Week of April 20, 2014

Sunday: April 20, 2014

Happy Easter! After a filling family meal today, I sat down to update the SFJ Facebook page. Dr. Petrich's recent puns in class inspired me to give our Facebook fans a chuckle.

After posting to Facebook, I realized that Thursday, I will probably be passing the torch to the new social media team for the Fall semester of Advanced Broadcast Journalism. I asked Estelle if she could make me the Facebook page manager, so I could appoint the next students to be administrators on the page also. Is this really happening? Am I being replaced? I've had a blast being part of the social media team, and it's inspired me to really want a job in the field. I must start researching for job openings. 

Monday: April 21, 2014

Since it was a holiday weekend, I didn't think that many people would be on Facebook clicking through our page, so I added a link to listen to our last show today to the page. Maybe we will get more likes today! 

So as I sit here and write this post, I realize that this is my last week with SFJ and my very last week controlling the Facebook page. AND my last week in college. 

Wednesday: April 23, 2014

I cannot believe how much I have learned this semester, especially from working with the Tuesday Broadcast class. In the beginning of the semester, Dr. Petrich said to me that if I ever needed a backup job, that I had enough patience to be a teacher. I personally thought he was crazy, because I never thought of such a thing before. But, now that I am reflecting on the past semester, I can say I fell in love with passing on knowledge that I cherish. It baffles me that I actually know how to operate such intense machinery like in all three studios, know how to work a recorder, edit and playback sound bites, and weed through 20 minute (plus) interviews/two-ways for the show each week. I now even understand the concept of DropBox, and that seemed so foreign to me at the beginning of this class. 

I came into Coverage of Public Affairs knowing none of the previously mentioned, and came out of Advanced with such a feeling of accomplishment. I feared the Beat Story and all its components because it would be my first time out in the field talking to people since my high school reporting days for the newspaper. 

One would think that after Coverage, I would get a feel for what Broadcast Journalism would be like, but I was still nervous. Sabrina was a semester ahead of me, and she always would tell me how stressed she was for her Spots, which made me wonder how the class would be. Once I submitted my first story, I felt pretty confident for the rest of the semester. After many Advanced students at the time told me that the Two-Way is the hardest assignment, I finally experienced it. That was my highest grade, and I actually loved showing off the knowledge I collected over the week of reporting. I felt pretty set for Advanced Broadcast Journalism, and was really excited to mentor, as well as stepping into the shoes of Assignment Editor and Social Media Coordinator. 

But now, as I'm writing this the night before the last class meeting for Advanced, I laugh about my previous qualms. I chose to wait until the night before to finish this post because I knew my feelings would pour out easier onto the page if I waited. 

Through these classes, I fell deeper in love with my major. After countless hours in the recording studios, I also developed a deep interest in radio. I learned so much, including production quality standards and technical operations in the studio, that I really wish the semester didn't have to end. Having a deadline for production, being an engineer, and editing, all have such high stress levels, but also display such importance. Each role has a vital part in the entire production of the show. I personally loved editing Two-Ways and recordings of the Co-Host scripts the best, along with mentoring the Tuesday class. I wish that these hands-on classes began in my freshman year because they really grab one's interest!

I am also very thankful for Dr. Petrich's help and teaching along the way these past three semesters. His kind heart really added a new light to these classes. Many of my previous professors didn't seem to love their job, or what they were teaching. But, Dr. Petrich really has a love for radio, and isn't afraid to show it during class critiquing sessions. When he reads a lead, it puts all of his students to shame. No wonder he has/had a career in radio!

Finally, thank you, Dr. Petrich, for allowing me to be a Social Media Coordinator for SFJ, as well as one of the Assignment Editors. When you approached me for social media, I was thrilled, but even more thrilled when I was told I could also be an Assignment Editor. I value those titles and couldn't be more thankful. I learned to make hard decisions, like what stories make good news, and what to do with stories that didn't come out well enough to be aired. It's a tough call in the end, because I never want to hurt a student's feelings, but when we pull something from the radio show, it's just protecting the show's image. That's also something I've learned. As for being the Social Media Coordinator, I learned how to condense my words into short, catchy phrases. Writing teasers proved to be a challenge in the beginning, but I got the hang of it. Taking photos and updating the Facebook page during class was such a thrill to me. To be able to look back on it will always put a smile on my face. I actually am exploring my options in doing social media as a career too, so thank you for giving me that opportunity this semester!

And if we're talking about social media, I'll add my last blip on Facebook right here then. 

I don't want to say goodbye because I know I''ll definitely want to come back (with Markella too) to visit the Advanced Broadcast class next semester. 

So, for now, I'll just simply end this post by saying...

For South Florida Journal, I'm Brittany Springsted. 

Week of April 13, 2014

Tuesday: April 15, 2014

Oh my gosh. These are the last promos I'll write for SFJ. I just had that realization and I'm not loving reality right now.

anddd...

I wrote these during the critique session and I couldn't believe that this was the last time I'd be part of SFJ before the last production of the show. Where did this semester go?

