Jobs!

TTU Alumni Scott Pelley hanging out in MCTV studios, spring 2013

No matter your major, you need to make plans to attend the Texas Association of Broadcasters Career Expo Wednesday, April 10 from 10:30 to 2:30 at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion (just southwest of Jones AT&T Stadium on campus).  Sometimes when you see or hear the word “broadcasters” you might think – that’s not what I plan to go into.  Or, I don’t want to do television news.  Or, I want to go into management.  Or, I’m headed to Hollywood.  Or, I am going to do web design.  Trust me about this: you need to go to this job fair.  It will be worth your time.  Just take a look at the latest jobs posted at their website (https://www.tab.org/job-bank/find-job).  There are jobs for producers, reporters, anchors, promotions, sales, management, digital content producers, etc…in markets ranging from San Angelo to Houston.  Show up Wednesday and be prepared to meet with professionals.

Some great news for some JEM majors over the weekend:

• Journalism major Catherine McKee received a prestigious scholarship from the Headliners Foundation!  Ms. McKee is News Editor for The Daily Toreador.
• Electronic Media & Communications major Alexandra Pedrini won a Texas Tech Parent’s Association Academic and Citizenship Award on Saturday!  Ms. Pedrini volunteers at non-profit organizations and worked with President Obama’s campaign summer 2012.

Late Breaking Course Information:

Double T Insider production staff, spring 2013

• Summer II 2013 – study Documentary Photography from professional photojournalist who covered Hurricane Katrina (http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reportsitem.aspx?id=100577) The course is EMC 4301.001, CRN 64050. Meets 10 a.m.
• Fall 2013 – Producing for Sports Media is making a comeback!  Class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 to 6:20.  EMC 4301.002, CRN: 22013.
• Fall 2013 – JOUR 3355, Media Ethics will be taught this fall!  Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. CRN: 31650.
• Fall 2013 – JOUR 4301.001 – Sports, Scandal and Social Media – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 to 5:20.  CRN: 22015.

Alumni News:

• Paul Lopez, EMC 2012, works for PBS in Washington, D.C. He helped with the 2013 White House Easter Egg
  

  EMC Alumni Paul Lopez and “AP” at White House Easter Egg Roll, spring 2013

  Roll last week.  If you friend him on Facebook, you can see some of the cool things he got to do (including hanging out with people like Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings).

Summer, Fall 2013

Back in the day, photo courtesy of Mark Norman, former KTXT station manager

Congratulations to KTXT-FM, The Raider 88.1 for 52 years of service to Texas Tech and the Lubbock community.  Station staff celebrated the anniversary with a reception on Saturday, March 23, 2013.  Several KTXT alumni showed up, including the three previous station managers.

Cool news from recent graduates:

• Tim Davila, EMC 2012, landed a full-time job with Smooth Fusion as a digital strategist.
• Corie Williams, EMC 2012, was recently named Marketing Director at Chick-fil-A Raider Park
• Stacia Smith, JOUR 2012, has been hired as a Producer at Ramar Communications
• Ana Sanchez, JOUR 2012, is a reporter at Ramar Communications for the Telemundo affiliate
  

  Some of TTU School of Art Professor Dirk Fowler’s work for KTXT

Registration is right around the corner.  Let me tell you a bit about some really cool special topics that are headed your way.

This summer, make sure you check out the opportunity to take:

• EMC 3315 (34678), Principles of Digital Media Production with one of our new faculty members, Justin Keene. Summer IEMC 4301 (64050), Documentary Photography with a working professional with more than 30-years of experience.  Summer II
• JOUR 2300 (67355), Principles of Journalism with one of our new faculty members, Dr. Lea Huelmeller
• Also teaching News Writing, Introduction to Electronic Media, Principles of Photography, and Visual Communications, and Electronic Media Technologies & Society

This fall, we will be offering an excellent selection of core classes for Journalism and Electronic Media and some outstanding special topics courses:

• JOUR 3350, History of American Journalism (12490)– provides an excellent overview of the history of journalism and serves as a Humanities credit!
• EMC 4301.001, Global Lens (22012) – Dr. Rob Peaslee launches the Global Lens as a course in fall 2013.  Take advantage of this opportunity to see moviemaking techniques from a global perspective
• JOUR 4301.001, Sports, Scandal and Social Media (22015) – Anyone with an interest in sports media, especially journalists and public relations practitioners will appreciate this course and how to deal with the demands of social media
• EMC 4301.003, Freelance Media (30923) – Learn how to be a freelancer in today’s competitive media environment with Jerod Foster (www.jerodfoster.com)EMC 4315, Advanced Web Production (12169) – It’s back!  Learn advanced coding techniques and the latest in web design.
• JOUR 4301.002, Feature Writing (31508) – Want to improve your writing skills? Have heard how important writing is to ANY career? Take this course.

