Being on Radio & TV

I'm sure you're well aware I've been all over QUT News for the last couple of weeks. If not, you must have been living under a rock as I self-promoted like a boss. I physically updated every social platform at least once a day. Sorry about it!

I now have no choice but to blog. I love being able to give you a "behind the scenes" of what really went on and it's nice to reflect on such a big two weeks. You might have seen the perfectly lit, edited and rehearsed 1-minute TV package but I assure you there is so much more to journalism.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, I would like to extend a massive thank you to Emma and Gabe for housing me. Living on the Sunshine Coast and having to be at uni at 7am doesn't really make sense.

Radio & News Reading - Week 1 (Tuesday May 2nd - Friday May 5th)

Day 1:

Being scarred from last years radio week meant I was prepared with decent story ideas and had a strategic game face for day one. The editorial meeting went well and the producer liked my ideas. I pitched a story about a homelessness grant given to a Queensland organisation and was feeling confident. But, in radio it's about people calling you back and sadly no one wanted to talk. I finally got my interviews done and recorded my voice before submitting an incorrectly edited version of my final package. Just as I realised my mistake I heard my voice on the airwaves, there was nothing I could do.

There were a few tears and I felt like a huge failure. That's the thing about being a perfectionist, anything less than perfect makes you feel horrible. I had to collect myself and wipe my mascara stained cheeks to read for TV. Lucky for me I had the whole journalism cohort behind me. After I'd let on I was feeling a little down I received so many positive and encouraging messages of support. I knew I had to do this for myself but also for them.

Reading the weather that night was a buzz. It was the first time I had the privilege of reading from an autocue and I bloody loved it. My love for journalism was once again confirmed.

Day 2:

As my ideas were solid on day one I was told I could go ahead with my virtual reality spiders story the night before. This meant I got to work lining up interviews and prepping the story on Tuesday evening. I felt super confident walking into the newsroom on Wednesday with two early interviews. I managed to pull the whole thing together relatively quickly and was the first to submit my story. I also got to write the weather and read the entire radio bulletin live. Proving I could smash out a radio story meant so much after Tuesday's mess.

I was also the lead reader for the TV bulletin and loved that experience. I was nervous and I know I could have smiled more, but all in all I was happy with my first night on the desk.

Day 3:

I was also told I had great ideas for Thursday and prepped interviews the night before. I managed to secure three contacts for my healthy beer story and got a statement from a leading executive of Barley Australia. Again, I submitted my story first and managed to write the sports wrap.

I was the second reader on the TV news desk and felt I improved overnight. Being able to watch myself back and work out how I should move my head worked wonders.

Day 4 (News Reading Only):

By the fourth day I was confident I knew how to read the weather and I was happy with how it went to air.

The Week Overall:

I felt like I had a handle on the whole radio thing and was fairly happy with my overall experience. Yes, I felt like I failed on day one but I picked myself up and pushed to be better. I realised my ideas have improved a hell of a lot and my writing is also getting better, I think I can thank my constant blog posts for that.

In terms of news reading, I was surprised how much I improved over the short four days. I was extremely grateful for the experience and absolutely loved being behind the desk.

TV - Week 2 (Monday May 8th - Friday May 12th)

Day 1:

I knew I was on a local story but that didn't help with the flow of ideas. Lucky for me the chief of staff wanted someone to attend the Broncos training. I can safely say I was in my element. I love NRL and everything about the Brisbane boys. It might have been raining but I was relatively happy with the final product. The highlight was walking past the footy boys as they lined up for the showers in their DT's, priceless.

Day 2:

On my second TV reporting day I did a neat little international package and short RVO (reader voice over). It wasn't too complicated and I loved being in the newsroom. Something about getting involved in all the banter had me on a high.

Day 3:

Wednesday saw a brief international package and three RVO's. I also got to help out a few of the younger journos which I also enjoyed. It felt just like a typical news day.

I started to worry about Thursday's local story a little too much. There was an idea in the works but it needed a new angle. I was trying to get it all sorted before I left the newsroom but that didn't happen. It was at that point it all got a little too much. I was practically crying on the bus ride home as I texted Mum. I then proceeded to have a half an hour long cry over the phone. It was a combination of long days, no sleep, limited food and being away from my own bed. However, before I went to sleep that night I worked out the story's angle and secured interviews for the next day.

Day 4:

After majorly prepping the night before I got my interviews smashed out early and really enjoyed my time on the road. When it's just you and your cameraman it's so nice to soak up the experience. I was really happy with how the pictures turned out.

Day 5:

I was basically in holiday mode by the time Friday rolled around. I was lucky enough to score two packages and got to do another story on the NRL. I felt I should be known as the weeks "NRL correspondent".

The week overall:

I want to clarify that I am not someone that cries. Even if I'm having the day from hell I will hold it all in until I'm alone in my room. However, these stressful journalism situations seem to bring out the worst in me. But, they also being out the best. As much I as I may have looked a little pathetic on that bus ride home I wouldn't have changed that night. Without the tears I wouldn't have produced what is my favourite QUT TV News package.

I also want to make special mention to the wonderful men and women I had the pleasure of working with over these two weeks. From the passionate journos, experienced cameramen, wise producers and talented editors, they are the reason I love the TV industry.

Finally, I want to mention that I think I've majorly improved since last years prac. Listening to my voice now seems foreign compared to September 2016. I also got some really lovely feedback from my cameramen and producers which hopefully means I am on the right track to pursue this as a career.

You can hear and watch all of my QUT News stories on the portfolio link on my website: https://www.ashleighdwan.com/portfolio.

#ashleighdwan #beyondthestory #journalism #qutnews