Before the end of the semester, I said that I wanted a picture of the Tuesday Mentoring group and I was able to snap one and add to Facebook!

During the in-class critique session, I had the chance to see Briana's final spot story for the semester. I've been working with her the entire semester through emails by making suggestions about how to better her stories. She has learned a ton. I can just see the determination she has for getting good and credible interviews too. She sent me a text message with a picture of each email she got from various commissioners and city workers about them denying interviews for her story because the topic is a current center for debate. Pension examinations and possible re-location of Delray Fire Rescue Squad are part of a heated debate currently, and that lead Briana to get 23 total denial emails. I felt her pain!!

Over Thanksgiving break last semester, I was assigned my last spot story for Broadcast and it dealt with Boca City Council. Well, Boca City Hall was closed up until the day before my story was due. I was never so stressed out in my life, and couldn't even enjoy my turkey on Thanksgiving. Instead, I was coming up with swift lines to make sure I could get interviews. So, seeing Briana panic made me realize that panicking over something means you really care; and in that moment, I saw myself in Briana. 

Once the spot presentations were finished, Shanea presented her two-way with Jadarius. Not only was she 30 minutes late to class, but her sound bites were not saved to her jump drive for presentation in class. Well, needless to say it was hard to critique her story content because I couldn't hear any of her soundbites from her laptop at the front of the room. Once we got into the studio, Kylie and I completely pulled apart her two-way and started from the beginning, mapping out exactly what she wanted to say. We didn't change a lot, but we wanted her to be comfortable before recording so it wouldn't take too long in the studio. After coaching and suggesting many things, Kylie realized Shanea wasn't writing anything down. Why? I still don't know. That set the tone for the rest of our time recording. 

Once the two-way recording was complete, Kylie and I spoke with Dr. Petrich after listening to Shanea's sound bites. At this point, we were half-way through editing her two-way. Dr. Petrich made the tough call that we should drop this from the program. I just felt an immediate pain for Shanea. Although she didn't seem too prepared for this task, I could just imagine what she felt like not being in this week's show. 

In a sense, this is a good point for future Broadcast students to learn. If you are not prepared, your story might not make it to the show. And being in the show is a top honor. That's how I look at it at least. 

Week of April 6, 2014

Monday: April 7, 2014

I placed a link on the Facebook page today for fans to listen to the newest show. While updating the page, it began to sink in that I will only have access to this page for another two weeks. I am going to miss updating SFJ's social media. I have also been thinking about who will fill my shoes next semester, and honestly, I wish I knew more kids in the Wednesday class so I could have my input. However, at this point, I'm thinking Chris could be a really good pick. We have become friends and his personal Instgram is full of professional-grade photos of fishing and ocean pictures. I heard that for his job, he goes and shoots commercials and photos, so this is almost second nature to him. Just something for you to think about, Dr. Petrich!

Tuesday: April 8, 2014

Once again, we did not have two-ways this week. I even brought my earphones today just to be able to edit on my laptop with Audacity, but to no avail! I sat through another critique spot session, and today I really saw the divide between the students that care and have learned so much from Broadcast Journalism, and the students that are just gliding through these classes to earn a diploma. It upsets me to see some kids not accept or care about criticism of their stories. They just sit there and take the suggestions like it's a tickle of air past their face.

Before class began, I updated the Facebook page with a snippet of what's to come this week.

Once I posted, Andrea came to ask me for help in the studio. I got to her work station and realized that she still hasn't learned how to save her work correctly. I was like her last semester though, if that is because she wants to be sure and cautious by having an A-Team member save it. That's what Estelle did for me last semester, but I feel like Andrea did it out of laziness. I saw how Dr. Petrich gave her so many suggestions via email for her story script, as Wakaria said she did too, but she didn't really take those to heart. Needless to say, Andrea sat back on her phone while I saved her work. I didn't do it because she wanted me to, I did it to show her how easy it was, but she didn't seem to care. After her in class critique, I helped her re-record her voice tracks and gave her pointers along the way. Her pacing is really good and I like her voice because it's unique.

Hector also presented his spot story in class, and I caught some on video. I uploaded it on Facebook. I found it hilarious how in his critique, I mentioned that he could have gotten crafty with adding ambient sound, but he explained to me why he didn't have any. Saying that because the golf course was closed, he didn't find golf-themed ambient sound relevant. Still, I think that ambient sound could have pushed the story over the top. See Facebook for the full video.

Thursday: April 10, 2014

I attended production today because I was Headline Newscaster! I was excited to be back in the studio. Before kicking off the day, I snapped a picture of Dr. Petrich at work as he finished the Co-Host script. 

I recorded Co-Hosts Nikki and Charity in the studio and snapped a really cute photo there with Markella "photo-bombing" the picture. During the recording session, I sat back as the girls tackled the script. It made me realize that we all have come so far. These two hardly even stumbled over sentences, and we had some great laughs along the way about pronunciation of only one phrase. Seeing these two girls breeze through the script made me reflect on my time recording, and got me excited for my turn in a little bit!

