Internship week

I’ve just finished a week of interning with The Courier Mail’s online team.

It’s been great seeing what’s happening currently with online, as well as hearing straight from the editor’s mouth what’s planned for the future.

I’ve learned a fair bit this week, and the following are links to things I’ve either ‘published’ to the website, been able to get my name on, or actually done myself.

Monday
I spent most of the day learning about the system used for getting content online.

Tuesday
On my second day I was sent out to the international airport for an interview (direct mp3 link) with Bronco’s coach Wayne Bennett as the team left for England and the World Club Challenge. I recorded the interview on an iPaq PDA, and then emailed it back to the office using the bluetooth connection to the mobile phone I had with me. Once it was done sending, the online editor was able to take it straight from his email. Before I was back from the airport, he was editing it on his computer and getting it online – all before the team’s plane left the ground.

Wednesday
I was able to use what I’d learned on Monday, and put a story about Matt Damon online. Keep in mind I didn’t actually write this story, just got it on the website.

Thursday
Another growing aspect of the online newsroom is video content. I went out on one story, and got an opportunity to do a voiceover for the 20-second video. That got my name on the end, and something for the portfolio!

Friday
Another fun thing was going out to help with some video on Friday. For a story to appear in this coming weekend’s motoring section, we went out to an old racetrack. The motor writer is currently test-driving a $300,000 Mercedes. The CLS 63 AGM. You know, not bad. It won’t be up till this Saturday, but you’ll get to see some video of the car screaming around the track. I won’t get my name on that one, but I’m not complaining!

Saturday
In making a show of commitment to the cause I went in on Saturday to do some more video shooting on my own. After a quick lesson in editing with Adobe Premier and uploading to the online media player on Friday, I was flying solo (mostly) on Saturday. I went into Chinatown to film some of the Chinese New Year celebrations and then got back to the office to edit and upload the final product. Since I did it on my own I got my name on the end, but it could have been a better job. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to get better with experience.

That was my week. The ABC Online internship was uncertain, so the plan is to continue going to The Courier Mail for one day per week throughout the semester. It’s a good time to be there and a part of it, so it’s worked out well.