Media Ramblings

Rambling About the Media and Using the Media to Ramble

Archive for new media

RedEye Article

January 6, 2009 at 10:03 pm · Filed under John Marshal, Loyola, Metromix, NIU, Redeye, career, chicago, education, industry, interview, jobs, law school, marketing, new media, online experience, opportunities, radio, social media, tv

So if you’re here after reading the article in Redeye, first let me say welcome and second, let me say I hope I came off well.  You never really know how you’re going to be portrayed in an interview until you actually see what is written so…fingers crossed.

If you’re wondering why I haven’t read it myself that is because it isn’t out yet.  I am writing this in anticipation of it being published and new people checking out my blog once it is available which I have been told will probably be Wednesday or Thursday of this week.

If you have no idea what i am talking about let me catch you up real quick.  I was contacted by Alexi Elejalde-Ruiz who writes for the RedEye (a free Chicago newspaper thingy put out by the Tribune Co.) about being interviewed for an article dealing with people looking for jobs and dealing with being laid off.  She found me via this blog and contacted me via email.  The interview was done on the phone and BAM, you’re caught up.  Go pick up a copy of the mag or check out their website http://redeye.chicagotribune.com/

Now, let me fill you in on what’s going on with me in case the article left some stuff out.  I have been in radio since graduating from Columbia College Chicago in 2002 and have worked at stations in Colorado (KKNN), Joliet (WLLI), Georgia (WIXV) and Chicago (WZZN, WTMX).  After being laid off due to budget cuts from WIXV in Savannah, Ga I have moved back home to Chicago with an eye towards the future.

I was accepted to Loyola for the MSIMC program (Masters of Science  in Integrated Marketing Communications) and have chosen to defer to the Fall in order to make sure I know all of my options before making a decision.  I also took the LSAT (Law School Acceptance Test) and recently received my score and yes, I am pleased with the result.

No, Harvard isn’t in my future but NIU or John Marshall might be a possibility.  I should find out if I am accepted to a law school in the next 4-6 weeks.

I am also working in radio again at The Mix (WTMX, 101.9 FM) in Chicago doing weekends and filling-in whenever I can.  I have to say that radio is my first love and I am very lucky to be able to work in Chicago at such a  great station.

The Mix has always been cool to me, has been around for a while and is always a top performer in the ratings which provides some comfort and a sense of stability in an otherwise volatile occupation.  You can listen live anytime at WTMX.com

I have to say that even though I am looking towards other careers, a full-time gig on the radio in an exciting market like Chicago would be a dream come true but it is somewhat rare to see a part-timer make the leap to full-time at the same station. I’ve seen it happen but I’ve seen it not happen more.

Who knows?  Time will tell if that is something that is available to me at some point or not and in the meantime I have to prepare for the possibility that it won’t be by exploring other opportunities. For now I am just enjoying whatever time I get on the air and being thankful to get it.

While I was in Savannah, Ga. doing radio I also hosted a couple TV shows on the local NBC affiliate WSAV, “The Savory Coast” and “Savannah Heat.”  I had a blast doing that and you can see clips of my hosting segments on my YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/lukewalkertv.

Recently, I have sent off some emails trying to get in touch with MetroMix to see if I can do some hosting stuff there.  I think it would be a great fit and hope to hear back but again, who knows?

Everything is a crap shoot.

If you happen to know of any interesting opportunities you think I may be a good fit for please don’t hesitate to contact me via email @ lucaswalkerhere@gmail.com

Thanks for checking out my blog and be sure to add me on Facebook if you want to know when I am on The Mix, I tend to let people know via status updates.

I am also on Twitter and LinkedIn so feel free to get in touch any way you prefer.  Links to all of those things are in the next column over.

Okay, enough about me, feel free to explore the rest of my blog too.  I have a lot of posts on here, including interviews of OTHER people so check it out and I’ll catch ya later.

**UPDATE**

Article is available to read now, check it out here.

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Twitter Helping During Hanna

September 1, 2008 at 11:35 pm · Filed under hurricane hanna, new media, online experience, opportunities, social media and tagged: , , , , , , , ,

A friend of mine, Barbara Nixon, messaged me today and suggested we set up a twitter account where we could update people on Hurricane Hanna as it relates to Savannah, Georgia.

Obviously I thought it was a great idea and set up twitter.com/savannahhanna

There are rumors of an evacuation starting as early as Wednesday so if nothing else this Twitter page will reflect some basic knowledge and updates that may reach a population of people not reached by traditional means. I have already had one person mention that they didn’t even know there was a threat until she read our Twitter page.

