December 2011
3 posts
Chris's Broadcast Writing Blog: Nightmares of a... →
Well put Chris. I too see our feature story as little more than a nightmare now. Glad that our problems were things that we were able to overcome however.
Its a learning process, one that we are fairly new to so we are bound to make a whole bunch of mistakes. Take them in stride and just make a mental note, so next time you can laugh in the face of defeat.
I watched your feature, as I did...
519 Online News: Point of View
I’m sure by now that most of you have seen the very special segment included in Tuesday’s newscast. What started as a random conversation between Oje and myself has now become a reality…one to be seen by the world wide web.
It originally started as something that Oje and I had planned to do on the side…something to include in our demo reel. But after pitching the idea to...
Feature Story: A Reflection
Well if I could summarize my entire process of making my feature story in one word…it would be “nightmare”. I’ve always known my relationship with electronics to be a little on the rocky side…but thanks to final cut pro I have a new found hatred for computers.
Just one week before our stories were due, I lost everything. My hard drive, my headphones, my SD...
November 2011
15 posts
Brent Swance... shhh don't talk just listen:... →
Was certainly an unexpected story…and a welcomed one. Like you said it really came together all on its own as the teacher of the interior design class was super enthusiastic about getting some promotion over their create a chair for charity event.
Some of the chairs were really unique and inspired especially when you saw what they looked like before their “makeover”. It’s...
519 Online News: Host Reflection
This week for 519 Online News I was show host….again. For the first time I was actually able to use the teleprompter and that made the role much easier. The last time I was show host, we had no way of using the prompter and I had to speak from memory, which made the process much longer.
Our show this week had a bunch of great stories including the helicopter crash in Waterloo, a Santa Clause...
Critique CTV Story: Even babies like to see bad...
CTV Health Story
According to a new study out of the University of British Columbia, babies enjoy seeing the good guys win, and the bad guys lose.
Apparently babies as young as 8 months old are able to distinguish between those that they can and cannot trust. I just fail to understand how studies such as receive funding, when there are much more important things to be researched.
Of course...
Mark Urban's Videography Blog: Stop means Stop... →
mark-urban:
This week I am planning on doing a news story about stop signs. Not many people seem to understand that a big red sign that reads “STOP,” actually means to stop completely. Most people just roll right through stop signs, especially when turning right at an intersection.
Certainly a good story idea Mark as I believe that the majority of drivers on the road see stop signs as more...
519 Online Newscast
This week for 519 online news, I was assigned to be studio cam operator. I was looking forward to getting more roles that would increase my technical abilities and this was a good learning experience.
As I do not have a lot of experience working with cameras, it was fun to experiment with different shot styles and settings. Working closely with our show host this week who was Oje, it was quite...
Critique of CTV News Story: Want a smart child?...
According to a new study out of the University of Notre Dame, children when spaced at least two years apart found that the older sibling does better in reading and math.
It was also found that there were no academic benefits for the younger siblings as well as no detrimental affects.
What a ridiculous study in the first place and a bigger mistake to make a news story out of it. A child’s...
Watchbridgetnoraparker:
Oh my god, I think I just found my new personal heroes.
Im glad you stumbled upon these videos Bridget..they have been around for awhile but its good to see they are getting media attention.
It amazes me how easily it is to lure a predator, especially when there is some sort of assumed sexual relations.
Playing the role of Batman is ingenious as it allows for a...
Critique of CTV News Story
A recent crash in Cambridge involving a motorist who drove his car through the front doors of the Waterloo Regional Police Service building has many questioning the protection of the headquarters.
A bunch of large rocks seems to be the temporary solution to this security concern….
CTV you never seem to amaze me with your “newsworthy stories.”
It is news to say that a vehicle...
519 Online News: Live Occupy Toronto Show
This week for 519 Online News our entire class traveled to Toronto to witness for ourselves the Occupy Toronto Protest. Upon arriving to St James Park I was surprised to see how large this “tent city” had become.
They had a designated library as well as an assembly area and even had a “sacred fire” which we were refused from shooting. The movement was more organized that...
Chris's Broadcast Writing Blog: People Actually... →
chrismetzger:
I’m not sure what’s more disturbing…
The fact that Fox News thought this was newsworthy, or that people actually watch this programming (or else Fox wouldn’t run it).
Chris I couldn’t agree with you more. Yet another random trying to get their chance in the spotlight by making outlandish claims to which there is no warrant.
