A Summer to WISH for

This past summer, I had the special opportunity of interning at WISH-TV (CBS) in Indianapolis. I am more interested in the play-by-play side of sports broadcasting. However it was a unique opportunity to learn from a sports anchor/reporters perspective and from some of the best in the state. After four months of determined work behind the scenes, I gained a new understanding and respect for this business.

After the internship, it is even more obvious to me how important writing is. Writing scripts, writing teases, and writing stories. Again, that was the reason I began this blog. To write, and share stories along the way.

Writing clearly is an everyday occurrence…and there is always room for improvement. Then its the little things. It was important then to add “constants and supers” that show up on the screen as graphics. Before the internship I thought that was all done but the producer or graphics person…only to find out it was the job of the sports department to put them in and make sure they were correct. It was also our job to transcribe interviews and put director cues in the script like outs and change constant. At home, everything looks so smooth and easy but it really is a production.

There are many things I learned along the way. One of the biggest things is to tell “their” story. The viewers are watching to hear what the athletes have to say and to see them in action. Whenever possible, quote them or paraphrase something they said. That way the reporter is just the middle-man between the athlete and fan at home.

The hours are sporadic for a sports reporter. Most days begin at three in the afternoon and end at midnight. It definitely cuts into family and social time. Many days are on the road covering a team from another location. It is also not surprising to be working a early shift nine to five…but that’s even more rare. The job is great and absolutely has its perks…but the hours aren’t one of them.

Access can be unbelievable in the media. It was very eye-opening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway…it certainly helped having racing veteran Derek Daly on staff. Everything was fair game at the track. Whether it was in the garages, pits or drivers…everybody was fairly open. And I appreciated that.

Then at the opposite end of the spectrum is the Indianapolis Colts. Bill Polian has a way of doing things and he doesn’t want anyone in his way. Therefore the news stations and newspapers were only allowed to shoot video and pictures during stretching. What good is that? It’s not only frustrating, but it hurts the fans at home—keeping them from seeing an amazing catch or one of the best quarterbacks of all time at work.

Mike Newton, a rookie out of Buffalo had three interceptions in the first intersquad scrimmage. In the media, stations often share video/pictures etc to make things easier. Televisions stations mainly share stuff with “sister stations.” Meanwhile, the Buffalo CBS affiliate calls and asks for highlights of Newton and hopefully his interceptions. I sadly had to inform them of the restrictions the Colts placed on the media—not showing those highlights here in Indy and in Buffalo is a disappointment to the stations and the fans. Every team has a way of doing things…so it is only right to embrace them and do the best we can.

One of the best part of the internship was interacting with athletes, drivers and teams off the record. These guys have so much to say and don’t mind doing so—once the microphone is turned off of course. Whether it was at the Indianapolis 500 or Colts camp, lots of interesting conversations sparked up.

Although I prefer sports play-by-play, this past summer I had a blast at WISH-TV learning a whole new aspect to sports broadcasting. The people are the best and make everyday even better.

Where to next? I’m not sure. After two great experiences at ESPN 1070 The Fan and WISH-TV, I just hope my luck continues…

–To see some of my work this summer, click the “Video Resume” tab above.