My internship at WABC has been such a learning experience. I feel that I have developed an understanding of how the media works especially news. Coming into this internship I had a basic understanding of how the television industry functioned. I realized that everyone's job is a crucial contribution that is necessary for the completion of a successful newscast. In order for a newscast to run smooth and punctual, each person must do his/her job correctly. When one actually works in the environment and sees how everything is put together, then one looks at the news in a more assertive and critical manner.
I also gathered helpful tips and techniques from several reporters. For instance, Dr. Jay Adlersberg taught me to always keep the story simple and only use two main points. In addition, he said when conducting an interview; make sure you brainstorm how you would construct the format of the story before you actually do it. Also, always take different angles when interviewing because it gives you a variety of shots to choose from. Lastly, he said when your thinking of questions to ask, picture the story in your head with sound bytes, VO's, etc.
Michelle Charlesworth stressed the 5 main questions, who, what, where, when, and why. She said as long as all those questions are answered then you could never go wrong. She added that when constructing a story, you should ask the history of the person, find out their background, and most of all listen carefully and do not interrupt the person. She also gave me helpful hints for stand-ups. The first was never including a sound byte that was used in your package as your intro. Secondly, try different ways to project your voice, but do not scream or yell. One can do this by inflecting and "punching" certain words.
Another reporter, Nina Pineda, emphasized that one should always be conversational. Do not try to sound like a reporter, just be comfortable and natural. She also mentioned to always make reference of the location that you are reporting from. Finally she said that the video must always match the words.
I'm thankful for their time, patience, and willingness to help me in any way. Since I spent so much time in the news environment, I was able to learn the "lingo". For example, track, crystal, sound byte, SOT, B-roll, tease, etc. All these helpful tips will serve as useful guidelines to follow for future jobs.
Throughout the internship I began to realize that there was much more information that I was not aware of. As a viewer one sees the newscast from a different point of view. Therefore, one does not realize the amount of time and energy that is put into a newscast. If one person is not on point, then that makes the next person's job much harder. Its just like an assembly line, making sure everything flows at the right pace; and timing is of course crucial.
At the beginning of my internship I came in with three jobs that I considered. They were producing, editing, and reporting. I have narrowed my choices down to editing and reporting. I slowly lost interest in producing because the level of interaction with people is minimal. As a producer one comes in, attends several meetings, and the goal is to produce the show. Although it is rewarding, it is not a position that I see myself pursuing, but you never know. As far as editing, I have come to the conclusion that I want to master the avid. Even though there is a lot of isolation with editing, there is a great deal of creativity involved. As an editor one can really input their style and artistic ideas to the specific piece. Lastly, I still hold a strong passion for reporting. The first month at WABC I was extremely enthused about the craft of reporting. The fire is still there, but I have decided that news is not the field that I want to work in. Entertainment news and channels such as, Travel, E!,Discovery, and VH1 are only a few of which I am interested in. I am glad that I came to the realization of what I am pursuing. This internship has been a great help to me in the sense that I can eliminate the things I don't want to do and keep looking for jobs that entice me.
The only drawback that I encountered at WABC is that it is a NABET union. Therefore, only those who are assigned to a specific piece of equipment are allowed to use it. Interning at union stations limits one's ability to receive a "hands on" experience. In order to learn you must make mistakes, and the only possible way for this to happen is by experimenting with the equipment.
Overall, my internship has been an unforgettable experience. I participated and contributed to many televised news stories. The most important aspect of the internship was that I was able to network with important and powerful figures. I made the most of my internship by shadowing the reporters, producers, directors and editors. I learned the duties involved in the various positions.
Another highlight of my internship was that I was able to speak with the news director and receive constructive criticisms on my reel. In addition, I feel privileged that I was able to put my foot in the door at a prestigious and reputable news station.
If one has the motivation, desire, and proper work ethics, then all your dreams will eventually become reality. With my optimistic attitude, I will be able to accomplish any task. I am very determined to make my way to the top. The only way that I can achieve my goals are through practicing, believing in myself, and continue being the vivacious and outgoing person that I am.