I almost forgot what earning a paycheck was like!

Well Bloggers,
Once again..the last few weeks were hectic. I worked my first freelance gig in Los Angeles, California. I was the "spokesperson" for Yebol, the internet search engine I told you about before. I learned more than I could ever imagine. Taping a commercial could not be any more different than what I thought it would be. I'm so used to live television (you only get one chance to get it right). We took all day to do the shoot. The producer and the rest of the crew were amazing, and SO fun to work with! I of course am my own worst critic and have already picked out a million things I can improve on. I've also enlisted some help from a producer working with major corporations. So far, so good. I'd love to book more freelance gigs, it was great getting paid just for having fun. It was nerve wrecking and unusual for me to have to memorize lines, and I'm sure that came across to the director. I really give people credit now who do this for a living. Of course I miss reporting and live television, so the job search must continue! Until then..
Stay tuned!
-J

California here I come!

Hello bloggers! Good news, I got the free lance commercial in Los Angeles! So I'm heading to California tomorrow, checking into a hotel and getting to work. It's not exactly news, but I'm happy to put more on air experience on my resume tape to send out. Since I'm a total multi-tasker I've also set up some interviews in San Diego for next week as well. I'll be meeting with Bruce Patch of CBS 8 San Diego and Irv Kass , old VP/News Director of NBC San Diego. Meeting those two people are really what I am most excited about. Growing up in southern California I always dreamed of working at stations like those. I'd love to be a little fish in that giant pond. First and foremost, I'm focusing on this shoot on Saturday. As I sit in bed, with my pineapple cocconut icecream reading scripts over and over again, I can't help but think of all the ways to take full advantage of my experiences in the next week. I'll blog and post pictures about beautiful Hollywood once I'm there, feel free to contact me with advice, or if you'll be in the area!
Stay tuned--
Jess

Ready...set...Graduate!

Well..time flies when you graduate and don't have a job! Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. I graduated from college! I have now joined the millions of people trying to find jobs in today's economy. Am I a little nervous? Yes. Am I discouraged? No way! It's a really exciting time for me. After graduating from the University of Missouri School of Journalism (broadcast), I was at a crossroads. I had a job offer in the Midwest, and things could have easily been planned out for me. But then there was another direction....uncertainty. For the past ten years I had been playing the "what if" game with myself. What if I graduated and moved somewhere strange and started over? What if I move somewhere strange, and started a new adventure?..Well, the "what if's" won. I did it. My goal was to move to California, however that was not as easy as I thought. So I posted up in the desert, also known as Scottsdale, Arizona. I've been here for about seven weeks now. I love it.
I've started sending out resumes everywhere west of Colorado. I am ready to work and dedicate myself to something. In fact, I've made some progress. I find out Monday if I landed a freelancing job in Los Angeles! It's a small gig, but a step in the right direction. Now that I've semi-settled in, I'm ready to market myself as a journalist. So from now on this blog will be my journey to finding a job. I'll keep you posted on where I'm applying, who I'm keeping in contact with, my hopes and dreams..blablabla. Haha but this will be experimental. I hope to start "vlogging" (video blogging for you amatures out there) this week as well. Who knows, maybe one of you out there in cyber space has a connection, or vise versa! In the mean time check out my website and let me know what your think! Anyways, sorry it's been too long since I've updated, but I'm back on track now..so stay tuned!

Viva Las Vegas!

Well I survived Las Vegas! Unfortunately it was much more work than play, but having a conference in Vegas wasn't too shabby. I stayed at MGM Grand withmy co-workers. I attended RTNDA at NAB (Radio and Television News Directors Association for National Association of Broadcasters)..for all of you non-journalism folks. I learned so much..for example, there are not as many jobs in the business as I thought! I attenended seminars about new media, which I suprisingly new everything about, thanks to my wonderful capstone professor Jen Reeves. The event in Las Vegas helped more with introducing me to news directors and influential media professionals. It was great to be in the same room as the people who influenced me to go into this business in the first place (Al Tompkins)! I gave out a ton of resumes and business cards, so hopefully I'll stick out in someone's mind..can't wait to get a job!! (This picture is the lovely ladies of KOMU 8 TV..out to dinner at a Japanease Steak House after a long day of meetings!)

Story on the Vice President

I got the chance to cover Vice President Joe Biden in Jefferson City this week. He spoke at the ABB plant to talk about the Recovery Act. Back at the station, I put the video online as well as a web story and a slide show from my camera of pictures I took at the event. To view everything click here. Today I'm packing because I'm off to Vegas in the morning to go to a journalism convention, and hopefully find a job. I'll keep you updated when I get back, in the mean time follow me on twitter, as I'll be tweeting about the convention all week!

