Danielle Washington – Bittersweet

Over the course of this summer I have had the best time of my life. This internship had showed me so much about the News Business and I am truly grateful to have gotten the opportunity to intern at the number one newsstation in Columbus Georgia. There is no doubt in my mind that I have gained so much more as a Communications major and person by being allowed to intern with WTVM.

The team has been outstanding in lending so much wisdom to me as I got the opportunity to interview some legendary people of the station. Men such as Chuck Leonard, Paul Therrien, and Mr. Eddie Bland taught me so much about the history of WTVM. While the oustanding report Mr.Curtis McCloud took me under his wing this summer and he definitely showed me how to be a reporter. Word can not express my gratitude to the entire staff of WTVM for showing me what it is like to be a part of a newsstation. I also am forever indebted to Mr. Chris Robinson for allowing the opportunity to intern this summer.  I look forward to particapting in the first ever intern newscast this Saturday and I am very excited to be a part of it.

I have seen it all and loved every moment of sitting in the newsroom and also being live in the field. The city of Columbus will always depend upon WTVM for the news it can count on and WTVM will continue to deliver with style and grace as it had been doing for the past six decades. I have cherished this internship and I will take the skills I have formed with me in the future.

Danielle Washington – Craig’s List Fraud

A local woman in Columbus Ga, wrote into WTVM to inform the public about a fraudulent check she received in the mall from a job search she did on Craig’s List. Curtis and I went to her home to interview her about what happened. She was very sweet and welcomed us in with open arms. This woman had been out of work for a few months and all the while she had been searching for a job. She has profiles with all the job search engines that alert to when a new job has been posted. She definitely had been feeling down about finding a job and she was very excited when she was contacted for a specific job. However she was not expecting to receive a check for about 2,000 dollars in the mail with instructions on what to do with that money. She knew then that this was not a legitimate job and she was very disappointed. The letter that was sent to her was done in an unprofessional manner and it was clear that is was fraudulent. Her main concern was to tell others about this scam so they would not be victims to such horrible things.

For we all have made accounts through search engines to assist us in finding jobs and sometimes we give out important information online with hopes of discovering a job. We never think about how people are out there preying on those individuals who vigilantly seek a job. I am so glad this local woman recognized the letter was unprofessional and that the check was a major fraud. She gave us the inside scope about her experience which really brought awareness to her and her family. We were glad to be able to cover her story because it gave the opportunity to save so many others from this ridiculous scam. It was a pleasure speaking with her in her home and now I know that people will scam any website to take advantage of others. Curtis took a great perspective in representing her story and his technique of displaying the letter and check definitely left a real touch in his package for that story. So the next time I connect to the internet I will be cognizant of the information and websites I use.

Franchesca Renfroe – Reflection

When I first began this internship, I didn’t know what to expect. In hindsight this was an amazing opportunity. I’ve learned a better work ethic as well as perfected my AP Style of writing. I’ve learned how to search for the big story and get that story out in record timing.

One of the biggest things this internship has taught me is how to be an efficient leader. Having a team of journalist can get pretty hectic. Every interview, assignment, email-sent is important. Patience is a must. As well as finding the common ground between being a peer and being a leader. I have worked with a group of amazing people who all are aiming for the same goals in life as me. That is definitely the push I need to make it forwards.

Another late night going through articles and posting. 

Some days were tough, the workload seemed to drown me a some point and, I question myself plenty of times whether or not I was cut out for this business. Every time I asked that questioned, I knew the answer is yes! This internship has solidified my decision to become an Entertainment Journalist. I love the work, the exclusive interviews, writing. I love it!

When I was offered the official Editorial Assistant position for the fall, I knew I was on the right path towards my dreams. This summer was definitely a successful one. Big things are coming in the future and I am excited about them!

I am happy that you all were with me during my journey this summer. Blogging about the great things I’ve gotten to do this summer definitely amplified everything. Now I continue on my journey as an Editorial Assistant! AWESOME!

