My final show as an Executive Producer for WVU News is officially complete. The past two weeks were filled with nothing but hard work toward our special edition show, Heroin and Opioids: When Addiction Hits Home. Most people had their story idea weeks in advance, making a smooth transition into the start of show preparations. People had ideas for creative stand-ups and SOT teases, and everyone showcased their talents in their packages.

Picking stories for the show was difficult this time around. All of the stories were important and were important to tell, and with this show being our group’s last, everyone has become great reporters that really know what they are doing. By the end of the day, we had five packages and two VO’s to put in the show. This is a lot of information for one of our newscasts, but I knew we could pull it off. From this point, I was ready to write the script.

 

This particular script was difficult to write, and I do not mean that logistically. It was hard reading all of these statistics about how people in the state of West Virginia are battling with heroin and opioids. I became invested in this particular script because I wanted to make people aware of the problem. I want people to know how these drugs are affecting people and that there is help out there for those who need it. I took great care of this script, and it ended up being the best one I have had all semester. I felt proud of this script and the power I had to spread awareness of this growing problem.
                                                                                                    

The day of show was our best yet. The show was packed with news, and we had an awesome news bumper our Graduate Assistant, Kassy, made for us. However, that did make our time cut very close to credits. Professor Dahlia and I had to edit down a lot of content to hit our time limit that same morning. We made it work just like we always do. We ran through our entire studio time trying to perfect it, so we could submit it for competitions. Everyone put their best foot forward, and with a little bit of coaching for my anchors, they pulled off some of their best reads I have seen all semester.

 

I have appreciated every opportunity this class has offered me to learn and improve my skills. The next show I get to produce will start a new chapter in my life, as I move on to producing for WJAC in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Professor Dahlia has given me all the opportunity and guidance I need to be successful in my new job. The class also gave me the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make some really awesome new ones. The newsroom brings people together. My team has become like family, and I will miss having them around. I loved this position so much, and I will miss it dearly.