Please feel free to spread the word to anyone living in the Savannah, Georgia area and if you are curious to follow this social media outreach and contribute any news we may be missing please start following us here.

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A Glimpse of the Future?

August 27, 2008 at 1:10 am · Filed under new media, online experience, opportunities, politics, social media, tv and tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

I was inspired to write this post because I feel on some level I experienced the future of television tonight.

Most people understand that media is evolving rapidly and that television, along with other mediums, will have to change in some way to accommodate and adapt to the new media.

Sure there will be expansion with On Demand programming and eventually I believe you will be able to view whatever you want whenever you want.

However, television will need to be way more interactive in order to maintain it’s relevancy and fit into the new dialogue being propelled by social media.

The question is how will it do that?

Tonight I once again twittered with CNN Host Rick Sanchez on Twitter while watching the Democratic National Convention. Not only does he utilize Twitter to interact with viewers while he is on the air but he also does it when he is off the air and watching with the rest of us.

He expressed some opinions, others did the same and a real dialogue was expressed. Last night we discussed Michelle Obama’s speech:

“she may have actually raised the bar for her husband though luke, don’t you think?”

Tonight I made a suggestion regarding his use of Twitter and he let me know he would look into it with his producer, Chris, while giving me a nickname:

“chris and i will work this out tomorrow for sure, u got it luker.”

How cool is that?

So what does this do? I have seen the Rick Sanchez show on CNN before and never really made any connection with it. It wasn’t bad by any means but I didn’t feel any real bond with it. It was just another show to me.

So what has changed?

What is it now?

How has this little bit of interaction on Twitter changed my perception and awareness of the show?

It is perceived as current and able to communicate with me the way I prefer to communicate. I now feel like I have a connection with the show and have become aware of when it is on and feel like I should watch.

I feel like my opinions are valued and I know they are heard because I actually hear back. The host is now a Tweep (Twitter friend) and not just a talking head and the show has moved successfully from simply another dull and mundane monologue to an interesting, relevant and direct dialogue.

The means may change drastically in the years to come but the idea will remain the same: honestly connect and interact with your audience in the way they prefer to communicate. Social Media is making that easier than ever and shows that don’t utilize it are passing up a huge opportunity to expand and improve their brand along with their ratings.

Just wanted to take the opportunity to tip my hat to a mainstream show attempting to utilize the new and social media. I’ve learned to speak up and encourage good ideas when I see them.

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Media in 2020: Allie Osmar

August 24, 2008 at 6:14 pm · Filed under new media, newspapers, online experience, social media and tagged: , , , , , , , ,

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Today I interviewed Allie Osmar, a Social Media Analyst (cool job huh?) at Edelman Chicago, regarding Media in 2020. This is the second interview in the series and be sure to check out her blog and podcast at www.thecreativecareer.com

The interview was done on Skype and this is my first interview using that application. The audio sounds very “tinny” so I apologize upfront for the sound.

If anyone can shoot me some tips on making Skype sound better please don’t hesitate to send me an email or leave a comment.

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CNN Utilizing Social Networks LIVE

August 24, 2008 at 6:13 pm · Filed under new media, online experience, social media, tv and tagged: , , , , ,

I happened across Rick Sanchez on CNN last night and was surprised to find him discussing his Twitter page and asking for people to contribute to the discussion via their favorite social networks.  As the night went on he also utilized Facebook and provided links to other sites he is on.

At one point they showed a close up of his screen and there was my avatar!  Yea, I saw my Twitter tweet live on CNN.  Talk about interactive.  

The fun part of following him is that he also uses it when he isn’t on the air so after the show ended I discovered he went home and watched Silence of the Lambs before going to bed. Twitter really helps give insight into a person that you wouldn’t get otherwise and adds a certain something that makes watching a show more interesting.

I guess that is what social media does right? It makes things more interactive and personal.

Watching the MSM (main stream media) attempt to utilize the growing social networks and incorporate them into their established programing is interesting. It should definitely be done more often and odds are it will be if they want to remain as relevant as possible.

I have to give props to Sanchez, he is the first person I have noticed doing that on such a huge network.  You can join the conversation too.  Start following him @ twitter.com/ricksanchezcnn

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Vegas Skydive

August 17, 2008 at 12:50 am · Filed under new media, opportunities, sports, vacation and tagged: , , ,

This is a case of using the media to ramble instead of rambling about the media.  I just had to put the video of my first skydive experience up for all to see.  It was really cool, thanks to my brother for footing the bill.  It was a birthday gift.

