The first session that I attended during Medaille Media Day was “Putting it in Writing: A Career in Print Journalism.” I chose this session for the simple reason that I love writing, and could more than see myself with a career in print journalism. I was really excited that I was being given the opportunity to talk to professionals who had once been where I am now: trying to figure out where I’m going to end up after I graduate from college.

I have been writing for the Perspective for two years now. This year, I am the Assistant News Editor, and I love it. I have always really enjoyed writing, and I feel like I found a really great niche with the newspaper at Medaille. If it wasn’t for Lisa Murphy I probably would not have declared as a Media/Communications major, but she encouraged me to take an active role in the production in the paper, and told me that she thought I had what it takes. So I took her advice. (And I’m glad.)

We met with two guest speakers in the first session: Brian Meyer, from the Buffalo News, and Roger Puchalski, from Polish-American News. Both men had interesting stories and advice to share with us, and they answered every question with enthusiasm and intelligence. Meyer encouraged to know a little bit about a lot of things, and stressed the importance of being curious. He also made mention of the significance of internships and gaining real world experience throughout college. Puchalski was a student of Medaille College , as well as a former faculty member and department chair. He recalled the first desktop publishing system of the school, and reflected on the tremendous growth that the school has seen since his days here. One of the things that he spoke about was how the strength of a student’s writing skills will really make them more marketable in the communication industry.

The two also tackled some serious questions, concerning what to do when someone refuses an interview and how to maintain a relationship with a public figure who may have positive and negative publicity. What struck me as surprising was a statement that Meyer said – that a week does not go by when someone isn’t furious at him. It was interesting but also very true to consider that “if you don’t have enemies, you’re doing something wrong.”

The second session that I attended as a part of Medaille Media Day was “Getting the Word Out – Public Relations.” I chose to go to this session strictly out of curiosity. As a freshman, I came to Medaille as an Undeclared major. At the end of last year, I declared as a Media/Communications major. For this reason, I have yet to take a lot of the required media courses. I have not taken any courses that concentrate specifically on Public Relations, so I wanted to find out a little more about the concentration.

In this session, we met with the Senior Vice President of Public Relations at Travers Collins & Company, Dick Shaner. We also met with two of his colleagues, Betsy Murrett, Senior Account Manager, and Jeff Bucki, Assistant Account Manager. The entire session was a learning experience for me, since I have little to no experience whatsoever in Public Relations. It was very interesting though, to learn about what type of jobs this kind of company can be hired to do. Event planning and advertising is something that I could be very interested in. For example, Murrett informed us that one of her clients is University at Buffalo . I didn’t know that UB could hire a company to get their name out… but now I do. She also explained that depending on your position, you could be spending a lot of time in or out of the office working.

What I think must be most difficult for companies like Travers Collins, is dealing with crisis situations. One of the examples that Shaner chose to inform us about was that when the “bike path rapist” was identified, the company that he worked for came to Travers Collins and said, “help… what do we do?” Obviously, they did not want negative press. That’s where Travers Collins comes in. It has to be tough to smooth over those kinds of events with the media. What Bucki stressed (that I agree is very important) is that everyone who is working on the job is on the same page. Everyone needs to be giving people the same information, otherwise the credibility of whatever the real story is will be completely shattered.

            The final session that I attended as a part of Medaille Media Day was “Television Today,” which everyone was required to attend. The guests at this session were Mary Alice Demler, News Anchor at Channel 2, Mylous Hairston, News Anchor at Channel 4, and Joanna Pasceri, News Anchor at Channel 7. I personally do not have very much interest in going into television broadcasting, but I felt that the information they gave the students was applicable in almost any field. I feel like I particularly learned a lot from this session because I do not watch or pay attention to TV that much.

            All of the guests took turns talking a little bit about themselves and what they feel is necessary for students to succeed in the television industry. I was particularly interested in Demler’s discussion of her journey to her career because she initially had no desire whatsoever to become a news anchor. It turns out, she actually got her degrees in Political Science and French. She even taught French for three years before switching to another unrelated to media job. When she finally realized she was not following her passion, she went back to school and got a degree in Communications. I think for the most part, we see faces on TV and assume that they were just always on TV… but that isn’t the case.

            What I also was unaware of was that news anchors do so much more work than I realized. Maybe because of movies like Anchorman, in which characters go to the studio, get their hair and makeup done, and sit down in front of the camera, I have gotten a distorted idea of what anchors do. I never knew that on top of the 9 hour shift news anchors work as just anchors, they also do writing and reporting for additional hours of the day. The three guests really stressed the fact that though being an anchor appears glamorous, it really isn’t. There is a lot of hard work put into the news before it gets broadcasted in your living room.