Website Launch

My website is finally presentable! I'd appreciate all the help I can get with it, so if you have any suggestions please let me know! It's an exciting time for me, as I begin to search for a job, but I will continue o update you on this blog as well as my other social networking pages. I'd also appreciate any job search engines online that you know of. Thanks!
-J

Dr. Drew

Last Wednesday I did my live shot from standing on top of the live truck . (see picture)..Earlier that afternoon I interviewed VH1's Dr.Drew Pinsky from Celebrity Rehab and Sober House. We talked Mizzou basketball before the interview, then I asked him about the event he came to Columbia for. Could not have been a nicer guy! He even sent me a message afterwards thanking me for the interview, and then tweeted about it! It was a great opportunity and I won't lie, being ON TOP of the live truck was pretty exciting. Good thing I wasn't wearing heels!

More fun Opportunities

Hi bloggers! It's been a while since I've made a new post, sorry! I do have a ton of new and exciting information. First of all My Website is now ready! It literally took me about 24 hours to just sit down and do it. What do you think? let me know, I could really use some input!
My latest story on the economy aired a few weeks ago. I got a lot of great feedback from that. It's already time for my second story to air! But I would love some input. It's about leash laws in Columbia Mo. Do you know any bikers that have had problems with dogs on the MKT trail? Or have you ever seen a dog without a leash where it is not permitted? Let me know! Don't forget you can always contact me via twitter too!

I need YOUR advice!!!

Happy Friday! OK..I need advice. I'm working on an economical story that will air March 26th. It's about job shifting but I have a different angle.
My Central character is Cole McCollum. He was a banker working with a major firm doing the typical corporate 9-5 job. He got sick of it..and even though it wasnt the best idea to make a bold move while the economy was bad, he quit. He started doing construction and realized he loved it. Eventually he and his business partner Jason started their own construction business. It's doing great. ALSO he and his wife opened their own daycare. An interesting fact about this is every move made in that day care is on camera, and parents can log into a website at all times of day to watch their kids.
So far I have he and his wife interviewed, a parent from the daycare, and footage of the daycare and some construction he's done. I also have some pictures of him from his banking days. Also have small business statistics for graphics and stuff like that.
So here's what I need from YOU. This is A LOT of information. What parts are interesting and what don't you care about? What else would you like to know? Are you interested in his advice for small business owners? PLEASE let me know what you think ASAP! Thanks you bloggers!

Journalist's Creed

I believe in the profession of journalism.

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one's own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends.

I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

I believe that the journalism which succeeds best -- and best deserves success -- fears God and honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world.

- Walter Williams

Perks of Missouri Journalism

One of the perks of Missouri Journalism is having famous graduates. One night last week after working at KOMU I was dragged to Harpos by my room mates. Shortly after being there I was introduced to Major Garrett, Senior White House corespondent for Fox News! I picked his brain for two hours about journalism today, technology, and more importantly..job hunting. Although Mr. Garrett's situation is some what rare..he graduated with a news editorial degree and went straight to network for his first job. VERY rare. The next morning I gave him a tour of the station I currently report at and he was so impressed with our equipment, he said he wouldn't have switched to news ed from broadcast if they could work with what he have today. It was an excellent experience and much needed since I graduate in 70 days and have no idea what I'm doing. It was also nice to get a ton of positive feedback about the business since all were told as journalists is how impossible it is to find jobs in this rough economy. It's so easy to get down and out, so meeting Major was the sign I needed to keep forging ahead!!!

Morning Shifts

My live shot last week was hilarious. As I was trying to write my scripts at 2 am, my three producers decided they were going to blast the "Soulja Boy" song and dance the dance in the middle of the newsroom. This is why I love working the morning show, your forced to keep yourself entertained at 2am. Everyone I work with is great. The picture above is my live truck. I'm sitting in a car behind it waiting to go on air. I was so excited because the sun finally came up during my shift, which has never happened. Maybe that means the weather is getting warmer too? Unfortunately now that I've finally gotten used to that schedule, in two weeks I start working the 10:00 show. That shift is from 4pm-10:30pm, which is much more reasonable. Today I have lots of basketball to watch but I also have lots of work to do on my HFR (hold for realease) package for sweeps! YAY. Before all of this I'm going to try and muster up the strength to go to the gym...keeping up my workout plan!!...slipping on the diet part, but I'm trying!

