Both Sides of the Fence

The first day of Metro Minutes, I walked in as reporter. By the next class, I was a reporter and producer. Having an all encompassing broadcast journalism background stemming from my undergrad made me feel a little at ease about having two duties within the show, but I have to admit I was a bit nervous.

As both a reporter and producer, I meet with the other producers every week, write for the show, and I am to complete two packages this semester.

Working on a package last week made me realize how much work it takes to play on both sides of the fence. I was the producer for last week’s show while I was working on my package. Balancing the producer and reporter duties among the rest of my classes was a huge part of getting it all done. It was hard to write a script after a day’s worth of shooting, write four readers, find time to edit my package, complete stories for other classes by deadline, plus adding interesting tidbits for Thursday’s Metro Minutes show. Fortunately, it was all completed by Thursday.

Once I got to class, it was a challenge to figure out what the order of the show should be, but with my fellow producers, it was a pleasant experience. I was excited to produce the second Metro Minutes show of the semester, but because I was producer I felt super responsible. But the student producers have to work with the students in the control room as well as the technical producer to put on each show, so we all have a part in the show’s outcome. So far, I’ve heard good things about how the show turned out.

I always say ‘every day I learn something new’ and already Metro Minutes has taught me to put on different hats and go after whatever I can put my hands on. I’m thrilled to this have this opportunity and I look forward to growing this semester.