I would first like to apologize for not posting on my usual
Sunday night- I must be too busy drying myself off. Pennsylvania is actually
experiencing a monsoon of sorts, and really, it could stop at any time.
Now that you know the conditions I’m workin’ with, let’s get
back to the past week.
Last Monday I went out with a reporter, and we covered a
barricaded fire, and then we went out to a school that’s deciding to cut back
due to projected financial instability. There was a press conference (we call
those “pressers” in the news biz) and then we interviewed people that go to the
school, and those who graduated from the school. I stayed out with her and the
funny and sarcastic photog until her live shot for the 6 p.m. broadcast. I had
been waiting for the chance to go out with a reporter, so it was definitely a
great kick-off. It was a fun experience.
Perhaps the biggest, most exciting part of last week was
Wednesday. Now, before you call me heartless, you have to understand that
breaking news is thrilling for journalists- no matter how terrible. We received
word that a building had collapsed on Market Street (aka the street I work on)
and that there was mass chaos. Quickly, everyone scattered and went back to
their desks to get going. The anchors raced to the studio, as they prepared to
go on the air live-with little to no information regarding the collapse.
Reporters raced out the door and to the scene where they quickly perched and
provided on-the-ground coverage by the minute.
I was responsible for getting interviews and other pieces on
the web quickly, and updating stories as people were being removed from the rubble,
and rescue workers struggled to remove debris and help in any way they could. I
have to say, the whole experience was such a rush. Everyone put in such a
collaborative effort to have the best possible coverage. I think we did. But,
we all have a human side too- we watched in horror from the newsroom as people
were being removed from the remnants of the building. It is heartbreaking for
us too, and we are the ones who have to ask the difficult questions viewers
want to know the answer to- at the worst possible time. This is just a great
example of how much a journalist needs to lead with their “human foot.”
The rest of the week went by quick, as we covered the
various news conferences that happened in order to brief everyone on the
investigation. Another week gone by in a flash.
Finally, Saturday rolled around, and not only did I enjoy a
nice 9:30 a.m. wake-up time, (much nicer than 4:45 during the week) but I had
plans for the day! My friend who’s also an intern at FOX29, Kari, and I made
plans to explore the city for the day together. So, we started the day by
window-
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| Front of the building, built in 2010 |
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| My Wristband! |
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| Social Media Wall-So Cool! |
We were hungry after that, so we decided to head out on a
search for a place to grab a snack and people-watch. Boy, did we find a perfect
spot. Located right across the street from Tiffany’s is Le Pain Quotidien, which
is an adorable bakery and restaurant. We picked a cute little outside table- it
was beautiful out. Being that we are getting ourselves into a business that
deals with people every day, Kari and I quickly chatted with the waiter and got
the reader’s digest version of his life story while we ooh-ed and ahh-ed over
the menu. We decided to get personal pots of coffee, and to split a chocolate
croissant and a huge chocolate chip cookie. Heaven.
Quickly, we realized that we’d be frequent visitors to this
spot.
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| Adorable, No? |
After that, we headed to her apartment where I met her sweet
roommate and we all sat around, talked like we’ve known each other forever. It
was great. As you know, when girls get talking, it’s hard to stop. By the time
we took a breather, we were hungry again, and Kari cooked us grilled caprese
(tomato, mozzarella, basil) sandwiches on yummy Italian bread. Yup, the carb
intake was definitely maxed out, but who really cares.
The meal ended, and I went to get on my train to go home.
Well, the relaxing 8 p.m. train was not in the cards that night- instead it was
full of drunk kids that looked like they were about 13 years old. Fun, fun,
fun. Not that it wasn’t entertaining, I was just a little fried, and a little
too full to function properly. But, hey, what’s life without crazy people on
the train?
Sunday was a more low-key day, my Uncle and I took Juno to
the trail to go swimming and we got a nice long walk out of it. He’s quickly
becoming me therapist, as he suddenly has to listen to me vent about whatever
comes to my mind- sorry! But, he’s doing a fabulous job, and always plays
devil’s advocate, so I really am thinking critically. Cool.
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| Doing that News Thing |
Since I procrastinated with this post, you also get to hear
about Monday- lucky you!
I got myself out with another reporter again, and this time
it was a guy named Bruce. That name holds a special place, being that it’s also
my dad’s name. Bruce (reporter Bruce that is) was awesome, and he was full of
advice and information throughout the day I was out with him. It was such a fun
experience. Needless to say, I’m still loving FOX29. I can’t believe at the end
of this week I’ll be done with a month of my internship. When did that happen?
Throughout my experiences so far, I’ve been feeling so lucky
to have this opportunity. I know I always sound cheesy at this part, but hey
you would be too. Who doesn’t want the chance to explore a new city and do
something that will most likely advance their career? I still pinch myself
sometimes. It nuts.
Much Love.
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