Striking Up the One-Man Band in Sacramento

Stations stand to save big bucks with one-man bands (video journalists or VJs). The Sacramento Bee showcases Dan Adams, a VJ working at News 10 (KXTV) in Sacramento, CA. What's interesting is Adams is not a cub reporter working his way up out of college. He's an established, award-winning broadcast journalist. Young journalists in college should take note of just how competitive this will make the industry and why a liberal arts approach to broadcast news will help them prepare for the future.

Here's more from SacTicket.com:

Technology is so advanced these days that some in TV news believe there soon will no longer be a need for the traditional news team of reporter and photographer. Large, shoulder-mounted cameras can be replaced by hand-held devices that shoot digital images that are just as vivid (or close enough). And laptop audio- and video- editing programs make it possible for anyone with tech knowledge to put together a report and transmit it to the station.

What this means, proponents of the VJ concept say, is faster, nimbler reports.

"You may have a local TV station with five cameras and live trucks go out on a story on any one day," says Michael Rosenblum, a New York-based former CBS news producer who has trained reporters at the BBC and San Francisco's KRON in the art of being a VJ.

"That doesn't make sense. It's like having 70 (newspaper) reporters, but only five pencils to go out and report a story. If you equip people to shoot their own stories, you've got everyone out in the field reporting."

There is an economic benefit, too. A standard TV camera costs $35,000 to $50,000; a hand-held one $5,000. Those fancy "live" trucks that camp out at breaking-news scenes would be history, replaced by compact cars. And, of course, there's the cost savings of employing fewer photographers or reporters (depending on which chooses to learn the other's skills). Analog-videotape editing booths at the station would be gone as well, a savings of about $50,000 apiece, experts say.

"(VJs) cut a station's cost by 70 to 80 percent," Rosenblum says. "But local TV news (outlets don't) like it. Why? It's a very conservative business."

Indeed, the VJ "movement" is still only in its formative stage. Just two local-news stations in the country -- San Francisco's KRON and WKRN in Nashville, both owned by Young Broadcasting -- have gone all-VJ.

A handful of other reporters in medium-to-large markets, such as News10's Adams and reporters in Reno and Phoenix, have persuaded their news directors to let them go solo as well.

Mark Antonitis, KRON's station manager, declined to be interviewed for this story because of negative press he's received in industry publications. As Antonitis told Media Week magazine in April, "I've been vilified in this business."

As many as a dozen veteran reporters at KRON and WKRN left for other markets rather than undergo mandatory VJ training.

The biggest complaint about VJing is the supposed loss of quality video journalism. Critics see it as journalism on the cheap, a slap in the face to photographers who for years have honed their craft, developing an "eye" and knowing precise angles, proper lighting and ways to edit hours of raw tape into coherent 90-second reports.

Melissa Batulis Lands Close to Philly

Former BC Capstone student Melissa Batulis has a new station and new beat as she's reporting for WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA (part of the Philly DMA- Market 4).

She's had a busy month with the flooding in Eastern Pennsylvania. And she's doing lots of LIVE reporting at her new station. She lives in Reading and can now get back to having a Pennsylvania drivers license.
Melissa graduated from Westminster in 2003 and recently worked at WENY-TV (ABC) in Elmira, NY (DMA 173).


You can check out Melissa's bio on WFMZ's site and even watch her stories. She looks great.

Here's a link (don't know how long WFMZ keeps them active-- you'll need RealPlayer).

More info on WFMZ from Answers.com:

• WFMZ is an independent station in Allentown.
• Part of the Philadephia DMA.
• WFMZ serves mainly the Lehigh Valley and Berks County with cable coverage in much of the Philadelphia DMA including southern New Jersey. There is some over the air signal coverage in some New Jersey counties that are part of the New York City DMA.
• The station broadcasts about forty local newscasts per week, including the Philadelphia area's only local Spanish-language newscast.

I love getting updates about former students and I really like blogging about them (hint to all you former students).

Blog Geeks & The Rocketboom Scandal

I'll admit I'm an Amanda Congdon fan.
She gave Rocketboom (the little vlog that could-- and it's now downloadable on TiVo) the window dressing to get me to watch. However, her personality made it the reason I subscribed to the Rocketboom podcast. Now the drama/dispute/calculated media event taking advantage of the summer news lull/pissing match has turned into the blogosphere's version of "The View versus Star Jones." Quick, get Amanda on Larry King Live!!!

Read any comments section on any blog topics about the Rocketboom brouhaha and it's clear LOTS of people are following this story.

Rocketboom producer Andrew Baron and Amanda Congdon have parted ways and it's a he blogged-she bblogged soap opera. Don't believe me? Even mainstream media is writing about the Rocketboom split and it's all over the 'net.

