Good luck spring producers!

First and foremost, I'm so glad that I took producing during my final semester at USC.  Even though the class was overwhelming at first, I'm so proud of the work that I've accomplished throughout the semester.  Additionally, I couldn't have asked for a better last show for Monday.  We were able to cover breaking news about USC's newest head football coach, Steve Sarkisian.  

At the beginning of the semester, I wish I had known how to manage my time and organize stories among MJs, reporters, and anchors. I learned quickly that you have to set a timeline for yourself throughout the day.  Therefore, it is important that you give MJs/reporters/anchors a time they should be back in the newsroom to write their story.  Additionally, I found that keeping a list of which stories MJs are working on and another list of interviews that we have scheduled for the day, kept me organized. 

Another tip I would recommend for future producers is preparing and familiarizing yourself with stories the night before the newscast.  Start researching and calling/e-mailing possible interviewees as soon as possible.  This way, reporters/MJs won't have to waste time trying to set up interviews with people during their shifts.  Also, if there is an event that you want to cover that begins before the morning meeting, be sure to contact a reporter/MJ the night before the newscast.  By assigning the story to them the night before, you won't have to scramble to find someone to cover the event in the morning.  

Overall, I've been able to grow and learn so much from working as a producer this semester.  Initially, I was nervous to be put on the two-person producing team.  However, now I'm glad that it was just Steven and me working on Mondays.  We learned how to communicate well with each other and work together to put on a great newscast each week.  Since it was just the two of us, it was easier to work together to complete tasks.  

Good luck spring producers!  It's going to be one crazy semester!