Yesterday, after interviewing Esther, she asked me if we could speak "heart to heart." My camera was off, and her church's camera was rolling:
It's obvious Esther has very strong convictions--so strong, she is willing to tell someone, face-to-face, what she's really thinking.
After the interview, I left Strong City with a deep sense of awe at the human condition.
I wondered about Esther, and what it must have been like growing up within her church. She told me she's been with the Lord Our Righteousness Church since she was six. She turns 25 on Sunday. She's known the remote desert surrounding Strong City for many years, far away from tall buildings, paved roads, 7-11's, shopping malls and movie theaters.
Our lives completely different....
I grew up a latchkey kid, raised by hardworking parents. I had my daily dose of after-school specials, Nintendo, Slurpees, typical boyhood mischief and grass stains on my knees. I am the product of several public school systems. My life and beliefs influenced by my friends, teenage enemies and yearbook crushes.
Today I still play video games (I'm not ashamed), text message friends and family, watch rated R movies, and drive on the freeway daily.
I see Esther's world as foreign, different, incomprehensible--but it's her life and she was born into it, like I was, in mine.
I feel comfortable in my world as does she--and that's something I can relate to.
----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Esther Taken - The Day After
1:54pm: Esther tells me she "lost all respect" for me. See video here.
11:55: Video of Esther leaving Strong City here, thanks to Beyond90seconds.com
10:28 am: I'm in the KOB newsroom now. Looks like I will be using some of the interview I did with Esther today during a brief report. In that report, I'll be teasing the complete story for Sunday night.
Here's what I've done this morning to try and get more info:
I called the Union County Sheriff's Dept. A secretary says Sheriff Bill Spriggs will not return my call on the Ester Taken matter because he's been out of town and the office is swamped with work
I called Judge Paternoser's office in Raton. His assistant says the order to take Esther is sequestered. That means we will never know exactly what's in that order.
For now, I'll be logging my interview with Esther today and writing my report for broadcast on Sunday.
I've been told we will have a tease report on KOB-TV sometime today. I'll update when that will be here.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
11:55: Video of Esther leaving Strong City here, thanks to Beyond90seconds.com
10:28 am: I'm in the KOB newsroom now. Looks like I will be using some of the interview I did with Esther today during a brief report. In that report, I'll be teasing the complete story for Sunday night.
Here's what I've done this morning to try and get more info:
I called the Union County Sheriff's Dept. A secretary says Sheriff Bill Spriggs will not return my call on the Ester Taken matter because he's been out of town and the office is swamped with work
I called Judge Paternoser's office in Raton. His assistant says the order to take Esther is sequestered. That means we will never know exactly what's in that order.
For now, I'll be logging my interview with Esther today and writing my report for broadcast on Sunday.
I've been told we will have a tease report on KOB-TV sometime today. I'll update when that will be here.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Breaking: Fasting Bent Follower Taken by Deputies
*****BREAKING*****
12:59 am: Just concluded an audio interview with beyond90seconds.com. Hitting the sack after a 20 hour day. Expect complete coverage on this "Esther Taken" story today (Thursday) on KOB-TV.
12:09 am: From strongcity.info, a quote from Esther when deputies arrived:
The website says a video of deputies arriving and taking Esther will be posted in the morning.
11:46: As I wait for Mark Horner of Beyond90seconds.com to call me for our second Skype talk-back on this, I'll write a bit about my trip to Strong City today.
I met Esther just before noon at her home on the church's property. She looked pale and spoke very quietly and slowly. She looks skinnier compared to how she looked during Wayne Bent's trial last month. On her lap, she held a heating-pad. She told me she can't stay warm.
I asked her how she was feeling physically. She said her body is "holding up okay" but she's weak and can't lift things. She told me that God told her to fast and that she will not stop until Wayne Bent is released from prison.
11:19 pm: You can also read breaking coverage of this event at beyond90seconds.com.
10:49 pm: I'm in the KOB-TV newsroom gathering facts on a breaking story out of Strong City, near Clayton, NM where a woman known as Esther was taken by Union County Deputies against her will.
See post from Stroncity.info here.