The Washington Post: Popular News Anchor Leaves Video Blog Site or Rocketboom Star Exits Her Famous Perch

The NY Times: A Rift at the Video Blog Rocketboom Triggers a Cyberspace Soap Opera

Businessweek: Splitsville at Rocketboom

MediaShift: Who should replace Amanda Congdon at Rocketboom (if that’s possible)?

Podcasting News: Rocketboom: Congdon Quit, but the Show Will Be Better Than Ever

Lost Remote: Rocketboom Jumps the Shark

CNET: Rocketboom Loses Its Famous Face

Networking with Local News Professionals

Meeting News Professionals, First-Hand Research & a Glimpse into the Future

BC 312 (Broadcast Journalism II) wrapped up an outstanding semester where students produced resume tapes, web content and insightful research papers. Three students presented their papers on the future of local broadcast news at the 2006 Westminster Undergraduate Research Symposium.

These papers included information from local media experts giving insight on such topics as converging newsrooms, the new primetime for local news, citizen journalism and the role of video journalists.

We hosted four guest speakers during the semester. In addition to offering our students a chance to interact with industry professionals, these visits offered information on making resume tapes, the importance of internships and how to go about getting that first job. They also received valuable feedback on their television stories produced for the class. Our visitors included:

• Westminster College Webmaster Jonathan Smith
• WFJM-TV Photographer & WC alum John Mikulas

• WPXI-TV Photographer & WC alum Tony Ruffulo
• WYTV-TV Sports Director/Anchor Bob Hannon
• WJAC-TV Anchor/Reporter Rich Klindworth

I also wanted to thank some generous people in New Castle and Youngstown for hosting field trips. They gave a large chunk of time to talking one on one with students about the future of journalism, the state of local news and what skills and experience will help them succeed in the changing newsroom environment.



WFJM-TV News Director Mona Alexander
This field trip allowed students to meet with a television news director one on one. Students presented their television reporting tapes for feedback while also talking with Mona on topics ranging from resume tape building to the future of local news. Students were also treated to a personal tour of WFMJ by the news director who came in on her vacation to meet with our group.

New Castle News Publisher Max Thompson & Editor Tim Kolodziej
The New Castle News field trip and interviews resulted in fostering a potential relationship with the newspaper about new media projects including talks about WCN and WC students producing content to air on cable and on the New Castle News web site. An interesting note here is one of the BC 312 students was interning at the NC News during this semester. Meanwhile a media arts student was also working as a freelancer at the paper while a media arts graduate from last year is working at the NC News.

One comment from Tim Kolodziej that I found compelling was his vision of using video and audio for the newspaper's web site.

He said, "One day we (The New Castle News) will be the local television and radio station for Lawrence County."

I think that's a wake up call for local radio stations. Most local radio stations don't even bother with local news let alone have any identity or branding online. But Titan Radio does!

If local radio and television stations want a piece of the future they better move now before the newspapers claim it all. I see the real vision for the future coming from the smaller, local newspapers. I also see newspapers as a place BC students can seek out career opportunities. Our students have skills and experience in interviewing, writing, storytelling, audio and video. They're producers, communicators and have worked all aspects of broadcasting. They truly have a liberal arts grasp of the new newsroom.

BC Festival 2006

CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS 2006
The reviews are now in for the BC Capstone presentations and everyone has great things to say about this group of students. People are calling this year's BC Capstone students "confident," "polished," and "professional." One guest suggested that all seniors at Westminster could benefit from watching this group in action.

Tuesday night's presentations came after capstone students staged a live remote on Titan Radio in front of the campus center. Chief engineer Chuck Chirozzi also pulled out the TV remote truck so folks could climb around and look inside to see how we do our dozens of live sports remotes on the Westminster Cable Network. We tried this last year as well and the weather turned cold and rainy. We had the same problem this year. But Heather Storm and Amy Sasfai gave it the old BC try.

We squeezed in 10 capstone presentations during the evening. Luke Garrett surprised many people with his his Wall Street look (this is a look I had a preview of when he conducted a County Close Up Interview for TCL this semester-- and he cleans up really well and looks great on camera. His presentation was perfect. He revisited the "On the Road" television segment he produced as a metaphor for his college journey and his upcoming graduation. Several other students also touched on similar metaphors. I was impressed with all the presentations.

We averaged 40 people in the audience during the evening. We witnessed a great juxtaposition with Alana Schuring's "umbrella" approach to communication, liberal arts and her career path paired with Amanda Hauger's focus on transitioning to magazine writing and multimedia. Amanda as well as Jolene Slattery (and '05 graduate Sarah Ubry) embrace writing across media and their interests and needs serve as a genuine reasons why we should add a journalism minor at Westminster.

