Wiping The Dust Off

It's been a good 5 months...the entire Fall semester since I've visited this good 'ole blog. 

Now that the semester calmed down, I decided I am going to start updating this again. Especially seeing as the last time I used it I was a mere reporter and now I have spent an entire semester producing three newscasts a week!

I will most likely begin updating this when I get to PARIS in 24 days. ...is that real?!

Anyways I will for sure post all my journalistic findings here and maybe an update on my great visit at the Chicago Tribune yesterday! 

I'm also considering creating another blog update on my regular life in Paris....decisions decisions.

Until then...if anyone has an idea where I should live in Paris...let me know. A little scary going there not knowing where I am going to live!

Merry Christmas ...or Happy Holidays if that's what ya prefer!

-actually listened to a discussion on the radio over the sayings and they (can't remember which station it was...wooops) said that most stores have switched back to Merry Christmas because more people prefer that. Is it really true though? ...Interesting!

Right or Wrong?

This week in class we discussed the importance of doing your homework before an interview, as well as including some of that information in your story.

We also brought up the issue of what background information you have on someone that is unrelated to the current story. One specific example we discussed in class is remembering that people have feelings. When someone dies or there is a murder, there are grieving people on all sides. Greeley mentioned if someone had a previous DWI you wouldn't add that to a story about their death. That adds insult to injury on the part of the grieving family as well as tries to make a statement about their character.

This immediately reminded me of an issue I had when an article was written about the death of an acquaintance of mine. Check out the article here. In my opinion what The Cardinal did was judge Kyle.
What happened was an accident and the result of a stupid decision on his part. However, the day after someone dies is not the time to bring up their past. Kyle has a daughter, family and friends all trying to cope with the loss of their loved one.

Some of the comments made show I wasn't the only person questioning this reporting...and some stand up for it.

One comment says: "This article is Unfair and not right! I don't know Kyle personally but a lot of my friends do and reading this article brings tears to my eyes because whoever wrote this doesn't have a heart!"


The decisions Kyle made shouldn't be used to judge his character. I feel as if the article is saying, "Hey look he died speeding, but it's okay because he did this in the past." It's not okay. People do change, especially after two years. In addition, the crimes he committed weren't hurtful to others. He was considerate of other people, loved his family and had people who loved him.

If you look at what he did in the past. He sold coke...it happens. I'm not saying it's a good thing or condoning it, but he was looking for a way to make money and made a stupid decision. A stupid decision doesn't make someone a bad person. He set up arson to light his dad's house on fire so that his dad would receive the insurance payout. While this is wrong and illegal on all accounts, what it says to me is: this is a kid who is dealing with his family's money issues and trying to "help." Family financial issues can be extremely intense. Kyle was not smart in his decision, but his motives weren't to cheat the insurance company or to risk firefighters lives...he was trying to help his dad.

I believe the way the background information is reported in the story also makes a strong judge on character. The way it is written shows that the reporter is thinking: He was a bad person. ...As reporters we are taught not to editorialize. In my opinion, even though the reporter didn't come right out and say Kyle is a bad person, that is exactly what this reporter did.

One other comment reads: WOW way to go reporter JERKS.

As a journalist, I hate to see this, but I see where they are coming from. It is hard if not impossible to set black and white guidelines and rules for when and what to include and when to holdback. But, in my opinion we have to remember to be human. Always think about who your story is affecting. Do those people deserve to hurt more from what you are reporting. If they will be hurt or be effected by what you write, is it that important? If Kyle were a public figure, maybe some background information would have been okay to use...maybe not.

Who knows what the right answer is, but I think everyone should remember to be sensible.

RIP Kyle.

Reporting for the "real world"

(DISCLAIMER: PICTURES TO COME SOON...THE TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO THE STATION HAS SLOWED DOWN MY PROCESS!)


After my quick "break" from reporting between being cleared and my shifts at KOMU, I'm right back at it.

For my first VO Patrol shift I went to the Rural Educational Interpreter Skill Enhancement Training. It's a three week workshop paid for by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The whole event is free for the participants, including meals and housing.

The program is for sign language interpreters from rural areas. Interpreters who work in those rural areas often don't have access to the information they need to help their students. Many of the interpreters have never received formal training and only know sign language through church or learning at home.

