Washington Semester Journalism students have busy the first two weeks of the term. In addition to lining up internships, students have toured the Newseum, the Library of Congress and the Capitol Building. Other highlights have included meeting with Wall Street Journal Assistant Bureau Chief Peter Landers and a session with Huffington Post Congressional Correspondent Ryan Grim in the briefing room of the Senate Press Gallery. Above, students are seen at the Library of Congress.
WSP Journalism student, Tara Nelson, writes a column for her home school paper about her experiences in Washington, DC. Nelson’s latest piece, A Beat Behind: The Washington Post, offers a unique look at the city, past and future.
On January 11, students participating in the Washington Semester Program gathered in AU’s Bender Arena for an internship bazaar. The bazaar, sponsored by the Semester program, brought in a multitude of groups and organizations ranging from the U.S. Department of Justice to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Students were advised to keep an open mind and not rule out any organization while browsing at the bazaar. Many students found this to be a great resource in their search for an internship and others gained valuable contacts and received advice on working in Washington, DC.
WSP journalism students got a rare opportunity to learn how reporters operate inside the Pentagon. Students toured the labyrinth U.S. military headquarters, met with Defense Department spokespersons, and spoke with print and broadcast reporters who cover military affairs. Above, students are seen in the Pentagon briefing room.
Gil Klein, former President of the National Press Club, meet with WJS students at the historic downtown Washington club that for decades has served as the backdrop for breaking stories and high-profile political news events. Students were regaled with stories from Klein, a longtime journalist, about the rich history of our field as well as the exciting future the profession holds with the current technological explosion.
WJS students were led on a tour of NBC-Washington by Senior Producer Murray Schweitzer. Highlights of the trip included a briefing by Station Manager Camille Edwards, and sitting in on the live broadcast of the morning news with anchors Joe Krebbs and Barbara Harrison.
WSP students sat in on the live broadcast of NBC’s Meet The Press on September 27. Afterward, they met with host David Gregory who discussed his approach to interviewing newsmakers.
WSP journalism students visited the Washington bureau of CBS News and met withSenior Producer Jim McGlinchy and Investigative Producer Laura Strickler. Afterward, they toured the iconic studio and learned the ins and outs of broadcast production.
On September 24, WSP journalism students witnessed a close contest between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. Before the game students met in the press box with representatives of the Nationals’ Media Relations/Communication team as well as reporters Craig Heist of WTOP Radio and Mark Zuckerman of the Washington Times.
CBS News legend Bob Schieffer spoke to Washington Journalism Semester students about his long and rich experiences in the field of broadcast media. His visit was definitely one of the highlights of our year so far. Nearly 100 students listened to riveting stories from this anchorman of CBS-TV’s Sunday morning show “Face the Nation”, and to hear Schieffer talk about his many years covering politics and presidents.
WTOP Radio National Security Correspondent J.J. Green met with Washington Semester journalism students. Green, a 2009 Edward R. Murrow Award winner, discussed his series, “Hidden Hunter,” about life aboard a U.S. nuclear submarine. He also told students about his ongoing research into global terrorist networks and their connections to organized drug smuggling.
Washington Semester journalism students met with S. Jacob Scherr, senior director of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Scheer discussed current environmental issues including the future of nuclear power and the “Cash for Clunkers” program.
Washington Semester students Anja Neumann, Abbey Lee and Grace Lawrence (left to right) attended the anti-tax Tea Party rally on Capitol Hill on Sept. 12. Protesters expressed their disapproval of proposals for health-care reform, big government and the President.
CNN’s senior White House correspondent Ed Henry spoke with Washington Semester students about what it takes to make it in the field of broadcast journalism. Above, Henry is seen with WSP journalism student Eico Schweins.
WSP journalism students met with Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism. Rosenstiel discussed his book, The Elements of Journalism, and the many challenges facing reporters.