            During the session, a question was asked about if you have to have a certain look to become a news anchor. The response given was that in order to become an anchor, you don’t have to be drop dead gorgeous, but your look has to be completely non-distracting. You have to look your best. If you do not appear clean and neat, viewers will not listen to what you have to say. Pasceri joked that when she gets her haircut, she tells her hairdresser to cut her bangs, because otherwise, the viewers won’t hear her. With hair in her eyes, she cannot present information without viewers becoming unfocused. Though the information was shocking, it came as no surprise to me that image is such a big deal in the TV industry.

~Megan Fitzgerald

I went to Media Day and attended three sessions. The first one I went to was Integrated and Multi-Media. Some of the things the speakers touched base on were how everyone should create their own website to get themselves out there to people all around the world. The technology of the internet is taking over. It is one of the biggest and fast growing mediums out there that everyone knows about. A question that was asked was what do you think of print media? The speakers talked about how it is dying, not a strong media outlet, but the skills of writing are very important. Everyone is revolving around this mass media technology of the web, weblogs, .coms, webmaster, video blog, and chats. These are all ways people interact in the world today. This is a new way to get out there and have people see you and learn about you. Every non-profit organization is online, weblogs, promotions of anything that you like, type it into google and you will find something on it. We also learned that google offers advertisement on its website. This is a huge change that everyone should be aware of and get involved with.

The second session that I attended was On the front line: Managing the message. This group of speakers focused on mainly having diverse internships. Not just staying with the same type, but trying different ones out. They talked about taking advantage of the internships; it is a great learning experience for everyone because it opens the doors to many great opportunities for your future. Seeing different types of internships will help you when you’re looking for a job and you can get a taste for the things you like and dislike. Mary Murray said that what you are learning is what you’re getting paid in education. Also she said, “What I didn’t make in dollars is what made sense up in my mind.” So not getting paid can be a bummer for being an intern but it will really help you in your future when you are getting paid at a job you love and are doing well in. There are many different paths and roots you can take to where you want to go. You have to take that extra step to pushing yourself to do well at your internship prove to them you can do it work hard and go the extra mile for yourself and your future it will all pay off. Reaching out and getting people to know you and who you are and the skills you offer for the company. You will never know how far this could take you; Medaille has many great opportunities for everyone.

The third session was Television Today. Again, they talked about preparing yourself for internships. Get involved and make the most of everything; get in and come out with a new skill. There are many ups and downs but it is worth every step you take. Do whatever it takes to get what you want work hard to strive for it. “When at the end of your rope tie a knot and hang on,” said one speaker, quoting Thomas Jefferson. Many of us will notice a lot of job changes before we find our niche the one job that fits. Everyone has different skills and to find what they want you will step back to go forward, working on your weaknesses and pushing to get better. Every job is hard. We were told to ask questions of your professors get ideas and learn skills from them because they are here to help you and give encouraging advice to get you to where you want to go in life.

Over all I enjoyed the sessions I attended and learned a lot of new things that I didn’t know about that will help me with my career. I think every Media and Communication major would enjoy this and learn a lot from Media Day! The only thing I think should change for the future was when we ate lunch there was more speakers. They basically talked about things that we already learned about and from the other sessions. I didn’t think we needed to hear it again, it would have been nice to just eat and talk to people more about what we saw that day and learned about. But I enjoyed all the sessions I think it will help me for my future and if you didn’t get a chance to go this year I definitely suggest you should go next year!

~Jordan Gracie, freshman

***Note: Students had an opportunity to hear from local professionals on our first annual Media Day (11/9/07). Throughout a series of posts this week, you will be able to read their thoughts and reactions.***

November 9, 2007, a day that will go down in history as a day for the communication majors. This was a day that was more like a once in a lifetime opportunity. There will never be another moment like this. At Medaille College, we were fortunate to have many of those that have the same the love of communication as we do.

The first secession I attended was “Putting It in Writing: A Career in Print Journalism”. Here we had the chance to meet Brian Meyer, Who works for the Buffalo News and in City Hall. Roger Puchalski, who write a polish paper. Each one of these men brought something different to the table. Mr. Meyer offered a lot of tips for writing. The one thing he mentioned was to “Know a little bit about a lot of things you know.” Meaning not to waste more time on the things that you already know a lot about. He also said recognize your weakness and play your strengths. Mr. Puchalski talked about the importance of recognizing the people that make a difference, and give them the credit that they deserve.