I have watched several videos about this lady...
Critique: Canada could expect massive earthquake...
CTV News Sci-Tech Story
According to geophysicist John Cassidy an earthquake could hit Canada at any time and in any place. There is no way to predict when they will occur or how big or small they may be. The most important thing is to be prepared.
CTV news never seizes to amaze me with their random un-newsworthy stories. Telling the people of Canada to prepare for an earthquake, which...
519 Online News - November 7th
This week for 519 Online News I was assigned to be the cameraman for one of the reporting crews. I was partnered with Vinod and we ended up deciding to do a story with a remembrance day theme.
With the suggestion from Paul we ended up finding a unique ceremony, focused around Sikh’s and their involvement in the Canadian military. Not knowing a lot about Sikh history or tradition, it was...
Critique of CTV News Story: Kim Kardashian...
CTV News Story
Kim Kardashian is yet again receiving publicity but this time for ending a marriage that lasted a mere 72 days. She is apologizing to fans for any hard feelings and believes that she may have been in too much of a rush to start a family.
Why an apology from Kim Kardashian makes headline news is completely unsettling. A marriage of 72 days is a complete joke and perhaps the...
diane sison: Conestoga deals with Awareness and... →
dianesison:
This week Julia and I covered the story on bullying. It deals with how the school has set up systems to help raise awareness, and promote respect.
We were able to interview the student councilor Adrienne Dutta, and respect coordinator Ryan Connell. We also did a few streeters, and were…
The issue of bullying is an ongoing one and its great to see that its getting coverage on our...
519 Online Show- November 1
This week for 519 Online I was assigned to be the Assignment Desk/ Line writer. As writing seems to be one of my best strengths, it was great being able to assist others with leads, anchor throws and voice over/ script writing.
This week, our news team ran into a ton of technical issues. Videos were being stretched, displayed in the wrong resolutions, parts were missing, sound was lost. Good work...
October 2011
12 posts
Critique of CTV News Story: Mayor Rob Ford swore...
CTV Story
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is receiving some heat for swearing during a 911 emergency phone call. Apparantly last Monday, Rob Ford used the f- word when talking to a police dispatcher. Rob Ford explained that his swearing was due to the the stress and concern of his situation and was in no way directed to the 911 dispatcher.
Yet another ridiculous and unnecessary news story surrounding...
519 Online News: Reporter Reflection
This week for 519 Online News I was assigned as a reporter. Working with my production assistant Nathan Cox, we did a story on owl banding, which actually turned out really well. Nathan was able to capture lots of great footage and we were even able to find a good angle to make the story newsworthy.
Olivia was our producer this week and I believe her deadline of canned pieces at 12pm is a great...
CBC- George Stroumbo Field Trip Reflection
Our trip to CBC was certainly an interesting one, and there were lots of important tips and steps to becoming a successful journalist.
Mark Kelley outlined what he called the essential 3 C’s. Caring, curiosity and courage. According to Kelley, young people just don’t care about whats happening in the world and that couldn’t be much more counterproductive. As a journalist...
Watchvinodroshan:
519 Online News: My reflection
That was my first experience as a Producer. Although I made mistakes, I learned a lot.
It was a good show Vinod. I think slowly we are starting to get into the habit of things and I can certainly see how important it is becoming for us to work together as a team.
I am confident that with some practice we can surely create some high quality shows....
Critique CTV News Story: Woman breaks leg at...
CTV Health Story
Doreen Wallace an 82 year old woman, fell inside of the Greater Niagara General Hospital. She suffered a broken leg and cuts to one of her arms and upon asking for help was told by the ER to call an ambulance.
Now this story has the potential to speak volumes about the current state of our healthcare system in Canada but CTV failed to recognize this powerful correlation. The...
519 Online News: Being the Host
This week for 519 Online I was assigned the role of host. Now in the past like most individuals, talking on camera isn’t my first choice of fun things to do; however I found this experience to be a great one. Being comfortable on camera is one the things I wanted to accomplish this year while attending Conestoga College and I already feel much more confident in my abilities.
Now I have...
Critique: CTV News "Peanut butter prices set to...
CTV Business Story
I alike most people am a huge fan of peanut butter. But apparently due to the hot dry summer in the United States, the peanut butter crop production was “significantly” reduced. Due to this shortage and the increased cost of ingredients prices are expected to rise. Is it just me or is peanut butter, specifically the brand names such as Kraft already ridiculously...
