My Biggest Challenge

This week for our capstone blog our professor asked us to think about a BC class or projected that challenged us the most. I knew from the moment I read the email what that class was for me. It was Titan radio news producing for Broadcast journalism. I never been a good writer or considered myself one. In fact I really don’t like writing. I enjoy creative writing or things like this blog. But when it comes to structure writing I am horrible at it. So this was one aspect I was not looking forward to for Titan radio news. The only nice thing about this style is that it’s short and to the point. No twelve page papers for me.

Producing a news shift the producer is responsible for everything; from gathering the information, conducting phone interviews, writing the stories, and being the talent on the air. I took this class I believe my sophomore year when I was just changing majors so it was all pretty new to me. Taking on this task seemed to me really over whelming. I can honestly say that I dreaded going to my news shift. But just like anything else you learn and get through it

I would get at the radio station almost a full two hours before my shift first new shift. See it takes me forever to write stories, ,mostly because I’m trying to think of what to say and how to say it so I made sure I got their early. Beyond that, I still had to do the news live over the air. That kind of stuff never bothered me but it was how to work the board that I was worried about.
At the time I didn’t have much experience in conducting phone interviews and calling people up. Most of the sound that goes on air comes from the people we call for a story. So this was a new concept for me. I remember my first phone call I made was to police Chief Carmen Piccirillo. I talked to the guy for almost four minutes only to realize after the I forgot to hit record. Sometimes it’s just the little things. Needless to say I never made that mistake again.

As the semester went on I got better at all these different skills. It was a major challenge because I was new to some many elements. But like anything else it only takes time and practice to improve and become comfortable. There are so many skills that a broadcaster needs that can be developed from radio news. You learn to perfect your writing. It teaches you how to do gather sound for your news cast. It enhances your social and communication skills through all the interviews and contacts you make. And the list goes on. Now here I am as one the EP’s for Titan Radio. Never would I have seen that one coming but like most surprise you don’t. I can say I sharpen a lot of my skills from producing news. I think the biggest way it helped me and can help most people is the communication skill needed to gather news stories. It forces you to interact with countless people. And the is the bread and butter for any Broadcaster.

10 Years From Now

Wow me ten years from now coming back for Westminster homecoming. I wonder what that would be like… (Going into the future) Wa Nah Nah Nah! Wa Nah Nah! Wa Nah Nah!

I always enjoyed the ride up to school. Autumn fever has taken over the leaves painting them with so many colors. It’s been so long that I’d seen any of my old class mates. I just can’t wait to see them. More important I can’t wait to see my old buddy Nicky Piszczor. We were EP's for the County Line and radio news.From the Email we were all suppose to meet up in the radio station. Boy do I miss being in that station. To think of all the countless hours I would send in there working on news, TCL meetings, late night projects, and even doing some DJ shifts. I remember having the best time just sitting in there talking and laughing with all my friends. I do miss that. You never realize how much fun you’re having until it’s all over.

The little borough of New Wilmington is packed with people and the town is buzzing like a bee hive. It only took me 15 minutes to find a parking spot but I found one to fit my BMW in. Its 10:15 and the parade will be starting soon. So I made my way to the station in a hurry. I claimed the steps and half way up I spotted Nicky!

Doug: Little foot! How the hell are you?

Nicky: Oh my gosh Doug! Hi!

Doug: Kind of weird being back uh?

Nicky: Yeah just a little, but I’m excited to see everyone.

Doug: Well let’s walk up together

Nicky: Sure Doug (with a smile on her face)

We entered the room and everyone was there! All my old buddies, David Greig, Amanda Conway, Aimee Gerber (who really spells Amy like that?), Christina Roseto, and even TJ Renninger. At first I felt like I was there for a County Line meeting, so I said, “alright everyone who is producing this week and what are our lead stories?” everyone laughed.

Amanda: Doug get your ass over here and give me a hug!

Doug: Darling, when you put in like that, I guess I don’t have a choice. (Big hug)

Amanda: Awe Doug. I missed you so much! Did you hear about Dr. B?

Doug: No what?

Amanda: Well…He moved on…

Doug: Oh my God! Is he dead?

Amanda: Oh No! (Haha) He’s back working at Froggy.

Doug: Wow, you scared me there for a second. So what’s new? Are you married?

Amanda: Yes I am! I met this great guy at work.

Doug: That’s great! Where do you work?

Amanda: I’m a reporter for a Station in Ohio. Its small but they have me in prime time.

Doug: Well with a face like yours I can see why…

Everyone in the room was having a good time drinking some punch and snacking on the cookies that were provided. Then I had a tap on my shoulder

Nicky: So was that your BMW I saw pulling in? Boy Doug, you must have done alright for yourself.

