Final Exam

Final Exam- News Media Practicum II

Last semester in my final write-up, I spoke about how the most valuable thing I’ve learned thus far in news media practicum and my education in broadcast journalism was the importance of communication. I spoke about how I had stepped up in Interlachen, and was just getting comfortable with the video camera.  

This semester has been completely different than that. In more ways than one, I have really 100% put myself into everything. This semester has been the most trying out of the two that I have attended FSC. I obviously have been taking harder classes in broadcast, but more importantly, I have really been challenged.

This semester I was able to really step it up specifically in broadcast. Interlachen was a great opportunity to step up definitely, but Interlachen wasn’t challenging for me. It was easy hours, for something that I didn’t feel challenged by. In the beginning of this semester, Anna’s show Southern News Network was just getting started. I knew immediately I had to join the production of it, not just for hours, but for more broadcast experience. That was the experience I couldn’t really get in Interlachen.

Firstly when working for Southern News Network, I began writing stories for the anchors to read during the news segments. I had never written for Broadcast before, so made sure to welcome any suggestions from Anna about how to fix them. After a couple times of submitting stories, I felt really comfortable with broadcast writing. I continued writing stories throughout the semester, but at some point a couple weeks in to the show, I decided I should not only just write stories. I should also try to help out with some other things during the Production of the show itself that was on Monday mornings.

I stepped up one Monday morning and asked if I could take over running the Teleprompter for that Monday’s show. Anna agreed, and we went through the first take, with not one glitch on my end. I was proud of myself for stepping up and taking the initiative to really get involved in production. Within the next following weeks I decided to dig even deeper into getting involved on the show. I eventually offered to help out with cameras during the show. I began running the cameras some of the time, and sometimes directing both cameras when less experienced people were running the cameras.

While helping out with everything on Southern News Network, I do feel like I have done myself a favor by getting real experience while working on production. I feel working on this show has really gotten me acquainted with just about everything in the studio. It has really made me feel well-rounded in a lot of aspects, which I know will only be to my advantage in the long-run.

I plan on getting even more involved next semester with this show, so that the producers feel I can handle a lot of responsibility. By gaining their trust, I hope to begin getting experiences in front of the camera as well.  

April 5, 2011

Last night I met with John Luti to shoot for Moc Sports at the baseball game. We shot highlights for the majority of the game, which ended up being a 10-inning slow-moving game. Victoria was also there and we alternated shooting and John showed me the best angles to work with when getting shots of the person up at bat, and the best angles to achieve when the Mocs were in the outfield. 4 hours.

Total- 36 Hours

April 4, 2011 (cont.)

FSC TV- Tonight I wrote 2 additional stories for Southern News Network. I wrote one on the saga series movie. The other one I wrote was about the Up til Dawn needing new Executive members.  2 hours.

Total: 32 Hours

April 4, 2011

FSC TV- Today I wrote 2 stories for Anna for Southern News Network. I wrote one about the First Economic Symposium that FSC will be holding. The other was about an involvement opportunity for volunteers with the Girls Incorporated of Lakeland organization. 2 hours.


Total: 30 hours

March 26, 2011

MOCS sports- Today we shot the baseball game and did highlights. We shot from different angles of the field with a bunch of people from Mocs sports. I worked mostly with Sarah when we took turns shooting from different places around the field. 3 hours.

Total- 28 hours

March 22, 2011

FSC TV meeting- Today we had a meeting for FSC TV, and we discussed story ideas. I decided to write 2 stories and submit them to Anna by the end of the week. 1 hour.

FSC TV- I wrote 2 stories for FSC TV- 1 about a career center story, and the other about the T-shirt Palooza. 2 hours.