Esther has claimed she's been fasting for the past month in protest of Wayne Bent's conviction and 10-year prison sentence.
Jeff Bent tells me over email Esther's sister arrived at Strong City this evening with an attorney and deputies. According to Bent, she had a court order. Bent says deputies would not disclose where they were taking Esther.
Today I interviewed Esther at Strong City and plan on reporting on this story on KOB-TV tomorrow morning.
Stand by for more updates via my twitter page (or see feed on right).
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
12:59 am: Just concluded an audio interview with beyond90seconds.com. Hitting the sack after a 20 hour day. Expect complete coverage on this "Esther Taken" story today (Thursday) on KOB-TV.
12:09 am: From strongcity.info, a quote from Esther when deputies arrived:
I’m not going with you because I want to. You are taking me against my will. I don’t want to go. I didn’t ask for this. I just want that to be very clear. Does everybody understand me?
The website says a video of deputies arriving and taking Esther will be posted in the morning.
11:46: As I wait for Mark Horner of Beyond90seconds.com to call me for our second Skype talk-back on this, I'll write a bit about my trip to Strong City today.
I met Esther just before noon at her home on the church's property. She looked pale and spoke very quietly and slowly. She looks skinnier compared to how she looked during Wayne Bent's trial last month. On her lap, she held a heating-pad. She told me she can't stay warm.
I asked her how she was feeling physically. She said her body is "holding up okay" but she's weak and can't lift things. She told me that God told her to fast and that she will not stop until Wayne Bent is released from prison.
11:19 pm: You can also read breaking coverage of this event at beyond90seconds.com.
10:49 pm: I'm in the KOB-TV newsroom gathering facts on a breaking story out of Strong City, near Clayton, NM where a woman known as Esther was taken by Union County Deputies against her will.
See post from Stroncity.info here.
Esther has claimed she's been fasting for the past month in protest of Wayne Bent's conviction and 10-year prison sentence.
Jeff Bent tells me over email Esther's sister arrived at Strong City this evening with an attorney and deputies. According to Bent, she had a court order. Bent says deputies would not disclose where they were taking Esther.
Today I interviewed Esther at Strong City and plan on reporting on this story on KOB-TV tomorrow morning.
Stand by for more updates via my twitter page (or see feed on right).
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
Webcast Fail in Santa Fe
The following post is my own opinion, and not that of KOB-TV, nor of its management and owner.
As you Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, text, email, chat and videoconference...ask yourself this: Does your lawmaker understand you? Or does your representative believe a "series of tubes" makes up the internet?
Up in Santa Fe it appears we have a case where a handful of elected officials are out-of-touch with some of their constituents who own these things called "computers."
At issue: a thing called "The Internet" and a very, very strange word called "webcasting."
Or perhaps I'm wrong, and they clearly understand the internet and are threatened by its potential to shine the light on their activities even more.
Over the past couple of weeks, video webcasting has become an issue at the Capitol. Steve Terrell, The New Mexico Independent, and Heath Haussamen have done a great job covering the issue.
To sum it up, most of the lawmakers want video webcasting of the session. In fact, they voted last year to buy cameras to broadcast this year's session on the net. But a handful of lawmakers took down the cameras, citing budget concerns.
Why is webcasting important? Here are some of the reasons why:
It's 2009
New Mexicans have computers (and they're represented by the legislature)
Open Government
Accessibility for people who can't travel to Santa Fe
The session IS PUBLIC
As Terrell reported, New Mexico continues to be one of only five states in the country that continues not to webcast its legislative sessions.
Today, Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones took it upon herself to webcast her own meeting when some lawmakers called on her to turn off the internet feed. She refused and put it on streaming video anyway.
House Speaker Ben Lujan didn't want the net broadcast, and criticized Arnold-Jones, according to this quote from the New Mexico Independent:
With all due respect Mr. Speaker, but it appears Rep. Arnold-Jones was more concerned about her constituents and the public rather than "her leadership" or with what you thought. Kudos to her.
Put up the cameras lawmakers. It's time to watch those who don't like to be watched.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
As you Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, text, email, chat and videoconference...ask yourself this: Does your lawmaker understand you? Or does your representative believe a "series of tubes" makes up the internet? Up in Santa Fe it appears we have a case where a handful of elected officials are out-of-touch with some of their constituents who own these things called "computers."
