Chesapeake Bay!

The last week of the WSP SP 11

"I'm on a Boat." -- I feel this is appropriate

Our class took a trip to Annapolis for a beautiful, and educational, day on the Chesapeake Bay!

We spent a few hours on a skipjack -- there are only a few left in the US and it's over 100 years old.

(life jackets and hats were available upon request)

Not only was it a beautiful, warm and sunny day (83 degrees!), but it was also nice to see the Chesapeake Bay in person. 

......and of course... learn about problems facing the bay from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation 

from the Communications Director, Elizabeth Buckman.

Fun Facts About the Bay

• The bay touches six states
• One oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day
• The bay is about 200-miles long
• Average depth = 21 feet
• Nitrogen Phosphorus is a major pollutant for the bay.

Dave Johnson

DAVE JOHNSON

WTOP RADIO

• 14 years as play-by-play announcer for Washington Wizards
• Morning Jive Radio on WTOP
• Covered Soccer World Cup in Munich, Germany 

Words of Wisdom from Dave Johnson:

"What are people talking about today? Either talk about what is going on or give them something to talk about."

"It's not working if it's something you enjoy doing."

'Develop writing skills -- a good writer will never starve."

"The skill of writing a story helps you tell a story."

"Do a little of everything" (in regard to convergence media: twitter, web, print, broadcasting)

"NO W.G.A.S. STORIES" (W.G.A.S = who gives a shoot)

WSP is Coming to a Close

Washington Semester Program 

Spring 2011

I can't believe this semester is almost over. It seems like only yesterday I was leaving the Windy City and heading toward the Nation's Capitol... Wow, time has gone by so fast... 

I can say that I have truly fallen in love with Washington DC and am so grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given since arriving in January.

This summer I will be staying in Washington, working for a well known author on their website and interning. 

Things I have Learned Since Arriving in DC:

1.  Metro & Public Transportation: 

• It is much more crowded than Chicago
• The rail handles on the train were made for 6ft men
• You WILL meet very interesting people on the train, and especially on the bus
• Get with the flow of public transportation, don't second guess your stop or the line you are taking or else you will be eaten alive by the passengers who are on the go!! 
• The metro system flows like a bicycle spoke -- everything flows toward the inner city and then back out

    2. Social Life:

•  Going out has its benefits...including networking and meeting other young professionals
•  U Street is very popular
• Themed Bars = Pirates

   3. Sight Seeing:

• There are more museums, parks, and historical landmarks than you can imagine. You will never see everything this city has to offer because there is SO much.

    4. WSP:

• The Washington Semester Program is a once in a life time opportunity. I am so fortunate for everything I have experienced and for all of the people I have met. I will forever tell my fellow peers about this program and encourage students to apply for the program.

Politico

POLITICO

Politico is American Political journalism at its best.

Beth Frerking

• Beth is the managing editor of Politico and a true professional. Today she gave us resume tips for young journalists applying for jobs in Washington. In a nutshell... you have to be on your A game.

1. NO RESUME MISTAKES: Grammar, spelling, none. "If you can't even get basic information correct how can I trust you to get things on of national importance correct?"
2. NO MORE THAN 1 - 2 PAGE RESUMES
3. COVER LETTER: Know the company that you're applying to, Know their tone, Know what they are about and what kind of publication it is. 
4. SELL YOURSELF: "I don't care what I can do for you, it's what you can do for me. I need to know that you're willing to do X,Y, and Z. Why should I pick you and don't say, " I think it would be really neat to work here. I need to know why you're better than someone else."
5. INTERNSHIPS = They are stepping stones. You need experience.
6. MOXIE: "I need to know that you're willing to do whatever it takes, even if that means hopping on a plane two hours later."

 Martin Kady

• Martin is the Congressional Editor of Politico. 

1. "Politico explains who is in power and who is in charge of deals that are going on in Washington."
2. "Politico is about pulling back the curtain."
3. You have to be dedicated and quick moving.
4. "You have to ask yourself, 'am I willing to do that? Can I drop everything and go?"

Kendra Marr

• She is only 25 and covers the White House beat

1. Covering a certain beat helps you find out the foundation and facts. It helps you see the bigger picture.
2. You have to be able to drop everything and go.