Total- 25 hours

Feb 21, Mar 8 and 9th

Feb 21- FSC TV- Today we did the shooting for FSC TV. Today was one of the more successful days I've had with FSC TV, because I tried doing something new and I ran the cameras and directed each camera person when it would be their turn to shoot, etc. It was a big responsibility and even on the first run through, I did well. I was happy I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried this. 2 hours

Mar 8- Interlachen- Today we met for Interlachen to take our group photo for the Yearbook and to discuss our deadline and what we need to do to get everything done by then. 1 hour

March 9- Today we had an FSC TV meeting. We talked about who was writing what stories. 30 min

Total Hours- 22 Hours

News Media Practicum Midterm

Lauren Lundell News Media Practicum Midterm

News analysts, reporters, and correspondents gather information, prepare stories, and make broadcasts that inform the public about local, State, national, and international events. They also present points of view on current issues, and report on the actions of public officials, corporate executives, interest groups, and others who exercise power. News analysts, also called news anchors examine, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources. News anchors present news stories and introduce videotaped news or live broadcast from on-the-scene reporters. News correspondents report on news occurring in the large U.S. and foreign cities where they are stationed. As a Broadcast student, I know that I would like to pursue my specific career to be either a News anchor or a News Correspondent.

The work of a news anchor or correspondent is very hectic. To succeed in this career, I believe that one must deal well under pressure, and in short deadlines, because of the fact that sometimes broadcasters have little or no time to prepare. The possibility of covering wars, political uprisings, fires, floods, and similar events can be dangerous so I believe that the ideal candidate for this position needs to be courageous and adventurous, especially when speaking about a News correspondent. Not only do I fit all of these necessary components, but I am also extremely flexible. Flexibility is another key personality trait that one must have to fulfill the position of news anchor or news correspondent. As an anchor/correspondent, work hours may be out of the ordinary and vary from day to day. Their work may require long hours, irregular schedules, and travel. As a news correspondent, I am very willing to travel. As a high school senior, I went with no family or friends, and only a tour group, for a month to tour France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. At such a young age, I have always had the curiosity necessary to be in this field. Having interest in International Affairs will also transfer to my career as a news correspondent. Not only do I have a major in Broadcast Journalism, but I also am pursuing a minor in political science. I understand the importance of knowing what is going on in the world, as it affects every single one of us.

Correspondents should be dedicated to providing accurate and impartial news. Accuracy is important both to serve the public. Noses for news, persistence, initiative, poise, resourcefulness, a good memory are all other important qualities for this career that I possess. Broadcast reporters and news analysts must be comfortable on camera and in unfamiliar places and with a variety of people. Positions involving on-air work require a pleasant voice and personal appearance, which I take pride in every day. As an anchor, I know that each anchor represents their station and must withhold that responsibility at all times. Therefore, with all of these qualities present, I know that I want to pursue a career as a News anchor or News correspondent.  

February 14, 2011

FSC TV- Today we had a meeting for Anna's show. Not a lot of people showed up, and we didnt have enough stories to do a segment today, so we just signed up for more stories and talked about my exact role in the program. 1 hour.

FSC TV- Later that day I wrote a segment for Anna's show on Monday about NIRSA Day Event in the Wellness Center. 1 hour.

Total- 17 Hours 30 minutes

February 10, 2011

Feb 10- Southern Talk- Today I came in today to help Megan with her show, Southern Talk. I helped her set up the studio before the Guest got there, and then when the show began filming, I ran the prompter for her. After we were done filming it, I helped her clean up the studio and put the props back where we found them. Then, we logged and captured the footage onto the computer in the studio. 2 hours.

Total 15 Hours 30 minutes

February 7 & February 8, 2011

FSC TV- Today I wrote 2 stories for Anna. One of them was regarding the new graduation location and venue. The other was regarding the new February Convo speaker. 2 hrs

Interlachen- Today at our meeting we spoke about what types of things we would be getting video footage of. Austen asked me to write on the master calendar the important dates my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, had coming up in the next couple of weeks. I volunteered to help film some of them, and to film the baseball game next week. 1 hr

Total- 13 Hours 30 minutes

February 6, 2011

February 1- Interlachen meeting- Today we expanded on the dates of how soon we need the pages laid out for the yearbook. We continue to need most of the book done by midterms. 1 hour.

February 2- FSC TV- Today I wrote an article about the Polk Museum of Art and their special that they're having for free entry for college students at Florida Southern. 1 hour.