As you start preparing your schedule, be aware to read the details about the courses.  This fall, the News Writing course changes from JOUR 2410 to JOUR 2310 – it’s still the same course and your advisor will explain where the extra hour went (or feel free to contact me).  Also, there are sections of News Writing that will appear in Fredericksburg – these are classes that you should not enroll in if you are here in Lubbock – they are specifically for students who are enrolled for classes in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Also, don’t forget to enroll in classes that will help your resume — work and earn course credit for KTXT-FM, Raider Vision (TTU Athletics), The Hub and other on-campus media outlets!

KTXT Alumni: Jeff Hall, Tara Hall, Station Manager, Derrick Ginter

Spring Break and Course Offerings in Summer & Fall

KTXT Student Staff at the new Social Media Lab

Spring Break is almost here!  Honestly, I can’t wait for a break.  It comes at the perfect time because we all need to remember to Finish Strong this spring 2013. Have a ton to list here in a moment related to classes.  But, before we get started, just wanted to encourage you to think about what happens after Spring Break 2013.

Some of The Hub staff covering recent #reachingaudiences conference in College

You get one shot at spring 2013.  What are you doing to help build your brand?  What about your resume?  There are a TON of opportunities here in the department and college.  Seek them out.  If you don’t know what to do, ask me.  Ask Dr. Saathoff. Talk to your instructors.  Just ask.

Make sure to use your spring break to get creative.  If you head to SXSW, send stuff back to The Hub.  Tag it at Twitter back to The Raider 88.1.  You can find KTXT on Twitter @TheRaider881.   You can find The Hub on Twitter @HubTTU.

Consider yourself invited.

Don’t forget the KTXT 50+2 celebration that will be on March 22.  Make sure to go to the station’s Facebook page and RSVP.  Also, Global Lens continues throughout the spring on Thursdays.  6 p.m.  Tweet it up!  In fact, use social media to talk up all the great things happening in the department.  Don’t be shy.

If you are interested in getting involved in the daily newscast, contact Dr. Kaufhold.  Check out MCTV here.

Most of you have been talking to your advisor – Don Ellis (don.ellis@ttu.edu).  If you haven’t, make sure you schedule an appointment with him.  Registration for summer and fall 2013 will start Thursday, April 4 (advance registration).  Wow.

 

TASEM experimenting with a ‘green’ suit and a balloon.

What are your plans for summer and fall?  We will be offering some excellent class options – from core classes to electives.

Please keep in mind that the following list of classes doesn’t guarantee that they will be offered.  The university requires enrollment limits before a class can be offered (in other words, if the class doesn’t meet minimum enrollment requirements, we can’t offer it).  So, make sure you enroll!

Summer Options

Students still needing Technology & Applied Science elective

• EMC 3300, Electronic Media Technologies & Society, Course is a ‘lecture’ class where students learn about how electronic media fit into society (we spend time talking about new and emerging media such as digital television, portable media (such as mobile phones and iPods) and current issues.  We are a core curriculum course and our learning objectives satisfy the Technology and Applied Science.  It’s a really informative class.  Summer I 2013:   CRN 30996, 10 a.m.

• EMC 3310, Principles of Electronic Media, Course is a ‘lecture’ class where students learn about the history and industries of electronic media (radio, television, cable, film, Internet and new technologies).  This is a core curriculum course and our learning objectives satisfy the Technology and Applied Science.  It’s a really fun and informative class. Summer II 2013:  CRN 64682, 2 p.m.

Students still needing Visual & Performing Arts elective

• EMC 3308, Visual Communications (meets Visual & Performing Arts requirement).  Course is a ‘lecture’ class where students learn about photographic techniques, visual design and the use of images across different types of media.  This is a core curriculum course and our learning objectives satisfy the Visual and Performing Arts requirements. Great class.
• Summer I 2013:   CRN 21732, 12 p.m.

Students needing to fulfill Humanities elective

• JOUR 3350, History of American Journalism.  Excellent opportunity to take this outstanding historical overview of American journalism.  Learn ‘why’ journalism isn’t dead.  Plus, this fulfills university’s Humanities requirement.
• Summer I 2013:   CRN 33969, 10 a.m.

