WTAE Trip

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to head out to WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. It was a really eye opening experience for many of the underclassman, but I feel that we, the seniors knew what we were in for. We know that anchors have a completely different personality than reporters, and producers and directors are built in two different ways, they either shoot you straight, or they dance around your question. There is no gray area that you can work with...It was nice to see Channel 4 from the inside, and it was awesome that Sarah Bowers got us in and we could see her in her actual environment.

I'd really wished I could just have seen and talked to the Sports Director, or head down to the ESPN Radio studios. I realize that would have been out of the way, but I think that would have really helped me out seeing what kind of people work in sports talk radio, and ask them why they didn't go after television. I'd also like to know what the writing differences are in sports radio as oppose to anchoring? Knowing that people hold onto your "views" and every word, instead of being distracted by what they are literally viewing. Don't get me wrong, I know more than anybody that people hold you accountable for every syllable that comes out, but at the same time, with radio...there's nothing else...it's just words.

All things considered it was a great experience for everybody. It was fun to see the underclassman so starstruck in the newsroom...it really made some people open up...especially evening anchor Wendy Bell...thanks for clearing up the difference between TV and reality Ms. Bell...I surely won't forget you!

Until next time...I'm DJ Yokley.

Checklist....

This assignment for me may be a little different than my classmates because I don't graduate until December, so I'm going to stretch out my checklist of things to do between now and the beginning of next semester...here we go!

By April-

-"Complete" E-Portfolio
- Complete Capstone Farewell Vid
- Complete Capstone Presentation
-Assemble Resume Tape/Resume
-Produce 2 quality, non-dated sports stories...

By May

-Make plans for a few days with Denny
-Edit, make any changes to the sports stories
-Assemble writing samples
- Assemble a "Demo-reel" to take to Denny
- Talk to Bob about creating a production tape at 33

By June

-Get up to Bristol
-Meet/Talk to whomever I possibly can
-Do whatever it takes
-Get feedback on Demo Reel/Writing Samples
-Edit, edit, edit....

By July

-Have a firm grasp on everything I need/could possibly pop-up for ESPN resume
-Double check
-Triple check

By August

-Application in mail, along with demo reel, and writing samples, and of course my resume
-Start prepping for Coaches Corner to free my mind of stress....

So as you can see, the next 5 months are going to be as hectic as I've seen so far in my 22 years. However, that's not going to stop me from achieving my goal...this is what I want more than anything, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm going to have my finger prints all over that brass ring when it's all said and done.

Until next time....I'm DJ Yokley.