How to become a multimedia journalist

This video presentation is the final assignment for my multimedia reporting class about techniques and methods I've learned at The Las Vegas Sun this semester. I've learned a lot about multimedia journalism and how to balance a print edition with an online publication. Hope everyone enjoys the video. It was a lot of fun to make. :)

Another round? No thanks.

Yesterday the newsroom had another round of layoffs. This time Greenspun Interactive suspended publication of two community newspapers that work in connection with the Las Vegas Sun. Everyone surrounding my cubicle was let go. Those people helped me and taught me how to cover courts, city council meetings and crime scenes.

I was on assignment at a preliminary hearing, so I didn’t know they had left until I arrived at the office around 5:30 p.m. Their desks were empty and the newsroom was quiet. It’s normally quiet, but not like this. Everyone is walking around like zombies and worrying about their jobs. I don’t blame them. If I wasn’t doing an internship, I would be just as worried.

Having to see amazing journalists let go because of advertising sales is harder than I thought. I’ve been told for the last five years that the newspaper business is in a slump, but I guess I didn’t recognize how bad things actually were. Now I see talented individuals losing their jobs and it makes me scared. Some people in the newsroom have said that the worst is yet to come. I hope it’s already over.

The thing that sets the Las Vegas Sun apart from most newspapers is its online presence. The print edition of the Las Vegas Sun answers the question why, but the online gives you breaking news and answers all of the other questions. My fear is that the economy is going to push the Sun’s Web site to reflect the print edition.

We’re running low on having enough people to update the Web site, and the interns are taking on a more active role. This is a good thing because I’ll learn more by stepping into the shoes of other journalists and trying to keep their beats afloat. I can step into their shoes, but I’ll certainly never fill them.

I have two semesters left until I graduate. I’m determined to find a job in journalism, but I can’t help but ask myself “what if I get fired?” Where will I go? Are you just supposed to pick up and leave? I can’t even imagine the heartbreak some of people who were let go yesterday are dealing with. It’s something you’ll never know until it happens to you.

Scooped

I didn't even know it at the time, but I scooped the Associated Press today!

This morning I went to cover Roger Mayweather's arraignment for battery-strangulation and felony coercion charges. Mayweather didn't show up and the judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest. I wrote the story and submitted it as soon as I could.

Later I found out that I scooped the AP and The Review Journal.

Needless to say, it was an awesome day. :)

Click here to read the full story.

I also want to plug an unfolding story on our Web site right now. Check out the story of an 18-year-old who killed his best friend's parents for him. Denise and Mary did a good job, so be sure to watch the video. It's pretty creepy.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/02/police-teen-arrested-parents-deaths-wanted-entire-/

Back To Basics

Last week I got schooled, but it was a good thing. I needed someone to show me how to cover a collision scene more thoroughly and that’s exactly what I got.

I was covering a one-car collision that killed one 16-year-old and left two other teenagers in serious condition with Las Vegas Sun reporter Jean Reid Norman. I learned a lot from Norman about how to work with information and listen carefully for what you might need. Even though neighbors nearby might ramble and have no useful information, they might slip up and say something beneficial.

I’ve covered crime before but never vehicle accidents. I felt like I grew as a journalist by working with her that day. She taught me things and I feel like I’m a better journalist because of it. So yes, I got schooled and it was totally worth it.

For the weekend, I covered a walk to raise awareness about child trafficking and prostitution. Even though I wasn’t covering breaking news, I still used some of the techniques that Jean taught me. I think the story turned out well because I was willing and able to dig a little deeper.

Here are the links for the stories I’m talking about.

Group rallies to bring attention to child prostitution

Teen dies after SUV hits block wall

Friends gather to mourn Del Sol High School student killed in crash

I also got to know my co-workers better this weekend. Videographer and former 702.tv anchor Denise Spidle invited me to a potluck dinner at her house. The entire office team showed up, and I had a great time getting to know everyone better.

Denise is also helping me learn Final Cut Pro. I’m so excited about this! And the best part is I might be able to start shooting videos soon. I’m already getting to shoot pictures and post galleries, but video is my ultimate goal. Plus, videographers are using my dream camera that I wanted for Sidelines. That’s right. I will actually get to use an AG-DVX100B Panasonic camera! Did I mention I’m excited about this? Haha.

In addition to video training, I will be covering more court cases, which is pretty awesome in my book. I will also be writing a feature sports piece on BMX rider Nathan Berkheimer. It’s too bad I won’t actually get to meet him, but it’s still a story.

It’s only Monday and the week is filling up fast. Man, I love my job! ☺

Entry 1 of The Vegas Diaries

Sept. 5

After a long road trip through seven states, I finally arrived in Las Vegas last night. I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but so far it’s pretty nice. The people are kind, the scenery is beautiful and the weather is bearable.

Last night, a friend and his family showed me around Henderson and Green Valley Parkway. We went to dinner at the Claim Jumper, took a look at the Las Vegas Sun office building and drove around near the strip.

On television the strip seems like a huge tourist spot, actually the entire area of Las Vegas seems monstrous, but really Las Vegas is an average size city in a valley. The land is so flat that you can see the strip from miles away, especially at night when all the casinos are lit up.

The family also helped me look at a few apartment complexes. Luckily, I won’t be staying in an extended stay hotel the entire trip because I found a one-bedroom apartment today. It’s in a nice neighborhood and located off Boulder Highway, which is roughly 15-20 minutes from the Las Vegas Sun office.

I also learned a few things about Vegas that some people may not know. Everything is open 24/7 here, brothels and prostitution aren’t legal, despite what many people think and U-Turns are legal on many streets.

I move into the apartment tomorrow and start work on Tuesday. I’ll keep everyone updated after I get settled in more.

For more, check out MTSUSidelines.com

Fear and Living in Las Vegas

I never post anything personal on my blog, but I'm going to take an entry to do so. A few days ago I received an internship in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Sun. It's an incredible opportunity that I'm stoked about.

There are so many diverse people and stories just waiting to be told in Vegas. However, I'm a little nervous at the moment as to where I'm going to live. It seems staying four months has put me in a bind when it comes to apartment leases. Everywhere I call, the landlord wants a six-month lease and that's just not possible right now.

I found a few places that allow three-month leases, but seem to have a bit of a bug problem. It's a little unsettling when a landlord says "Everyone has bugs. I just don't let me kids eat anywhere except for the kitchen counter."

I think I'll pass.

Another option I came across was a room for rent with two complete strangers. I actually thought about calling but remembered my horror movie knowledge. Moving in with strangers could be a slasher film waiting to happen.

After 20 different phone calls, I came across an apartment complex I really liked. It's called Sunset Winds and looks really clean and safe. Then I noticed the amount for a one bedroom – $710, excluding utilities.

I leave for Las Vegas Wednesday morning. Until then, I have four days to decide where I'm going to live. Things are getting stressful, but it's going to be an amazing journey. I will post updates as much as I can along the way. :)

P.S. Oh and if anyone in Vegas is looking for a roommate, contact me as soon as possible, please. Thanks!