The second secession was “On the Front Line: Managing the Message”. Here we had the chance to meet Mike DeGorge, who works as the spokesperson for the Buffalo Police Department. Bonnie Kane Lockwood, who is the Senior Field Representatives for Congressman Brian Higgins. Mary Murray, who works for the Eire county sheriff. Tim Walsh, who is the Specialty group services for AAA of WNY. Every one of them had different stories. Ms. Lockwood and Murray each explained how they were parents while attending college and that there is no need to not finish college, especially if they did it. Each of the men brought something different to add. Mr.DeGorge, taught us that college is important, but if there is an opportunity that is being presented to you. Take it while it is being given to you. Mr. Walsh stressed how INTERNSHIPS is the most important thing to do while in college.

The third and final secession was “Television Today”. Here at this secession we were lucky to meet Mary Alice Demler from channel 2. Mylous Harriston from channel 4 & 23 and Johanna Pasceri from channel 7. Each of these reporters taught us, the students that there is so much out there in the journalism field that we can do. You want to learn form all of the mistakes that you make and internships. Do as many as you can that way you will get a better grasp on what is to come in the future. The one thing that made a difference to some of the people there was the fact that there is no exact way for a journalist to look. As long as you are clean and have your stories ready then you are going to be fine.

What I personally got from this experience of a lifetime was journalism has to be in your blood. This has to be something that you know you can do for a living and if you don’t want to communicate with people then this field is not for you. Also, internships are important, as much as breathing is. If you don’t complete an internship then there is no telling what it is that you want to do in life. For some this is too much, but for me it’s a chance of a lifetime that I will cherish forever.

~Shayla Reed

I know just the place. During my sophomore year at Medaille, I applied for my second internship at Citadel Broadcasting during the Spring of 2007. It has been a blast. For those of you who don’t know Citadel Broadcasting operates Mix 104.1, 97 Rock,and 103.3 The Edge. My internship/part-time job is in the promotions department and I highly recommend it.

As a promotions intern/part timer, you get to work events for the three stations. Events include remote broadcasts, full live broadcasts, and DJ Appearances. I’ve had the opportunity to work some really fun contests and events. After working Buffalo Bills Tailgates, The Family Values Tour(backstage with the bands), a Halloween Parade, the Erie County Fair and a ton more, its so hard to pick a favorite event, I love them all.

What can you expect if you work in the Promotions Department? A lot of fun! It is the Promotions Team who is in charge of setting up tables and prizes and conducting station contests. You may have to stand at the prize wheel while people spin, or sign people up to win cool stuff. If this is something you want to get into, you have to have people skills or learn them pretty fast. You have to feel comfortable talking to a complete stranger about just about anything. If you want to get people interested in the station you have to prove yourself, let them know that you are worth talking to and chances are they’ll thing the station is worth listening to.

My internship/job at Citadel has taught me a lot. I knew very little about radio promotions going into it, but after being there for so long, I’ve learned a lot of the behind the scenes stuff. My internship in Promotions, has greatly helped me to fulfill my duties as Promotions Director for WMCB The Lizzard. With my knowledge and skills that I have learned from Citadel, the Promotions Department of WMCB has benefited greatly. WMCB had its first remote, our Halloween Remote which was one of the best remotes we have had in a long time. We had some great prizes, great contests and a great turn out. If not for my internship and experience at Citadel, WMCB’ s Halloween Remote would not have been so fantastic.

If an internship at Citadel Broadcasting is something you’re interested in, contact one of the stations. Contact information can be found at www.wedg.com (103.3 The Edge), www.mix1041.fm (Mix 104.1) or www.97rock.com (96.9 Buffalo’s 97 Rock)

~Natalie Schiavone, Junior

Apparently Google and Microsoft were competing for a small ownership in the online social network website, Facebook. Facebook began as a way for just college students to socialize. It then expanded its boundaries and anyone can join. It seemed to be much like Myspace.

I remember, when I first started college, and had friends into it; all they talked about was Facebook. I was excited to set up my account, and join the “elite.” It’s not like that anymore, since the various adjustments made to Facebook.

Facebook, however, is the bible of what’s going on in people’s lives. If you want to know something about someone, like if they’re single or when their birthday is, Facebook is the place to go. Everyone is constantly checking their Facebook’s multiple times in a day, people update their status and the information is plentiful.

Microsoft paid $250 million for a 1.6 percent ownership in Facebook. That’s a large chunk of change for such a small piece of action. Microsoft is now the sole advertiser on Facebook. It’s sort of like a monopoly, in the respect that Microsoft has so much control and power now, even though they hardly own the company.

