Ann Arbor Radio: WTKA Sports Talk 1050 AM

During the 2012 Winter semester at OU, I interned for Ann Arbor Radio Group, primarily with their sports station WTKA Sports Talk 1050 AM. I worked as a studio intern, where I regularly edited and uploaded the daily podcasts for the premier show, “The Michigan Insider with Sam Webb and Ira Weintraub”. Both hosts are journalism guys who taught me a lot from in studio daily happenings to Michigan football sideline interviews and set ups.

This is one of the many ‘next-day promos’ I did during my internship for The Michigan Insider. This one dealt with Tiger’s opening day against the Boston Red Sox.

Another of many promos, this one shows more resemblance to most of the promos. The promo gives a short description of the next upcoming show and what it will feature. All editing and recording was done by my own self.

As of August 2012, Ann Arbor Radio brought me back in as a part-time board operator and promotions assistant. Many of these duties include some of the same as during the internship only with the addition of running the board on my own and leading interns myself in remote setups. This is considered my first official job in my career field. I left in December 2012 following graduation from Oakland University.

The Oakland Press

I began working at The Oakland Press as a Arts and Entertainment Features intern in May 2012, and worked as an intern unti September 2012. I was given the opportunity to cover a variety of events, ranging from profiling Broadway and Hollywood actors to covering local concert events.  I also experienced the hustle and bustle of a real-life newsroom and how to write feature articles for newspapers on a professional level. The following are clips of some articles I have written while interning at The Oakland Press.

Rochester Hills native David Havasi takes stage for ‘Xanadu’

This was the second article I wrote as an intern for The Oakland Press. The article was a profile on the Rochester Hills native, David Havasi, who went on to star in Broadway and traveling productions, as well as the  film “Producers”. The article talks about Havasi’s life as an actor and how he came to be an actor, while also coming full circle about his lead role as ‘Sonny Malone’ in the Meadow Brook Theatre’s performance of “Xanadu”.

Milford native ready to “Hit and Run” in new movie

In July, Dax Shepard returned to Oakland County to preview his new movie “Hit and Run” and speak with press about the movie and his career. I was able to view the movie at the Birmingham Palladium and the following day have a sit down interview with Shepard. The interview and eventual article discussed his acting career and growing up in the Metro Detroit area, as well as some heavy talk about his new movie, which he not only starred but also wrote and directed.

CONCERT REVIEW: Linkin Park drives ’em wild in Honda Civic Tour stop at The Palace

Gary Graff wrote this review for the Linkin Park and Incubus concert at The Palace of Auburn Hills. While I did not write anything for this concert review, I was given the opportunity to take photos for this review.

CONCERT REVIEW: Fans embrace Creed with open arms at Fillmore Detroit

This was my first concert review for The Oakland Press, and it introduced me to an entirely new realm of journalism I had yet to verse. I have since done numerous concert reviews for The Oakland Press, but this one stands out as important to add to the ‘clips’ list, since it will show how much I have learned from this point and forward.

CONCERT REVIEW: One Direction’s fans bring all energy at The Fox Theatre

This was my second concert review, and the only one I have written thusfar that has been completely negative.

Bob Seger’s son creates short film with friend

This article is about Christopher Cole Seger’s movie project with his friend, Jeremy Schecter. The movie is called ‘Threshold’ and is about an escaped convict who is schizophrenic and mute. The characters name is Connor and he is running from both his own demons and the ones really chasing him. Seger and Schecter describe how the idea for the movie came about, their plans for the film and production of it.

Waterford motorcycle shop lends Triumph to ‘Sparkle’

In this article, the newspaper decided to feature the motorcycle rented to filmmakers for Whitney Houston’s last project, “Sparkle.” The bike was rented out by a Waterford motorcycle shop and the business as well as the bike itself are featured.

Warped Tour’s move to Palace is positive, but not without problems

Warped Tour moved to The Palace of Auburn Hills for the 2012 edition of the event, a change from it’s recent home at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. The article discusses the negatives and positives of the move, with a bit on the bands performances.

CONCERT REVIEW: Riverfest celebrates Fourth of July with Death Cab, City and Colour

This is was the first concert review I did where I also took photos as well. Death Cab for Cutie and City & Colour celebrated the Fourth of July at Meadow Brook Music Festival, and the show was nearly flawless.