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NAHJ Conference
5 students.
11 mentors and staff.
6 days.
Ft. Worth, Texas.
Wade Goodwyn
Wade has been an NPR reporter since 1991.
He worked his way into the building with a series of organized meetings with editors, and freelancing.
He recommends going out and "finding your voice" - who you are and what you want to say, and find a way to put it into your stories. Try to look at the big picture while doing stories, the national relevance to a local story about a nice organization doing nice things.
Wade says it took him 5 years to learn just the basics of becoming a radio reporter.
His first big break was when the ATF bureau raided a small religious cult outside of Waco, the Branch Davidians, beginning a 57-day siege. Wade took over for John Burnett.
Advice for the Next Generation
To become an NPR reporter, try to get on air as much as possible.
Don't keep things so specific that your pieces are dull. Have big ideas. Think scenes.
Like his recent BB King story - keep your mind open, be open to possibilities that come up.
How to do a story on deadline? Talk to as many people as you can, and soak up as much as you can, let it roil around inside, and ideas will begin to occur about how to frame the story. Try to write in a way that grabs you right off the bat. Stay away from AP style writing.
He never comes to an interview with questions. He listens to the subject, establishes a rapport, gets them to tell their story and rolls with it.
First you will please your editor. Eventually you will get to a place where you are writing for yourself, and your work will be better. Be gentle with yourselves in the meantime. Be patient.
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