Jolene hit on the multimedia theme hard as she made the issue of media convergence key in her presentation. She and Justin Egley shared their experience as broadcasters doing work at the New Castle News with audio and video and it speaks volumes about the need to prepare for new media in our program.

The "Sarah Bowers-Tear Factor" award goes to Shannon McClain. Her outstanding presentation was the only one that actually triggered the "Tear Factor" meter. She was so endearing and genuine when she thanked her family, fiance and friends and faculty. We tend to forget how these events can stir up a wealth of emtions as seniors become graduates and leave the Westminster bubble.

Wrapping up the evening was a job for Brian Campbell and Jason Mackey. Brian shared his discovery of just how much more blood, sweat and tears goes into a specialty radio show, His revival of Titan Radio's contemporary Christian music show, The Covenant, proved to be a big success this year. We also learned there is a loyal following for the program and Brian called for his co-host Pam Marlow to keep the tradition alive.

Jason receives the "Carpe Diem Award." His plan of action born out of his internship experience has landed him a foot in the door at WJLA-TV as well as a job at George Mason University where he can continue his education. Jason doesn't wait for destiny-- he takes command of his future by making brave and bold decisions down the path he designs.

Congratulations to everyone for a job well done!

Using Google Video

Showcasing Student Work!
Thanks to Google Video, I'm able to showcase student work at WCN. This first showcase features the work of Mike Wolenski as well as Luke Garrett.

You may recall my blog entry in Feburary where I related details about how these two young men currently work weekends as newscast directors at competing Youngstown television stations (while they participate in a full-time class schedule at Westminster).

It turns out both are also enrolled in my BC 312 course (Broadcast Journalism II/Television Reporting). Sure they're cordial to each other and some might even suggest friends, but deep inside burns an intense rivalry (LOL).

The first story comes from Mike Wolenski. After holding the Northwest Regional Science Olympiad for nearly 20 years Westminster College says goodbye to the event. The final Westminster-based Science Olympiad welcomed 900 high school and middle school students. The County Line's Mike Wolenski shows us how some of these students tested their skills, knowledge and problem-solving skills.


The next story is from Luke Garrett (a BC Capstone Weblogger). The County Line's Luke Garrett takes a different approach to storytelling by staying behind the camera shooting and producing a video essay profiling a Lawrence County man known as Cowboy Rick on the chainsaw carving circuit. This story introduces us to this colorful neighbor who wants to become a full-time chainsaw wielding wood carver.



So what do you think about their stories? What do you think about showcasing their work on Google Video and my blog? I welcome all feedback!

BC CAPSTONE PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

Here’s the line up for the Broadcast Communications Capstone Presentations scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2006, in the Mekelvey Campus Center Mueller Theater:

Round 1: 5:30- 7:10

1. Alana Schuring
2. Amanda Hauger
3. Heather Storm
4. Luke Garrett
5. Amy Sasfai

7:10-7:30: Refreshment Break

Round 2: 7:30-9:10

1. Shannon McClain
2. Jolene Slattery
3. Justin Egley
4. Brian Campbell
5. Jason Mackey

Capstone students will now draft guest lists, issue invitations and prepare for their senior presentations. They will showcase their work and highlight their efforts as liberal arts students studying and working in a highly competitive, professional field.

The Best TV Storytellers-- NPPA Winners

TV Storytelling You Should Study
The Poynter Institute is showcasing the NPPA’s “Best of Television Photojournalism 2006.”

You can watch the winning entries and read the judges’ comments. It’s also a great opportunity for BC students to watch and study the BEST of the BEST in the country. I particularly enjoyed the “Smells Like Baseball” package from WFAA in Dallas which took top SPORTS honors. There's power in sound to take you there and help you imagine the smells-- one sense incites the memories connect with another.

I also noted the stand up that was used as an interesting transition device. I can see some news directors and producers rolling their eyes because this is a longer format story, but I bet the people in the audience who watched this REMEMBERED it.

Those stations that denounce or avoid this type of storytelling fail to see the power and intimacy of this package. It will translate better on the web than all that crap that passes for breaking stories in those high story count newscasts. THIS is the type of storytelling that engages the audience. When it’s done well with the audio and video connection it’s worth doing.

I also note that at a time when VJs are on the rise, many of the NPPA winners focus on TEAM storytelling. This may say something about the importance and value of the reporter and photographer dynamic. When the audio, video and writing come together it’s unforgettable.