Check it out:

Okay so I feel a little guilty about not referencing some media angle on this post so I will say that Vegas Extreme Skydiving (VES) is doing themselves a great service by offering the DVD’s to people.  Not only do they make sure to start the video with a good few seconds focused on their contact information but when I uploaded mine to YouTube I noticed a bunch of others from VES as well.

If you search for skydiving on YouTube you are bound to come across a few from VES and possibly be influenced to do your jump there.  I think they should even offer to upload your video to YouTube for you.  I’m sure some less computer savvy people would love to be able to embed their video on a blog or email a link to a friend without all the hassle of doing it themselves.

That way friends and family could see your jump immediately after your done instead of waiting for you to come around with your DVD.  

“Free YouTube upload with purchase of DVD!!”

Makes sense to me.

What do you think?

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Baracky II

August 15, 2008 at 10:21 am · Filed under new media, online experience, politics, social media and tagged: , , , , ,

There is no doubt that the Internet continues to increase its influence on all things including political campaigns and one of the most interesting ways is through original video content.  

The Internet gives people a chance to express themselves in ways that are impossible on main stream media channels.  A seven minute webisode may never see the light of day on prime time TV but it could receive over one million views on YouTube.

Check out one of the latest in the political viral video war:  

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Media in 2020 Q/A: Cara Carriveau

August 2, 2008 at 10:12 am · Filed under interview, new media, newspapers, online experience, social media and tagged: , , ,

In the coming days you will hopefully see more posts like this one.  I recently sent out a questionnaire to various people I find to be interesting, intelligent and curious about media.  

These questions were regarding the future of media in the year 2020.  As the answers come in they will be posted here so whenvever you see a blog title “Media in 2020 Q/A” that is what it’s all about.  

If you would like to participate shoot me an email and I will be in touch.

Here is the first one. Thanks Cara!

Cara Carriveau is a multi-media talent. Besides being the midday host on 101.9 fm The MIX in Chicago (one of my old stations),  Cara hosts two podcasts, provides blog content to a local TV station, interviews artists for “The Chicago Music Guide” and does various voiceovers such as the voice at Rosemont Theatre that welcomes you inside! 

Q: Do you feel that the way media is experienced by consumers will be totally unrecognizable in 2020 or do we just like to think the future holds secret advances that may or may not come about?  In other words, do you think there will be any real changes in media consumption in the next 11 years or just variations on a theme already utilized?  Will something jump out to us that we aren’t even thinking about yet? 

A:  A big change will be internet accessibility in moving vehicles.  Automobiles and all forms of mass transit will have it.  Advertisers will sponsor broadcasts on commuter trains, boats  &  planes and have a captive audience.  I can’t imagine people still going to stores like Blockbuster to rent movies.  It will all be digitally downloadable, even more convenient and affordable than it is today.  I’m sure there will be something new and incredible developed that I can’t even imagine.  Cell phones will surely be even more common and able to perform a wider variety of functions.

 

Q:  What does the newspaper of 2020 look like?

A:  There will be no such term as “newspaper” by then.  Because of the internet and environmental concerns newspapers will have gone the same way as the “8-track”.  I imagine by 2020 there will be light & affordable portable devices that most people will have with them on trains, etc, to read instead of an ink & paper newspaper.  I also imagine wifi access will widely accessible and free (likely paid by advertisers who will somehow get their logo and/or recorded message on everyone’s PDAs).

 

Q:  Will media be accessible in more places than today?  If so, where and how?

A:  Yes!  The internet will be standard in automobiles and all forms of mass transit.  It will also be standard in cell phones and common in several rooms of everyone’s home.  Café’s and other business will likely offer free wifi to keep customers, who will be accustomed to 24/7 internet access, happy.

 

Q:   In what ways will the Internet have changed in 2020?    Are laptops necessary?  Is WiFi an old technology?  What replaced it? 

A:  If I knew the answer then I’d develop the new technology myself & rake in the $!  I do think laptops will be necessary.

 

Q:  Can you imagine any new departments created at PR/Advertising/Marketing firms due to the changes in media delivery and consumption in the year 2020?  If so, what?

A:  If the internet is standard in all forms of transportation then there’s a whole new era of advertising and PR.  Especially in cars, where folks can’t necessarily look at an ad but they can hear…and even smell…it.  Maybe there’s a way for ads to become more interactive and more specifically hit a certain target.  For example: Macy’s buys ad time on a commuter train and I am exposed to an ad for womens clothes while the man behind me is exposed to an ad for mens cologne. 

 

Q:   Finally, if you could have one thing come about in the year 2020, media or otherwise, what would it be?

 A:  I’d like to see more advertiser-sponsorships enabling free access/enjoyment by the consumer.  Folks are sick of being nickeled & dimed to pay for wifi and internet access only to be besieged with all kinds of advertising (in emails, on blogs & websites, etc). 

