My journalistic experience lays solely in writing, editing and designing the layout for newspaper pages. After hearing lectures on what it takes to put together a radio (and experiencing the challenges that come with collecting audio), I am convinced that I had it easy. In print, if a quote is not compelling or the person got to the idea in a roundabout way, I can simply paraphrase the quote and be done with it. In editing audio, not only do I have to find the most compelling part of a quote, but I also have to make sure that it was said clearly. After this experience with audio, I prefer print.
Taking heed of what professionals in all parts of news media have said about embracing technology, AU journalism grad students record Jim Asendio, news director for WAMU, as he shares his words of wisdom.
Unfortunately, changes in journalism make it certain that I will not be able to stick with just one type of news reporting. Jim Asendio told us, “what is being asked of you is much more than what was asked of me” because we will have to be able to write, work with audio, take photographs and shoot video. When I decided that I wanted to be a reporter, I had no idea what I would be expected to do.
Part of what is causing this change is the evolving ideas of the audience. Rather than being content to read newspapers or watch evening newscasts for information, they expect news from multiple places, such as on the Internet or through their cell phones. “If you stay still, you’re crazy,” said Asendio, news director of radio station, WAMU.
Despite the emphasis on new technology, Asendio reminded us that we still need “tell a damn good story.” The best video or audio cannot cover up a poorly written story.
The Limits of Technology
A lower-tech solution to technical problems allowed graduate students to listen to Rawand Darwesh, an SOC alum now living in Kurdistan in Iraq.
We have continually heard how much technology can assist reporters with their stories. Today we also learned its limits and the importance of always having a plan B. Rawand Darwesh, an SOC alumni, lives in Iraq and had agreed to talk to us via Skype. Skype had other ideas. After numerous tries, the tech people had to go back in time and resort to a landline speaker phone and a mic. It was interesting to hear what Darwesh had to say, but it proved to be an even more effective lesson not to expect technology to always work.
Getting Practical Experience
After Asendio’s lecture, we had the opportunity to use the skills we’ve heard. Most of the afternoon was dedicated to editing audio and putting together an audio slide show. I was excited to finally put theory into practice, but after listening to the same piece of audio ten times over, my enthusiasm started to wane. Now that I have finished my first multimedia project, I am proud that I was able to put it together, but also embarrassed at what I’m sure is a sloppy end product.
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