Provincial Election Show Reflection
Last Thursday was both an exciting and stressful experience. That being said, it was also a great opportunity for learning and I feel as though each member of our newscast learned something new. It really came down to how well we were able to work as a team to ensure the success of our show. It required patience and co-operation with the understanding that the show must go on.
Communication was...
Chris's Broadcast Writing Blog: Uhh... Just Hang... →
chrismetzger:
It was my worst nightmare.
Well, that can’t be true, because in the big picture, it wasn’t that bad. And, to be honest, the thought of this happening had never crossed my mind… until it happened.
Chris I would have to say that you handled yourself very well amongst a difficult and unpredictable situation. Most would expect a level of common courtesy when giving an interview,...
Caitlin's Blog: Story Idea: Remember when Facebook... →
caitlinhenshaw:
In the past 10 years online social networking has transformed from a fad into a phenomenon. I can still remember the days when Facebook was just a site for post-secondary students. You scheduled parties, posted drunk photos, and made inappropriate comments on your friend’s wall. One could get away…
Great story idea Caitlin. A few years ago I remember how long and hard I...
Critique: CTV News Top Story Ryan Kesler doffs...
CTV News Top Story
ESPN Magazine is releasing its annual Body Issue on Friday, October 7. The magazine will feature 21 unclothed athletes including NHL player Ryan Kesler. The magazine will consist of 10 male sports stars and eleven female athletes. NBA player Blake Griffin, UFC fighter Jon Jones and surfer Steph Gilmore are just a few of the included models.
This article contains no...
September 2011
9 posts
Megh's Blog: Longer jail time for growing pot... →
meghklassen:
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/growers+face+more+jail+than+rapists/5445669/story.html
“A person growing 201 pot plants in a rental unit would receive a longer mandatory sentence than someone who rapes a toddler or forces a five-year-old to have sex with an animal”.
I would have to say that after reading this article I was just as surprised as Megh. The legal system...
WatchStory Idea: What women stare at when talking to men
Now we have all heard too many times that men more often then not find their eyes wandering when talking to a woman. We can blame this on many things.. the objectification and sexualization of women, clothing trends, the mass media and simply the fact that men are pigs. But what if the situation was reversed?
I stumbled upon this video and...
Critique: CTV Story "Need for Speed The Run to...
According to Need for Speed: The Run developer Electronic Arts they have found a way to feature swimsuit models in a game. EA and Sports Illustrated have commented stating that they want to bring together the worlds of fashion, video games, cars and beauty.
Isn’t it more likely however, that EA is simply aware of what sells in the entertainment industry? As a man I am all for beautiful...
Bridget's Broadcast Blog: Story Idea: Women don't... →
bridgetnoraparker:
Alright, perhaps I’m taking this a little too seriously, but the main advertisement for these Magazine Pillow Cases rubbed me the wrong way.
I would have to completely agree with Bridget. It amazes me how the roles men and women are “supposed” to fill seem to be hinted at in nearly all forms of entertainment. Movies, music, television and magazines all reinforce...
Critique: Concerns growing about player volume and...
CTV Top Story
Health professionals are becoming more and more concerned about damage done to ones hearing via mp3 players and headphones. It is true that now more than ever people are constantly “plugged in” but that doesn’t mean they are unaware of the risks.
Individuals my age like to listen to music…and like to listen to music loud. As long as it isn’t constant...
Oje's Blog on "Americans should get fake Canadian... →
misterizzy:
I would have to completely agree with Oje’s position about this issue. So often does the American Healthcare system come under fire, and finally a president comes along with an idea to help those in need…and the only response from the public is why that’s a bad idea. As Canadians we have been privileged with the health care system we are provided and I feel sorry...
WatchStory Idea: Weird trends that never seem to end.
How trends start is always a mysterious question. They seem to spawn out of nowhere but also attract followers at an unbelievable pace. Recently there was a widespread phenomenon in Europe known as planking. Put simply it involves laying flat on your stomach and placing your arms by your side. The goal is to lay on the most ridiculous places...
Critique: Dramatic police chase ends with two...
CTV Southwestern Ontario “Top Story”
Earlier today it was reported that a dangerous and dramatic police chase took place. Why this is one of CTV’s top stories is beyond me…police pursuits are nothing new. Apparently the chase which began around 10am just north of Toronto, involved a speeding Toyota Camry driving on three wheels…Now I could see how this is certainly...