Chris Darché interacts with Zach Cannady, his interview subject, for the 2022 NPR Next Generation program. (Photo by Natalie Van Hoozer)
I was chosen to participate in the NPR Next Generation Radio Program. It was quite an experience because I had the chance to produce a journalistic piece that will become a multimedia web story.
I learned so much from my mentor, Natalie Van Hoozer. I learned the correct way to interview as well as how to juggle a plethora of equipment at one time! When the week began, I was scared because I am a shy person. I also fell ill but I overcame the sickness and went out to interview Zach Cannady, a farmer who lives 12 miles north of Reno, Nevada. Once the interview started and I began recording ambient sound, I became more comfortable around Zach. I started to ask questions. When we began recording, we started out in a greenhouse. Eventually, we moved outside where we completed the interview. I was lucky enough to have my mentor help me when I was asking questions and taking photos.
I got to know the other students as well as mentors. I also had the opportunity to work with Doug Mitchel and Traci Tong. Traci was extremely helpful with each edit and provided me with advice on how to create an exceptional multimedia piece.
When I first started the media innovation program at the University of Nevada, Reno, I was unsure if I had the chops to work as a journalist. This program taught me that I can work in journalism.
