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Interns work in a newsroom setting and rotate every four weeks with the professional press secretaries, all of whom have different specialties. This allows interns to work in public relations, e-communications, videography and radio. The teams also photograph Senate sessions and stream the committee meetings on the Internet.
March 9, 2010
Final reflections:
We finally ended session late on Friday, March 5, around 12:30 a.m. Surprisingly, work was much slower this week than I anticipated. Because it was the last week, I expected to have a never-ending pile of press releases and e-newsletters to work on when in fact, I had only a handful of each to work on throughout the week. I think the senators and staff members were slowing down all week in preparation for the end of session.
Of course, the last day was as hectic as I expected. We began the day working on releases and video interviews. I was assigned to photograph the last day of session, which was a good experience because many news photographers came for the last day of session. Once again, I found myself in the midst of journalists and it was great to see how they all worked together to capture good photos while making sure other photographers had the same chance.
As I reflect back on my internship, I can’t help but think of it as a whirlwind. It seems like the first day of session was yesterday. I am walking away with a new found respect for public relations, which is every bit as important as news reporting. I’m not sure if I’ll work in public relations again, but I know that PR people must have the same kind of research and communication skills to succeed as good journalists. I also know that their mission is the same –to inform people. Without them, journalists would not have the wealth of information they do on important topics.
And last, I have learned a lot about myself during this internship. I had days when I received a lot of praise and felt good about my achievements. These days were encouraging and helped keep me motivated to do a good job each day. But it was the moments of insecurity and fear during my internship that helped me in deeper ways. Ultimately, I am more grateful for these moments of insecurity because they gave me the chance to learn from my mistakes, learn about myself and grow from it all.
And last, I have learned a lot about myself during this internship. I had days when I received a lot of praise and felt good about my achievements. These days were encouraging and helped keep me motivated to do a good job each day. But it was the moments of insecurity and fear during my internship that helped me in deeper ways. Ultimately, I am more grateful for these moments of insecurity because they gave me the chance to learn from my mistakes, learn about myself and grow from it all.
Feb. 26, 2010
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| Courtesy photo |
| Kohli learned to move in for good photos and found professionals moved aside to give everyone a chance. |
The sudden decision caught most of us off guard. Journalists and photographers in the Statehouse began working to break the story, which was fascinating because of the partisan split caused by the event. For the most part, government officials work hard to compromise on their views but sometimes political parties do cause rifts.
As soon as this happened, the press secretaries in my office began calling the major media outlets immediately to inform them about a press conference happening that night. It was already late at night, so the press conference did not last long. But observing the press secretaries snap into action, making endless phone calls and preparing for a conference to improve the situation, was a learning experience. By watching this process, I learned just how much news can’t be planned. Often things happen that surprise everyone and people in the media must be prepared for it anytime.
I am grateful that I could experience such an event and help in any way I could. On Friday, multiple press conferences were held at the Statehouse for government officials to address the situation. In the morning, we all pitched in to help prepare for one of the press conferences where three state senators talked to the media about their commitment to negotiating.
I photographed the conference, which was a unique experience because most attendees were reporters. As a member of the Senate’s communications team, I work on the public relations side. I tried to stay back because I wanted to make sure the reporters could take good photos, but as I inched forward one of the reporters tapped my shoulder and told me was OK and that I should just move forward. Initially, I felt uncomfortable about pushing forward in front of other journalists to capture good shots, but most moved out of the way to allow everyone to take turns taking good photos.
I was relieved to see that the reporters didn’t seem to have any problems with members of the public relations team. I’ve often heard about the rift between journalists and public relation people, but I’m not sure how much truth there is to it. It seems like working in the media, either as a reporter or a PR specialist, provides enough common ground for both sides. The mission boils down to the same thing –to communicate important information to people.
I am grateful that I could experience such an event and help in any way I could. On Friday, multiple press conferences were held at the Statehouse for government officials to address the situation. In the morning, we all pitched in to help prepare for one of the press conferences where three state senators talked to the media about their commitment to negotiating.
