Ashton Otte
Mass Communication & Political Science
WISH-TV
What was the most exciting thing about your role?
Again, the most exciting thing about my job is that I have no idea what I will be doing for the day! When I go out with reporters I have been able to meet and interview amazing people! I have been able to go to the state house and interview lawmakers as well as covered events like when The VP came into town. It's also exciting to be able to tell the stories of so many people. Our stories have helped shine light on injustices as well as celebrate special people! The media sometimes get a bad rep, but I have seen some amazing stories being told and it is exciting to be a part of that!
Describe your typical day as an intern.
My typical day is never the same! I go into work at 9:30 to login my computer and check emails regarding what's happening around the Indianapolis area. At 9:45 we have a meeting with reporters, producers and the news desk people. This is the time when reporters and interns suggest ideas for what to do that day. After story ideas are suggested, the producers and news desk people decide what the reporters are going to do and where their stories will end up in the news show. ( I work dayside so stories will end up going in the 5 and 6 shows, or if there is breaking news we can go live at noon) After the meeting, I get to decide if I want to go out with a reporter, help a producer and the news desk, or have a work day. When I go out with a reporter, we either go somewhere to record interviews and get footage to put together a story or go do a live shot with a camera crew. With a producer, I help them write what the anchors will be saying during the shows as well as help write stories that will appear on the web. When I take a work day, I catch up on any stories I have started working on. I finish writing, then record my script and go into an editing bay where I can put all the videos, recording and interviews together. I can also film intros and tags for my stories in the newsroom or in the studio. When I get off work at 6:30, I feel satisfied that my day is never the same and I am constantly busy, never bored!
How did you apply your Liberal Arts-skills to your internship position?
I came into my internship with knowledge of APA style writing from a previous class which prepared me for writing my news stories as well as helping the news desk write the stories that appear on the web. I also had a basic understanding of how a news production worked thanks to classes that I had in the Liberal Arts studio.
How has your internship prepared you for your career?
My internship at WISH-TV has prepared me so much for going out in the real world! I have learned many important skills needed in order to go into the news/broadcasting business. The people at WISH have helped me better my writing skills as well as budget my time well with projects. They also have helped me feel more comfortable with being on camera and have given me great advice on my speech. With letting me use the equipment at WISH, I have been able to get a feel for what I will have to do when I am out on my own.