Thursday, January 30, 2020

For the Aspiring Multi-Media Journalist

Are you looking for new, creative ways to share a broadcast journalism story? I know I am.

In today's world, it's imperative that storytelling be done in an innovative fashion. Without doing so, we stand a chance of losing our audience within three seconds of our package. That being said, we must keep: The rule of thirds, white balance, manual focus, look-room, and so much more in-mind when we are capturing b-roll. Not to mention, our audience, writing, and various angles. The list goes on and on. Thus, reporting will never be something that will be learned in one day or year. 

Some of the people that have helped me learn and practice these skills are: Joe Little, Julianna Valencia, and Kim Cung. Joe Little is a network reporter for NBC7 in San Diego; Juliana Valencia was a former WHAS11-News Anchor (Louisville, Kentucky) and is currently a reporter for NBC Washington and Telemundo 44; and Kim Cung was a former reporter for WTKR in Norfolk, Virginia. Each of them have inspired me in more ways than one. Joe Little inspires my stand-ups, Juliana Valencia inspires my television writing, and Kim Cung inspires both my networking and personal marketing goals. 

Not to mention, the support and inspiration that I've been receiving from many local journalists. If you find some extra time, I suggest studying the work of the following reporters: Tyler Emery, Alex Durham, Jesse Cohen, Shay McCallister, Andrea Ash, Fallon Glick, Hayden Ristevski, Shannon Cogan, John Boel, Doug Profitt, Candyce Clifft, Sterling Riggs, Olivia Russell, Sara Rivest, Gary Fogle, Rachel Platt, Kristin Goodwillie, Rob Harris, Adrienne Smith, John Carlton, Heather Fountaine, Senait Gebregiorgis, Hayley Minogue, Lauren Jones, Dennis Ting, Chris Williams, and Dawne Gee, etc. Each of them have helped me understand this industry better, so I hope they can help you in some way too. 

Likewise, the national community of journalists is also extremely helpful on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. There is a group called "MMJane" on Facebook, where journalists ask questions regarding their lifestyle, story-ideas, and more. It's a group chat with thousands of chatty MMJanes, so it makes for an excellent resource. And, while you're at it - keep your ears open for closed Facebook groups that swap journalism outfits for affordable prices! As for Twitter, almost evvvvery reporter is on Twitter. If you want to connect with them, simply 'follow' them and turn on their notifications. Be in the know of current news stories. It can only help you in the long run. On LinkedIn, I suggest 'connecting' with Debra Alfarone. She is an excellent, established camera coach; and if you need a voice coach, reach out to Jack Horton. Finally, if you want a closer, behind-the-scenes look on the job -- follow reporters on their Instagram's and watch their stories. Hayley Minogue, Alex Durham, and Jacqueline Francis are great examples. 
As you can see, I love storytelling and the journalism industry itself. Invest yourself in it and I promise you, you'll know quickly if you love it too. If I can ever help you, feel free to contact me too. 

PSA: I didn't even mention the fantastic network of photogs and producers that you meet along the way too. Keep in contact with them too!

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