I think it's a really great idea, but also wonder if people who lack formal training should be trusted with interpreting information that is so vital.

The teacher of the event, Melanie McKay-Cody says there is no doubt that there are things she missed out on in school because of the inability of someone to translate the information to her.

To find out more about the program check out my story here.

It really made me have a newfound appreciation for the deaf culture. This week I had been complaining because my ear was clogged, and I couldn't hear well out of it. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to not hear all the time. Especially after watching one of the sessions of the seminar.

The class and all communication were done in sign language. It made me feel two things.

One: I really want to learn sign language. Because they are using their bodies and actions to speak, everything is more dramatic and acted out, kind of like when you play charades. I almost feel as if you can express some things better with sign language than you could with words.

Two: I felt really insecure. A whole class was going on, people were learning and communicating, and I had absolutely no idea what they were saying. I imagine it's the same as if you were around people speaking any foreign language to you...and for deaf people without interpreters, that's how life feels all the time.

It definitely opened my eyes and made me realize I take for granted something that is such a big part of life, yet not everybody has.

My second VO Patrol shift was the next day!

I did a story about the seven thousand dollars State Farm Insurance is giving high schools in Boone and Cass Counties to pay for The Stock Market Game.

I'll stop for a moment, those of you from Missouri are probably saying Boone and Cass? Why those two? Sadly, I don't know the answer to this, but if I find out I will update.

Read about the story and game here. (There's also a link to a video for the Missouri Stock Market Game on the story page!)

This event was a little different to cover than others. I had to leave lab early to get there (sad). It was held at the Peach Tree in Columbia. When I first got there, I thought I was in the wrong place because all I could find was a huge banquet room full of women listening to a man giving an empowering speech. It seemed to me like some mass community version of a sorority. I knew this couldn't be right. As all of the women left I heard them saying things like, "That was so inspiring" and "I want to eat healthy and go workout right now." (...maybe I should have gone)

After some confusion and a few phone calls, I found the room I was supposed to be in.

The check presentation was part of a workshop for high school finance teachers. The Missouri Council on Economic Education was hosting a workshop for finance teachers from high schools around Mid-Missouri.

It was interesting to see the teacher's response to The Stock Market Game and great to see that the money will help them. I think that they all believe that the game is a better way to teach students effectively and the money will help students who otherwise wouldn't get to participate a chance to play.

We played a version of this game in class when I was in fifth grade, but not this "real" version where students are competing against each other and winning awards.

That's all for now folks!

In The Shadows

I had my first shadow shift this week. On Wednesday, I did the live truck shadow shift for the 10. When I got to the station, the live truck operator was communicating with everyone he needed to in order to figure out where to go and making sure everything was in the truck. 


After being at the station for a few minutes we left and went to find a spot for the live shot. The story was about guardrail, so before he left Steven (the live truck operator) looked up a map online to find a place that had guardrail on the side of I-70, but also seemed like a place that would be easily accessible and safe. When we found the spot he had looked up, he went out to see where would be the best spot to park the truck and set up. Through all of this, I have learned that communication is very important. The producer, reporter, live truck operator and master control all need information from each other, so communication makes things run smoothly; especially since once the live truck operator leaves the station they are on their own to find the spot and set up the shot. 


Live truck operators have a lot of work to do once they leave the station. When we found where we were going Steven had to put the mast up, check the signal from the station, plug in power cords, cords to get feed from the station and send video back, cords to make the IFB work, etc. Then he had to figure out what lighting would make the best shot and set it up. All of this is finished before the reporter gets there. Operators usually need to have everything set up and ready to go fifteen minutes before the show starts. 


After everything was set up, the live reporter (Stephanie) met us. Both Stephanie and Steven told me that reporters should bring their scripts, copy of the rundown, make-up, a pen/highlighter/sharpie, their camera, 'emergency kit' and IFB. The IFB is important because it is a form of communication between the producers and the reporter/live truck operator. Stephanie says, "It's so you know what's going on." 