I photographed the conference, which was a unique experience because most attendees were reporters. As a member of the Senate’s communications team, I work on the public relations side. I tried to stay back because I wanted to make sure the reporters could take good photos, but as I inched forward one of the reporters tapped my shoulder and told me was OK and that I should just move forward. Initially, I felt uncomfortable about pushing forward in front of other journalists to capture good shots, but most moved out of the way to allow everyone to take turns taking good photos.
I was relieved to see that the reporters didn’t seem to have any problems with members of the public relations team. I’ve often heard about the rift between journalists and public relation people, but I’m not sure how much truth there is to it. It seems like working in the media, either as a reporter or a PR specialist, provides enough common ground for both sides. The mission boils down to the same thing –to communicate important information to people.
Feb. 26, 2010
Early in the week, I finished a few press releases for senators whose bills were combined with bills from the House of Representatives. One House bill, for example, included language from two of a senator’s key bills. The first one covered redistricting the state and the second one proposed updating local government. Both topics addressed such complicated and broad issues that boiling them down into one press release was very difficult.
In addition to deciding how to weed out pages of information to just one page, I also had to think about the best way to present and prioritize the information I chose to include in the release. After I finished, I edited the release for almost an hour with my supervisor. I definitely learned a lot in the process.
As I worked on e-newsletters this week to send from the state senators to their constituents, I noticed that we were covering lighter topics that weren’t necessarily about legislation. For example, a few legislators sent out releases encouraging people in Indiana to work for the Census. Another couple senators sent out e-newsletters informing their constituents about an upcoming job fair. I talked with one of the press secretaries about the e-newsletters, and he said that e-newsletters should be more personal. He said that they should mirror an e-mail from a friend or family member. Obama’s e-newsletters, for example, are frequently sent a few times a week and the language is often informal. I thought this was an interesting approach to merging public relations with the Internet.
Interestingly, I worked on a couple other releases this week that I saw the anchors repeat on the local news. They repeated them close to word-for-word, which made me realize the importance of public relations. Despite their bad reputation, people who work in public relations provide relevant information to journalists. Often, they can fill in important blanks. For instance, Indiana has 50 state senators who can each work on over 30 bills each session. Journalists simply cannot be knowledgeable enough about every bill to report on it, which is where people in public relations can play a helpful role. While I may not choose public relations as my career path, I appreciate their contributions and insight more and more.
Interestingly, I worked on a couple other releases this week that I saw the anchors repeat on the local news. They repeated them close to word-for-word, which made me realize the importance of public relations. Despite their bad reputation, people who work in public relations provide relevant information to journalists. Often, they can fill in important blanks. For instance, Indiana has 50 state senators who can each work on over 30 bills each session. Journalists simply cannot be knowledgeable enough about every bill to report on it, which is where people in public relations can play a helpful role. While I may not choose public relations as my career path, I appreciate their contributions and insight more and more.
Feb. 19, 2010
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I also worked on more press releases this week. One senator wanted to combine all his bills into one press release and take the angle that all his legislation is moving forward in the House. I sent out releases to media outlets as well, which I had never done before. It was my first time e-mailing the releases to newspapers, and I’m glad I learned the process.
On Thursday, I worked on e-newsletters for Indianapolis senators encouraging people to work for the Census Bureau. I also tracked down the senators to see if they wanted to send them out from their e-mail list serves. This was another great learning experience, because I got to discuss my work directly with the senators. I also learned how difficult it is to track down senators!
An interesting point about bills I’ve learned this week is that many Senate bills are combined with similar House bills to increase the likelihood that both will get passed. For example, a senator who thinks his or her bill won’t make it through the House can include their bill as an amendment in another bill. This is another important element of the legislation process that journalists and other people in media must be aware of.
It was another hectic week at the Statehouse. Despite working here for a couple months, I still learn new things each week.
On Thursday, I worked on e-newsletters for Indianapolis senators encouraging people to work for the Census Bureau. I also tracked down the senators to see if they wanted to send them out from their e-mail list serves. This was another great learning experience, because I got to discuss my work directly with the senators. I also learned how difficult it is to track down senators!
