News Radio KMAN
Where Was I?
In the summer of 2023, I interned with News Radio KMAN at Manhattan Broadcasting. KMAN covers local news and events in the community. They may also cover state or international news stories if they are relevant to Manhattan readers.
What was my role?
Since news is 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 find two or 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 sound bites, and there are 2 to 3 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 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 were 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 I got into the office, there were audio files waiting for me to convert into broadcast scripts for airplay.
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I did about 4-6 files 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 rotated with the other part-timers to voice the overnight news and weather updates.
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On Sundays, I´m was in charge of broadcasting a church service and making sure everything is running smoothly.
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After the service, I usually did overnights and any remaining work from weekend events.
Out- Of-Office
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There were usually events on weekends that I was sent to cover.
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I usually stayed the entirety of the event, took a couple of pictures, and interviewed 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 approach people and ask for an interview, but I´ve found it very rewarding.
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*Everyone has a story, and I always appreciate them sharing with me. Plus, they get so excited when I tell them their voice will be on the radio!
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After an event, I would go back to the office the same day or the next day. I wrote 2-3 broadcast stories to be aired first thing Monday. I also wrote an online version of the story to be published on the KMAN website.
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I have 5 stories posted on the website!
Personal Reflection
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I was with KMAN for the summer of 2023, and it was honestly a very rewarding experience. I was initially hesitant because an in-state internship wasn´t what I wanted. I think the universe had other plans for me, and starting in a much smaller place than I initially wanted has been a great way to dip my toes into the business.
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I really liked working at KMAN. Everybody was so nice and willing to help and interact with me, even if they're not in the news department. Brandon was a great mentor. He was very willing to help and give me feedback in a way that felt constructive.
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I really enjoyed the work I did. As I mentioned before, writing is something I´m very passionate about, and I did plenty of that! I wasn´t particularly interested in the news at the beginning, since my focus is more on modern culture and international business. However, going to these local events, talking to people, and seeing the community engage has been very fulfilling.
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While finding a job in a bigger city and traveling for work are still on my bucket list, I´ve realized the comforts of working locally. I´ve met awesome people who make great things happen for the Manhattan community. I enjoy listening to their stories and the ¨why¨ behind their work.
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Overall, it was a wonderful and fulfilling experience that will help me throughout the rest of my journalistic and media career.