I personally like Facebook better; it’s easier to use. I think more college students use Facebook because it’s less time consuming and doesn’t require different backgrounds and graphics and such even though Facebook is expanding into that stuff. They are optional.

~Nikki Gawel

Layout allows for one to be creative, and creates a remarkable design to newspaper pages that appeals to the readers eye. When laying out the Perspective, students on the staff work with a program called Adobe InDesign.

InDesign provides the necessary applications to add drop caps to stories, text wrap articles around photos, add an array of color, create graphs and fact boxes, drop shadow pictures and boxes to give them a three-dimensional feel along with much more.

These elements enhance the appearance of the page and are fun in the process. When joining the newspaper myself, I had no idea that designing the page was something I would have the opportunity to do. Actually, when I joined the newspaper the layout of the page never came to my mind because I assumed it was something the newspaper staff was unable to do. I clearly was wrong, and am rather happy I was.

After joining the newspaper and realizing all you can do with it, especially layout, I was intrigued. After learning how to use InDesign I was able to be creative and layout Feature pages (more artsy then news pages).

My most recent page designs was the feature on Nick Thompson, who can complete the Rubik’s Cube in 74 seconds that appeared in the October 9^th edition along with the Broke feature that appeared in the October 29^th issue.

Anyone who has ever been interested in being creative and artsy, doing newspaper layout is great. Like I said before, being apart of the student newspaper and or any newspaper for that matter truly offers more than just the writing aspect.

Next week, advertising.

~Summer Gemmati

I love being part of the Perspective staff and have such an interest in newspaper because of the creativity it allows you to have. Photojournalism is no different.

Photojournalism is news photography that may primarily focus on pictorial media and can often dominate the written copy. A well-written story is not fully finished until it has a strong image to support it. Having a strong image not only supports your story, but helps convey the message as well. With that said, it exemplifies just how important photography is to a newspaper.

Also, like writing, when photographing pictures you will experience new things. You will also see things, people, and objects in a way you never expected to see them in. An example from a previous issue of the Perspective was an article on the drag show, titled “Drag show sparks controversy.” The photographer was more than just another audience member, but rather had the opportunity to get close to the drag queens and kings and take pictures from both high, and low angles.

Normally, people take pictures looking dead on, and pose the people in the picture. But photojournalism allows you to capture candid shots and be creative with them. We sent a Perspective photographer over to the Buffalo Zoo to shoot pictures for an article. Her photos dominated the article, and were creative. She took a picture of an Elk, but rather taking a picture at eye level a picture was shot looking down emphasizing the antlers.

There is so much to do with photography in itself. It’s fun and for those who don’t like writing, it’s perfect. So, don’t hesitate to join a newspaper staff, there is so much to do. Next week, we talk about layout, my personal favorite.

-Summer Gemmati, Perspective Editor-in-Chief

I started Medaille as a media major wanting to concentrate in advertising. I love being creative and knew that field would allow me to demonstrate my creativity. It wasn’t until my junior year that my concentration changed. Working in Newspaper was where my heart truly belonged.

I joined the Medaille Perspective staff two years ago as News Editor and now, in my senior year, I am the Editor-in-Chief. I have learned that working for a newspaper is much more than just writing, which is what many people think. While the journalism aspect is important; layout, design, photography, and advertising play a huge role as well. This week, however, we’ll take a look at the writing aspect…

News coverage allows you to interview people, discover new and interesting things, and became a more educated person. As a journalist covering news you may see things you never thought you would see, experience things you never thought you would experience, and meet people you never thought you would meet.

Being part of the newspaper has given me, along with the rest of the staff, the opportunity of being creative and discovering new things when covering a story.

Many times a story will be assigned to someone who is not interested in the topic. However, the beauty of journalism is that stories have more than one angle. You can take any story and make it seem interesting to the readers, which is exactly what you want to do as a journalist.

Aside from news stories, there are also feature stories, which allow you to be more creative with your writing and write about topics many people think would not be appropriate for a newspaper. An example of this is a feature on a sophomore at Medaille who can complete the Rubik’s cube in 74 seconds.

Knowing that newspaper writing is so much more than what people think, I am also aware that writing is not for everyone. However, that doesn’t mean you should rule out a job on a newspaper staff. Next week I will talk about the importance of photography to a newspaper and how exciting it can be.

Summer Gemmati is the Editor-in-Chief of the award winning Medaille Perspective. She graduates from Medaille in May of 2008, with her degree in Communication, and plans on going to grad school at either Medaille or UB to study education. She has completed internships with the Buffalo Bisons, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and Sam’s Club’s marketing department where she has been employed for the past three years.