Local TV anchors address journalists

Dallas area news anchors, editors and students held a monthly SMU chapter meeting of the Radio- Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) Thursday night in the McCord Auditorium in Dallas Hall.

Kristine Sorensen, an anchor for KXAS-TV; Brenden Higgins, NBC- 5 reporter; Chip Mahaney, managing editor at KDFW Fox 4; and other prominent speakers were among those in attendance.

During the meeting, award-winning reporter Chris Heinbaugh addressed students with advice for their journalism careers. He advised that they always come to new story idea meetings with their own stories in mind, and not wait to be assigned a story.

“If you go with ideas and a focus, you’ll set yourself apart, and rise to the top faster,” Heinbaugh said.

The main topic of discussion shifted to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and RTNDA annual convention that will be held in Las Vegas from April 8-13.

Due to the events of Sept. 11, for the first time NAB and RTNDA are teaming up for the convention in Las Vegas. It is one of the largest trade shows in the world, with an expected turnout of over 100,000 people.

“The purpose of going to the convention is to network with successful people in the field,” SMU RTNDA chapter president Steven Parker said. “It’s an opportunity to hand out your resume, and hopefully get offered a job.”

Throughout the five- day convention, seminars will be offered at the Las Vegas Hilton featuring well known RTNDA members speaking on various aspects of journalism.

SMU’s chapter of RTNDA formed in December of 2000 under the direction of professor Carrie Criado. The students received their charter in the fall of 2002.

The meeting began with new officer elections. Junior broadcast major Brooke-Francis Bailey was elected president while junior broadcast major Michelle Reese was chosen as vice president.

Sophomore broadcast major Ryan McNamara was chosen as treasurer, and secretary went to senior broadcast major Antra Higgins. The new officers will be sworn in on the last day of finals when old officers sign over their positions.

McNamara has been a member of RTNDA for the last month, and is excited about being elected.

“I’m ecstatic about going to the convention in Las Vegas. It’s a great opportunity to network and meet people in the industry,” McNamara said.