Taking part in a press conference

May 13th, 2009 Posted by amouhtouris2 in News Media | Post a Comment »

In the next few weeks, News Media students will be doing their assessment task – Attend a Press Conference.  

The first group of students will interview Dai Le - former ABC journalist, aspiring politician, Vietnamese refugee - on May 18.

 The second group will interview Tony Park - author, former journalist, former media adviser to NSW Premier Nick Greiner, former Major in the Australian Army Reserve – on June 16.

We’re grateful to Dai and Tony for agreeing to share their amazing experiences with students. Both are excellent examples of how passion and  commitment and perseverance can take you to fantastic places.

As part of the press conference activity, you’ll need to do some research and prepare questions. During the conference, you’ll ask questions, take accurate notes (including quotes) and identify a publication that might be interested in a story based upon this press conference. You’ll have to hand this in at the end of the session.

We’re baaack

April 26th, 2009 Posted by amouhtouris2 in News Media | Post a Comment »

Ok, so term 2 has hit us. I don’t know about you, but the holidays went far too quickly!

And now there’s lots to do between now and end of semester. 

TAFE work aside, it’s a good idea to start looking around for work experience. This can be difficult, especially the first call. How do you know who to contact?

Your teachers can help give you advice on how to make that first call, what to say, what to ask for, and what to do next.

It’s not easy “cold calling” potential employers, trust me, I know. You just have to do it.

Remember, we do say that ‘who you know’ is just about as important as ‘what you know’. Use your networks, your contacts.

Often people get jobs as a result of work experience. One of our 2008 students spent a lot of her free time doing work experience. And by the end of her course here, she applied for and was offered a job as a roving reporter for Cumberland Newspapers (Hi, B!) 

Those kinds of jobs don’t just pop up! She created this opportunity for herself, by getting out into the industry, seeing where she could make some impact, getting a good reputation, writing and working for free (getting her work published) and just being really keen.  

So think about where you want to be, and how you’re going to get there. And if you need help, simply ask us.

Last week of term 1 – but the work ain’t over yet

April 5th, 2009 Posted by amouhtouris2 in News Media | Post a Comment »

Yep, Easter’s approaching, and we’re all gearing up for a two week break from class.

The work, however, doesn’t stop, especially with assessments being due next term. If:
* you’re having difficulty keeping up
* you can’t manage the assessments
* you don’t know what to submit
* what the deadlines are
…then email or ask your teacher!

Believe it or now, we know that people have lots of stuff going on in their lives – work, children, parents, clubs to visit, music to listen to…

Remember, we do too, so in many instances we understand what you are facing.

In other words, come and talk to us or email us if you’re having problems.

You’ve chosen this course for a reason (let’s hope it’s not just to claim dole payments). So…Make sure you are getting what you want out of the course. The assessments are there to reinforce what you’ve learnt in class – they’re not there to make your life impossible!

Check out our new promo video

March 18th, 2009 Posted by amouhtouris2 in Radio | Post a Comment »

Click on the photo to check out our promo video

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Why students choose to join us

March 17th, 2009 Posted by amouhtouris2 in Students | Post a Comment »

There are any number of reasons why students choose to study news media. Some want to understand what it means to become a journalist, others want an entry into media or comms at uni. They also get different things out of the course. Their backgrounds vary, their ages vary, their intentions vary. Here’s a sample of what our current News Media intake thinks about studying at Petersham:

Andrew, 19: “ The best part about coming to TAFE is meeting new people and learning different aspects of the radio/journalism industry. My plan is to move from Certificate 4 to the diploma course for Communications and Media. After I successfully complete my TAFE years, I will then move on to further my education at University.”
 
Adele, 23 (a nurse): “I like the content of learning and the connection this course has with the news media world, and the sometimes heated discussions that some classes may produce. I like being able to feel part of the world and the media which consumes such a large part of everyone’s daily existence. The best part about coming to TAFE is the fact that most days I learn something completely new, whether it is something I learn from the teachers, the students or other forms of media which we are learning about on a daily basis.” 

Ben, 29:  “I feel like this course is completely tailored to all of my wants and needs in this industry.  I have so many options that have been opened since starting this course that I did not know were possible, that my plans are still undecided. My plans are definitely leaning towards the writing side of journalism, or in other facets where these can occur.”

Bridget, 18: “I want a career in the broadcast journalism industry. Either as a news reader at a local radio station, or a news program on Television.”

Hulya, 18: “I hope to succeed with the course, and gain skills that I will need to get into the writing industry. I hope one day to be a successful journalist, and that’s what I will continue to work on.”

 

The Media Centre blog is up and running

March 17th, 2009 Posted by amouhtouris2 in Uncategorized | Read Comments(1) or Post a Reply »

 Welcome to The Media Centre blog…let’s get this show on the  road.