Why I Love My Dysfunctional ATVN Family
Being a team starts with the little things, like when Brad Streicher helps his fellow anchor, Pierce Larsen, with his tie.
These special moments when we take time to look out for each other go a long way and help "Team Monday" feel more like a family. Well, maybe we are a dysfunctional family that consumes far too much caffeine and acts increasingly crazier as we approach our deadline, but every family seems to have its quirks!
I am proud of our team's communal effort so far, but I think we can extend this powerful camaraderie to our morning editorial meeting. Regardless of whether we contribute to the "face" of the show as on-air talent or work behind the scenes, as what I like to call part of the "soul," we each have the power to significantly contribute to our show's content.
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It starts with the story pitches. Yes, sometimes it is a little nerve-racking to share a story idea in front of such a large group, but it is so important for everyone to be involved. This is our show. Use this opportunity as a safe space to voice the news that you care about covering. If our passion starts at this 8 a.m. collaborative meeting with ATVN, Annenberg Radio News and Neon Tommy, that energy will carry with us throughout the day. Next time you put your hand in at the end of the show to celebrate a job well done, don't you want to feel like you did your best to contribute?
Before Monday's show, I personally contacted our multimedia journalists and reporters to encourage them to pitch. It was great to hear from people who normally do not speak up. Let's take that one step further. The next time someone contributes an idea I want to ask that person what angle we should take and what he or she believes would make great sound and video. Sometimes we jump to move on to the next story idea without giving the person who pitched an opportunity to think critically about how to cover it.
We only have two shows left this semester, so let's make them count! From fixing ties to pitching stories, we can end ATVN 2014 on an amazing high note!
