LIVE - from Rose Hill: WFUV

The experience of working at WFUV is one that I could not get anywhere else. It has allowed me to work in a professional environment with incredibly talented people and artists. The music industry was always something that has interested me; now, to have the opportunity to work at a renowned radio station that is on the Rose Hill Campus is so exciting!

Shot taken at our front desk!

I personally work in the Engineering Department, which means that when artists come in to record live sessions, I set up the light and operate the cameras to film the live performances. From there, we edit the videos and publish them on YouTube. There are other people in the department that handle the soundboard and mixing the audio. So, if anyone wants to watch live performances from bands such as Mumford and Sons, Elle King or Kurt Vile, you can find them on YouTube. Or, you can work at the radio station and meet these artists for yourself!

WFUV Channel

Check out our YouTube Channel!

Written by: Michael Sperling

WFUV at SXSW

My badge, which I had to wear around
for access to many of the events!

During my sophomore year, I started working in the engineering department as a videographer, editor, & photographer at Fordham's radio station, WFUV.  This has, without a doubt, been one of my favorite parts of my time at Fordham, as I have learned a great deal and had some amazing experiences.  One of those took place this past March, when I traveled to Texas to work on FUV's video team at South by Southwest.

Each year, FUV sends members of its staff to Austin, Texas for South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual music conference/festival for emerging artists (as well as more established performers).  This year, I was lucky enough to spend my spring break as part of the team's video crew.

On two days, we worked from Hotel San Jose, filming exclusive performances with artists for our YouTube channel.  Natalie Prass, BØRNS, Seinabo Sey, Gengahr, Ibeyi, Ben Ottewell, and Heartless Bastards all came by to perform stripped back versions of their songs.  We scouted the property for visually interesting locations, working against some rainy weather and making quick location changes between artists.

Here's BORNS' performance of "10,000 Emerald Pools":

Our schedule for the
Public Radio Day Stage

Friday was spent in the Austin Convention Center (out of the rain!) at the Radio Day Stage for Public Radio Rocks, which featured six performances for a live audience and to be broadcast live on WFUV (as well as several other public radio stations around the country).  It was cool to see all the work that went into putting on such an event, as well as the actual execution of the six-hour event.

We spent the first half of the day filming each of these performances and the second half editing them so they could be published on YouTube.  It was a huge team effort to get everything shot, imported, edited, and uploaded within such a short amount of time!

Above is: "Heaven Sent"- a new song from Best Coast and one of our finished products from the Day Stage!

Despite the long days spent shooting videos and editing them, it was a great way to work on my video skills and learn more!  Attending SXSW with FUV was an awesome experience that I was so grateful to have during my time here at Fordham!

WFUv and Student Employment

This semester, I got the wonderful opportunity to start working for WFUV, the public radio station of Fordham University. It has been operating for more than 65 years and is completely commercial free and listener supported. WFUV plays an intricate mix of folk, classic rock, and alternative music, along with its partner station, The Alternate Side. They also host events, such as the upcoming FUV Dance Party, and has musicians come in for live sessions, many of which are available online as well. 

Not only does WFUV give us, and the tri-state area wonderful music all day long, but it also hires many of Fordham's students. They hire part-time employees and they also have a number of internships available for students, including news and sports. They host workshops for interested students and at the beginning of every fall semester the take applications for interns and student employees. 

This is such a wonderful opportunity for fordham students for so many reasons. Not only is it great work experience and resume material, but it is also a great way to learn and understand this industry. Often time when students are hired in one area, it is easy to rise through the ranks and work various different positions. It is also a great opportunity and stepping stone for other communications positions at radio stations, television stations, etc. Many Fordham/WFUV alums now work for various television stations all around the New York area, onscreen and off. 

This and many other wonderful job opportunities are available for students on campus, through the student employment office. Many students, as a part of their financial aid package receive a work study position on campus, such as desk assistants, event staff, or a library aide. Work study and other various jobs on campus can be a great opportunity for work experience, of course, but it is also just another to meet other incredibly intelligent and hardworking individuals in the Fordham community. 

Want to listen to WFUV and you live in the New York area? Tune to 90.7 FM! 

Student Spotlight: Danny Murphy

      Danny Murphy is a sophomore here at Fordham University. He is involved in tons of on-campus clubs and activities, and he also has an amazing internship with The Rachel Ray Show! Check out what he has to say about his many involvements and all the fun things he has done with his time in New York! 

Danny at a CAB event, and yes that is a real monkey!

Name: Danny Murphy 
Year: Sophomore 
Major: Communications and Media Studies 
Hometown: Cranford, New Jersey 
     
What made you choose Fordham?

If you’re like me, it’s hard to find out exactly where you to spend “the best four years of my life.” Do you want a city school or a nice campus? A liberal arts feel or specialized training for a career?  What’s better, an enrollment of 50,000 or 500? Luckily, when I found Fordham I realized that there was a way to have the best of both worlds. As someone who lives for the city, I still wanted a place to call home (and some grassy areas to Instagram). That’s why I’m at Rose Hill in the Bronx, it provides easy access to the other boroughs while also being a secluded home away from home.  Fordham gives me a campus where I feel comfortable, in addition to a curriculum where anyone can follow their passions—whether it be balancing equations in Chemistry lab or analyzing the symbolism in German films. Overall, Fordham seemed to be the perfect place for a student who is naturally curious with education and life to spend four years to transform into the person they want to be.