An interesting point about bills I’ve learned this week is that many Senate bills are combined with similar House bills to increase the likelihood that both will get passed. For example, a senator who thinks his or her bill won’t make it through the House can include their bill as an amendment in another bill. This is another important element of the legislation process that journalists and other people in media must be aware of.
It was another hectic week at the Statehouse. Despite working here for a couple months, I still learn new things each week.
Feb. 12, 2010
This week marks the turning point for the Senate because all the bills that began in the Senate and passed moved to the House of Representatives for consideration. Likewise, the bills that began in the House are now being heard at the Senate. When I streamed committee meetings for the Internet this week, it was neat to see the House members attend the Senate committee meetings to present their bills. The discussions also lasted longer because many of the Senate members were less familiar with the House bills, which sparked more debate and generated more questions.
At one committee meeting, a House member presented his bill to lower the acceptable Advanced Placement exam grade to three for Indiana public universities and colleges. The senators had many questions about the issue, and it was remarkable to see just how rigorous the process is for a bill to get passed. Not only must bills pass through multiple committee and other meetings by vote, they go through the exact process in a second House.
As a student journalist, I understand what it takes to report on politics and policy-making. The legislative process is extensive and involved, with each step offering new challenges for lawmakers to pass their bills. Journalists must know the process thoroughly, as a bill moves from committee to committee and from house to house. More than knowing the process, they have to simplify it so that readers can understand what is going on with their local, state or federal governments. I have more respect for journalists who cover politics after seeing the amount of time and energy they devote to understanding and reporting on the legislative process.
As a student journalist, I understand what it takes to report on politics and policy-making. The legislative process is extensive and involved, with each step offering new challenges for lawmakers to pass their bills. Journalists must know the process thoroughly, as a bill moves from committee to committee and from house to house. More than knowing the process, they have to simplify it so that readers can understand what is going on with their local, state or federal governments. I have more respect for journalists who cover politics after seeing the amount of time and energy they devote to understanding and reporting on the legislative process.
Feb. 4, 2010
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| Courtesy photo |
| Risha Kohli, front left, with other interns at the General Assembly. |
Around the middle of the week, we began preparing halftime reports to send out from each state senator. The report summarized what bills have passed and touched on important topics they are still working on, such as jobs and property tax caps. I worked on designing the e-newsletter for the reports.
I am learning what journalists mean when they say you must be a "jack-of-all-trades" reporter. Each press secretary works on writing releases, editing radio feeds and designing online layouts. While they each have a specialty, they still know how to complete the other tasks and often make decisions on what’s the best approach to delivering information (through an online newsletter, or a print press release or another form of multimedia). I’m grateful to learn about each method of news delivery and the benefits and disadvantages of them.
I am learning what journalists mean when they say you must be a "jack-of-all-trades" reporter. Each press secretary works on writing releases, editing radio feeds and designing online layouts. While they each have a specialty, they still know how to complete the other tasks and often make decisions on what’s the best approach to delivering information (through an online newsletter, or a print press release or another form of multimedia). I’m grateful to learn about each method of news delivery and the benefits and disadvantages of them.
Jan. 30, 2010
This was another busy week at the Senate. Because Indiana has a short session this year that will last only until March 15, the senators and other staff members are in a constant rush to draft bills, hear them in meetings and take care of other important tasks. We start working at 8:30 and sometimes we don’t go home until 8 or 9.
The exposure I’m getting to fast-paced environment is invaluable. During the first couple weeks, we worked until around 5:30 and I was exhausted by the end of the day. Usually I would strain to think clearly when I had to write a press release at the end of the day. But now, I am used to working until at least 6. I can also stay focused throughout the day, which is especially helpful when I have to write releases.
On Friday, the interns visited the set of the political talk show, Week In Review. We watched the taping, which involved five panelists discussing statewide political issues from that week. The panelists were outspoken about their party affiliation, and one of the panelists was apparently a former journalist. This was a neat field trip, especially for me, because it was related to communications.
Another long week at the Senate, but I’m grateful for how prepared I am and I am confident of my ability to succeed in a fast-paced atmosphere.
