Shelby Wheeler
9 December 2011
News Media Practicum
Dr. Beth Bradford
Final Report
I learned a great deal in news media practicum in my first semester. I did so through working with upper class man, working in different areas, and class article discussions on the industry. While this class proved to be the most difficult for me, it was also the one I got the most enjoyment out of and found the most interesting and challenging.
I tried to make the most by working in various different areas in the department. For instance I wanted to really learn how to work with the camera, and I did so by filming highlights. I worked on filming soccer highlights, which by the way is a very difficult sport to film. I also learned how to properly work the camera, I learned about shutter speed and the other aspects that affect the quality of the picture. Then I took what I learned and took pictures at the dig pink volleyball game and for Interlachen portraits.
Working on the sets also gave me hands on experience working on different parts of a show. I helped with a couple Southern Sports Network episodes, and a few Southern News Network shows. I saw in person how every aspect of the cast and crew of the show are vital, if just one person slacks or forgets their part the whole show will hurt for it.
I also learned a lot about the industry through our weekly news articles. I really enjoyed working with the news show, however I believe if it would have worked out working with the sports show would have been a lot of fun and a great experience. Communications in broadcast, print, and online media is an industry that is always changing and evolving. The industry can also be very controversial when it comes to ethics on stories being reported, or if putting one certain debatable story or topic on the news or front page. The industry also has an enormous amount of power in what the public does and does not see. They will fill use with the information they believe we want to know, such as what’s up with celebrities and who’s going to jail, rehab, or court. When genuinely large portion of the public really want to be given the information that affects their lives. The industry is also run on time, being on time and being ready at all times is a necessity.
I also learned a large amount about the communication major and the careers that fall under it. I found that the major is a lot of work, it is not business. Communication majors spent many hours working hard behind the camera, in front of the camera, writing scripts, and editing film. Coming in early and staying late are not uncommon for communication majors or people in this job field. For me working behind the time I got working behind the camera was the best. I really like the idea of producing, working hard to make every little detail fall in place to make a successful show really appeals to me.