At issue: a thing called "The Internet" and a very, very strange word called "webcasting."
Or perhaps I'm wrong, and they clearly understand the internet and are threatened by its potential to shine the light on their activities even more.
Over the past couple of weeks, video webcasting has become an issue at the Capitol. Steve Terrell, The New Mexico Independent, and Heath Haussamen have done a great job covering the issue.
To sum it up, most of the lawmakers want video webcasting of the session. In fact, they voted last year to buy cameras to broadcast this year's session on the net. But a handful of lawmakers took down the cameras, citing budget concerns.
Why is webcasting important? Here are some of the reasons why:
It's 2009
New Mexicans have computers (and they're represented by the legislature)
Open Government
Accessibility for people who can't travel to Santa Fe
The session IS PUBLIC
As Terrell reported, New Mexico continues to be one of only five states in the country that continues not to webcast its legislative sessions.
Today, Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones took it upon herself to webcast her own meeting when some lawmakers called on her to turn off the internet feed. She refused and put it on streaming video anyway.
House Speaker Ben Lujan didn't want the net broadcast, and criticized Arnold-Jones, according to this quote from the New Mexico Independent:
“You have been here long enough to know that we have rules,” Lujan said. “It’s just unfortunate and a little surprising that you didn’t have the courtesy to even allow or even visit with the chairman of the committee or with myself or your leadership.”
With all due respect Mr. Speaker, but it appears Rep. Arnold-Jones was more concerned about her constituents and the public rather than "her leadership" or with what you thought. Kudos to her.
Put up the cameras lawmakers. It's time to watch those who don't like to be watched.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Day 3 - Las Vegas Hearing
1:52: Live blogging on this also on KOB's website. Attorney(s) still going up to podium trying to get some charges dismissed based on conflicting witness testimony.
1:32: Back in court. Decision on hearing to come down soon. One of suspects' attorneys is trying to get some charges dismissed based on conflicting witness testimony. Stand by for judge's decision.
11:39: Judge to make decision on hearing at 1:15 pm. Court now in recess. Prosecutions rests. Defense attorneys didn't call any witnesses. Updates to resume at 1:15 pm
11:24: NM State Police Agent Steve Montano on stand (see picture). Montano testifying about what he encountered as a police officer during the initial stages of the hazing investigation. Nothing really interesting so far. Montano is the last witness for prosecution.
9:07: Just arrived back in court for day three of this hearing. See picture of photographer Bazz prepping camera (taken about three minutes ago).
As I was walking through court security with prosecutor Henry Valdez, he told me he anticipates today's hearing will conclude at noon. Of course I'll be twittering from the courtroom (see feed on right) and see the twitter widget below.
I will also not be streaming live video from the courtroom today. There are concerns about the alleged victims' names being mentioned during the live streaming.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
1:32: Back in court. Decision on hearing to come down soon. One of suspects' attorneys is trying to get some charges dismissed based on conflicting witness testimony. Stand by for judge's decision.
11:39: Judge to make decision on hearing at 1:15 pm. Court now in recess. Prosecutions rests. Defense attorneys didn't call any witnesses. Updates to resume at 1:15 pm
11:24: NM State Police Agent Steve Montano on stand (see picture). Montano testifying about what he encountered as a police officer during the initial stages of the hazing investigation. Nothing really interesting so far. Montano is the last witness for prosecution.
9:07: Just arrived back in court for day three of this hearing. See picture of photographer Bazz prepping camera (taken about three minutes ago). As I was walking through court security with prosecutor Henry Valdez, he told me he anticipates today's hearing will conclude at noon. Of course I'll be twittering from the courtroom (see feed on right) and see the twitter widget below.
I will also not be streaming live video from the courtroom today. There are concerns about the alleged victims' names being mentioned during the live streaming.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Day 2 - Hazing Scandal Hearing
Court resumes: Live video webcam streaming here
Updates from the courtroom will be posted on this blog, along with streaming video and twitter feeds (see twitter feed on right and widget below).
