I’ve been in production for nearly 20 years, but this week I got to experience so many new things. I learned how to use audio equipment in the field to tell a story about my hometown. When I did my first standup this week, I wasn’t nervous because I’d never done it before.
They say journalists don’t have agendas. Well, I do. I’m always looking for stories out of Mississippi. The mainstream media — especially the ones I’ve worked for — focus on stories in larger markets and other regions. I want to change that, and I’ve done it with the help of some very talented and like-minded folks this week. I produced a story featuring someone in my hometown of Louisville, Miss.
We’ve heard of the saying, “nothing is a coincidence.” That thought popped into my mind when I woke up this morning. I met Priska Neely “by accident” via email, because I was trying to pitch a story about a local Family Dollar and its infestation to an NPR reporter.
A year later, she messaged me about the NextGenRadio: Gulf States Newsroom project. I applied and got accepted, and here I am, learning a heck of alot.
My takeaways:
Writing: It’s hard. But as Selena says, practice to be perfect.
Audio: Gotta love the sound engineers for their skills. I plan to keep Adobe Audition and get better at it.
Support: I was overwhelmed with the support and encouragement by everyone involved in this project. I remember reading something on the site about how the team wouldn’t let us drown. I definitely went further into the water, I felt like I couldn’t breathe at times, but you were right there.
Today I’m wearing a T-shirt that says, “I Know Stuff Because of NPR.” It’s so true. Special thanks to my mentor Kayleigh Skinner. You certainly know how to crack the whip.
Thank you all!
A haiku by Tekella about what home means to Deborah Holmes:
Her kisses and hugs
Make them feel safe and love at
Destiney’s Daycare