Danielle Washington – Steam Mill Road Car Accident

There is never a dull moment when you have the job of a reporter. Curtis had just got done covering a story and then he was informed there was a car accident on Steam Mill Road.  As Curtis, his skillful photographer, and I headed to Steam Mill Road I noticed how focused he got because he wanted to make sure he would deliver the most precise news to the public. As we get there the police have the street blocked off towards the area of the accident so we parked further down and walked on the scene. As we walked up I noticed the whole neighborhood was standing outside to see what happened and also to understand what was going on. Many of the surrounding neighbors were asking us how the accident occurred and we were trying to get to the bottom of cause.

The car itself was completely flipped over and it had knocked down the street signs and also some bricks as well. We could tell that it was just a one car accident but we did not know how it flipped over. Neighbors told us they heard a very loud booming noise which caused them to run outside to see what was going on. Shortly after we arrived the ambulance took the man to the hospital and then the towing truck came to dispose of the beat up car. There is no doubt that this was a tragic accident and people on the scene said he had suffered from a broken leg and other injuries as well. This car accident was truly an unfortunate one and I was saddened to see how badly the car was flipped over.

I really couldn’t get that image out of my head but I was hoping that the young man in the accident would be alright. We got some video and pictures of the scene and then we left to get back to the station to work on both stories Curtis covered for that day. Three days later the young man that was in that car accident dies from the trauma of the accident. I know his family is devastated by their lost and I know he will truly be missed. No matter what the issue may be I have learned that as a reporter you have to hold it together even in the most tragic situations.  I applaud Curtis for always being a bulwark of news as he performs his job.

Danielle Washington – A Fatal Accident

It was a humid night when Curtis was informed about woman being in a car accident. This woman name was Martha Hardeman and we were about to unfold what actually happened to her. So once again we were on the verge of breaking news so we loaded up the live truck and we went to the scene of the accident. As we arrived on that cloudy night I could tell that this woman was in bad shape and it was later determined she had been dead for 8-10 hours. She was lying next to her car in her front driveway while police and investigators were trying to determine what caused her death. As we were attempting to discover what really happened Curtis was getting prepped to go live in a few minutes. The details were vague in the beginning because we knew she was an elderly lady who lived by herself and her car rolled over on her. Curtis had to get this news out to the public so he streamed back live with the few details he did know while we were on the scene. He definitely handled that well and eventually we got more concrete information about the woman.

I got the chance to speak with her neighbor and she told me she had arrived home at about 6:30pm when she noticed that the elderly woman’s car lights were on but she assumed she was going to turn them off. Then about an hour and a half later it was brought to her attention that her lights were still on so she decided to go walk across to check on her neighbor. Her grandkids walked with her but when she noticed a shoe in the front yard she told her grandkids to stay back. She began to walk up the driveway and that is when she found her neighbor lying there under her car, so she immediately called the police.

This was such a tragic accident and it saddened me to see this happen to someone. Neighbors said she was very nice and I found out she played the piano for her church as well. She thought her car was in park when she got out but it wasn’t and it rolled over on her. She was 73 years old and I know she will truly be missed by her family. Curtis got the chance to reveal this poignant information to the public with grace and this also makes people become more aware of their own safety while driving or parking. This story showed me that no matter what the story may be one must always keep their composure to serve as an emissary for the public and a true reporter to the people of the community.

Franchesca Renfroe – Offered a Job In the Fall

I have been offered an invitation to officially become a part of #TeamVain in the fall. I would be an Editorial Assistant with a team of five or six interns. We would be working on the Erica Vain Magazine, now that it is officially on stands. I would be attending meeting once a week, coming up with content for a section of the monthly magazine (and assigning that content), I am also the link between my bosses and young adults (I keep things hip and fresh while keeping them in-the-know about what is happening in the world), and I would be building my own brand.

My own brand?

Do you guys know what this means?!

I will be making my name known in the entertainment industry, writing and interviewing. Basically building and giving my name credit in the Entertainment Journalism world. It’s not a tricky answer whether or not I accepted the job.

OF COURSE I DID!

It’s going to be an extremely busy fall, but we have the ball rolling. Good things are going to come and I am so happy that I found this internship. The summer has flown by quickly, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Franchesca Renfroe -Going To My First Awards Show!

It’s official, I will be covering the BET Hip-Hop Awards first hand! This is going to be my first major event coverage. I will be traveling up to Atlanta and conducting interviews for the website throughout the day. I’m so excited! Since this will be my first big event I will be working along side my boss. I know the day is going to be long and hot, but it will definitely be worth it!