11:15 am: Court resumes with three alleged victims taking the stand. One victim says he cried in bathroom alone after he was sodomized with a broomstick. The same alleged victim says a coach walked in as it was happening and "smirked."
9:18 am: Back in courtroom, another alleged victim takes the stand. Live video streaming will resume today after I get into jury box (not until after the next recess).
7:43 am: I'm on the Rail Runner heading up to Santa Fe for day two of the Las Vegas, NM Hazing Scandal hearing. (Check out the pic.) Bazz, the photographer I'll be working with today, will meet me in court. Court is expected to resume at nine with more testimony from the alleged victims.
Like yesterday I'll be streaming live video from the courtroom using Ustream.tv software or Skype.
Here's my coverage of the hearing on KOB-TV.
I received a nice email from a Ustream.tv marketing manager who saw yesterday's feed and offered to help me make it better. Things were pixelating a bit yesterday. Hopefully I'll work on better video on my end.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Updates from the courtroom will be posted on this blog, along with streaming video and twitter feeds (see twitter feed on right and widget below).
11:15 am: Court resumes with three alleged victims taking the stand. One victim says he cried in bathroom alone after he was sodomized with a broomstick. The same alleged victim says a coach walked in as it was happening and "smirked."
9:18 am: Back in courtroom, another alleged victim takes the stand. Live video streaming will resume today after I get into jury box (not until after the next recess).
7:43 am: I'm on the Rail Runner heading up to Santa Fe for day two of the Las Vegas, NM Hazing Scandal hearing. (Check out the pic.) Bazz, the photographer I'll be working with today, will meet me in court. Court is expected to resume at nine with more testimony from the alleged victims.
Like yesterday I'll be streaming live video from the courtroom using Ustream.tv software or Skype.
Here's my coverage of the hearing on KOB-TV.
I received a nice email from a Ustream.tv marketing manager who saw yesterday's feed and offered to help me make it better. Things were pixelating a bit yesterday. Hopefully I'll work on better video on my end.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Day 1 - Hazing Scandal Updates Here
Hazing Scandal preliminary hearing updates from the courtroom will be here:
FINAL UPDATE: Court ends for the day until tomorrow morning at 9. Court will resume with more alleged victims to testify. I'll be working on better video quality for more live streaming tomorrow.
LIVE BROADCAST FROM COURT: Image below is web cam view of podium. Five suspects and their attorneys are in the background. KOB.com also has the feed. See twitter feed on right for up-to-the-minute updates.
Live video chat by Ustream
2:44: Third alleged victim takes the stand.
1:15: Court resumes after lunch recess. 17-year-old alleged victim returns to the stand. Says Michael Gallegos was holding the broom stick.
11:15: Witness says he was grabbed from behind by one of the alleged hazers and threatened to be raped. Witness says he told alleged hazer "you already got me" and escaped.
9:45: Alleged victim takes the stand, says he was held down by four players and sodomized with broom stick. Says he tried telling the players to stop and that it hurt.
9:13: Jerry Padilla, one of six defendants in hazing scandal, has already pleaded guilty to criminal sexual penetration and conspiracy to commit a felony. Padilla has agreed to testify at trial on behalf of prosecution.
Judge James Hall as also expressed concern about "mad-dogging" already happening in court between defendants and some of the victims. I haven't seen any exchanges of looks. Judge gave everyone a warning that it would not be tolerated.
6:51 am: Good morning. As I write this, I'm on the Rail Runner at a brief stop in Bernalillo.
I'll be walking from the Santa Fe Depot to district court once I arrive. I was told today's hearing will be taking place in Judge James Hall's courtroom. Today's hearing is supposed to begin at 9:00 am.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
FINAL UPDATE: Court ends for the day until tomorrow morning at 9. Court will resume with more alleged victims to testify. I'll be working on better video quality for more live streaming tomorrow.
LIVE BROADCAST FROM COURT: Image below is web cam view of podium. Five suspects and their attorneys are in the background. KOB.com also has the feed. See twitter feed on right for up-to-the-minute updates.
Live video chat by Ustream
2:44: Third alleged victim takes the stand.