Total- 10 hours 30 minutes

Online Media Writing Assignment

The Bill Duncan Memorial 5K Run/Walk

Bill Duncan graduated from Florida Southern College in 1959. He was an educator and administrator in the Polk County school system. Bill Duncan was heavily involved in running and track. He held records as a participant, and later as a coach.  He was inducted into the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in athletics, leadership ability, and his impeccable character. Duncan consistently put forward his best efforts as a runner and as a coach, and instilled this same motivation and philosophy into his students and athletes. The Bill Duncan 5K Run/Walk was created to honor Bill Duncan.

In addition, the Bill Duncan scholarship is awarded annually to the most astonishing Polk County student in long-distance running. All proceeds from this event benefit the Florida Southern Cross Country and Track Scholarship Fund. Every year local sponsors help cover the cost of the event which costs around $1,600.00 to put on each year. Some of the Sponsors of this year’s 5K included Crossfit Lakeland, FitNiche, Verizon Wireless, Publix, Hyatt Place, and Straughn Trout Architects.

This year the race took place on Saturday, January 29 2011. The race begins near the intersection of South Ingraham Ave. and McDonald St. on the Florida Southern College Campus. Overall Male and Female 5K winners receive special awards. Awards for top three finishers in 10 age groups also receive medals.

2011 Results of the Race can be found here.

In addition to the proceeds of this event funding the Bill Duncan Scholarship, Duncan also left his mark on an educational pillar. As a long-time Polk County educator, holding Principal positions at Winter Haven and Lake Wales high schools, and serving as an administrator in the superintendent’s office, Duncan was known as the “father of discipline” in Polk County. When he retired in 1992, the Polk County Opportunity Center was renamed the Bill Duncan Opportunity Center. The Mission of BDOC is to “provide a safe and orderly learning environment and enable our students to successfully function in mainstream schools and society, so their goals and dreams may be achieved."

Bill Duncan left a legacy in Polk County and at Florida Southern College. The Duncan Family wishes to thank Florida Southern College for honoring Bill Duncan.

Additional Links:

http://crossfitlakeland.com/

http://www.fitniche.com/index.cfm

http://www.lakelandrunnersclub.com/races/

http://www.polk-fl.net/community/recognitionprograms/halloffameinductees.htm

January 28, 2011

FSC TV-
Today I wrote 2 additional stories for FSC TV for the 2nd show on Monday. One of the stories I wrote about was about the Piano Prodigy Robert Fleitz who came to the college for the Festival of Fine arts. Another story was about a senior swimmer at the school who is being featured in the Jan 31 edition of Sports Illustrated. 2 hours.

Total= 8 hours 30 min

Week of January 28, 2011

January 24-
FSC TV- Today we had our second meeting for FSC TV, and we began filming our first short to run on the FSC Channel. Colleen Brady was our lead and only anchor, so I helped Anna with setting up. Also, I helped with editing some of the stories on the teleprompter because some of them were way too wordy. 1 hour.

January 25-
FSC TV- Today I wrote two stories for FSC TV, one for the mens basketball game and one for the womens basketball game. I kept them short and simple just like the one I wrote last week which Anna told me was perfect. 2 hours.

Interlachen- Today we met for Interlachen. The editors told us to see our video editor Austen for signup of video shoots. Patrick told us that our photos need to be in by mid February, and the Copy editor spoke about her deadlines as well.  1 hour.

Total: 6 hours, 30 minutes

News Media Practicum II- Post 1 2011

Week of January 21-

January 19- FSC TV- Today was our first meeting for FSC TV, which I will be working with Anna and a bunch of other people on FSC TV. We spoke about story ideas for our first segment running on Monday, and I volunteered to write a blurb about The "Night at the Opera." Later that day I did research on the event and wrote the blurb and emailed it to Anna. (1 hour, 30 min)

January 19-This evening we also had our first Interlachen meeting. Jess told me that she needs some of the people who worked on the book last semester to step up, and asked me to continue and get even more involved in the Photography aspect. (1 hour)

Total Hours: 2 hours 30 minutes