Students needing News Writing

• JOUR 2410, News Writing. THE course you need before moving forward!  Enroll today for the summer session news writing course.  Required for journalism, electronic media and public relations majors.  Great opportunity to take the course.  1 section – 2 p.m.  Summer I 2013:  CRN 32927, 2 p.m.

 Journalism majors or students needing MCOM elective or university elective

•  JOUR 2300, Principles of Journalism.  Outstanding introduction to journalism course.  If you are a journalism major or just someone who wants to learn how to be a better citizen journalist, take this course! Summer II 2013: CRN, Time TBD
• EMC 4301, Documentary Photography.  Excellent elective that will focus on documentary photography.  This will be an excellent class for students interested in the exciting world of photography and who want to learn from award winning photojournalist.   Summer II 2013: CRN 64050, 10 a.m.
• PHOT 2310, Principles of Photography.  Great ‘introduction to photography’ class that provides students with an overview of photography and easy to learn ‘how tos’ to become a better photographer.  Excellent opportunity. Summer II 2013:   CRN 66160, 8:00 a.m.

Fall Options

Find out how you can earn course credit for a Group A or Group B elective (depends on degree plan) and work for TTU Athletics (Raidervision), KTXT-FM, MCTV and other campus media options with JOUR 2000, EMC 2000, or EMC 3100.   

 Students still needing Technology & Applied Science elective

• EMC 3300, Electronic Media Technologies & Society, Course is a ‘lecture’ class where students learn about how electronic media fit into society (we spend time talking about new and emerging media such as digital television, portable media (such as mobile phones and iPods) and current issues.  We are a core curriculum course and our learning objectives satisfy the Technology and Applied Science.  It’s a really informative class.  Fall 2013:   CRN 11537, MWF 1 p.m.

• EMC 3310, Principles of Electronic Media, Course is a ‘lecture’ class where students learn about the history and industries of electronic media (radio, television, cable, film, Internet and new technologies).  This is a core curriculum course and our learning objectives satisfy the Technology and Applied Science.  It’s a really fun and informative class.   Fall 2013:   CRN 11599, T/R 12:30 p.m.

Students still needing Visual & Performing Arts elective

• EMC 3308, Visual Communications (meets Visual & Performing Arts requirement).  Course is a ‘lecture’ class where students learn about photographic techniques, visual design and the use of images across different types of media.  This is a core curriculum course and our learning objectives satisfy the Visual and Performing Arts requirements. Great class.Fall 2013:  CRN 11586, T/R 3:30 p.m.; CRN 19534, MWF 9:00 a.m.

Students needing to fulfill Humanities elective

• JOUR 3350, History of American Journalism.  Excellent opportunity to take this outstanding historical overview of American journalism.  Learn ‘why’ journalism isn’t dead.  Plus, this fulfills university’s Humanities requirement.  Fall 2013: CRN 12490, MWF 8 a.m.

Students needing to fulfill Social and Behavioral Sciences elective

• JOUR 4330, Public Opinion and Propaganda.  How does the public influence the government? Does the media set the public agenda? Course fulfills social and behavioral sciences elective. Fall 2013:  CRN 26188, MWF 2:00 p.m.

Students needing News Writing

• JOUR 2310, News Writing. THE course you need before moving forward!  Enroll today for the summer session news writing course.  Required for journalism, electronic media and public relations majors.  Great opportunity to take the course.  Lecture with non-credit lab.Fall 2013:  CRN 24642, MW  11 a.m.

 Journalism majors or students needing MCOM elective or university elective

• JOUR 2300, Principles of Journalism.  Outstanding introduction to journalism course.  If you are a journalism major or just someone who wants to learn how to be a better citizen journalist, take this course! Fall 2013: CRN 12328, T/R 12:30 p.m.

  Check out these killer elective courses:

• EMC 4301, Contemporary World Cinema: Global Lens.  Excellent elective that will focus on international film.  This will be an excellent class for students interested in films from across the world. Fall 2013:  CRN 22012, R 6:00 p.m.

• EMC 4301.002, Producing for Sports.  Looking to build your resume and learn about producing sports – from live events to play-by-play, take a look at this unique learning opportunity.   Fall 2013:  CRN 22013, T 6:00 p.m.

• EMC 4301.003, Freelance Media.  Do you want to learn how to be a freelancer?  Looking to start your own photography, video or web design business?  What are some important factors when dealing with clients? Take this course and find out answers to these questions and more! Fall 2013:  CRN 30923, M 6:00 p.m.

