Wednesday, February 25

Process memo- Profile Story

Interviewing Mike Parker, the voice of the Beavers, was an interesting choice for me. I had no idea what my focus would be, and so devised a plan to ask as many questions as possibly and see where that got me. I came to the conclusion, by the end of the interview that “living the dream” would be a focus I could springboard off of. I could use this as an inspirational piece for college students who are facing their futures in the here and now.
Talking with Mike on the phone was easy and he was willing to help in whatever way necessary for me to get my story. Having an existing relationship with his family made this easier, I am sure, but he is a rather accommodating, interested person all around. I was able to set up a meeting in Gill the morning of the OSU/Cal game during the basketball teams’ morning “shoot around.”
This way I could see him in his work environment, and he had no trouble discussing his daily game-day routine. Later, we went to a coffee shop he frequents and I was able to find out specific information I had an interest in knowing based questions I had previously developed, as well as new insight that came up while we were talking. After about a 1½ hour conversation, we went to his house and I was able to see his family.
Their interaction this particular day was interesting because while it was his daughters’ weekend and chance to relax from school, it was a workday for him. We all visited, watched some funny videos on youtube.com, and as I was about to leave, Mike asked if I were going to the game. I hadn’t planned on it, but after seeing behind-the-scenes action and hearing interviews with the coaches and players, I wanted the chance to finish gathering my story information.
He was able to get me a press pass into the game, which included a court side seat right behind Mike and the rest of the sportscasters we all know and love.

1 comment:

  1. You were fortunate to have a connection with Parker, but then you really made the most of it. Meeting with him twice shows good initiative. You obviously enjoyed this assignment, and it shows in what your wrote. Great planning and organization. Score: 11

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