1:15: Court resumes after lunch recess. 17-year-old alleged victim returns to the stand. Says Michael Gallegos was holding the broom stick.
11:15: Witness says he was grabbed from behind by one of the alleged hazers and threatened to be raped. Witness says he told alleged hazer "you already got me" and escaped.
9:45: Alleged victim takes the stand, says he was held down by four players and sodomized with broom stick. Says he tried telling the players to stop and that it hurt.
9:13: Jerry Padilla, one of six defendants in hazing scandal, has already pleaded guilty to criminal sexual penetration and conspiracy to commit a felony. Padilla has agreed to testify at trial on behalf of prosecution.
Judge James Hall as also expressed concern about "mad-dogging" already happening in court between defendants and some of the victims. I haven't seen any exchanges of looks. Judge gave everyone a warning that it would not be tolerated.
6:51 am: Good morning. As I write this, I'm on the Rail Runner at a brief stop in Bernalillo.
I'll be walking from the Santa Fe Depot to district court once I arrive. I was told today's hearing will be taking place in Judge James Hall's courtroom. Today's hearing is supposed to begin at 9:00 am.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Monday, January 19, 2009
Covering Las Vegas, NM Hazing Case
I should be in bed this evening. After all, I have to take the Rail Runner from downtown Albuquerque up to Santa Fe early tomorrow morning.
While everyone (almost everyone) will be focused on the inauguration, I'll be in a Santa Fe courtroom covering the Las Vegas, NM Hazing Case.
Six boys are expected to be in court tomorrow over allegations of sodomizing younger players with broomsticks.
On the right, you can see my twitter feed. I'll be twittering the preliminary hearing. I may also attempt to Skype and/or feed live video of the hearing through Ustream.tv.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
While everyone (almost everyone) will be focused on the inauguration, I'll be in a Santa Fe courtroom covering the Las Vegas, NM Hazing Case.
Six boys are expected to be in court tomorrow over allegations of sodomizing younger players with broomsticks.
On the right, you can see my twitter feed. I'll be twittering the preliminary hearing. I may also attempt to Skype and/or feed live video of the hearing through Ustream.tv.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Overheard in the Newsroom
I just stumbled upon overheardinthenewsroom.com thanks to John Fleck's twittering.
If you're easily offended and don't have a sense of humor, don't click on the above link.
It's great stuff.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
If you're easily offended and don't have a sense of humor, don't click on the above link.
It's great stuff.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Friday, January 16, 2009
Live Video thru My iPhone Experiment
Take a look at the video of the Rail Runner below (shot while I was working on this story yesterday).
It was shot using my iPhone and a program (jail-broken app) called Qik.
Train passes by at about 1:52 into video.
The video wasn't saved on my phone, but rather sent live via the 3G network to Qik's servers.
If I wanted to, I could announce via Twitter about a live-shot via iPhone just before I start streaming, or as I'm streaming. Audio is impeccable....video streaming rate is about nine frames per second. Not bad eh?
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jeremyjojola.com
It was shot using my iPhone and a program (jail-broken app) called Qik.
Train passes by at about 1:52 into video.
The video wasn't saved on my phone, but rather sent live via the 3G network to Qik's servers.
If I wanted to, I could announce via Twitter about a live-shot via iPhone just before I start streaming, or as I'm streaming. Audio is impeccable....video streaming rate is about nine frames per second. Not bad eh?
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
ABQ's Upcoming "Bicycle Boulevard" Zone
Update: Here's the report I ran. I suggest you watch the video so you can see what the new street signs will look like. Here's also the dukecityfix.com blog post by Johnny_Mango that started it all. Great job JM. Bicycle Boulevard is a great concept.
Running a story on KOB-TV tonight (6:30 pm) about the new Bicycle Boulevard the City of Albuquerque has in the works.
Here are the plans (PDF).
This essentially means a seven-mile stretch from Mountain, through 14th street, through Silver, ending at San Mateo will get a mild face lift with new street signs and lower speed-limit signs.
I was told by Ben Sovaca (Vice-prez of BikeABQ) that this idea started with a Dukecityfix.com posting by Johnny_Mango (still trying to find old posting).