NRA

Glen Caroline

Director, NRA-ILA Grassroots Division

(NRA - National Rifle Association)

"safety, responsibility, freedom"

Brief History on NRA:

• Founded in 1871
• 4 million members
• Oldest Civil Rights organization is United States

 "The question shouldn't be about the weapon used for violence, it should be about what pushed these individuals to act out."

1.  Second Amendment

-The Right to Bare Arms - "it's an individual right.


    2.  Gun Control as a Failure to Reduce Crime

-Criminals are law breaks. They wont register their guns if they are going to commit a crime anyways.
-Guns are used for self-defense 2.5 million times a year (doesn't always mean gun is fired, just present)
-->3.5 times more than to commit crimes

   3.    NRA Enforces and Encourages

- Project Exile: enforcing existing laws that are already in place
- Right to Carry: 21-years-old and gun class
- Instant Check (although people do slide through the cracks, like AZ crime)
-Wright/Rossi study in 80s
   -->example) bank robber is less likely to rob bank if he thinks other people are carrying guns that could be used against him.

Overall Mr. Caroline was a very significant guest speaker in his ability to present information and guest speaking and has a lot of interesting information and points of view.

Iris Krasnow 101

Iris Krasnow

 Iris is our WSP journalism professor, as well as an author, journalist, wife and mother; but today, she was our guest speaker. 

Life Lessons by Iris Krasnow: 

"Do it in your 20s: all of your freedom and all of your fun."

"Drink deeply of this amazing city."

Balancing Family and Career

• Your gut is always right. Do what makes your gut happy.
• When you have a family and kids, they will become the center of your life, then your career.
• Freelance! Freelance! Freelance!
• Journalists are typically poor.
• Your boss expects your work to come first, not your kids.
• You can't have it all (with family and career)
• Don't just email, knock on the door. COMMUNICATION.
• Truth takes time.
• "Things could always be worse."
• Everyone has a book in them
• Be brief, dramatic, and funny.
• Go forward, not backward
• Never lose sight of your family -- you only have one.

The End of Men

Hanna Rosin 

• Author, journalist, feminist writer
• Writes for Double X
• Writes for The Atlantic
• Previously worked for the Washington Post
• Hilarious video experiment with her husband: 15 Feet Apart 

15 Feet Apart is an experiment where Hanna and her husband spent the entire day with 15 feet of eachother: at work, using the restroom, and even eating out of the same bowl at meals together. It's pretty unique and funny.

Good News for Journalist: There are lots of jobs out there for young, technically savvy journalists

Bad News for Journalist: Speed burns you out;you get tired of it, fast.

Hanna writes a lot for a more direct feminist audience. Why do woman need their own magazine? Woman have different interest than men. In the modern age there is a lot of focus on the improvement of woman and equal rights. For example: Title 9 and McKinsey & Company.

Hanna spoke about the importance of targeting the specific female audience. Females ARE the largest reader-audience.

Washington Public Relations

The Art of Public Relations

Ron Bonjean: The Bonjean Company

• Graduate from Wisconsin
• AU WSP Alumni
• Interned on Capitol Hill
• Moved to Washington, D.C., one week after graduation 
• Worked for various house leaders, Department of Commerce, crisis management PR
• Established his own PR firm

Pearls of Wisdom: from internship --> to paid job

• Deputy Press Secretary at age 23
• NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING!
• "Create your own opportunities, and create your own situations to network."

Job Application & Effective Networking

• Writing is key factor
• Social Media Skills
• Writing Samples
• Letter of Recommendation
• Know where you're applying so you know the company and what to put on resume
• Get creative, stand out from other applicants and interns

CNN

CNN 

White House Correspondent: Ed Henry

Ed Henry took time out of his busy schedule to speak to our journalism class at the

National Press Club this week.

Mr. Ed Henry started his journalism career as a Washington Semester Program student interning for the infamous Jack Anderson.(He even had Gil Klein as a professor...which shows you how long Gil has been around.)

After his internship, Mr. Anderson offered Ed a job, even though he was only a junior in college. Against the advice of his professors, Ed accepted the job and moved to Washington. It took Ed a while longer to graduate from college due to complications with transferring credits, but he finally graduated.