BC Weblog Guidlines

Are You Ready to Blog?
I've sent out an invitation to third-year students in Broadcast Communications to start weblogs now instead of waiting for the capstone class. I recommend keeping these weblogs professional. While I offer a set of guidelines for blogging during the first day of class, I thought it appropriate to post the information now.

Use these guidelines to keep on target with the BC Capstone Weblog mission of self-reflection, goal making, assessment and growth as working media professionals.

BC Weblog Guidelines

Keep It Professional-Put time and effort into what you write.

• Never post a first draft. Edit what you write.
• Put effort into the content.
• Write enough to communicate meaning with the reader, but avoid overkill.
• Demonstrate your knowledge and experience as a professional by correctly using the terminology of media.
• Connect your entries to topical events and issues in media.
• Offer your own style and voice and be consistent with it.
• Be genuine.
• Offer Links.
• The more links you offer the better the chances are your blog could turn up in a Google search.
• Link back to your sources (this offers transparency, attribution and validity to the points you want to make).

Going Public- Remember the World is Watching

• Never reveal personal, private information.
• Never blog about your personal life.
• Limit contact information to a web-based e-mail account.
• Never write about proprietary or privileged information (never disclose company secrets or information shared with you in confidence). Off the record means off he record.
• If blogging about internship or job-related experiences, inform your employer about your weblog.
• Invite the employer to read your blog and offer feedback.
• Ask about restrictions or limits on what you can and cannot blog about.
• Ask if the company has any specific weblog guidelines you must follow.

Be Positive- Showcase Your Ability to Think Critically and Creatively

• Be clear when expressing opinion or comments.
• When engaged in criticism, remain constructive.
• Recognize opposing positions.
• Support your points with evidence and attribution (include links).
• Never engage in personal attacks.
• Update entries on a regular basis.
• Develop a routine so regular readers can expect timely updates.
• Entertain and inform your readers
• INCLUDE PICTURES: Offer interesting and appropriate images and context.
• Write engaging headlines.

Be Prepared- Avoid Legal Entanglements

• Be truthful & ethical.
• Understand the impact of what you write.
• Remember libel applies to weblogs.
• Remember false light applies to weblogs.
• Remember invasion of privacy applies to weblogs.

Meet Rich Klindworth

Learning Moments & Reflection Opportunities with Rich Klindworth...Tales from the Job Search & So Much More

This week WJAC-TV's Rich Klindworth offered feedback as well as words of wisdom to our Broadcast Journalism and Capstone students. Rich visited the BC 312 and BC 602 classes and spent lunch with them. He looked at some of their stories and visited the newsroom. He also shared his tales of his joys and challenges during from his journey into television news.

One notable account he shared was a description of his first apartment while he worked at KTEN in Texas. His humble apartment featured limited furnishings including a lone inflatable chair and no microwave. He pointed out many people struggle to make ends meet when breaking into broadcast news.

He fielded questions about the Sonni Abattas of the world (pretty young women who are handed dream first jobs at top market stations with no formal communications or journalism degree, training or experience). Rich explains that Sonni Abbatta is the exception to the rule. Almost everyone begins at a small market station, often as a one-man band.

The pay raises and promotions come from moving up to bigger stations in the larger DMAs. Again, we're talking about a very limited supply of jobs with hundreds of people wanting to break into the business or eager to move up the ladder.

Rich's stories about his first job on the Texas-Oklahoma border linked directly back to a few of Dr. David Barners "Checklist for Success" in broadcast communications including the item that new college grads should prepare to start out with low pay. He also connected to the checklist item about getting out your suitcase as you go where the job offer takes you.

However, Rich's drive and determination for a career in broadcast news also links back to Dr. B's assertion that success in this business requires a passion and a love for it as well as a willingness to sacrifice as you make a career in this industry your number one priority.

I really appreciate Rich coming all the way from Johnstown to visit and I hope wish him continued success at WJAC and beyond.

Full Time BC Students Hard at Work

Getting Paid $$ in TV While Still in School!

Above: Mike Wolenski at WYTV.

Below: Luke Garrett at WKBN.

This post is a follow up on an earlier one where I announced we had dueling television directors in the department. Luke is actually directing morning newscasts now to fill-in for some folks. Mike has been at WYTV since last summer directing the newscasts there on the weekends.

While both are busy with their jobs, they're still keeping their full-time class schedule. In BC that means many more hours out of class, especially with my BC 312 (Broadcast Journalism II) course. They're reporting and producing for both Titan Radio and The County Line. Today Luke rushed to a news conference with the PA Attorney General about a major drug bust. Don't forget the walkdown!

Great hustle! What a way to build a resume!