What are you involved in here at Fordham?

I’m an employee at WFUV Public Radio, an NPR affiliate right on campus and Campus Activities Board (CAB), which helps makes each year on campus fun for all students!

Danny hard at work at WFUV!

What are your favorite parts about WFUV and CAB?

WFUV is an amazing opportunity that I am grateful to have at Fordham. Not only do I gain professional work experience and networking, but both the full-time and student employees both make it a learning environment, bringing my education outside of the classroom. With CAB, I love being able to give back to the campus and students that make my time at Fordham so much fun: and even though not everyone loves a cupid throwing chocolate at them in the Cafeteria for a Valentine’s Day event, I certainly love doing it!

Tell us about your internship!

If you have a coffee addiction as strong as mine, you most likely have a ton of unplaced energy. There’s no better way to let that out than doing an internship (and don’t say ‘what about the gym?’ because internships are so much less sweaty). Two days a week I’m over at The Rachael Ray Show, assisting their Production, Script and Audience Department. One of the best things about Fordham’s NYC location is your ability to be an active intern during the Fall/Spring seasons (when most offices need extra help!). Internships are a great way to get a little taste of the real world, helping you realize what you might want to end up doing for a career. Luckily, Career Services takes the burden of paying for transportation out of the equation—giving free Ram Van passes (an intercampus shuttle) to unpaid interns!

What is the most exciting thing you have done since being here in New York?
My most exciting New York memory was probably last semester when I took a Shakespeare class. I know that sounds boring, BUT the class entailed going to see shows in lieu of meeting in a classroom for some lessons. It was so amazing to think to myself, “wow I’m eating dinner at a restaurant and then going to see an incredible play, for class.” Also, anytime Starbucks’ changes their drink flavors is pretty exciting for New Yorkers.


What would be your dream job after graduating from Fordham?
Ahh real world. No, I don’t want to be on the show, but I mean ahh entering the real world! My dream would be writing in any form, ideally on Television. Fordham has given me the chance to gain experience in TV and Radio, and I’d love to have a career that gives me the opportunity to share my thoughts with anyone who is in earshot. 

Any advice for high school juniors and seniors applying and deciding on where they will spend their next four years?
You’ve heard this a million times, but consider me a million and one: relax. You just have to be calm and think about what you want out of these four years, because they go by fast and you want to be in a place where you will thrive personally and academically! And don’t be afraid to ask questions: reach out to advisors, teachers, or anyone from the colleges you may be interested in! Enjoy the process, cause as long as you keep a positive outlook and are honest with yourself, you’ll be fine. 

Student Spotlight: Connor Ryan

photo courtesy of Elizabeth Zanghi, Ram photo editor

When I first met Connor Ryan three years ago at a production night for The Ram newspaper, I immediately thought him intelligent and personable, if somewhat quiet. Looking back on our initial encounters, I wonder how I missed the determination and passion for reporting glinting behind the lens of his thickly-rimmed glasses. During his time at Fordham, Connor has quickly risen up the ranks of The Ram, securing the editor-in-chief position as a second-semester sophomore, while simultaneously taking on multiple journalism internships and a job as news manager at WFUV, Fordham's NPR-affiliate radio station. Connor knows more about the world of journalism than anyone else I know at Fordham, so I couldn't wait to interview him!

Year: Junior

Major: Communication and Media Studies

Hometown: Darien, Conn.

Clubs/internships: Editor-in-Chief of The Fordham Ram, News Manager at WFUV (NPR-affiliate), Collegiate Correspondent for USA TODAY, News Intern at Newsday

What kinds of opportunities has Fordham afforded you that might not have been possible at another school?

When it comes to journalism, Fordham has provided me with strong academic training and incredible hands-on experiences — a necessary combination for anyone trying to break into the industry. The communication and media studies major offers a wide array of courses for students interested in studying journalism. And outside of the classroom, it’s easy to gain extracurricular experience whether it’s at The Ram, WFUV or Fordham Nightly News (the on-campus television channel). I feel lucky to be a student here.

How would you describe your experience serving as The Ram's editor-in-chief?

Working as editor-in-chief of The Ram has been — and always will be — one of the greatest honors of my life. Asking questions and exploring issues on campus on behalf of the student body is a great privilege, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Plus, most of my best friends at Fordham I’ve met at The Ram.

I know you are an avid tweeter and that a social media initiative was one of your primary focuses as EIC. Can you explain how you have seen social media change the world of journalism and communication, and talk a bit about what you think the future has in store for journalists?

It’s amazing to see the influence social media has had on the journalism industry. The first place I go when I wake up in the morning to get acquainted with the news and how people are reacting to it is Twitter. Social media has totally been a game-changer, but I’m just a kid, so it’s really all I’ve ever known. I think the role of social media will only grow to be larger in the future.

What is your favorite part of reporting for Fordham's radio station, WFUV?