On Friday, the interns visited the set of the political talk show, Week In Review. We watched the taping, which involved five panelists discussing statewide political issues from that week. The panelists were outspoken about their party affiliation, and one of the panelists was apparently a former journalist. This was a neat field trip, especially for me, because it was related to communications.
Another long week at the Senate, but I’m grateful for how prepared I am and I am confident of my ability to succeed in a fast-paced atmosphere.
Jan. 20, 2010
Tuesday, I attended a press conference that a state senator and a House representative called about their resolution urging the federal government to drop mandates on federal funds. They wanted to restore state rights to Indiana because they felt the federal government was assuming too much control of how Indiana allocates its funds.
This was the first press conference I’ve ever attended, and it was fascinating. Citizens attended to show their support for the resolution, and press came from all over the state. The topic was also interesting. Afterwards, I helped the press secretary shoot a brief interview with the senator who called the press conference. Again, I wasn’t used to the public relations approach to this. Unlike news interviews I’ve shot in the past, the interviewee (in this case, the senator) arranged it ahead of time and we were shooting for good clips to send out to media outlets.
Wednesday, I streamed two committee meetings online. The morning one was the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor, when a senator presented his bill to strengthen penalties for crimes committed by illegal immigrants. The second committee meeting I streamed was for the Committee on Education and Career Development, which began at 2:30 and lasted until around 7:30. The members heard a bill that would require third graders to pass a reading abilities test by the end of the school year or else be held back. Because it was so controversial, many people attended and spoke in favor or in opposition of the bill. It was interesting to see that the senators on the committee seemed to vote according to their beliefs, not according to their political party. Although a Republican senator authored the bill, he had both support and opposition from both parties.
On Thursday, I attended my second press conference in the office of the Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett. He was talking about the education bill that requires third graders to pass the reading test before moving on to fourth grade. It was fascinating to see the friendly, informal relationship between Bennett and the reporters before and after the conference, but during the conference, the reporters were serious and even aggressive.
After that, the other interns in the communications office and I had an interesting conversation about the dynamic between the press and the government. We were taught to be cynical of government activity and legislation, but working for the government has given all of us a new appreciation for the work elected officials do.
On one hand, the government officials are well-intentioned and seem genuinely interested in drafting legislation to help people. On the other hand, we saw how reporters improve the work they do by constantly questioning and pushing issues further. At the press conference, they asked questions about clauses and other details of the bill that I did not think to ask. These were also questions that weren’t addressed or asked at the committee meeting for the bill.
This experience strengthened my appreciation for the media and its role as a watchdog. I learned that even though committee meetings are open to the public, sometimes it takes a reporter who is educated on how to read bills to ask tough and insightful questions. What’s more, people who attend committee meetings are usually there because they’re invested in a certain outcome of the bill. For all the other bills, people who work in the media can fill them in on what they missed.
I’ve learned a lot about how the press and the government function together and it’s one of the most insightful parts of my internship so far.
Wednesday, I streamed two committee meetings online. The morning one was the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor, when a senator presented his bill to strengthen penalties for crimes committed by illegal immigrants. The second committee meeting I streamed was for the Committee on Education and Career Development, which began at 2:30 and lasted until around 7:30. The members heard a bill that would require third graders to pass a reading abilities test by the end of the school year or else be held back. Because it was so controversial, many people attended and spoke in favor or in opposition of the bill. It was interesting to see that the senators on the committee seemed to vote according to their beliefs, not according to their political party. Although a Republican senator authored the bill, he had both support and opposition from both parties.
On Thursday, I attended my second press conference in the office of the Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett. He was talking about the education bill that requires third graders to pass the reading test before moving on to fourth grade. It was fascinating to see the friendly, informal relationship between Bennett and the reporters before and after the conference, but during the conference, the reporters were serious and even aggressive.
After that, the other interns in the communications office and I had an interesting conversation about the dynamic between the press and the government. We were taught to be cynical of government activity and legislation, but working for the government has given all of us a new appreciation for the work elected officials do.
On one hand, the government officials are well-intentioned and seem genuinely interested in drafting legislation to help people. On the other hand, we saw how reporters improve the work they do by constantly questioning and pushing issues further. At the press conference, they asked questions about clauses and other details of the bill that I did not think to ask. These were also questions that weren’t addressed or asked at the committee meeting for the bill.