Seems like a great idea. Expect the new Bicycle Boulevard to start taking shape by the spring.
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jeremyjojola.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Chemtrail Tips
A month can not go by without having someone leave a rant on the tip line about chemtrails. If you don't know what they are, here's a Wikipedia article on the subject.
This week, I received such a tip for a caller who said "numerous chemtrails over Albuquerque on Sunday" and please "do something about it."
*Sigh*
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jeremyjojola.com
Friday, January 9, 2009
Tweet, Tweet!
About six months ago I signed up with Twitter not really knowing much about it. Now I'm addicted. It's perfect for my job. I can keep all of my followers up to date, up to the minute, up to the second on stories I'm covering. For example, I did some tweets for beyond90seconds.com when I covered the Wayne Bent trial.
Then there is this interesting article I found (yes, thanks to a twitter follower I've never met).
And now, as you can see on the right of this blog, I've added a twitter widget.
Newspapers, TV stations like my own are now getting the hint.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Guzman Wants Job Back
Update (2): 70 of you voted in the Guzman poll. Overwhelmingly 69 of you think Guzman should NOT get his job back. One of you thinks otherwise. I wonder who that one person is.....thanks for voting.
Update: Guzman Poll on right closes at 5:00 pm New Mexico time. Thanks to Carlos Miller for referring people this site.
Tuesday night I ran a report about APD Officer Daniel Guzman trying to get his job back. Here's the KOB.com article.
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jeremyjojola.com
Update: Guzman Poll on right closes at 5:00 pm New Mexico time. Thanks to Carlos Miller for referring people this site.
Tuesday night I ran a report about APD Officer Daniel Guzman trying to get his job back. Here's the KOB.com article.-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
On Air via Skype with News Raw in Los Angeles
Update: Here's a link to taped segment or you can just click on the video box below:
I just did a talk-back segment with Mekahlo Medina for News Raw via Skype. It airs on Los Angeles television station KNBC (digital channel 4.4).
Here's a link to the show's online video. Watch for my segment at around 1:15 pm New Mexico time.
We talked about the scandal involving Governor Bill Richardson that led to the Governor's withdraw from a cabinet position.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
I just did a talk-back segment with Mekahlo Medina for News Raw via Skype. It airs on Los Angeles television station KNBC (digital channel 4.4).
Here's a link to the show's online video. Watch for my segment at around 1:15 pm New Mexico time.
We talked about the scandal involving Governor Bill Richardson that led to the Governor's withdraw from a cabinet position.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Monday, January 5, 2009
Skype Video Broadcast: How it Was Done
Is "Skyping" a word? It should be like "texting" and "twittering."
Today, for the first time on KOB-TV airwaves, we successfully used Skype videoconferencing during a press conference...and it was live.
If you've been under a rock for the past two days, here's what the press conference was about.
Surprisingly, MSNBC picked up the live video conferencing feed:
Back at the station, we ran the Skype video live on our website.
It was quite easy. Here's what I had on my end at the press conference which was at Governor Richardson's Cabinet Office in Santa Fe:
Laptop
Broadband connection card
Skype software (free)
Logitech Web Camera
Here's what I did:
I logged into Skype while connected to broadband service on my laptop minutes before the press conference. I contacted my station's computer back in the KOB control room via Skype. This station computer also has a Skype account. Skype-to-Skype calls are free between accounts.
Just before the press conference started I placed the web camera among the microphones. Here's a shot of the camera tethered to my laptop (taken with iPhone):
The station computer was then routed to our broadcasting equipment with audio and video. It was also connected to our satellite feed (this is how MSNBC picked up the video)
The shot wasn't perfect. When Bill Richardson sat down, there was too much "head room" (too much space above his head in the shot).
Other than minor digital hiccups during the feed, the audio was impeccable and the video was clear. It wasn't perfect, but it's good enough to tell a story and not too distraction.
This type of technology is already being used on the networks. Some other local stations have used this sort of technology too, to broadcast remote reports about the weather and breaking news.
This technology is only going to improve. It must be embraced now by stations and it must become the norm among reporters and photographers if the television industry wants to survive and compete. Skepticism about this technology must also be put aside by the "old-school" broadcasters. This technology is the new-kid on the block, and it's revolutionizing journalism like the telegraph, the telephone, and television.
