The past two weeks have been so valuable for me working with NPR Next Gen Radio. I began my journalism journey in 2019 after transferring schools and changing majors. It was great! But then the coronavirus pandemic hit, which completely changed how we do things. My experience and skillset before Next Gen was basic and limited, having only done reporting work in print journalism.
I knew I could write and report well, but this fellowship has opened the doors for me to embrace multimedia journalism! I didn’t think I’d enjoy this process as much as I did! I knew if I gave audio work a chance that maybe I would become a novice and be able to add it to my skill lists on my resume and portfolio. What I didn’t know was how fulfilling it was to watch my project go from words in a pitch to watching it practically come to life before my eyes. I want to grow my strengths in audio and visual now because I loved this week so much.
Audio adds another layer to storytelling that is quite amazing and I feel that I didn’t understand it enough to appreciate it before. Now, thanks to all my editors and my mentor in Next Gen, I learned what goes on behind the scenes (and momentarily in front) of what goes into making an audio piece. I’ve learned tips within capturing visuals when I’m on the ground reporting and the what-to-dos and what-not-dos in managing and setting up audio equipment that’ll ultimately lead to better quality interviews. I’ve learned to be prepared and to have fun, but most importantly I’ve learned to listen! Better!
I want to thank Next Gen wholeheartedly. I don’t think I would have found this amazing, patient, hands-on learning opportunity in my typical university setting. I felt the pressure and time sensitive components that go along with being a journalist. I appreciate it now more than ever, the pandemic slowed down the world these past two years but it did not slow down the news or journalists!
Thank you Next Gen Radio!
JoVonne Wagner