This experience strengthened my appreciation for the media and its role as a watchdog. I learned that even though committee meetings are open to the public, sometimes it takes a reporter who is educated on how to read bills to ask tough and insightful questions. What’s more, people who attend committee meetings are usually there because they’re invested in a certain outcome of the bill. For all the other bills, people who work in the media can fill them in on what they missed.
I’ve learned a lot about how the press and the government function together and it’s one of the most insightful parts of my internship so far.
Jan. 17, 2010
With more committee meetings and more bills being heard, session is becoming more hectic. Early in the week, I worked on a few press releases for state senators. I also streamed a couple more committee meetings on the Web, which I’ve grown more comfortable with. It’s nice again to stream important meetings on the Web, because it gives in residents in Indiana a chance to watch bills being heard if they can’t attend the open meetings.
At the end of the week, I had to work on a radio podcast for the Senate Web site. We picked out three press releases that covered important bills that senators are trying to pass. I recorded the releases and edited the podcast with the press secretary. It’s been a great experience, because I’ve learned more about radio and podcasting during the last few weeks than during my classes. I’m grateful for the hands-on experience.
Next week, we rotate desks. I will move from radio to videography. I’m excited to see what videography will entail at the state Senate.
Next week, we rotate desks. I will move from radio to videography. I’m excited to see what videography will entail at the state Senate.
Jan. 11, 2010
On my first official day working in the communications office at the Indiana Senate, I began working on a press release for a senator’s bill to create a new license plate to benefit dairy farmers. The press release was more challenging than I expected because I’m used to writing news stories. In fact, this was the second press release I’ve ever written, and the first one I wrote for my interview for the internship.
My supervisor, Darrel, sat with me and we edited the release together. He gave me helpful advice, and I felt much more confident about my ability to write press releases after that. I learned how similar it is to writing a news story, especially in that the lead must catch and hold the reader’s attention.
The next day, I was assigned to cover a committee meeting. A committee meeting consists of a group of senators who discuss and vote on an assigned number of bills. The committee I covered that day was on pensions and labor. I had to stream the committee meeting online.
This was a great experience because I learned more directly how the Internet affects all forms of communication. By streaming the meetings, people from all over Indiana can watch as the senators discuss the bills and how they ultimately vote. These committee meetings are intended to be open to the public, and streaming them online opens the door between government and citizens even wider.
At the end of the week, I recorded a podcast that included three news releases for that week. We edited the release to be posted and sent out that day. The interns also had a chance to eat lunch with state treasurer Richard Mourdock. He talked about the economic recession and how his goals to help taxpayers in Indiana. His speech was passionate and his level of knowledge was inspiring. Regardless of whether we agreed with his policies, we could all see that he sincerely believed that what he was doing was right.
I have only worked with the Senate for one week, but I already feel as though I’ve accomplished many things. I learned about radio editing, public relations and local government. Working with people who are committed and passionate about what they do has been an inspiring experience so far, even though it’s only been one week.
The next day, I was assigned to cover a committee meeting. A committee meeting consists of a group of senators who discuss and vote on an assigned number of bills. The committee I covered that day was on pensions and labor. I had to stream the committee meeting online.
This was a great experience because I learned more directly how the Internet affects all forms of communication. By streaming the meetings, people from all over Indiana can watch as the senators discuss the bills and how they ultimately vote. These committee meetings are intended to be open to the public, and streaming them online opens the door between government and citizens even wider.
At the end of the week, I recorded a podcast that included three news releases for that week. We edited the release to be posted and sent out that day. The interns also had a chance to eat lunch with state treasurer Richard Mourdock. He talked about the economic recession and how his goals to help taxpayers in Indiana. His speech was passionate and his level of knowledge was inspiring. Regardless of whether we agreed with his policies, we could all see that he sincerely believed that what he was doing was right.
I have only worked with the Senate for one week, but I already feel as though I’ve accomplished many things. I learned about radio editing, public relations and local government. Working with people who are committed and passionate about what they do has been an inspiring experience so far, even though it’s only been one week.