Today people no longer wait for their news. They get it when they want it and when it breaks, they want it "now" and not later. Skype is perfect for this digital appetite. The menu of news available with the click of a mouse is never ending. Get ready for seconds, thirds, and fourths....
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Today, for the first time on KOB-TV airwaves, we successfully used Skype videoconferencing during a press conference...and it was live.
If you've been under a rock for the past two days, here's what the press conference was about.
Surprisingly, MSNBC picked up the live video conferencing feed:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Back at the station, we ran the Skype video live on our website.
It was quite easy. Here's what I had on my end at the press conference which was at Governor Richardson's Cabinet Office in Santa Fe:
Laptop
Broadband connection card
Skype software (free)
Logitech Web Camera
Here's what I did:
I logged into Skype while connected to broadband service on my laptop minutes before the press conference. I contacted my station's computer back in the KOB control room via Skype. This station computer also has a Skype account. Skype-to-Skype calls are free between accounts.
Just before the press conference started I placed the web camera among the microphones. Here's a shot of the camera tethered to my laptop (taken with iPhone):
The station computer was then routed to our broadcasting equipment with audio and video. It was also connected to our satellite feed (this is how MSNBC picked up the video)
The shot wasn't perfect. When Bill Richardson sat down, there was too much "head room" (too much space above his head in the shot).
Other than minor digital hiccups during the feed, the audio was impeccable and the video was clear. It wasn't perfect, but it's good enough to tell a story and not too distraction.
This type of technology is already being used on the networks. Some other local stations have used this sort of technology too, to broadcast remote reports about the weather and breaking news.
This technology is only going to improve. It must be embraced now by stations and it must become the norm among reporters and photographers if the television industry wants to survive and compete. Skepticism about this technology must also be put aside by the "old-school" broadcasters. This technology is the new-kid on the block, and it's revolutionizing journalism like the telegraph, the telephone, and television.
Today people no longer wait for their news. They get it when they want it and when it breaks, they want it "now" and not later. Skype is perfect for this digital appetite. The menu of news available with the click of a mouse is never ending. Get ready for seconds, thirds, and fourths....
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Skyping For Live TV/Web
Today using my web camera and a broadband connection on my laptop, I was able to use Skype videoconferencing software to broadcast today's press conference held by Governor Bill Richardson.
I'll blog more about this later on how I was able to do this. MSNBC, I was told by my coworkers, took the webcam feed live on their end.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Bent to End Fast
Update (2): Bent ends fast on Friday at 12 pm. Email from Tia Bland, NM Department of Corrections:
Update: Mark Horner of Beyond90seconds.com posted a video-conference interview I did with him on his website. Here's also my KOB-TV coverage.
This evening (Thursday) I reported on KOB-TV that Wayne Bent is going to end his fast on Friday at noon.
Bent has not eaten since Tuesday when he was handed over to the New Mexico Department of Corrections to begin his ten year sentence for criminal sexual contact of a minor.
Bland says Bent told prison staff he has "come to terms" with his prison sentence and that he wants to serve his time as "comfortably" as possible.
I conducted a Skype video conference with Mark Horner at Beyond90seconds.com about this development. I'll post a link to that on this blog shortly.
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jeremyjojola.com
Bent ended fast at lunch today. He didn't offer more insight on why.
Tia
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Sent from my BlackBerry Device
Update: Mark Horner of Beyond90seconds.com posted a video-conference interview I did with him on his website. Here's also my KOB-TV coverage.
This evening (Thursday) I reported on KOB-TV that Wayne Bent is going to end his fast on Friday at noon.
Bent has not eaten since Tuesday when he was handed over to the New Mexico Department of Corrections to begin his ten year sentence for criminal sexual contact of a minor.
Bland says Bent told prison staff he has "come to terms" with his prison sentence and that he wants to serve his time as "comfortably" as possible.
I conducted a Skype video conference with Mark Horner at Beyond90seconds.com about this development. I'll post a link to that on this blog shortly.
-----------------------------
jeremyjojola.com
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