Steven says that reporters can really help operators buy helping tear-down after the shot, being knowledgeable in the way the equipment/process works and to communicate. If reporters want a certain shot/place or a graphic to be used, they need to let the operator know. He also said the biggest problem that plagues reporters is freezing up and forgetting what their script says. 


I learned a lot from this shadow shift. He said it's important for reporters to understand the process and equipment. This shift taught me that, and I do believe knowing all that has to be done and is going on will make shifts go a lot smoother. This shift also furthered my understanding that things work well when people communicate, oh and also taught me that you have to wear a reflective vest when you're standing on the side of I-70 with semi-trucks passing by at 70 mph!

Action News

     Over the past two weeks, I have consumed news in many different areas. I went home one weekend and was able to catch an investigative story on ABC 7 Chicago that actually happened in Missouri. The name of the piece is The Lost Flight. I think it is a really well reported story. The only things I wish were  also included is an interview with the family of Thomas Doty to see their reaction to what he did. Also, I tried to pause and look at the statue that was put up, but I wonder if Doty's name is on there. If it is, does it deserve to be? I can't decide what's the right answer, but I am leaning towards no because the reason that all those people have a memorial and are dead, is him.

     Then I spent a weekend in Memphis, while we were in the room getting ready for my cousin's wedding I kept hearing the ad for Action News. I was able to catch a glimpse of some of the reporting but not enough to give a judgment on it. I do have to say when I travel, I love watching other news segments. However, because I am so used to the set at KOMU or WGN or ABC 7 Chicago, other towns sets seem almost "fake" to me. Weird, I know.

   And, onto my Twitter news consumption. As I have been here writing this blog I have had at least seven tweets pop up with various forms of Actor Chace Crawford Arrested in Texas for Marijuana. While maybe this is a hint that I follow too many entertainment networks and magazines, I find it funny. If Chace was never a famed actor on Gossip Girl, who would care? Our country values actors and celebrities so much that it is breaking news that a guy in his twenties got busted for having some pot on him. I find it kind of sad that there are people who will care about that more than the oil spill or the drug war in Jamaica, or bombings and issues in other countries.

   But, as an entertainment news addict myself I guess I can't really be one to judge...
Check out the mugshot here!..

Two Weeks Two Vacations Four Stories

       As the chaos of the first week of class was winding up, I put together my first package (about the flooding) together that Friday night, so that I could get home to Chicago for my sister's graduation party.

     I got back to Columbia just in time for lecture. After reviewing my flooding package in lab on Monday, I set out to get my next package ready for Thursday.

     I decided to use some video from the City Council meeting I went to the week before about the new noise ordinance. My next battle was finding restaurant/bar owners and residents to talk to me.

     I was able to quickly get an interview with Carrie Gartner, the Executive Director for the District. It was interesting to talk with her about the new ordinance, because I had done a story with her a few months ago for KOMU. When I went before, the District was just launching its online survey for a new noise ordinance. I went in to see how the District is using social media and online sites to get feedback from the community. Now I was able to see the result of that survey and how many used it. (I will update later once I recheck the number)

   After lots of unreturned phone calls with restaurant and bar owners, I decided I needed a new strategy. I was lucky that the owners of Bengals were willing to meet with me, but unfortunately we weren't available at the same time/in time to get my package done. I decided I could use what I had from the city council meeting, but now I really needed someone who lives downtown that is effected by noise.

     I checked out a camera, drove downtown and found an apartment building that backs up to Quintons and is a block away from Harpo's. To my luck no one was around, so I waited on the front porch of the building for about twenty minutes. As I was sitting there sweating from the hot sun, listening to the construction workers across the way create the new Brookside Downtown apartments, trying to figure out what would be a better strategy, a resident came home!

     To my luck he wasn't too busy and gave me a few minutes of his time for an interview. His and many other residents biggest complaints about noise come from people (most likely intoxicated) walking down the streets yelling, not noise coming from bars. He says he has only ever really had a noise problem when Quintons had its back to school party in the fall, but he called and asked Quintons to turn down the music and it did. He said he wishes the ordinance hadn't changed and wishes the District used ads on TV to get notices out about upcoming public hearings and options for public input. He says a lot of people aren't able to get onto the internet and check the website all the time to see what new surveys are put out and feels that the City Council and the District should think about everyone when creating new ordinances. He works from four in the morning till one in the afternoon, so those early morning hours when people are out and at bars is his bed time. He said he feels most rules and ordinances are created assuming everyone who lives downtown works a standard nine to five job. On the other hand, the District says it's impossible to create an ordinance that makes everybody happy, but they believe the new one is the best possible compromise.