• JOUR 4301, Sports and Scandal in Age of Social Media.  Elective course for students interested in sports journalism – especially those interested in being prepared to cover huge stories!  Fall 2013:  CRN 22015, T/R 4:00 p.m.

•  PHOT 2310, Principles of Photography.  Great ‘introduction to photography’ class that provides students with an overview of photography and easy to learn ‘how tos’ to become a better photographer.  Learn from one of the best – Jerod Foster.  Excellent opportunity. Fall 2013:  CRN 13350, 9:30 a.m.
• EMC 4315.003, Advanced Web Production.  Coding. Visualization. Databases. Skills you need to know if you plan to go into the field of electronic media, journalism, social media and web design. Fall 2013:   CRN 12169, T/R 8:00

List of all other course offerings for the Department of Journalism & Electronic Media.  Don’t forget to ask about practicum and internship opportunities – here on campus with KTXT-FM and Texas Tech Athletics and off-campus opportunities!  Plus, make sure you join a student group – Society of Professional Journalists and/or Texas Tech Association for Student Electronic Media.

• EMC 3315 (29219, 29222), Principles of Digital Media Production (2 sections – MW 4:00 and T/R 2:00)
• EMC 3335, (29223) Video Production & Editing (T/R 3:30)
• EMC 3345, (11824) Analyzing TV, (T/R 2:00)
• EMC 3358 (22372), International Electronic Media (T/R 11:00)
• EMC 3370 (11843), Writing for Electronic Media (MWF 3:00)
• EMC 4320 (12211), Electronic Media Operations (MW 3:30)
• EMC 4370 (12230), Writing for Series Television (W 2:00)
• JOUR 3310 (12415/12452), News Presentation I (T/R 8:00)
• JOUR 3311 (29210/29712), News Presentation II (T/R 8:00)
• JOUR 3312 (12497), Reporting (MWF 10:00)*class time may change; will provide update asap
• JOUR 3355 (39779), Ethics (T/R 3:30)
• JOUR 3380 (30909), Editing (T/R 12:30)
• JOUR 4350 (12658), Multiplatform (MW 11:00; F 1:00 – 4:00)
• JOUR 4370 (30896), Advanced Reporting (MWF 12:00)
• PHOT 3310 (13354), Photography I (T/R 12:30)

It’s Time.

Good Morning TTU staff welcomed Baron Batch to the KTXT studios!

As a major in the Department of Journalism and Electronic Media, embrace this semester and the opportunities that exist in March, April and May 2013.  In the past few weeks, I’ve met dozens of prospective students who are looking to Texas Tech as their college choice.  Part of my presentation talks about the mission of the department:  to prepare responsible, innovative storytellers.  I always follow that statement with the following: we want all of our majors to leave Texas Tech ‘owning’ their own ‘media brand.’A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tod Robberson talked about the need for students who are graduating college to have a personal media brand.  After a few weeks of reflection, this has become my personal centerpiece of what makes our program unique.  What do you think about your major?  How are you going to make your job application look different than everyone else?

Taylor Shofner and NATPE 2013

Internships can be one method to help you distinguish your application.  To earn internship credit, you will spend 160 hours ‘interning’ for a professional media organization.  As you start thinking about internship opportunities, make sure you think out of the box when searching for the perfect one.  Keep in mind that to receive credit, you must meet with Aleesa Ross and attend a workshop before taking the internship.Notable Stuff from the Department

•  Taylor Shofner, a EMC graduate (2012) and a current ADV major (2013) spent a week in Miami as a intern with the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE).  Make sure you read about his experience at The Hub.
• Dr. Kent Wilkinson and Dr. Erik Bucy are hosting the Reaching Audiences conference here at the College of Media & Communication March 4-5.  There are OPPORTUNITIES for you to help with the conference.  They need help videotaping some of the presentations.  If you are available for one of the sessions, please let me know as soon as possible.  Check out the conference here
• Dr. Jimmie Reeves teaches Understanding Video Games.  He posted some of the best ‘v-logs’ from the class this semester:
• Global Lens is underway for 2013!  Make sure you attend at least one film from this wonderful series.  Dr. Rob Peaslee does an outstanding job every year putting the series together.
• Dr. Randy Reddick, College Webmaster Andrew Byrne and KTXT-FM General Manager Derrick Ginter helped organize the 1^st TTU Appathon this past weekend.  Teams competed over the course of 24 hours to create a mobile phone app for the Humans v. Zombies game.
• Don’t forget to vote for Erika Laffin’s film – Thoughts on Fire!

