News Radio KMAN
Where Was I?​
This summer I interned with News Radio KMAN at Manhattan Broadcasting. KMAN covers local news and events that happen within the community. They may also cover state or international news stories if they are relevant to Manhattan readers.
What was my role?
Since news are always changing, my weekly responsibilities varied depending on what was happening in town. On a regular working day, I´d go into the office and there would be two to three interview audio files waiting for me. From those interviews I´d pull a couple of 20-second soundbites and write broadcast stories. Each story usually has 2 soundbites, and there´ two to three stories per audio file. Sometimes I´ll be in charge of voicing the stories or the news cast for the day.
I was also in charge of producing a Sunday's service that airs at 11:30 a.m. After the service, I also voiced the overnight news and weather report.
Depending on what´s happening in town, I´ll be sent to cover an event. Events usually happen on weekends but there was a couple of weekday events as well. I would be sent to cover the event where I´d take pictures and interview people. Back in the office, I´d write a couple of broadcast stories and an online version for the website.
Projects and Events
In-Office
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Every day that I go into the office, there is audio files waiting for me to convert them into broadcast scripts with audio to be aired.
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I do about 4-6 every working day. I have written over 30 broadcast stories.
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*My writing is something I take pride in, so this part of the job has been one of my favorites!​
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I also rotate with the other part-timers to voice the overnight news and weather.
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On Sundays, I´m in charge of broadcasting a church service and make sure everything is running smoothly.
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After the service, I usually do overnights and any remaining work I have left from weekend events.
Out- Of-Office
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There are usually events happening during the weekends that I am sent to cover.
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I usually stay the entirety of the event, take a couple of pictures and interview at least 2 people. ​
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The events that I´ve covered so far are the Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest, the Juneteenth Unity Walk and the Mandela Washington Fellows.
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It´s a little scary to go up to people and ask for an interview, but I´ve found it to be very rewarding. ​
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*Everyone has a story and I always appreciate the, sharing with me. Plus, they get so excited when I tell them their voice will be on radio!
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After an event, I go back to the office that same day or the day after. I write 2-3 broadcast stories to be aired first thing Monday. I also write an online story version to be published in the KMAN website.
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I have 5 stories posted so far!​
Personal Reflection
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I have been with KMAN for about 5 weeks now and it has honestly been a very rewarding experience. I was a little hesitant at first because an in-state internship wasn´t what I wanted at first. I think the universe had other plans for me and starting at a much smaller place than what I initially wanted has been a great way to dip my feet in the business.
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I really like working at KMAN. Everybody is so nice and willing to help and interact with me even if they're not in the news department. Brandon has been a great mentor. He is very willing to help and gives me feedback in a way that doesn´t make me feel dumb.
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I also really enjoy the work I do. Like I mentioned before, writing is something I´m very passionate about and I do lots of it here! I wasn´t super interested in news at the beginning since my focus is more pop culture and international business. However, going to these local events, talking to people and being able to see the community engaging has been very fulfilling.
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While making it big and traveling the world for work is still in my bucket list, I´ve realized the comforts of working locally. I´ve met awesome people that make great things happen for the Manhattan community. I enjoy listening to their stories and the ¨why¨ behind their work.
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I was also invited to come back as a part-timer in the fall, which feels really good! I hope to continue to grow from this internship and polish my skillset for when I graduate and take on the world!