     One MU student that lives downtown says it's frustrating to be bothered by noise at night when he is studying, but he understands that he chose to live in a downtown area and feels that if you are really bothered by noise at night, then maybe you shouldn't live downtown.

     In other news: my first story for week three ended up being about the CASA program at Hickman High School. Since I went to Memphis for my cousin's wedding Memorial Day weekend, as soon as lab ended Thursday I knew I had till Friday night to get my next story finished.

    I had seen all the signs for the Memorial Day Weekend Air Show, and I was hoping that maybe some event was happening on Friday. Luckily I saw on the schedule a program called Living History. Living History is part of the Salute to Veterans Corporations Memorial Day Weekend Celebration where guests who come in for the parade and to fly in the air show visit local schools, nursing homes, etc.

    I contacted the group and found out that astronaut Hoot Gibson would be at Hickman High School at 9 on Friday morning. I called Hickman to find out where and to get the okay to go and film.

    The CASA program at Hickman is in its own building between the main building and the track on the Hickman campus. Before going, I had absolutely no idea what CASA was.

    When I walked in, I was greeted by students who informed me Hoot wasn't there yet and asked if I wanted a tour. I denied at first thinking, why do I need a tour of a classroom?

    After I set my stuff down, I realized it was no ordinary classroom and allowed another student to take me on a tour.

    The CASA building consists of a master control room lined with computers with their CASA programming on it, screens in the front of the class showing live video feed from different areas of the building as well as from NASA, a space shuttle that student's created that includes pretty much everything you would find on a real one, a public affairs office where the students broadcast live news feeds during their mission, a production room and many other NASA related tools.

     I was amazed that this building existed and that these students were working on their own, wearing astronaut suits, figuring out codes and working as a team.

    Gibson finally arrived about an hour and forty five minutes later. The students were extremely excited to see him (he has visited the program two times before). To begin the students met in the master control room and introduced him and allowed him to say a few things about himself.

     Since it was the last day of class for the seniors, the students gave out awards and had Gibson help out with the recognition.

     Next was the part the students were really excited about (aside from getting Gibson to sign their yearbooks). They did a fifteen minute simulation and had Gibson join in. Gibson struggled with one of the activities the students gave him because some of the controls the students have differ from what you would find on a real mission.

    Gibson says he is impressed by how well the students work together and the teamwork that they learn  is an invaluable lesson.

    During the fifteen minute simulation, I spent the time on the shuttle with the students and Gibson where the students worked with mission control to figure out codes, experienced difficulties and worked together to fix things.

     It was a really neat experience that I would have never guessed goes on at Hickman High School. I don't think many people know the program exists and that during the school day while some students sit and listen to their teachers lecture in a regular classroom, other students walk across the parking lot, suit-up and work together to solve problems.

    The students spend most of the year fixing problems that arise and preparing for a week-long mission that they simulate each year. During the mission the students spend the entire week from nine to five and sometimes later in the CASA building simulating.

     Most of the seniors said they were sad to leave. I spoke to one senior who only did CASA for one year and says he wishes he did it longer and will miss the program. Another student I spoke with has been coming to the CASA building since fifth grade. Students in Columbia from middle school on up are invited to come to the program for class or as an after-school activity.

    I'm really happy I stumbled across this program and got the chance to learn about it!

     My last package was about the Relay for Life in Callaway County. I attended two of their captain's meetings. The first was held in the library at the Missouri School for the Deaf in Fulton, and the second was on the track at MSD where the event will take place.

      I was on the planning committee for Relay for Life in my hometown my senior year in high school, so it was definitely interesting to see how different communities prepare.

     At the first meeting I met the chair for the relay, as well as the American Cancer Society representative. Both of them were extremely friendly. The American Cancer Society representative, Lauren Lineweber says she's really excited to see how the relay has grown (last year only 17 teams, this year 36), as well as the spirit it has brought to Fulton and the Callaway County community. 