Dr. Reddick, Andrew Byrne and Derrick Ginter kicking off the 1st Annual TTU Appathon!

A few TASEM students at Burger House planning some film production

If you are interested in distinguishing your resume, please talk to me, Dr. Kelly Kaufhold, Derrick Ginter, Josh Robinson, or Pete Brewton and find out how you can get involved with MCTV (we have opportunities doing a daily newscast and other types of content), KTXT-FM (we are looking for students who would can produce ‘campus news’ packages and other types of content), and The Hub.  It’s time.

Just a month in and wow!

Dr. Kelly Kaufhold in the TV Studio

Wow! What a great start to spring 2013 semester.  Since the beginning of the semester, journalism and electronic media majors have launched a daily newscast, produced weekly episodes for Double T Insider, created multimedia content for The Hub, and started a bi-weekly morning show for KTXT-FM.  Josh Robinson, the College of Media and Communication’s Media Production Manager, reported that last week students produced and distributed more than 7 hours of original audio and video content!  This statistic doesn’t include the production of Thoughts on Fire, a student-produced finalist for the 2013 TXU Energy Light Up the Red Carpet Film Competition.  In addition, students are producing video projects for multiple classes, designing websites, taking pictures for photography classes and working on investigative reporting projects.  And, those are just a few of the things that I know about.  There is so much more going on.  Keep up the good work!We are currently working on the schedules for summer and fall 2013.  It’s going to be an exciting time for our department.  The department will welcome two new faculty members.  Dr. Lea Hellmueller arrives at Texas Tech with a broad range of expertise in journalism.  She’s currently teaching a course called Media Sociology at the University of Texas.  Our other new faculty member is Justin Keene.  Mr. Keene is scheduled to complete his Ph.D. from Indiana University this year.  His areas of expertise include video production, web design and multimedia.

I had the opportunity to chat with Anthony Palagi, a EMC graduate from 2011, this past week.  He currently serves as Stage and Broadcast Manager onboard The World – the only private, residential community-at-sea.  Mr. Palagi had this advice for students:

If you want to advance in any company, work with this goal: be the person who the boss thinks, “I want them on my team.” Don’t be afraid of hard work. Be humble. Be willing to do the jobs no one else wants to do. Never be afraid to speak up. Always be professional and treat people with respect. It doesn’t matter what job you have: do it with a good attitude, and do it to the best of your ability. That’s how you’ll stand out and get noticed.

Speaking of getting noticed:

A group of students from the Tech Association of Student Electronic Media have assisted one of their fellow members, Erika Laffin, with a film project called Thoughts on Fire.  It is a finalist in the 4th Annual TXU Energy Light Up the Red Carpet Student Film Contest (college category).  Ms. Laffin has been working on the project for several weeks and the team of students she worked with has developed a short film called Thoughts on Fire.

You can watch the film here:

http://vimeo.com/59712715

There is a final voting period where films compete for a “Community Choice Award” that runs from February 20 – March 29.  A panel of judges will review each of the 10 finalist film projects and give awards in the contest — grand prize is $3750 for the student and a VIP experience at the Dallas International Film Festival and the school receives $3750.

There are opportunities this week that can help you stand out and get noticed.  Attend a meeting of Society of Professional Journalists here at Texas Tech.  Show up for the Tech Association of Student Electronic Media and ask when you can help with a film project.  Participate in Texas Tech’s first “App-a-Thon” that will start Friday, February 22 at 6 p.m. at the College of Engineering’s Livermore Center.  Contact Derrick Ginter at KTXT-FM and ask how you can get involved with The Raider 88.  Stop by Josh Robinson’s office on the 3rd floor and volunteer to help with the TV studio and/or the daily newscast.  You’ve got the opportunities — take advantage of them!

Upcoming Events

• Global Lens 2013, February 21, 6 p.m., Media & Communication 083.  Kicks off with film from Iraq About 111 Girls.  Contact Dr. Rob Peaslee for more information
• KTXT FMs “50+2″ Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 3rd Floor Student Lounge, Media & Communication Building. Contact Derrick Ginter for more information
• TTU’s 1st App-A-Thon, February 22 through February 23, Livermore Center. Co-sponsored event by College of Media & Communication and College of Engineering. Contact Dr. Randy Reddick for more information

Global Lens 2013 Schedule of Films

Dr. Chambers, Laura MacDonald (Bryan), Ariel Walden, Dr. Hudson and Tom Collins

What else? – Super Bowl

Group of TTASEM students helping out with a film contest entry. Photo credit: David Vaughn

Well, how many of you used a second screen during the big game?  Did you tweet about your favorite commercial?  Probably one of my favorite commercials was “farmer” from Dodge.  As Scott Dadich (former TTU student by the way), editor of Wired magazine (@sdadich) tweeted: “Terrific storytelling”.