   

 

 

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Can You Curl Up With a Kindle?

July 19, 2008 at 12:58 pm · Filed under new media and tagged: , , ,

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Okay so I’m not going to go thru all of the pros and cons of the Kindle reader being offered by Amazon.com because you’ve probably already heard them all but I wanted to ask you a couple of simple questions.  

Would you rather read a real book or a Kindle?  Will you purchase a Kindle?

I get the idea of the Kindle.  Obviously someone decided to make the iPod for books in hopes that it would be just as successful, but will it?  

Honestly, I don’t know.  

Initially I have a negative reaction, partly because the constant transformation of everything physical to digital makes me feel like I am in a Sci-Fi novel where people are constantly becoming less human and more machine.  On some level the Kindle makes me want to take up arms against “the machines!!!”  

Also, being raised by a mother who is a teacher and staunch proponent of reading books, I feel like “real books” are a part of who I am and to lose them is somehow losing a part of myself.

I know, I need therapy.

On the other hand it really does seem sort of cool.  It definitely saves space and you can download entire books wirelessly for a pretty cheap price.  Just think of all the benefits the iPod has when it comes to purchasing and transporting your music library and that is what the Kindle does with your books.  No need to list all of the positives one by one I think you get the idea.

Please take a moment to answer these poll questions:

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A Brave New Campaign

July 9, 2008 at 9:01 pm · Filed under history, new media, online experience, politics, social media and tagged: , , , , ,

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How are you connecting to your favorite presidential candidate?  Odds are you are doing it in ways you never have before.  Maybe you’re connected in the 1st degree on Linked IN.  Does he occupy the position of “Top Friend” on your Myspace page?  Are you a fan on Facebook or is he is just one of your many Twitter Tweeps?

Okay if you are totally lost, a little annoyed, and don’t know what the heck I am talking about you may be in need of a crash course in Social Media.  I know it sounds a little strange but it’s the way many people are connecting and gathering information online these days and it’s playing a very important role in this current Presidential election.

Social Media as defined in Wikipedia is “an umbrella term that defines the various activities that integrate technology, social interaction and the construction of words, pictures, audio and video” or as Marta Kagan puts is in her excellent slideshow, “Social Media is people having conversations online.”

Sounds simple enough right?  But these seemingly basic concepts are being used in ways they never have before.  They are reaching more people than ever, in more ways than ever and in doing so helping to decide a Presidential Election.

In order to be taken seriously a candidate must be able to effectively communicate their message utilizing the technology and media of the day.  In the past this meant manipulating the few powers that be in order to hopefully get your message portrayed fully and accurately to the people you want to reach.  

Not an easy task for even the most savvy of politicians.  

We don’t need to go any further than our experience with the game of Telephone back in the first grade to remind us that whenever a message is being delivered by someone other than the originator, the odds of it being delivered in tact go down as the number of people delivering it go up.  

Anyone else remember a sentence like “I am in the pool in the backyard” making its way thru a dozen or so 1st graders and ending up,  ”George ate a huge cookie in a barn?”  Not exactly accurate.

Today the message can come straight to you from the candidate bypassing all middlemen and daydreaming 1st graders.

Democratic candidate Barack Obama has been celebrated for his embracing of the Internet. Obama has a website that allows users to read his stance on issues in full, view videos of entire speeches, form and join groups, create and add to discussions, mobilize meetings and of course donate money.

However, with all the good comes all of the bad.  Just as the Internet can help communicate accurate information it can also be used to spread lies, rumors and falsehoods at a rate previously unseen.   

Obama has also utilized the new media to help fight any smear campaigns thrown his way by developing a site that debunks false rumors and attacks.

Republican candidate John McCain also has a site complete with a MySpace clone, “McCainSpace”, where his supporters and others can discuss issues and ideas as well.

But just having a website and a forum isn’t enough these days, you have to go where the people are and not just expect them to come to your site like a dog to a dinner dish.  Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Blogs and YouTube are some of the new hot spots of political campaigns, providing a middle ground where campaigns and voters can interact equally.

Social Media finally allows candidates the opportunity to communicate their message, their side of things, directly to the people in a non-intrusive, accurate and intimate way. Not only that, it’s allowing a dialogue between the campaign and the people that has the potential to be more direct and transparent than ever before.

There are pitfalls and hurdles to be sure.  Stances on issues are put online for all to see at anytime, gaffes and missteps will be played ad nauseum on YouTube and even a flip-phone can record a flip-flop.  There is no town too small, no speech too insignificant and seemingly no place to hide from the new and social media.

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