     The chair of the relay, Mindy Noel, created an exercise to bring all the captains back together and remind them why they are there. She had everyone close their eyes and raise their fists in the air.

     Then she had everyone raise a finger for someone they are related to, friends with, or someone they know that has lost the fight to cancer. Once everyone opened their eyes, almost everyone had all ten fingers up, it was an emotional experience and a great reminder of what they are working for.

     At the next meeting, I was able to meet up with one family that is new to Relay this year. Kaycee is eleven years old, and the youngest team captain for the Callaway County Relay. Kaycee's grandpa lost his fight to cancer this past December. So, Kaycee created a fundraiser at school in his honor, by selling t-shirts saying I survived Hatton-McCredie (her elementary school) and I helped someone survive cancer. While deciding where to donate the money to, Kaycee and her mother found the Callaway County Relay for Life.

   Kaycee's mom says it's part of Kaycee's grieving process and the relay has been a really great gift in helping their family. Kaycee will give a speech at the opening ceremonies for the relay event on June 4th. She says she's nervous because she knows how important it is, and also excited to see all of the money she has raised.

    On Tuesday evening in the scorching hot sun, the captains marked out where everything will be on the track. With all the final details worked out, the participants and members of the Callaway County community seem ready to "Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back" at their relay event on June 4th.

  

And...if you feel like donating, donations for the Callaway County Relay for Life can be made online until August 31st. 

That's pretty much it for this week, but I do have to say even though taking class has taken away my summer, I couldn't be happier. Meeting the people I met at Relay, finding out about the program at Hickman, talking to the man downtown; I never would have met these people if it weren't for class. I believe there is no better way to learn than meeting new people and experiencing new things. Reporting allows you to do that hands on, and I couldn't be happier. When talking to the family at Relay for Life, Sarah, the mom asked me if this is what I want to do forever and if I enjoy it. It really made me think, and I told her that I never would have met her if it weren't for class and reporting. I have learned so much by (luckily) meeting such kind and interesting people, and I can't wait to meet more and learn more through reporting!

My First Full Week of Summer...wait, no, of Journalism!

      My week started off with preparing my video for my first package for Broadcast 2. In addition to school making it not feel like summer, there has been a TON of rain. This is why I decided to do my story on flooding. 


     I enjoy going driving around Columbia and the neighboring towns, so I decided to get on the website for MODOT and find a road closed due to flooding. I chose Route 179 in Sandy Hook in Moniteau County. It was about a 45 minute drive through some beautiful and pretty interesting areas. (By the way, to anyone who spends the $65 to go to Great America and ride Raging Bull....just take 179 South from I-70, same drops and thrills, only gas money!)
      On my way I passed through a town called Wooldridge.
                                   
Yep...that sign reads about population: 49. Coming from a high school of about 2,000 this was definitely a new experience. There were a bunch of houses along the side of the road, and I saw several people outside. I'm pretty sure from Route 179 you can count all the people in the town.
                              
                   This was another new one for me, but nothing beats the beautiful sky and open land in the background. 


     Finally, I reached the stretch of Route 179 in Sandy Hook that was supposed to be closed. The road was still wet, but the water had already receded to the sides of the road. I knew I needed to interview someone from the area to see if the road really had been closed and if it had affected them. 


     I drove up about three long windy gravel driveways to random people's houses, hoping someone would be home and talk to me. To my luck, no one was home (or they didn't want to answer the door to a stranger) except each house had a dog. I didn't see the dog at the first house before I got out of my car. It approached me as I was standing at the front door and my heart started racing. I didn't have much cell phone service and there was no one in sight. What was going to happen if this dog attacked me? I quickly but calmly retreated to my car. 


     At the next house the dog met me at my car, I waited a few minutes. The dog seemed sweet and finally left me alone to take a nap on his front lawn. I got up the courage to get out and ring the door bell, again....no answer.


      At the third house, the dog seemed so vicious when I was still in my car that I decided I didn't feel like risking my life THAT much.