The game made me think about how important it is to be prepared for anything.  From the pregame/halftime team of sports broadcasters struggling with a thirty minute delay to advertisers using social media brilliantly to cover the power outage (see @oreo, @tide and my personal favorite response @audi), the broadcast represented how things have changed since the households started making the Super Bowl a tradition.

A story published @Mashable by Andrea Smith predicted that 36 percent of viewers will use a mobile device during the Super Bowl.  Another interesting statistic from this article was that 32 percent of those aged 18-54 will use social media during the game, while only 17 percent of those 55+ plan to use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other types of social media.

An even crazier statistic relates to the cost of one :30-second commercial in this year’s game.  One advertisement in the game cost $4 million.  Wow.  The cost of an ad in the first Super Bowl was $275,000.  Derek Thompson summarized the costs of advertising in the game and concluded that despite the seemingly outrageous cost of a single ad, it remains a ‘cheap’ vehicle for reaching millions of viewers.

In the past week, I’ve had the opportunity talk about journalism and electronic media to Dr. Dean’s MCOM 1300 class, two prospective students and a student writing a column for one of the new college publications.  In all of the conversations, it’s amazing to think about what future students in our department are going to accomplish in the next few years.  Already hearing about some of these really cool things.

MCTV, the college’s newscast, launched at the beginning of the semester.  With the new television studio opening this week, get ready for daily newscasts and unique opportunities to get involved!  Send me a note if you are interested in news or if you have a really creative idea for a show.

• Sydney Holmes is a senior Journalism major who found out that she will be spending the summer in New York City interning with CBS Radio.  Sydney currently works at The Hub doing everything from straight up news to fun and unique music reports.
• Clayton Errington is a junior Electronic Media & Communications major who started a new part-time job with Word Publications here in Lubbock.  Clayton has already re-designed two of their websites – Word and Lubbock Med Guide.
• Erika Laffin, a senior Electronic Media & Communications student, got some help this weekend from some friends in the Texas Tech Association for Student Electronic Media shooting video for her Thoughts on Fire project for the TXU Energy film competition.

By the way, TTASEM will have its next meeting Tuesday night at 6:00 in Media and Communication Room 365.

Speaking of student organizations, the Texas Tech Society of Professional Journalists will hold officer elections on Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Media and Communication Room 154.  For more information about becoming an officer, e-mail: spj.mcom@ttu.edu.

If you haven’t checked out KTXT-FM, The Raider 88.1, make sure you do this week!

As you get into this week, think about the broadcast of the game.  Look at how it has changed since you started watching.  The “plays” or “players” really haven’t changed that much, but the way it is produced has changed dramatically.  The Super Bowl represents one of the biggest events of the year for media.  It doesn’t matter what profession you plan to become famous in, millions of viewers tune in to watch the game and its advertisements.  In the past couple of years, “user generated” content has increased, especially in advertising.  B. Bonin Bough discussed the creative use of advertising in this year’s Super Bowl from companies such as Oreo.  No question that @oreo was prepared.

Think about what types of user generated content you can produce this week and make people want to watch it.  Then, make it happen.

So, how can you make your resume different?

Outstanding Alumnus Emily Jones McCoy (JOUR, 1998)

Have been thinking ALOT about what we are trying to do in our programs in the Department of Journalism and Electronic Media.  So much so, I’ve been reaching out to graduates of our programs and asking them questions like: “what do students need to know to make them competitive?; and, what do we need to be doing to better prepare them?”

I’ve been fortunate to talk to Joey Kirk and Tod Robberson.  Joey Kirk graduated in the mid-2000s and Tod Robberson graduated in 1981.  Both alumni offered some very similar advice for students looking to be competitive in the future job hunt — be entrepreneurial.  Mr. Kirk shared a great story about an internship experience almost immediately after college where the director of the program basically said:  in addition to what you are doing now, find a client and do some web design work for them as a freelancer.  Essentially, take on additional work because that’s where you are going to learn the ins and outs of the business.  Mr. Robberson, winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, talked about the need for students to not only know how to create content, but also, be able to monetize that content.  In other words, make sure you don’t stop at being creative; make sure you can create revenue off of the content you make!

