film each sport. There are also designated people that take notes to record highlights that happen on camera. They make the editor's job much easier. By filming games, you're also forced to pay attention and really learn about the sports. I did not know much about volleyball and soccer until this semester forced me. This process also made me realize how many jobs and people it takes to make a sports show work. There are people behind the camera, people in front of it, editors, script writers, directors, etc. It's all somewhat overwhelming because there are a lot of new things worth learning how to do. Even taking film out of the camera and putting in a new tape impresses me. And at this point in time, I've only completed about one-fourth of the hours that are required. So there are many more things that I will pick up on.

There is a lot to learn inside of the classroom as well. Every week, about 4 or 5 people come in and present a researched article that seems to always be informative. I've learned a lot more about facebook, youtube, HD televisions, 3D imaging, etc. It's cool how my classmates get involved in discussions, too. Everybody certainly has their own unique opinions about things. When I presented, I learned a lot just from that little assignment. Yes, I had to research a topic and figured out more interesting things about youtube. However, the biggest thing was the exposure I got at public speaking. I need a lot of practice in that; i still get nervous and probably fidget around quite a lot, holding onto the podium for dear life. I was not even that scared originally until I had to walk up and watch all the people looking at me. But if I ever want to be an anchor, I will need as much exposure as I can get.

All in all, this class has surprised me. I went in thinking it would be no big deal because it was just one measly hour a week. But I quickly figured out that there is a lot of learning that goes with it, and this will sufficiently help me get prepared for my future career as an anchor. So much time and effort is required outside of class, that it really makes everybody's time worth while. And every Wednesday at 4 I can always count on hearing something brand new in the media world. It certainly keeps me informed. I'm excited and looking forward to learn from the second part of this semester, watching the sporting events and attending all the media shows.

more hours

I hung around/helped out with the first Mocs Sports Show this year. That was about 1 hour. I got a feel for what behind the scenes is like. I noticed how the anchors acted. It made me realize that it's very nerve racking to be behind camera.

women's soccer

2 more hours working the women's soccer game wednesday.

More Hours...

I stayed for the sports meeting september 1st for another hour too, putting my total at 4.

Hours

I worked 1.5 hours thursday night at the volleyball game. I worked 1.5 hours at the friday night game as well.