Right after recording the co-hosts, I re-recorded Ryan's section of the week's Beat Story because he first recorded saying the word "corps" as corpse. It's hilarious how he blamed the pronunciation on his South African accent, and wouldn't admit he made a mistake. It's okay, I wouldn't have teased him! I edited the first part of his original recording before realizing that small mishap. I uploaded a video of Ryan re-recording the beat story onto Facebook. See Facebook for the entire clip.

I've realized that I probably blew up SFJ Facebook fans' pages today with serious posts, so I wanted to upload a photo that showed more of a friendly appeal. I had Tina, Markella, Nikki, Kendrick and Sharlene pose with me for a photo. I think the caption was pretty funny- and I must give Sharlene the credit for that one! 

Saturday: April 12, 2014:

I added a link to the Facebook page for fans to listen to the show we produced! I actually was a little sad with my portion of the recording, just because I felt like it sounded rushed. I wish I could have a do-over. I didn't feel like I went out with a bang, but my Co-Host recordings seemed better earlier in the semester. I guess because as Headline Newscaster, you don't really have a day to prepare like you do with the Co-Host script, so maybe that's what happened. Nonetheless, knowing that there is only one more production of SFJ is really getting me sad. But, I've had such an overall amazing run this semester with SFJ. Wishing I could repeat this class! (I feel like I write that in every post, sorry! It's the truth!)

Week of March 30, 2014

Sunday: March 30, 2014

Tonight, I got news that Sharlene was in the hospital and could not continue overseeing assignment editing this week, so, I was asked to take over. I was very thankful that she and Dr. Petrich believed in me to do such an important task. I emailed Wakaria back to tell her that her stories were not applicable to the content of SFJ, and then had to revise the stories Linda chose for the April 10 show. I clicked through and found a story that was repeated, so after about an hour of searching both the Sun-Sentinel website and the Palm Beach Post website, I found new stories for almost each student that week. I forwarded them to Sharlene and Dr. Petrich, and with two minor story changes, my stories were approved. I literally cannot wait to here the complete show this weekend. I'm so proud that this is pretty much my one chance to control the content on a show. It was a great experience and I thank Sharlene and Dr. Petrich for letting me take that on. Feel better, Sharlene!


Monday: March 31, 2014

I received an email from Dr. Petrich this morning about a Broadcast student's amazing chance to interview FAU's newly elected President. Veronica Santiago got the chance to interview Dr. Kelly and Dr. Petrich wanted to make sure we upload the picture she got after the interview. I uploaded it onto the Facebook page. I was shocked to see a reporter get such a great and memorable interview, pretty much as soon as the new President was elected. It's nice to see our future A-Team members out in the field, and seeing them smile as they report/interview.

Tuesday: April 1, 2014

Dr. Petrich started class by telling the Broadcast class that they were going to have an exam. APRIL FOOL'S! I love the fact that the students weren't upset about it, but laughed it off. It really shows how they're growing up!  

I felt sort of sad today because there were no two-ways scheduled! That's my THING! I absolutely love editing them and recording the kids. They really improved and know exactly what sounds good and bad in a two-way recording session. 

Well, I put my efforts into helping with spot stories today instead, especially Nick's story. Over the weekend, we exchanged emails about editing his draft of his second spot story. I came in to class about an hour early to help him in the studio, putting the last touches on his story before presentation in class. Nick has absorbed so much this semester, and I can see him really enjoying being part of the A-Team next semester. He knew what I was going to pick out in his story as we listened together, and he continued to finish my sentences even when looking at his script. 

In class, I sat through the entire Spot story critique, which I never got to do before because I am always in the studio recording the two-ways. This was interesting because from the first week, I saw such improvement. I remember Dr. Petrich saying, please A-Team, let the Broadcast kids attack each other's story first and then jump in when the time is right, letting them talk first. Well, by the time I had a chance to say my comment, I felt like my words didn't hold value because the kids all took what I was going to say. I can see now why Dr. Petrich gets such joy from teaching. It's because the kids he teaches gain knowledge and are truly interested in journalism. It almost put a tear in my eye. 

Also bringing a tear to my eye was Hector's speech during class time. He said that he feels like he, and the other students, were ready to take on Advanced Broadcast Journalism and that he has learned a lot from the Tuesday A-Team! Yay that's me! Well, it made me realize that my college career is almost over, and that it really can't be over yet. No! I'm never leaving Advanced Broadcast Journalism, Dr. Petrich! 

After that touching talk, I worked through the class break and to the end of class aiding Nick in editing his Spot story, that needed more condensed language. It was tricky, but I think we did really well. I went in and recorded him also. 

In the mean time, I snapped a photo for Facebook of Nick editing his story, and added two more posts- one about the blog Markella created, to generate more page views, and another post about a teaser for the show that week. 

When I was done helping Nick edit and record his story, I went into the studio to record a new Wavelengths promo at Dr. Petrich's request. The best part about this recording session was that both Taylor and I recorded while Hector and Nick were the engineers. It was the first time that Broadcast kids and A-Team members switched positions in the studio. I was so elated. The boys did a great job adjusting levels, and took great direction with adjusting earphone volumes.