Both of these conversations really fired me up!  We are trying to help you succeed in your undergraduate program.  Ask questions this semester.  Like I said in a previous post, look for one thing in each and every class that is going to help you down the road.  By the way, look for more from Mr. Kirk and Mr. Robberson and many others this semester!

Jerod Foster shooting at TTU Junction. Look for his Photography class during Maymester, 2013

Coming up this May, the Department will offer a course in Photography down at the TTU Junction campus.  The course will be taught by Jerod Foster — it’s always a very popular course, so make sure you talk to Don Ellis (don.ellis@ttu.edu) as soon as you can.  The class meets during the Maymester.

Bragging Points

• EMC graduate (and current ADV major) Taylor Shofner found out that he will be serving as a intern at the upcoming National Association of Television Program Executives Convention in Miami in a few weeks.
• EMC major Ben Jarvis spent some time this fall doing a internship at Clif Bar.  Check out the experience
• The HUB is back and is going to be part of MCTVs Weekday Update
• JOUR major Claudia Tristan received a scholarship from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in December!
• Double T Insider launched a daily version called: DTI Daily Sports Update!

Scholarships

• Media & Communication Scholarship DEADLINE – February 1
• Texas Association of Broadcasters Scholarships – deadline April 15, 2013
• Headliners Foundation Scholarship – deadline is February 15, 2013
• Need to be on the lookout for National Press Photographers Scholarship
• Need to be on the lookout for National Association of Hispanic Journalist Scholarships

Things to Think About

• The College of Media & Communication is co-sponsoring the 1st TTU Appathon on February 22-23.  Dr. Randy Reddick is leading a team from the college in planning and organizing.  Contact r.reddick@ttu.edu for more information.
• The Texas Tech Association for Student Electronic Media will be hosting FilmWreck – a film festival in the spring 2013 semester.  Be on the lookout for more information!
• KTXT-FM will celebrate its 50+2 Anniversary on Saturday, March 23, 2013!

Opportunities in the College

• Music Director at KTXT FM, The Raider 88.1
• Marketing/PR Director at The Hub

Have a great week!

Spring 2013 is here!

This is the third installment of what I hope is many ‘notes’ for majors in the Department of Journalism & Electronic Media in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University.  Whew.  That’s such a long introduction for something that is supposed to be a note.  During this semester, my hope is that many of you will submit content for these ‘notes.’

Tree at Tech Terrace, day after big rain, January 2013

2012 was a year of change for our department and college.  We started 2012 with a Department of Journalism and a Department of Electronic Media & Communications inside a College of Mass Communications located in a building near the center of campus.  By September, the merger was official, we had moved into a different building and Texas Tech University welcomed the new College of Media & Communication.

The reasons the departments merged included years of program assessments, discussions with current and former students, program reviews, conversations with national board members and innovative thinking from faculty.  The primary goal for the merger is to provide the best education in journalism and electronic media for our students.  For me, the goal translates: to become the best program for journalism and electronic media education in the state of Texas.

December 2012 EMC Graduate David Morris and JEM Advisor Don Ellis

For students who are wondering about the merger of the departments, there are no changes to the majors.  Students majoring in journalism will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and students majoring in electronic media will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media and Communications.

The department’s outstanding faculty members want your feedback and recommendations.  In fact, as we begin to plan for the summer and fall semester 2013, we’d like your ideas for course elective recommendations.  Can’t guarantee your idea will be selected, but we will appreciate your input.

The Department of Journalism & Electronic Media wants to help you succeed – not just in your undergraduate studies, but perhaps more importantly, in your careers.  The program boasts many high-profile graduates – Tod Robberson, Pulitzer Prize winner, Linda Rutherford, Vice President, Southwest Airlines, Keith Samples, movie and television Producer, and many others.  We also have recent graduates who are getting jobs right out of college in some interesting careers:

• Anthony Palagi landed a gig as director of broadcast and production for The World (http://aboardtheworld.com/)
• Henry Ramos is a reporter for KJTV-Fox 34 (http://www.myfoxlubbock.com)
• Ioanna Makris is a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise (http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/).