Ed worked for Mr. Anderson for five-years before switching to Roll Call. He worked at Roll Call for eight-years and eventually made his way to CNN.

Ed is an extremely likable and comical guy. If he wasn't a successful journalist, I would suggest stand up comedy. Ed gave us a lot of useful advice.

"Nothing is going to be handed to you. You have to bust your butt."

He mentioned that a lot of students think that just because you have had an internship that you will be hired. That's not always the case, especially in a competitive field. It's important to work hard. There isn't one single way to succeed in journalism.

This had me thinking of other ways to impress employers...

It was inspiring.

Stay tuned.

The Kalb Report

The Kalb Report

Location: The National Press Club

Date: March 21, 2011

Guest: Diane Sawyer

The Kalb Report  never fails to attract a large crowd: students, professors and fellow journalists gather to watch the veteran reporter, Marvin Kalb. The Kalb Report is aired live on CSPAN and focuses on significant interviews and news forums, as opposed to the "info-tainment" many news outlets use to attract viewers.

I was even texting my mom during the taping of the show and she was able to watch it live. It was pretty exciting.

The guest this week was infamous news reporter and anchor, Diane Sawyer. She is such an inspirational person. She told us we could all change the world, every one of us. She even spoke about how long she has been reporting and the things she has learned along the way. Did you know she started off as a weather girl? (If you ask me, it seems like weather wasn't quite her calling.)

I think that everyone, not just journalist, should view a live taping of The Kalb Report or atleast watch it on cspan. Our class has been so lucky to experience the numerous opportunities that it has, which I'm almost positive never would have been done had it not been for the Washington Semester Program.



The White House

The most infamous and prestigious house known in US history: The White House.

132 Rooms


32 Bathrooms


Blue room, green room, yellow room, red room...


Our class took a tour of the East Wing in the White House, which is actually the wing that the First Lady gets.


The security at the White House is intense... and not intense like the obvious no weapons. But I mean no lipstick. Literally the bare minimum is allowed in the White House and much like the Supreme Court they dictate your dress code, which is acceptable.


It is something I will never forget. And absolutely NO pictures are allowed to be taken in the White House... I'm not sure why.


I realized today that I wish being the First Daughter was a job because I would apply for it... those little girls are so lucky.

Verizon Center Private Tour

Behind the Scenes at the Verizon Center

Not a lot of people can say they have had a private tour of the Verizon Center, let alone of the Washington Wizards locker room, but I can...

Thanks to our awesome, and well connected, professor, Iris Krasnow, we were able to get a private, one-on-one tour of the Verizon Center. We walk across the court where the games are televised and we got to see the players' practice court, as well as many other things. 

Among our visit of the Verizon Center, we spoke with the communications director of the Washington sports teams and learned about his job. He told us about the significance of the communication director, his role with the players and the press in order to promote events, games, and schedule interviews to discuss the sports world. 

It seemed like a pretty awesome job. I've really enjoyed seeing the public relations side of journalism and the different career opportunities that are available with a journalism degree. 

Did I mention we go to see some of the players too?

His shoes are HUGE.

I'm sure our class looked like a bunch of kids in a candy store as we took pictures and bombarded the speaker with a million and one questions.

From the Midwest back to the East Coast

My Springbreak wasn't as typical as most college students. Instead of flying to the warm weather and beaches, I flew back to the Midwest, where I worked for my mother and hung out with the family. No complaints though, I missed them so much!

My springbreak adventure didn't start until I started my trip back to DC. My first flight was delayed, and I missed my connecting flight and best of all, my luggage has currently been 'misplaced.'

Although my trip back didn't go as planned, it has been getting better ever since (knock on wood).

Our class took a trip to the Bloomberg news organization which was really informational. I realize that while Chicago is beautiful and amazing all on its own, DC has more to offer on for a future journalism career.

I have started looking into graduate schools in DC. I was surprised to find out that American offers a  program for journalism grad students. It starts in the summer and continues for 11-months. It is something I will be looking into. AND it's not terribly expensive. (YAY!) It is pretty competitive and only allows 200 students in each year.

I'm pretty excited. Only one more year until I apply!

