TV Evaluation

Broadcasting is a media platform that continues to grow. Because its visual, we naturally have a stronger attention from the viewer when compared to a newspaper; however, keeping that attention can be difficult. There are several strategies in making a broadcast news story successful. 

The content and kind of news being delivered is vital to having an interesting broadcast. Keiko Johnson from Tonight at Six is a behind the scenes journalist that puts together the set of stories that are to be aired. She has to gather the news and then decide which ones the audience will be most interested or involved in. Along with this vital content, the presentation of it matters just as much. 

Every good broadcast has a professional quality. The language is present, active, and polished. The b-roll is generally well done, too. Effective broadcasting requires quality work that is kept formal. However, there can be exceptions to this standard to keep the news lighter. 

The news can contain a lot of devastation and sad events. Many, at the end of their broadcasts, add what is called a “kicker,” which acts as a short, light story. Because news can be heavy and possibly dark, the ones that utilized this technique seemed more pleasant and balanced. 

There are a variety of factors that go into an effective, interesting broadcast news story. Critical news that appeals to a large audience is just as essential as quality, professional writing and video work. Balance is key, and kickers offer that, sometimes, comic relief that viewers value. 

Editorial Cartoon

Sports Story

Sandpoint volleyball girls are now preparing for state after their victory at districts last Saturday. Taking place in Sandpoint High School’s gym, Sandpoint dominated their two games against Moscow at the tri-match along with Lakeland. 

Coach Alsager shared that “the girls were excited to ‘cinch’ the play into state.” The team is continuing to practice and prepare for the state competition coming this Friday. Alsager has been challenging her team through advancing the plays, and extending the hours of practice in order to full prepare her players for a victory. 

“The teams at state are completely way better than Moscow, so we will have to play our very best and play as a team to place,” Coach Alsager said. 

Some of the scores at the matches for districts, 25-12, make Sandpoint out to be a large competitor for State. However, the team continues with their practices in order to meet the challenge of state. Just last year, Sandpoint was presented with the opportunity to compete at state after winning districts, and is now hoping to bring back the banner this time round.

“I am super excited for another shot at state this year, I think this would be the year to take home the state title and send our seniors with that legacy,” Taylor Martin, a junior player, said. 

The season is ending with four seniors, each desiring success. They also, recently, had their senior night where many spoke of their love for the game, as well as, regardless of the year’s outcome, they were happy to be have been part of such an amazing team. 

Come support the Bulldogs as they fight for the state title this Friday in Lake City. Sandpoint girls will be having their first game begins at 8. So, please come support those Bulldogs!

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Harry Potter Obituary

Harry James Potter died at the age of 97 this last Thursday, December 12, 2077. Having lived with his family in London for all of his life, he died in the comfort of his own bed. Doctors speculate the cause of being old age, or a possible collapse of the lungs. 

Potter was born July 31, 1980 to Lily and James Potter just outside of Bothale, London. Having been an only child, his parents were both murdered when Potter was at the mere age of 1. Lord Voldemort had killed them, and his attempt to kill young Potter failed, and ended up almost ending Voldemort’s life, for love had protected Potter. Raised by his aunt and her family, Potter stayed a humble servant to the family until he was invited to Hogwarts to be a full-time student. Celebrated as the TriWizard Tournament Champion and excellent quittage seeker, Potter also gained fame when he defeated Lord Voldemort in his final years at Hogwarts. After school, Potter, along with his closest friend, Ron Weasley, revolutionized the Auror Department with their skills and innovative magic. Working in close headquarters to them both, was Potter’s other closest friend, Hermoine Granger (Weasley’s wife), in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. 

Married to Ginny Weasley, Potter lives on with his child, Albus Potter, born May 2, 2008 in London. Albus Potter, married to Melissa Lovegood, now live in Cauldron Valley with Potter’s 5 grandchildren. Having been worried about his son’s magical instabilities and impairments, Potter spent extensive time aiding him in developing his magical skills. This soon sparked Potter to create an organization, now headed by Albus Potter, to help the magically challenged. The organization remains non-profit, and lives on as one of Potter’s greater contributions to the wizarding world. 

This coming Tuesday, December 17, 2077 will be the memorial service for Harry Potter. It will take place in The Ministry of Magic’s presidential room of requirement. His ashes will be cast out into the sea under the service of the Magically Deceased Department. After the ceremony, there will be a gathering at Hogwarts for friends and family to share a feast and share their relationships and experiences with Potter.  

If interested, donations will be accepted by P.I.M.C. (Potter’s Institution of the Magically Challenged) at the service. Harry Potter brought joy to all, and his accomplishments have made the wizarding world what it is today. A few hours before his passing, Ginny Potter tells us that his last words were, “Tell Albus to put young Milly in the first quittage class. There is nothing much more breathtaking than the world of magic, and the initial moment your body leaves the ground.”   

Special Interest Story

Brenden McCoy

Taking Sandpoint High by storm, Brenden McCoy presents himself as a double threat with his passion for music and martial arts. McCoy, a sophomore, already has several local musical performances under his black belt. 

Having studied Tae Kwan Doe for over 8 years, McCoy also teaches at the school through his own practices. When asked what his purpose for studying the art was, he immediately responded with “personal growth” as the sole motive. 

Determined to take his passion further, McCoy has participated in several tournaments and competitions to test his skills. This last year, he was awarded the silver medal for Montana State, and the gold 2 years previous at the same tournament. He has also been a multiple time national qualifier.

“Anyone can break one board, but with the right mindset, you can break 3 or 4,” McCoy said. 

McCoy claims he can break bricks with his head, and stacked boards. He then continued to describe how one does not need strength to break a board, but more of a confident mindset. Analyzing human’s natural tendencies, McCoy explained how everyone is held back and doesn’t have an adequate belief in their abilities, which is what stops them from breaking it. 

“We make a good team,” Nate Owen said. 

McCoy’s partner in music, Nate Owen, tells us that him and McCoy work well together, and have already performed several shows around Sandpoint. Both boys meet before school, during lunch, and after school in order to practice. 

Being a fan of Jimmy Hendrix, McCoy tries to incorporate both his and similar artists repertoire into their own personal sets. Most of their performances are done acoustically, but are generally covers of edgy rock socks originally performed electrically, giving them their “unique sound,” McCoy said. 

“There is no formula to being a musician,” McCoy said. 

Interested in making music a potential career, McCoy finds the music industry to be a challenge, but also his calling. Him and Nate plan on following their dreams, and continue practicing daily with occasional shows, too. 

Eager to give advice to aspiring musicians or those interested in diving into karate, McCoy explained how rewarding both pursuits truly are. However, he left with a warning. 

“If you have to think what do other people think about it, then you’re doing it for the wrong reasons,” McCoy said, “at some level, you have to know that you like what you do and love how you do it.”