I have also gotten exclusive Information about a movie that will be premiering on Hallmark Channel in September. The name of the movie is, “The Watson’s go To Birmingham.” I had to draft up the article to put on the site. One thing I have learned is that in the world of entertainment writing you have to be prepared to receive information to write about. New stories can come in at any point. No matter what time, you have to be ready to put the news out. Time is always of the essence.

Franchesca Renfroe – Scheduling Interviews… Sounds So Easy.

Well, that was definitely an understatement. I thought the scheduling process of the interviews would be a piece of cake. Boy, was I wrong. Now I understand what my boss goes through when she is trying to get things done. I had to schedule and interview with an up and coming artist, for the magazine. It felt as if no one wanted to take on the interview. It was like pulling teeth. I couldn’t believe it! After checking schedules and persuasive conversation, I finally had a journalist who wanted to tackle the interview. This interview comes with pressure because it would not only be in Erica Vain Magazine but another magazine as well. This week I have learned about the down sides of being a boss. When your team doesn’t want to move forward with you it can be quite aggravating. I’ve learned how to keep pushing positivity  even if everyone isn’t on the same page.

Danielle Washington – Arson in Uptown Columbus

There were many incidents of Arson in the Columbus Area especially in the historic district. So as I went out in the field with Curtis we put on our investigative hats to determine the culprits of these incidents. I learned that when you are a reporter you can’t be afraid to ask questions and knock on the doors of people’s home to get the information you need. We walked up and down the bricks of the historic district to get a lead into whom or what could be the cause of all the arsons in that specific area. We saw the tangible evidence with our very own eyes and it was devastating. There were cars in ashes and also trees were caught up in this damage as well.

I also got the divine opportunity to witness how each element of a story comes together full circle. Curtis began by doing a live shot right in front of a sign that spelled out the reward for the person who could help find the culprit of the arsons in the historic area. Yet again he did it effortlessly and then we moved on to get our interviews. We happened to find a great person to interview who actually is a major part of the police force. He told us that he was gone for the weekend but his wife and young daughter were still at the house when the arsonist place fire to his wife’s vehicle and as a result that caused a raging conflagration that went  up into his trees in the front yard.

No one was harmed but just the ideal that the child could have possibility lost its life to the fire is so hard to even imagine. We got the main ingredients for a great story and some wonderful close ups with the help of photographer Jarrod Six and I realized that as a reporter one has to be prepared to wear many hats. The last effect that Curtis added to his package was tag on the roof of WTVM and it definitely was a nice finishing touch to the Arson story.

Danielle Washington – Hometown Hero

It is rare that you find a hometown hero that actually personifies what it means to be a great person. A hero that looks out for the greater good of the community and is often willing to go above and beyond to help someone out if they can. I had the privilege to meet such a man while I was interning with Curtis McCloud. This man is a local umpire for the little leagues of Columbus, Georgia and he has been dedicated to calling fair games in this town for over thirty years. He is definitely concerned with the well being of the children in this town and he has prided himself as a dependable umpire in this city. We had the opportunity to attend a special ceremony for Mr. Tommy because of all his hard work he one of the baseball fields in Britt David park named after him.

His ceremony was so lovely it was filled with his family members, close friends, coworkers, and of course the children that are in the little leagues. It was such a humbling experience to be a part of this story and I was intrigued at how Curtis connected to this man during the interview. I also learned some great pointers on how to shoot better angles when one is at an outside venue. The photographer Jarrod that went out with us is definitely has some great skills and he always captures some great footage when go out live.

The most beautiful part about this particular story was how appreciative Mr. Tommy was to receive such an accolade he was moved to tears by all the support and love shown to him. Due to his recent decline in health, Tommy was in a wheel chair because his MS had gotten worse but he did not allow that to hinder him from being at the ceremony and he acts as if he does even have the disease. He has the true spirit of a champion and I was so proud to meet him and be a part of this hometown hero’s ceremony. It makes me feel proud live in Columbus with such outstanding citizens that service the community. I realized as a reporter these can become the stories you live for because they elevate your skills in a befitting manner.