      Feeling hopeless I went down the road a bit and then I saw what I needed. There was a man outside working on his house on the side of 179. I lucked out, he helped me with my story and it was so interesting to hear about someone who lives in such an unpopulated area. 


     I had an adventure at an old gas pump on my way home, then continued to track down MODOT officials for the next few days until I got the information I needed.


I'm really excited for my package, and I hope it turns out well.






     I also went to the City Council meeting this week. I was hoping to get a story about the new noise ordinance and I have been looking into the town reaction to the Columbia Police SWAT team incident. At the meeting I was able to interview protestors outside, and listen to their emotions and feelings inside. They asked for reform in SWAT team policy and answers from the CPD. (oh, and the noise ordinance passed). I can now play my viola outside downtown until 10 during the week and 11 on the weekends!


The new rules are: Live or amplified Music Outside: Until 10 pm Sunday - Wednesday
and Until 11 pm Thursday to Saturday.
Car radios can't be heard further than 50 feet from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or at any distance any other time. 
Other noise is limited to:
300 feet: Sunday - Wednesday 7 A.M. - 10 P.M. and Thursday - Saturday 7 A.M. - 11 P.M.
150 feet: Sunday - Wednesday 10 P.M. - 1:30 A.M. Thursday - Saturday 11 P.M. - 1:30 A.M.
50 feet: Everday 1:30 A.M. - 7:30 A.M.


I shot video outside Fieldhouse Wednesday night, just in case I do a noise ordinance story. To my luck a few intoxicated people wanted to dance and wave to my camera. 


     Back to the SWAT controversy. Police Chief Burton held a press conference Thursday afternoon to answer questions. He announced that there is new policy for using dynamic entry and they will try to avoid using it as much as possible. They said they new there was a child in the house beforehand, but with old policy that didn't matter. Now they will consider dynamic entry and the location of a child before entering. Burton also says they will be purchasing helmets with cameras on them for all SWAT team members. He apologized for what happened, but stated that the team members were acting under correct protocol. He had an emotional moment discussing how he handles challenging processes of the department with his force, but says they are an excellent group of people.


In case you missed the video that started the controversy.


The Statement Burton Read


The Summary Chief Burton Released of the Video. 


Narcotics Search Warrant Policy Change.


And...the Media Release of the Investigation.


A video of the Press Conference is available here too.


I also attended a training/informational session the Citizens Police Review Board requested from the Columbia Police Department about the use of TASERs.                                                               



    Officers use an "Ask, Tell, Make" procedure: they ask someone to put their hand behind their back, state it sternly again, tell them they'll have to use a TASER, take the cartridge out and do a spark test, then actually use it. 


     The effects of a TASER only last for about 5 seconds, it makes your muscles tense up, then relax, and then you have your full strength back.


     One officer says it is unbelievable pain, but it only last for a few seconds (that feel a lot longer than they actually are). He says pepper spray still hurts him the day after. 




That's all for this week!

News BlackBerry Apps and Twitter.

      I was semi-homeless this week. I'm moving into my apartment for the summer today (YAY!), but I was lucky enough a friend of mine lent me her apartment for the week. Only problem, no TV. I usually wake up to my TV on the Today show or KOMU Today...depending on what time I wake up. I also (if I'm home at the right time) try to watch Nightly News with Brian Williams. No TV and spending most of my time gathering video and at local events meant my news consumption this week was low.


     Everything I knew that was happening this week came from TweetDeck and my AP News app on my BlackBerry. I did an independent study Spring semester on the impact of Twitter and social media on news. I learned a lot, including how important it is for news gathering. While I usually consume my news elsewhere, there are probably other people who always get their news the way I did this week. Since I do learn a lot form the little tweets that pop up in the top corner of my screen every few seconds while I'm working on something else, I realize that I need to follow even more news organizations, so that I can always know what's happening. 


     I think the AP app is really well layed out. There are different tabs for top news, local, national, entertainment etc. I've been able to follow the updates on the BP spill situation and other important information through my phone. 


     I'm going home to Chicago this weekend for my sister's graduation, I can't wait to watch my personal favorite growing up, WGN news at 9. It should be interesting to watch now that I have learned so much more about the best ways to report. Hopefully by next week I will be back to my usual news consumption, and have some more to say!