In the next few days, make sure you take a look at the following resources, especially if you want to know what’s happening in the industries of journalism and electronic media:

• Radio Television Digital News Association (http://www.rtdna.org/)
• Pew’s Project for Excellence in Journalism (http://www.journalism.org/)
• Motion Picture Association of America (http://www.mpaa.org/)
• National Association of Television Program Executives (http://www.natpe.org/natpe/)

Feel free to contact me with any questions.  Have a great first week of school!

Story. Technology. Audience.

As a journalism or electronic media major, you need to prepare for a career dealing with three simple words: story, technology and audience.  Whether you will become an award-winning journalist or filmmaker, these words will inform, influence, and inspire your craft.  As you prepare for the spring 2013 semester, I challenge you to go into every day of every class this semester thinking about what you can learn more about story, technology and audience.

Image from Jerod Foster’s Junction class, May 2012

Story

We use story to communicate information on a daily basis.  In your classes this semester, think about ways to tell a better story.  Journalists and visual storytellers all use the five Ws (and don’t forget the H) to inform readers, viewers, and listeners about all types of issues.  From blogging a story about a city council meeting to photographing a local celebrity, journalism and electronic media alumni are using the basic fundamentals of storytelling to tell all types stories.  What are you going to do this semester to learn how to tell a better story?  In each class, invest a little time in crafting a better story.  Maybe it means that you proofread an assignment one more time; it might even require re-writing the entire script.

Technology

TTU Alumni Greg Perkins showing his interactive story, fall 2012

Technology appears to define our field.  Gone are the days when typewriters dominated the newsroom.  Long gone are studios using linear editing systems.  In Journalism and Electronic Media, we face unique challenges trying to keep up with technologies that seem to change daily.  From video editing software to DSLR cameras, it’s difficult to try and keep up.  The reality is – it’s always going to be a challenge.  That being said, it’s not about equipment, it’s about a mindset.  This semester, identify opportunities to use technology to create, package, and distribute media content.  Then, follow through.  Ask your instructors what opportunities you have to share what you create via The Hub, KTXT-FM, and Double T Insider.

Audience

All too often, we tend to forget the audience.  Without readers, viewers, and/or listeners, there isn’t a need to inform or entertain.  In today’s media environment, it’s not enough to attract large numbers of consumers, we have to engage our audiences with unique, innovative and interactive content.  It’s not just about the household, it literally requires media producers to discover compelling and relevant stories that develops fans of the media producer, the media content and the media brand.  In every class this semester, seek answers to the question:  who is the audience?   When someone asks what your major is, tell them about the audience – think about it, what other industry interacts with consumers on a daily basis?  Learn more this semester about the audience.

KTXT-FM, The Raider 88.1 backstage at Lubbock Music Festival, 2012

Spring 2013 is about opportunity.  Find at least one thing in every class that will help you get prepared for your future.  Remember, it’s all about story, technology and audience.

JEM Student Opportunities in 2013

What opportunities are there?

What opportunities do you see in 2013?  I’m very excited about what 2012 brought our way in the College of Media & Communication, but I’m even more pumped about what is in store for us in 2013.

2012 brought spectacular changes for our College and Department — we became the Department of Journalism & Electronic Media in the College of Media & Communication.  Our degree programs are going to stay the same.  Students will continue to graduate as either a Journalism or a Electronic Media & Communications major.  The award-winning faculty will continue to teach excellent courses in each program.  But…there are some new opportunities that you need to take advantage of:

Student-Produced Media

Double T Insider is a new television program about Texas Tech Athletics.  Undergraduate and graduate students with interests in sports, journalism and sports media have the opportunity to help produce this weekly program that will start airing on KWES-TV in Midland, Texas beginning in January 2013.  That’s right, a student-produced program is airing on a television station in a market outside of Lubbock.  How would you like that on your resume?  Check out Double T Insider!

The HUB is the innovative, new media product produced here in the College of Media & Communication.  Staffed by 10 students from advertising, electronic media, journalism and public relations, The Hub is designed to provide students with an outlet to publish their work — from assignments for a class project to entrpreneurial content.  Find out more information about The Hub!

KTXT-FM, The Raider 88.1 is the student-managed radio station for Texas Tech University.  Located on the third floor of the College of Media & Communication, a staff of five students produce and program news, music, sports, weather, public affairs, promotions and other types of programming for the Texas Tech student community.  The Raider 88.1. is the home for live play-by-play broadcasts of TTU Soccer, Volleyball and Softball.  Plug in at KTXT-FM!

These are just a few of the opportunities students have in 2013.  Get involved.  Build your resume/portfolio.  Take advantage of the opportunities!