Capitol Hill

United States Supreme Court

Our class took a truly historic and once in a life time field trip to the United States Supreme Court. I instantly recognized the infamous building from previous government and American History courses I have been taking since middle school.

It's one thing to see the pictures from text books and an entirely different experience to see it in person.

Not only did we tour the building, but we also witnessed an oral argument that was being held before the legendary Supreme Court Justices.

Justice Thomas: Special Anniversary

The week we visited the Supreme Court was literally a historic event: It marked the 5th year of silence during a trial for Justice Clearance Thomas. While Justice Breyer and Alito questioned each defense without hesitation, Justice Clearance sat there in complete silence. He believes his fellow justices ask enough questions and since the lawyers only have such a short time to make their point, he shouldn't interrupt them with questions. 

Although Justice Thomas doesn't speak during trials, he does pass notes. In fact the justices have aides sitting behind them at all times during the trials and the aides, among many other things, will pass notes from justice to justice. 

Courtroom Etiquette 

One thing that is to be noted are the strict rules of the court room. They were much more extreme than the typical 'no cellphones' rule. The rules regulated your posture, your attention, and clothing.

• One boy was slouching in his chair--he was told to sit up.

• You can't wear a fashion scarf into the courtroom.

• And if you don't look like your paying attention or your eyes even appeared to be closed--you will be asked to leave.

Al Jazeera English Channel

SPRING BREAK IS ONLY A FEW DAYS AWAY! 

Which is my excuse for being absent on here for the last week...and I had the flu for two days. Ugh. I hate the flu, especially when I'm so far from home and my mom isn't here to baby me. 

Today's guest speaker:  

Camille El Hassani

• Senior White House Producer for Al Jazeera (English Channel)
• Previously worked at ABC for six years
• Spent a year working overseas in Iraq at a news station

"Observe, Report, and Analyze."

I'm noticing a trend with our guest speakers, especially as technology continues to advance. Social Media is not only changing the world, but especially journalism and how we get our news. 

At first social networking sites weren't seen as real journalism, and while it is still significant to check sources and credibility of the sites and what you read, they are making a big impact on how we get our information.

In the United States we are fortunate enough to have Free Speech (First Amendment). We can basically say whatever we want, basically anywhere we want. Social networking sites are assisting citizens in other countries that are normally censored. Through sites like facebook and youtube we are able to communicate almost immediately with people in different times zones. 

At first news organizations kind of blew off the thought of social networking sites, but now even the biggest and most powerful news outlets have facebook, twitter, etc.

The One and Only: Bob Schieffer

"If you want it bad enough you will figure out a way to do it."

- Bob Schieffer

This week one of our feature guest speakers was Bob Schieffer. Not only is he a famous journalist, but he is also a household name for many reasons.

MR. BOB SCHIEFFER

• CBS Chief Correspondent
• Anchor of 'Face the Nation'
• Broadcast Cable Hall of Fame
• Presidential Debate Moderator
• New York Times Bestselling Author 

Mr. Schieffer has been a reporter for 54 years. He is a veteran of how Washington operates. He spoke to us about politics, the era of technology in journalism, signed our books and told us what he has learned over the years. He brought up a lot of really good points.

 
 Mr. Schieffer has been a reporter for 54 years. He is a veteran of how Washington operates. He spoke to us about politics, the era of technology in journalism, signed our books and told us what he has learned over the years. He brought up a lot of really good points:

• Even the worst newspapers have an editor that know where the information came from, on the internet you don't have that. Anyone can publish anything with out proof and people will believe it.

• Some politicians living in DC aren't in touch with their communities. They may the issues but they spend most of their time here in Washington and not in the actual home communities. They are usually from a jurisdiction with one major demographic. Their concern is in regard to their jurisdictions demographic, not all demographics.

DEFAMATION LAWS 101

The Power of The Pen.

Journalists' have so much power. They have the power to bring light an important event. They break stories that can change lives and they are the watchdog of society. People put their trust into journalism.

Accuracy and Truth: significant traits that have been instilled into every journalism student since day one.

 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP -- Thomas Clare 

 

Defamination & Unlawful Newsgathering Tactics: 

 

---->Basic Legal Principles: 

• Defamation - legal right not to have damaging falsehoods published about a person or company. 

