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.