Doug: Yeah, you could say that. When you work for the Pittsburgh Steelers they tend to pay you well

Nicky: Wow really? That’s great Doug. I knew you would work for someone big one day. What do you do for them?

Doug: I film and put together their season highlights. So what are you doing now?

Nicky: Well you know me. I’m working for PBS. Well…I’m the president of PBS.

Doug: Holy shit! Really? I’m sure I could have guessed that one.

Nicky: So where is your wife at? Did you get tied down yet?

Doug: Yes I did. She couldn’t make it though. She had to do a photo shoot.

Nicky: You’re married to a model?

Doug: So did she. (HaHa)

I always knew Nicky would do good for herself. She was always one of the hardest workers in our major. I looked at her as the girl who could do anything and for her, I think anything is possible.

Doug: What ever happen to TJ and Thomas?

Nicky: I hear T.J. is still working for WKBN part time and Thomas got a full time job working in the AV Department at the college.

Doug: Some how, I seen that one coming (haha)

Nicky: You ready to head down to the parade with me?

Doug: With you Darling of course, lets go!

The day went on and I had a great time catching up with everyone. We were late for the parade but that’s ok I didn’t really care to see. The Parade was just the same when I did it. The sororities had the nice looking floats and the Frats looked like they did there’s last minute. I stayed for the first half of the Football game. But after that there was not much worth staying for. The Titans were losing 65-10. Maybe one day they will be good. It was a great day seeing everyone. But now its time to go home, and should be a nice ride in my BMW.

Your My Favorite!

This week I would like to talk about one of my fellow BC majors Amanda Conway. Even though I am a 5^th year senior I have been with this class sense their freshman year and person who has always impressed me as been Amanda.

What I see in Amanda is her skill and potential to be an amazing Broadcaster. I and Amanda are both EP’s for Titan Radio News and it really gave me a chance to see her in action. This girl is amazing with her writing skills and in my opinion one of the best writers we have in our major. I have to say I envy her writing style and talent to tell the story.

I know Amanda has aspirations of being a TV news reporter. Judging from my experience with WTAE and from my own observation, I feel it would highly benefit her to work on her adlibbing. This is one skill that is very key to any broadcaster and if she can master or even manage it, Amanda would exceed to the next level. One of the reasons I choose to write about Amanda is because of her work ethic. Sometimes I wish I had the drive and work ethic as some of the people I work with and Amanda is just a Machine. Just one look at her schedule would make me want to cry. This is a girl who always has her stories done ahead of time and is constantly putting her foot forward.

The role I think would be great for Amanda would to be a producer, the person who writes all the scripts for the anchors. I mention earlier about her writing skills and I think this could fit her best. But I could be wrong. And because I think Amanda will be successful I will stay in touch with Amanda in hope she could hook me up with some money haha just kidding. Amanda Conway your awesome!

A Scholar and a Gentleman

He was not just a good friend but also someone that I looked up to. Chris Norris was a scholar and a gentleman. I remember when I first met Chris I was DJing for Titan Radio and he was in the production room next to me working on the sports minute. He came over to introduce himself and asked if I was new to the major. I told him that I just change majors to Broadcasting. Chris told how great this major is, and he sat there and talked to me. After that I felt so welcome into the major and was impress that he came over to talk to me. And that has stuck with me ever sense.

Chris was also a constant professional when it came to his work. And seeing someone constantly conduct himself in that manor it tends to rub off on the people around you. I know it did for me. Sometimes it’s the little things like how you carry yourself that can make all the difference in how people perceive you. This was one of the reasons why I did look up to Chris even though we are the same age. He was so good at what he did it made me want to work harder on projects just to make them better.

I have to say I miss having Chris. I don’t ever remember that kid ever being in a bad mood but always being happy and smiling. What made Chris different from everyone else was his willing to help out others. I know he saved my butt a hand full of times on projects a bunch. Chris will go off and make a name for him self and leave his make as he did here at Westminster and on me. Thanks Chris

Press Release

For all your Grey Hounds Football coverage New Wilmington fans turn to one person, Doug Kunst the host of the Hounds Round Up. Broadcasting Major Doug Kunst has spent the entire season Following every game and snap. Now it all comes down to his final presentation of the Wilmington Grey Hounds season and his final presentation of his college career. On November 24th at 6:30 pm at the Field House Mr. Kunst will take you behind the scenes of the Hounds Round Up and all the production that goes into producing the video blog. The Capstone Project will also feature the final episode of the Hounds Round Up. So come see the professional work of a Broadcast student at Westminster college, oh and did I mention there will be free snacks?