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