Newscast #1 - Eden Douglas - Spring 2021

My first taping with WVU News as the Sports Anchor was a success! I did a story on a Mountaineer wrestler who just so happens to be a West Virginia native. Redshirted junior Noah Adams was successful in high school and his success is continuing in Morgantown. Adams is the second wrestler in the program’s history to win a Big 12 title and the second to have an undefeated season. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure athletes safety, my interviews had to be conducted via Zoom. I learned so much by interviewing on Zoom such as making sure they look good on camera and setting up their framing. During my interview, they were not framed properly, so I learned that it is important to take charge in the interview, so I can ensure I get the best soundbites and make sure they look good. 

When I started editing my story, I had all of the soundbites to make sure my story is quality. Noah Adams and Coach Flynn spoke extremely well and were very great people to talk to. The team was out of town for a meet, so I was unable to shoot my own b-roll. Shooting my own b-roll is something I have to learn how to get steadier shots and rule out what’s good and what’s bad.

When I was standing in the studio, I was nervous because it was my first time but after practicing, my nerves went away, and I got a little better each time. I am thankful for the entire news group helping me improving my energy while telling a story. Heading into my next story, I’ve learned what proper Zoom interviews and good soundbites should be. I am reporting on how the pandemic is affecting athletes proper conditioning and nutrition. The WVU men’s basketball team was affected in January and the program was shut down for two weeks. One player lost 18 pounds, so I think it is important that people understand what role conditioning and nutrition plays in an athlete’s life.