Team Engagement
Day two of the Sports Journalism and Communications Boot Camp was complete with practical applications of the journalism basics that were discussed on day one.
The morning breakouts focused on some of the more challenging aspects of the sports media industry. A Crisis Management PR Plan session was led by retired Seattle Seahawks exec, Gary Wright, and University Michigan Senior PR rep and BGSU alumni, Jared Wadley. The group discussed some preventative public relations tactics and even some of the hot button topics facing the sports industry today. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Dr. Nancy Spencer led a breakout discussion on Ethics in Sports Journalism and advised players on some best practices for complying with industry standards.
After lunch, the attendees spoke with Howard Deneroff of Dial Global about beginning and managing careers in sports radio. Participants learned of the growing demand for sports radio hosts and cohosts and Deneroff’s extensive knowledge and experience in the radio industry helped the participants to truly understand the business, how to best utilize their connections, and perfect their craft.
Before the attendees broke off into their afternoon sessions, the winners of yesterday’s column contest were announced. BGSU faculty mentors offered their critiques and even read some well-written and humorous snippets from the submissions. The winning columns addressed a variety of hot topics in the NFL, including Kendall Gammon’s column on the viability of the NFL expanding into London, Byron Chamberlain’s piece on whether the MAC should earn a BCS bowl bid, Eric Crouch’s column on whether the Chip Kelly offense will work in the NFL, and Andre Fluellen’s piece on the challenges facing the NFL’s commissioner.
Then, all attendees had the opportunity to refine their columns and condense them into a two minute radio segment. Participants spent some time in the studio putting their radio voices to the test. Deneroff and BGSU faculty member, Dr. Mike Butterworth, were on hand to offer some constructive criticism and advice. With their guidance, everyone was able to put together a solid recording. Each attendee will receive a CD copy of their radio commentary to take with them as they pursue a career in the industry.
When they weren’t in the studio, participants had time to work on their piece on a more local issue. Using the information they gathered at yesterday’s press conference, everyone was able to start their Toledo Mud Hens column. And although these columns haven’t been formally reviewed yet, the BGSU faculty mentors have already raved about how much the writing has improved since day one.
After a delicious dinner and dessert in BGSU’s scenic Wilcox Room, the evening concluded with a session on photojournalism led by Paul Spinelli from Spin Photos. Attendees learned the importance and demand for high-quality photos as well as ways to get started in the sports photography business.