1. Slander - spoken
2. Libel - written

• Journalists have no special immunity from law while investigating 

1. No immunity from criminal laws
2. Newsgathering torts

---->Legal Elements of Defamatory Claims

• False and defamatory  statement of fact
• "Of and Concerning" the plaintiff  (even if the company is not specifically named but can be pinpointed in obvious ways)
• Publication to a Third Party
  
• Actual Malice

-----> Defense in Defamation Case:  

• Fact vs Opinion
• Name Calling
• Substantial Truth
• Absolute Privilege

1. court pleadings
2. speech and debate

• Qualified Privilege 

1. "fair report"
2. "common interest"

 

USA TODAY

USA TODAY -- Donna Leinwand

(she is super funny)

• Journalism career began at the Miami Herald
• Former President of the National Press Club
• Current Status: USA TODAY
• Covers major crimes and mass disasters
• Foreign correspondent: covered tsunami in Indonesia and earth quake in Haiti 

Tips for Journalist:

• Be a Generalist: know a little bit of everything, read about different things, stay informed
• Become Quick, Accurate, Clean and Concise Writers: no grammar errors, no factual errors
• Develop Video and Photography Skills: more to offer employers

 Tips for Foreign Correspondents:

• See a Bathroom, Use a Bathroom: you never know when your next opportunity will come
• Always Have a Spare Tire
• Get Vaccinated Now
• Have Multiple Forms of Communication: your phone may lose service, you might not have a place to charger your computer. 

Spoken Like A True Professional

CBS -- Dave Martin

• National Security Correspondent since 1993
• Writer for AP
•  Author

As a veteran journalist, Mr. Martin spoke to our class about new media. There are so many more new forums of journalism today than there were when he started: blogging, twitter,and the internet in general.

"Writing is the number one objective."

                              - Dave Martin

Although a lot of things have changed since he began his career in journalism, the foundation of journalism remains the same:

1. The Art of Writing: it is the single most important thing to know. It has to make sense to the reader. It doesn't matter how much or how little the reader knows about the topic, everyone should be able to understand it, whether they are 12-years-old or 90-years-old. 

2. Write to Pictures: even if someone may not remember your story, they will remember the pictures. 

3. Interviews: It's always better to get an interview in person than over the phone. You have a better sense of accuracy in person.

4. Information: when you are interviewing someone it is important to be up on the current information -- asking the right question at the right time.

I feel like I could write my own book on journalism with all of the useful information I am getting this semester... don't worry, I won't attempt that... yet. 

Journalism: Broadcast & Online

National Geographic

- JOHN BREDAR - 

Award Winning Documentary Producer

I think it was unanimous that everyone, including Professor Krasnow, wanted this man's job.

He not only spoke about the elements it takes to produce a great documentary but he also led by example. It's was really great that he would explain 'teases' and elements of storytelling and then show us from documentaries he worked on. He also told really great stories.

        

Helpful Tips When Making a Documentary:

• Great Leads: grab attention
• Intense images, intense music, intense narration.
• When it comes to narration, make sure the narrator's voice adds to the production, not distracting the audience. 
• It is always nice to get an editor's point-of-view because he/she sees things that you may not because you have come so involved with the work.
• When you make a movie, you make it three times. The three-step approach    --->                1) in your head and on paper 2) the fieldwork and interviews 3) the actual production and editing

 SLATE.COM

- EMILY YOFFEE -

She writes a human genie pig column... when people dare her to do things... she does them.

AND then writes about them, it's pretty funny... and brave.

She has worked as a journalist for 30 years, from the Washington Post to freelancing.

Advice From Emily:

• "GOT TO HAVE THICK SKIN"
• We all need to be seekers, challenge what you hear and what people assume
• Never be anything but honest
• Think like a journalist--everything is a potential story.
• "Writing is like quilting: just start" - even if you start with a paragraph. Sometimes the paragraphs are disconnected, and then you can start stitching them together, adding a transition here and there.

Behind the Scenes at Fox 5

As I previously mentioned, I am interning at WTTG Fox 5. I'm learning from professionals and I get to see behind the scenes of a real news station production.

The News Room

Studio 1 

Guests & Interviews

Washington is a great place for journalism, especially if you're interested in covering government and politics.