The best part of reporting for WFUV is working beside reporters from The New York Times and NBC News at a Mayor Bloomberg press conference in Manhattan. I think the most effective way to learn about journalism is to actually get your hands dirty and begin producing work. And that field experience is held in high regard at WFUV. Students are given the same credentials major news organizations are given, we’re sent into the field to do our reporting and then a few hours later we’re on the radio delivering the news to hundreds of listeners. And because the station is affiliated with National Public Radio, we will occasionally file reports for national newscasts that are heard throughout the country. It’s incredible experience.

In addition, the mentorship at WFUV is simply unbeatable. Not only are George Bodarky (News Director) and Robin Shannon (Assistant News Director) tremendously talented journalists, but they are also some of the best teachers I have ever had. WFUV launched my career, and I’ll always be proud to say that.

If you could have any job in the world following your graduation from Fordham, what would it be?

My hope is that after graduation I’m still typing — ideally for a newspaper or news website in New York City.

Do you have any advice for the high school juniors and seniors currently applying to colleges who are aspiring journalists?

Plan ahead! When thinking about where to go to college, consider a variety of factors: academic programs, extracurricular offerings, geographic location, alumni network, etc. Look for nearby internship opportunities. Explore the websites of college newspapers. Look at the journalists that have graduated from the school. But ultimately, go where you think you’ll be happiest. I think it can be counterproductive to overanalyze the decision.

Be passionate, but keep and open mind. The journalism landscape is constantly evolving, and you’ll need to be fluent in a wide range of mediums and platforms — print, video, radio, web, social media, etc. — if you want to be successful. It’s true, the corners of journalism are folding onto each other, but don’t pay attention to the naysayers. The industry is alive and well — in fact, it needs you!

Be persistent and work hard.

Fordham students are doing amazing things. Stay tuned for next month's Student Spotlight!

The Music Experience at WFUV

For students interested in "the radio world," Fordham's NPR-affiliated station, WFUV, is the perfect place to learn about the ins and outs of the business right from the basement of the Keating Hall.

As a sophomore, I trained and interned in the engineering department and now serve as a videographer, photographer, and editor at the station.  If you're possibly interested in videography, audio engineering, or editing as either a career or a hobby, this is the perfect opportunity!  You get hands-on experience, training amongst and working with the many unique musicians that come to perform in WFUV's own Studio A.

One of the notable recent sessions was with the band Phoenix.  The excitement of all present, from the host to the band and all the people in between, created an amazing energy that could be felt throughout the studio before, during, and after the performance and interview.

After setting up lights and cameras, assigning positions, and coordinating angles, the video team was able to record the band's awesome performance.  After all the audio remixing and video editing were completed in the following weeks, this final product emerged, showing what all the hard work (and excitement!) created!  Check it out!

WFUV at Fordham!

WFUV 90.7, public radio brought to you by an eclectic cast of both professionals and Fordham students, has an illustrious history and a devoted fan base. Given its popularity and recognition within the industry, WFUV is a necessary stepping-stone for aspiring broadcasters, producers, and engineers. As a member of the WFUV Sports department, you will learn how to seamlessly manage demanding academic and work schedules, all for the sake of sports that you love. If it’s any consolation, you will have your share of fun…and the press credentials won’t hurt either.

No matter your interests or career goals, the WFUV Sports training program will introduce you to every aspect of sports radio. WFUV Sports alumni who have participated in our workshops (Chris Carrino and Mike Breen, among others) often cite that it was the breadth of training at WFUV that prepared them for professional broadcasting. As someone who as had both on-air and behind the scenes assignments, I have come to appreciate everyone's dedication and hard work. Most importantly, the training you'll receive at WFUV will translate to any newsroom or control room in the business.

After the one-year training program, many opportunities will be open to you. The key is to budget your time wisely and get as much experience as possible. If you like beat reporting, you will start out with a Fordham team and work your way up to the professional beats. If your dream is to do play-by-play or analysis, you will do a few demos and then have the opportunity to broadcast Fordham games. If you’re more of a behind-the-scenes person, you will start shadowing producers and engineers on One on One (our Saturday afternoon sports call-in show) and live Fordham games, before getting to work on these broadcasts yourself. And finally, you can try your hand at talk radio by hosting One on One. The most important thing is to watch and learn, listen and take notes. Everyone is willing to help and answer your questions, because we’ve all been there before.

This semester I began an internship at MSNBC with The Rachel Maddow Show. While going through the lengthy interview process at both NBC and other networks to which I applied, I was delighted to see how interested people were in hearing about my time at WFUV. Long story short, professional radio experience has been invaluable on my resume. Whether it’s professionally motivated or simply for fun, working for WFUV Sports will provide you with communications and technical skills that you can’t get anywhere else. And who knows? You might just be the next Vin Scully.

Living History: Election Night 2010

Sophomore Kevin Danielczyk seeks internships to bring his classroom experience to life. Most recently he played an integral role in ABC's and WFUV's election night coverage...read more at our New York Experience Blog

Kevin Danielczyk acts as Diane Sawyer's co-anchor during ABC's Election Night coverage rehearsals