Health blog

I am verrrry happy with how today's interactive health website meeting went. As some of you know I will be managing the Fitness page. This is a picture (poorly drawn on the whiteboard) by yours truly on how I'm hoping the page will eventually look. Currently, I am in the process of adding information to my database on places to work out and exercise around Boone County.
In the meantime I'm also opening my eyes and ears at the gym a lot more. This page has motivated me to work out about 5 days a week. I'm also trying new exercises. Usually I swim. I could swim for hours without stopping and feel great. But when it comes to running..no way. So I've turned over a new leaf and started running a mile every time I work out. I do not know how you people do it but God bless ya, because it is not easy for me. I'm also really into those giant core balls now. I do two hundred sit ups when I use it, and while it feels like a form of torture...I've already seen results! So I'd love to hear what YOUR doing so I can try it and include it in the website as well as my blog.
Alright...well I'm also morning live reporter tomorrow for the morning show so I go into work at 1am, so if you have any ideas on where I could go or any stories that need telling, let me know!

Kepping up!

It seems like I haven't had enough time to keep up with everything lately! Currently I am trying to stay awake because I have to report live for the morning show, which is a 2-7am shift, but I like to get there early....I figured blogging would be a productive way to keep me awake? I've also been very sick the past two days, so that is not helping.
Well the past week has been crazy. I'm working on my HFR (hold for release) package that will air during sweeps. I have had two interviews bail on me and I'm feeling discouraged about it, like every other day I have to start over. It's about job shifting, so if anyone knows of someone who has been laid off due to the economy and has taken another, less professional job, please let me know.
As for the web project..o boy. I need a good solid week of nothing but time to devote to this just to get things off the ground. It's hard explaining to people I'm interviewing what exactly the project is, because the website itself won't be up and running for a while, but we will have a prototype done hopefully soon. I've actually learned a lot about fitness, and this project is definitely motivating me to hit the gym more often...and no more eating out. Bottom line, time is not on my side so I'm going to have to figure this one out.
Working dot com at the station and editing and producing for the web is really fun. I'm still nervous I'm going to drastically mess something up, but I'm becoming more confident every Thursday. My goal for this week my goal is to create something using flash. I'm guessing I'll start with some sort of map, I'd really like to come up with something creative I can put on my resume tape as well.The good thing about working the afternoon shift is not many reporters are back yet, so I have a lot of time to devote to the web and special projects. I'll keep everyone updated on my shifts this week I promise.
Well I'm off to look for story ideas to go stand outside in the freezing cold reporting live for the morning show! Wish me luck I'm going to need it!!....aaand lots of caffine!

Building a New type of news source?

Today I had my first meeting with a group of professors, graduate students, and journalists for a project on building a local health website. The new site will focus on health issues strictly directed towards Boone County, Missouri. Under this umbrella includes topics like domestic violence, suicide, fitness, nutrition, hospital care, and a multitude of other topics. My specific task is a reporter for this interactive website where I am assigned a beat..hopefully that will be fitness. Then I will get to design my own page within the website and create different links and stories that fall under that category.

All of this is a little overwhelming right now, but I am already starting to brainstorm. My hope is to report stories in a way that uses audio, video, web content, and still photography. Right now I'm picturing slide shows, behind the scenes video blogs, and an area for local citizens to share their concerns with the community. My biggest goal right now is to someday see this website take off in our community and spark an impact..such as support groups, fundraisers, etc. I would like to connect people who are going through similar experiences, such as battling cancer, or suffering from domestic violence.

So I'm wrapping up some blueprints about that right now in my mind. I'm simultaneously trying to come up with a story idea for my morning live shot tomorrow. I'm going to bed in about 2 hours to wake up at midnight, head to the station by 2am and report from 4:30-7! Then it's off to the gym, class until 1 and nap time!

So if there are any citizen journalists out there here is what I'm looking for:
-local story ideas for my morning live shot
-fitness issues going on in Columbia and what you'd like to see on an interactive website

I'll be blogging about my shift tomorrow night..then my web shift Thursday! I think it may be time to move into the station...or at least bring my sleeping bag.

Successful Thursday

Thursdays shift went off with no problems! Got to update komu.com with breaking news. 14 Columbia residents indicted by U.S. Attorney general for gang activity. I wish I would have been able to cover the story from Jeff City, I'd like to think I could do a really good job with that. I did realize today that I love being part of the hustle bustle of a newsroom. I also learned today that the web is a crucial part of journalism, and has the power to spread information quickly and efficiently. Updating those stories is a much bigger responsibility than I had initally anticipated. I've decided to volunteer for some on air cut-ins shifts this week, but my next madatory shift is my liveshot, Wednesday morning from 2-7am. Can't wait!

First Blog!

Hello bloggers! Today was my second web producing shift at KOMU. Still trying to learn the system and get familiar with working in Avid Active Content Manager. Currently I am waiting on reporters to put information into iNews so I can start saving web images. Story idea meetings went well, we currently have two nightside reporters in the field and an additional live reporter. I'll keep you posted on how everything goes!