Earlier this week, a fellow journalist asked for my help in covering a seminar given by co-founder of Facebook, Chris Hughes, after seeing my news package. He felt he could learn some tips and pointers from me. I was humbled and excited to work with someone who is enthusiastic about the field of broadcast journalism and talented.
Little did I know, he had also asked our producer to help him out. I thought to myself, "Well why do you need me — a newbie reporter — when you have the experienced reporter-turned-producer helping you out?" Nonetheless, I went to offer my assistance and any extra hands they may need in covering the event. Also, this was my first time working with an experienced reporter and I felt that this too could be a learning experience for me. And, of course, because it was Chris Hughes. I mean c'mon, Co-Founder of Facebook! I was sure there was a lot he had to share and lots more I wanted to hear.
I met with my peer about a half hour before the event was to begin. He was waiting outside for the coordinator to arrive. He had taken the initiative to contact the coordinator and plan ahead, however he had yet to receive definitive permission to film at the event. This concerned me.
From my experience, a journalist should always be proactive in planning out important things such as interviews, following up often, and having permission ahead of time to record.
I suggested he begin filming B-roll (footage used as background footage while another audio is played). There was a great sign near an office we passed that I thought would be great at the entrance of where the event was taking place. So I left him to begin setting up as I went to retrieve the sign. In the office I noticed a young man suited up whom I had seen before, but only in casual clothing. It dawned on me that he may be part of the event, so I asked whether he knew if we could record the event and if there was a possibility for an interview with the guest. He refrained from giving a definitive yes to either request, however he allowed filming if it was before the guest arrived. He was in fact the coordinator.
As a journalist, you must be proactive not only in preparation for a report, but also proactive in investigating the surrounding area. A journalist must constantly be in search and aware of possible interviewees, important directors or coordinators, and opportunities that allow for better overall coverage of an event.
When I got back, the producer had arrived and had already begun to set him up inside. I suggested that my peer go talk to the coordinator at the office and that possibly the guest may arrive early enough to partake in an interview before the event. He listened, but became preoccupied with the producer's notes. Sure enough twenty minutes later, we found out that the guest was having a meet and greet opened only to the media at that office where the coordinator was.
Learning from an experienced reporter is of course educational and always helpful, however during an event, it can be distracting from the actual happenings occurring.
Ultimately, I was able to practice steady hand camera filming and capture extra B-roll I thought he may find useful. It was a great speech about the new emerging journalism which includes bloggers and citizen journalists as well as the traditional branded news media with the convergence and use of social media. The impacts social media has for new entrepreneurs, specifically for the field of journalism. Currently, his main endeavor is with his new publication called The New Republic.
My peer was able to get an interview with Hughes at the end, but it was limited to only two minutes. I'm not so sure I was really needed, however I am glad I was there to be reminded how important preparation is.
The story I'm currently working on is about the California propositions on the ballot this November. I have a crucial interview set up with a financial administrator of a university soon.
Preparing for a first big-time interview,
