The past couple weeks have been good at KUSA. I don't feel as involved as I once did, but I still have been doing some writing for broadcasts and tagging along with reporters. I worked with Nick Carter and Delozier on a story about three teenagers from CO who were chosen to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was a very cool story, and I was able to work closely with Nick on writing it.
Adam has continued to impart his words of wisdom upon me, which I very thankful for. His lessons are sometimes serious, and sometimes not so serious. Last week, he talked to me about the very serious lesson of versatility, and counseled me when I was about to go on what he described as I entered the station as a "very difficult assignment."
Since there were no cameras allowed into the funeral of a teen who died with his best friend after they got hit by a car, and since we had covered his friends funeral, there still needed to be a reporter in the church. It was the day after Thanksgiving, so the newsroom was understaffed. I was thus assigned as the "reporter."
It was a very difficult assignment. It was 75 percent in Spanish , which, thanks to my rebellion, I do not understand. But, beyond that, as Adam and Deloz told me, "grief needs no tanslator." I was in a small room filled to the brim with mourners: friends, family, teachers...
And it was really hard to feel their sadness and be there to get something for the news.
But, it had to be done, and every reporter needs to do it at some point...multiple times, even. It sucks.
It didn't turn me off the business, but it was the grim reminder that not only is versatility key, reporters have to be flexible and do things they didn't ever imagine doing. It's a step outside of a comfort zone, and it's not always easy. But, it can be very necessary.
Since then, I have also helped with logging a package from the Northern Bureau, although that became a reminder of my need to work more on my package writing. It's an uphill battle, but totally possible. I'm glad I have the luxury of time, at least for the moment.
I also helped run a live truck for a portion of the "Light the Lights" program. I was at Larimer Square with Gary, where Nick Carter spoke to Santa...I was in charge of manning the truck and making sure audio and video was feeding through. I also helped set the truck up and all the gadgets associated. It ended up being sitting in a truck for a large chunk of time, but it was a learning experience.
I went out three times with two photogs and one reporter on Monday. The first photog and I went with Carrie McClure on an accident story that ended up fruitless, and then I helped the photog and her with a story abut the peace wreath in Pogosa Springs. Mainly, I went out with Tom and got video at KYGO.
I then went with Matt and Josh, another intern, to the Dixie Chicks concert to get some video for the E-Block in the 9 show. It was interesting, but not as fun as it sounds like it could be. Ah well.
I then spent some time with a Graphic Artist, who actually didn't have a whole lot to do by the time I got to him. We talked about what he does and how he does it, and then ended up talking about his band. It was actually really cool.
Anyway, I'm in the home-strectch. I hope to be gathering some Truth Tests and getting them on camera with my voice, and putting together other aspects of my resume tape. I will be talking with an executive producer and Josh about our final project (our own show?) and also working the Parade of Lights on Friday night.
Since I'm on break from school, I did my normal hours this week, but will probably start working five days a week next week and through the time I decide to leave. The moments are winding down, and I want to make the most of them...
~MJ
PS The picture is actually from the evening before Thanksgiving, when Tiffani (pictured behind Adele) made Creme Brule for the nightside staff. Adele was finishing the dessert off with a torch, and Bob was making jokes with Wade that were pretty funny!
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