BLIZZARD!

 8 inches of snow and freezing rain!

Being from Chicago I have grown accustom to the routine of under armor under my jeans, 3 shirts, 2 pairs of socks, and the bitter cold winter winds. However, I have never been a commuter student during a weather advisory...until now.

Weather, it is a natural blessing and disaster, depending on the season. This past week I have experienced the down fall of winter. We lost power for 4 DAYS! I felt like a refuge. It couldn't be avoided and I was only one of over 300,000 people to lose power. I didn't shower for 3 days. I slept on a family friends couch, and I was stuck on a bus for 3 hours. While it may sound as if I am complaining... I'm not. There were reports on the news of people who had been stuck on the road for 9 hours!! 9 HOURS!!

Although there is the disaster of losing power, being stuck on the bus, and feeling like I was temporarily homeless, we made the best of it. (and I am pretty sure a lot of school children enjoyed their 3 days off of school.) Turns out I am just as awesome at Monopoly now as I was when I was 10 and it was a reason for my host parents and I to venture out to the museums and different venues. Not to mention the awesome snowmen that a lot of people made... some of them were VERY creative. 

WASHINGTON SNOW STORM PICTURES:

AU snow man!

winter wonderland anyone?

 The bad news... there is more snow to come! But, I hear the springs are very nice here, so I'm looking forward to that :)

Guest Speakers & the Newseum

As promised, the WSP has already had a few prominent speakers, in the field of journalism, visit our classroom. Not only was it exciting to hear from such an accomplished journalist, but it was also educational in the ethic roles of journalist.

1. The Senate Press Gallery 

• Capitol Building 
• Thomas Ferraro & Joe Keenan, guest speakers

2. Tom Rosenstiel

• Designed the Project for Excellence in Journalism
• Worked at the Los Angeles Times, a correspondent for Newsweek Magazine, Vice Chairmen of the Committee of Concerned Journalist
• Author of 'The Elements of Journalism'

Not only did Mr.Rosenstiel take time out of his busy schedule to visit our classroom, but he also spoke with us about our role as journalist in the new technological era and the problems that journalism faces today. He compared the elements of print: narrative, headlines, pictures, graphics, sidebars and quotes  vs. the web: unlimited space, interactivity, videos and polls. One thing in particular stood out to me as he spoke, "Speed is the enemy of accuracy." When Mr. Rosenstiel said this, I instantly knew what he meant in the era of technology. Everyone is in such a rush to be the first to report the story that they aren't really stopping to fact check their information. Anyone can create a blog and post their opinions, but it is more important to get the information correct; not only for the public but for the credibility of the organization. He also spoke about his book, which is required reading for our seminar course. I really enjoyed reading the book and then having the author of the book speak to us and answer our questions in person.

3. Vaughn Ververs

•  Currently works as political editor at MSNBC.com
•  Has worked at The Hotline, CBS, Politico

Mr. Ververs spoke to our class about the paradox of the internet age, something that Mr.Rosenstiel also mentioned. He emphasized the importance of asking yourself, as a journalist, "Why am I thinking this way? Am I being cynical? Is this a false assumption?" The media plays a vital role as an informant for the public. It is important to educate and inform. 

4. The Newseum

The Newseum serves a greater purpose than just seeing the interesting and life changing impact of journalist. It also taught our class a lesson in Media Ethics.

• The First Amendment (and the most important for all journalist): the freedom of speech, religion, press and the right to assemble.
• Law vs. Ethics
• Society of Professional Journalist

With each guest speaker the core values of journalism are being instilled. It is important for journalist to be ethical, fair, accurate, and clear. It is what journalist should strive for.   

