Day #1: 6/24/19 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
On the first day here at NBC Palm Springs – KMIR 6 News, I had the opportunity to meet the staff within the station, including the evening crew in which I was working with for the day. Today, our agenda was tagging along with the evening crew to a local site to capture a segment with an anchor named Matt who was set to go live at 5 p.m. The segment in which he had planned on capturing today will probably not be released until Thursday, June 27. Thursdays are typically the days they release the segments that take place at other locations. These small segments are ones that sometimes do not show the faces of the anchors. However, their voices are recorded in the soundproof private rooms. Prior to going to the site, the anchors have gathered up questions for their interviewees based on research that the anchors have done on behalf of the site. The news segments consists of photos, video clips, and interviews of the people at the specific location(s). I also had the chance to tour the newsroom where the producers and directors sit during the live newscasts. Within this room, they can alter anything necessary and even change scripts that need to be changed and also implement breaking news during this time.
To record their segments, they use Audacity. To edit, they use Adobe Premiere.
Today, reporter Max Rodriguez and I went to Palm Springs with one of our cameramen to go live at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. The mission was to cover a story about the history on the stone wall and the impact that it had on folks who participated in Pride month. I had the chance to interview some local residents and get a first-hand experience of what it looks like to go live with our producer in our ear back at the station. It was nerve-racking, but very fun and exciting at the same time because you’re constantly thinking on your feet for questions and what to say off-script.
Day #2: 6/26/19 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Today I had the honor of shadowing news reporter Luzdelia Caballero, otherwise known as Luz. She was such an inspiration to me the first day I met her because she encouraged me to ask questions because within the field. The more you know the better. She was covering a story that she had been working on for a while now that dealt with a woman here in the Coachella Valley named Deborah who was arrested for throwing seven puppies into a dumpster. Alongside these tragic actions, she was hoarding 38 puppies in her home for a long time. Thankfully, animal advocate Janine was willing to help rescue these innocent dogs and help them live their lives again in the manner that they deserve. Today, we went to interview Janine to talk about the progress the dogs have made on behalf of their tragic journey in that hoarded household. We had the chance to get insight on how the puppies looked, how they reacted to human touch, and how their lives were being changed for the better. I noticed how Luz checked to see what was the proper way to interact with the dogs. She knew Janine personally, but wanted to put forth a connection to the dogs as well. I acknowledged how Luz kept asking open ended questions in order to get thorough and genuine feedback. I think that this was the most special part because then we could see how passionate both Janine and Luz were about this case. After the interview, we then had to do a “stand up” which is where we held the puppy who is up for adoption in our arms to ensure that he needed a home.
Once we got back to the station, I had the opportunity of learning the whole process of how a package is created. First, you have your toss. A toss is what the anchor says during a live show in order to introduce the reporter’s story. Second, you have an introduction which basically means that you are giving an introduction to your story, or a recap of what has happened if the story is one that has been continuous. Then, you have your package which is basically your story. Within the package you have interviews, video clips, photos, and your “take” room. A take is another word for your voice recording. Lastly, you have your tag which can explain that you will be gathering further information or it can be the result of your story.
Today was awesome because I had the chance to watch Luz edit her package and write her elements: toss, intro, package, and tag. I asked lots of questions based on this process and she made it very clear that deadlines are important. She typically goes live at 5 p.m. so everything needs to be squared away before that time. I love how she gave herself deadlines hours before 5 p.m. That isn’t always the case due to different situations that can affect the deadline. That is why it is important to master the skills of taking and editing so that way you can create an informative and engaging package on time before it is due. Once all this was done, she went live at 5 for her introduction and tag. Tomorrow at 8:30 a.m., we will be going to the Larson Justice Center in Indio, CA to attend the Deborah’s court hearing and get more information on the case.
Day #3 6/27/19 7:50 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Today at NBC Palm Springs, Luz and I met early this morning at the station in order to appear at the Indio courthouse by 8:30 a.m. Once we got to the courtroom, we weren’t able to film inside. We did, however, revive vital information regarding the case. The suspect’s bail had increased from $10,000 to $50,000 and could potentially face up to seven years in solitary confinement. The preliminary hearing will take place at the Indio courthouse on Monday, July 1. At the end of the case hearing, we interviewed animal advocates right outside the courthouse who were present in the courtroom. After getting insight on the thoughts and feelings of these animal supporters, we then did a stand up for our five o’clock show. During the stand up, I had the chance of participating in a recap of what happened in the courtroom as well as a tag to stay up to date for further information. Now we are creating our package for the day and will appear in court for the next update on her potential sentencing.
NOTE: After my third day, I went on a family vacation for a week to visit but still kept up with the daily news stories.
