@JoelECarlson – It’s time to par-tay with @Partray on today’s AM Twitterview. Let’s get things rolling!
@Partray – Good morning! I’m so excited to be a part of this!
Q – #1 So to start @Partray – Where did you grow up, and what were some of the steps you took to get where you are today?
A: I’m from StP. I always knew I wanted to work in TV, specifically @wcco. In HS, Darcy Pohland mentored me…
… and that eventually led to two internships. After college @ KU, I worked in KC for 2 yrs. 14 mos ago I came to @wcco.
Q – #2 The passing of Darcy must have been especially tough on you. My sympathies. :( So what is your role at @wcco?
A: I always called Darcy my guiding light, now she’s my guardian angel.
My role @wcco is morning producer. I write the 4:30 & 5 am newscasts. That means I pick, research & write all of the stories
I get to work at 10pm and don’t stop writing and researching until my show’s over at 6 am. It’s a crazy schedule, but its worth it.
Something I <3 is we use a lot of SM in our AM shows. It’s fantastic, bc our viewers get to be a part of the show.
Q – #3 About the 4:30am show, what prompted the creation of that program, and was it hard to get the “crew” to agree?
A: The 4:30 show was in the works before i moved to AMs (I used to produce the 10p ‘cast). Everyone was on board b/c there was a need…
.. for local news that early. The feedback we’ve recieved has been great. People love that we’re on when they’re up.
and, (here’s a secret) we’re all a little loopy @ 4:30 – so if you tune in, you don’t know what we’ll do next!
A really cool thing we do with the 4:30 show is called “Who’s up? What’s Up?”
We ask viewers to go to @wccowire and tell us what’s up.. then read it on TV. It lets us have a convo with viewers, which is great.
Q – #4 That’s great that you get some creative freedom. Probably get some “Sleepy Tweets” too. :) What drew you to news?
A: Like many in the media, I’m super curious & not shy. I’ve always wanted to know everything about everything.
I also think you can’t stop learning. And in the news, you’re constantly learning and exploring. Also, I get bored easily
.. there’s so much to absorb and so many directions you can go in. I literally do 5 things at once. But I like that.
Q – #5 How neat for you! Are you an AM person? Also, who are 10-15 people that you follow for learning, humor or inspiration?
A: I’m really a night person – but I guess at one point the PM becomes AM, right?? :o) the adjustment hasn’t been bad
Some people I <3 to follow: superrockstartastic coworker @ericamayer, @derusha is good for laughs & knowledge…
for news: @wccobreaking, @wcco (obvi), @mpr, @npr, @cnnbrk… for sports: @wccorosen, @perkatplay, @minnesotatwins
oops – I meant @derushaj! (lord knows Jason loves all the mentions he can get!!) ;o)
I honestly follow so many random people that i get a really great mix of news, sports, bloggers, casual tweeters, businesses & more
oh, and i love following @seanaskinner. He’s a photog at @wcco and has totally embraced SM – he sends out pics & story info.
Q – #6 Lots of good folks at @wcco. Now for the FAVS questions – Favorite: restaurant, store, summer activity & Nat news anchor?
A: yay! I’ve been thinking about my FAVS all morning! OK get ready…
burger: @bulldogNE. Restaurant: Champps in StP. Ice Cream: Grand ole Creamery. Store: toughie, depends on my mood.
Summer activity: #twins & @stpaulsaints games, bikes, lakes, anything outside! esp live music… Best local band: Root City Band
No true fav news anchor, I think @katiecouric does a great job, & I think Diane Sawyer is a good story teller too
But in town, I think @wcco has the best on air team by far. a ton of experience, knowledge & skill. I’ve always been impressed w/them
also, (quick plug, sry) the AM team @WCCO is GREAT on SM. We have the @wccowire, we tweet & use FB pages every AM.
AM Weather updates from @morningwxguy & latest on overnight news from @HollyWagnerWCCO. best way to know in the AM.
Q – #7 @KatieCouric uses Social Media well too. Do you see how news is delivered to be changing? No just info, but stories?
A: absolutely! SM is completely changing the way we get & deliver news. Everything is instant (re: @wccorosen & Favre)
that’s a cool think about @wcco. We use all SM so we can share what we know with everyone in their own language.
for instance, @derushaj tweets & blogs all day long so you’re constantly going along with him.. we use that same concept on @wccowire
@wccowire keeps you up to speed with stories as they develop & shows you the cool things we’re learning/seeing thru the day.
a lot of our reporters & photogs are SM users so it’s easy to
I think people expect their news right away & it does make our jobs a little more difficult, but hey, we want info RIGHT NOW too.
Also, SM lets us tell different stories differently. On TV you see the final product. with Twitter & wcco.com you get the latest..
.. so you can keep checking back for more. But it’s not as “final” as TV. But it’s give & take
There’s an art to TV storytelling. Pictures, sounds, writing – there’s a finesse you can’t get through web & 140 characters
Q – #8 BREAKING NEWS happens more frequently now due to cable & the internet. To end today – what goal or mantra can you share?
A: Fight the good fight (do what u believe in) & Keep learning & keep exploring. There’s a lot out there to discover
@JoelECarlson – Curiosity and being inquisitive can be good things! Thanks @Partray for your time and the work that you do. Have a GREAT weekend!
@Partray – Thanks you too, this has been a lot of fun! Enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather!!
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