AND if had a lot of really interesting things to see: 

a real piece of the twin towers

  

WSP Internship

 FOX 5 WTTG

Internship: WTTG FOX 5

Department:  Newsroom

Days: Thursday 9-5, Friday 3-11, Saturday 9-5

Internship Duties: " Under the supervision of the Assignment Editors, all News student interns will gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a fast-paced news environment.  Overall, an internship with the News Department will involve assisting the news staff with compiling packets of information, answering phones and other duties that will be useful in the news gathering process.  This internship may include some field experience with News Reporters to cover developing stories.  Student interns are expected to assist producer with researching, and preparing news packets for News Anchors and scanning wires. Also, student interns will assist Assignment Desk Editors and News Producers with phone calls to assist in the development of stories, as well as filing press releases, sorting scripts and writing practice scripts as needed.  Base knowledge of broadcast journalism, including terms, structure, various duties/positions required.  This internship requires learning the news computer system. "

Week One: The Assignment Desk -- Assignment Editor

Job Duties: Develop and plan reporting assignments to be covered by reporters/photogs, listen to police wires, news tips, upcoming events and locations, and decide what is news and what's not.

Behind the Scenes: they MUST be organized, in the know, communicate with the entire newsroom team, and successfully multi-task

Check out the video pictures I created on my second day from viewer uploads:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/weather-photos-from-viewers-photo-gallery-012611#

Unlike many may assume, my internship consists of so much more than making coffee. In fact, I've never even been asked to make coffee. I am able to get hands on experience from true professionals. My second day interning I was already producing online content after the big snow storm. On my third day, there was a bank robbery! There is never a dull moment. I even get to sit in on live studio newscasts. It is really exciting to see the behind the scenes productions and what all goes into the news cast.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=252000675771

The WSP Amazing Race!

The Amazing Race:

• The Amazing Race consisted of 7 co-ed teams competing against eachother in a scavenger hunt.
• HOWEVER, this was no ordinary scavenger hunt around a playground... this consisted of running around, yes physical running was often involved as well as muscle... because we had to build a human pyramid. 
• We had to try to get the most things marked off of our scavenger hunt list while still making it online to the next check in point. Many of us had never been to DC before so we all had to try to navigate this place together.
• It was sooo much fun!
• I was sore for 2 days afterward... I'm also not in the best shape
• Our team came in second to last... BUT it was still so much fun... we even had a team name: The Nordic Tigers.... we rushed into Union Square cheering our team name is unison... but the security guards didn't like it... and we danced on the metro.... took tons of pictures..... OH! The best part was the doughnut eating contest...This was the godfather of the doughnuts....just look at the pictures below...

Biggest Doughnut I have ever seen... someone on team 2 ate

it in a little over 3 minutes..wow

Our Human Pyramid

CHINA TOWN!

Picture with a Frat boy... check

DAY 1

American University

Tenley Town

I thought I had become accustom to the hustle and bustle of the city life since I have been living in Chicago for the last three years but when arriving in Washington -- I was like a kid in a candy store. There are so many amazing, historical, and beautiful things so close that are surrounding the school's campus. It is one thing to read about the nation's capital city in a history book or a newspaper, but to actually see it in person is priceless.  

Like many of my peers, I was nervous and timid for the first day of the Washington Semester Program. (WSP for short and for future reference) I didn't know anyone and I wasn't completely sure where I was going, but that all changed... fast. Our first day consisted of a smooth and gradual introduction to the program, campus, and life style of D.C. It was really reassuring to be greeted by the WSP office staff members. They were so nice and willing to assist all of the students and there were A-LOT of us.

Our introduction orientation began with a welcoming speech from Dean Brown, other WSP staff members, our program teachers, and a campus police official -- who gave us her personal mobile numbers incase of an emergency--very reassuring for my mother.

Shortly after our orientation, our classes began. I'm not going to fib...as usual, I was a bit timid and unsure of what to expect... turns out that was a waste of my worry lines and my time because my teacher and internship coordinator couldn't have been more helpful and.. well, awesome! PLUS, they have both been working professionals in the field of journalism so they know what they are talking about.
            

IRIS KRASNOW:     

1. best selling author   

2. writing featured in The Wall Street Journal, SELF, The Washington Post, the list goes on...

3. guest appearances on CNN, The TodayShow,Oprah, etc 

4. she is from Chicago (wonderful)

5. former spelling bee champion of Oak Park, IL

 6. she is pretty funny and fashionable

                                       Krasnow's AU bio                                                           

GIL KLEIN:

1. former president of the National Press Club

2. worked as a national coorespondent

3. associate producer of The Kalb Report

4. has connections

5. a snazzy dresser

6. also pretty funny

Gil's AU bio