Day #4 7/9/19 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Today at NBC Palm Springs, I was shadowing Max again. The moment I walked into the station we were asked to research and lookup the latest news to find stories to pitch. After some time went on with the research, we then had a brief meeting among the other reporters and the assignment editor to get stories approved or to assign stories. After careful regard, we immediately got assigned a story that had to deal with a new wave pool that is a proposal within the city of Palm Desert. Though it is only a proposal, it is a great prospective amenity to our Coachella Valley. We went to the Palm Desert City Hall to interview a man named Martin who was in charge of all of the blue prints and lay out of the “Desert Surf.” After the interview, the location was scoped out just to get an idea of what the area will look like. Coming across some folks, we realized that not everyone will be happy with the outcome. Golfers like that it is quiet and calm and that they have the ability to golf in peace. However, many others are excited for what is to come. This fall, the city council will either grant approval or not on behalf of this proposal. With that being said, construction could begin as early as next year or sooner. How great would a wave pool be in the desert? That would be amazing.
Day #5 7/10/19 9:50 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
It is day five at NBC Palm Springs and I can’t believe how fast time has been flying. I was shadowing Luz and we were assigned to cover a story that consisted of a woman stealing a vehicle off of the lot of a car dealership. She was asked if she wanted to do a test drive and proceeded to say no because she was waiting for her husband. She asked to see features inside, closed the door, and stormed off the lot without warning. The owner of the dealership, Nacho, is still in disbelief but hopes that the car is found soon. A police report has been filed on behalf of the theft, but until further investigation, the suspect remains wanted. We also spoke with the PIO of the Indio Police Department, Benjamin Guitron, who gave us an overview of the whole situation and what they are doing about it. We have video footage and photos that capture her features and are hoping the vehicle and the suspect are found sooner than later.
Day #6: 7/15/19: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Today at NBC Palm Springs, we covered a story that has brought a lot of fear to the Coachella Valley: the random immigration inspections that have been going on. A lot of people across the nation have been scared out of their minds on behalf of the orders that President Donald Trump has put forth on folks who are undocumented. Undocumented people are everywhere and fear deportation and separation of their families. The folks that have been caught are being treated so inhumane, it is absolutely ridiculous. Many of these people have worked just as hard, if not harder, than your average middle aged American. The fear is evidently present at such a high magnitude that has nearly become a form of global awareness. I think that the treatment of these folks should not be how they are. Slavery days in America are over. Unfortunately, racism and discrimination is not.
Day #7: 7/16/19: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Today at NBC Palms, I tagged along with reporter Daytona Everett. We covered a story of a young man named Steven Contreras, who is a 15 year old aspiring boxer, who has a raw talent and a lot of passion that set him apart from other teens. He comes from a home where his father was the provider and sustained the household. The father did the very best he could, but could not provide all three sons with the best gear that there was for boxing, it was quite costly. So a man named Sam donated gear to him and his brothers and that is where the dream began. He has now won a championship in his bracket at just 15 years old. He aspires to become better each and every day. Young Steven was a very polite and respectful young man. He showed a lot of heart while we were there at the Indio Boys and Girls club.
Inception: the name for the whole story package= (the toss, the intro, the package, and the tag)
Day #8: 7/22/19: 10 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Some advice:
- “Write your toss before you write your package to find the aim of your package, make it conversational.”
- Make sure you sot your package (that it is green) You do not want to have your “toss” in green because then it adds time onto your package. Your “toss” for instance needs to be in black because that is what the anchors are saying, NOT apart of your package.
Today, Daytona and I went to a middle school located in Banning, CA to talk to a teacher who was a part of a group that established a method for teachers to receive much needed school supplies for the upcoming school year. The program is called Amazon Wish List where not only teachers, but any and everyone can donate supplies directly to these teachers who have students that are in need. With the help of social media platforms, this group has expanded tremendously across Southern California, and even throughout Arizona and parts of Texas. The teacher, Michele Doward, was very thankful to receive the supplies that she has been given. A lot of the supplies that were already in her classroom were purchased out of her own pocket. A program like this has made it possible for her to not have to spend her own money and she gets to receive a greater amount of supplies that will benefit both the quality of her classroom and the quality of the students’ learning experience.
I’m working on building a reel that will help me reach out to stations for when graduation time comes and even prior to that to ensure that I will have a job set up a station right when I graduate. I’m trying to get as much experience and exposure as I can so that I can set myself apart from the average college student. I’m excited for when the school year starts because then I will be able to get more experience in front of the camera and at the anchor chair. COMM 444A will be amazing and I’m really looking forward to it!
Today I also had the chance to actually create my own package! I saved it onto my computer as documentation to go towards my reel.
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