• Notes from any journalists you talk to.
  • I have not been able to talk with any of the other journalists yet, but I don’t see my topic clashing with many others. I will try to pop in on a few webcam sessions as soon as possible so I can touch base with everyone and stay up to date on where we are at. I have talked with Dr. Loggins on a few occasions and discussed my current beat topic (along with other ideas) and will be sure to keep in touch with any questions.
• Notes on how you will cover the beat in person.
  • So far, I have been using a mix of in person discussions and messages via social media to acquire my information. As for any future galleries, shows, or other live events, I fully plan on being present (provided social guidelines allow for it).
• A document with links to online resources.
  • Social Media will be a big part of my online resources with links to events and artist pages. Again, any important website links will be included as well, such as artist websites, fundraisers, events, etc. I will keep up with any upcoming events that may me posted through FHSU, they Hays Public Library, or any other relevant businesses as well.
• A reference list for offline material that can help.
  • As stated before, if there are any physical locations that people can visit for more information (FHSU, public library, local businesses) I will be sure to post any relevant/helpful information.
• A calendar you created of important events in your beat through the end of the semester.
  • I do have a few dates that I’m looking into if it’s something I can be present for to view in person:
    • Sep 28- Oct 23: Art & Design Faculty Exhibition
    • Nov 2- Nov 13: Interior Design Student Association Exhibition
  • So far these are the only dates I have, but I am still searching for any other upcoming events around the area that I might be able to get a story on.
• Archival notes.
  • I have contacted several of my sources for my first beat and acquired several interviews to include with my first story. I have also informed some other possible sources that I may be in touch with them in the near future for a couple stories that I’m still considering.

• List the 5W’s & the H
  • Who: The American Cancer Society of Kansas
    • Artists: Dangerously Biased, Davy Vans, Kujo, The Atomic ‘50s, Falling Walrus, and Ellyria
  • What: ‘Songs For Hope’; Battle of the Bands Fundraiser
  • When: Last weekend of August through the first week of September
  • Where: Facebook; The American Cancer Society Facebook page
  • Why: Raising money for cancer victims
  • How: Using Social Media to stream pre-recorded performances
• Write your lede

• • Local artists from all over the state are facing the dilemma of working around Covid-19 and the current social distancing guidelines. However, some artists are finding alternative methods through social media to help push through. This was demonstrated with a handful of local bands, across the state of Kansas, coming together to participate in an online battle of the band’s fundraiser dubbed, ‘Songs for Hope’. This event was hosted by the Kansas chapter of the American Cancer Society with the goal of raising funds though online performances to help victims of cancer.

• Write your nut graph

• • The entertainment featured a variety of different artists which included Dangerously Biased, Davy Vans, Kujo, The Atomic ‘50s, Falling Walrus, and Ellyria. Each one bringing their own unique sound to the table. The performances were pre-recorded, posted on the final weekend of August, with donations remaining open for several days following each post. When the final numbers were tallied up, local Hays natives Dangerously Biased ended up taking the win. Altogether, the bands were able to raise over $1,300 that will go towards benefiting struggling cancer victims.

• Transcribe at least three quotes you can use from at least two different people.

• • Talking with Matt Isley from Dangerously Biased, I asked how this event came to be. His reply: “I participated in a number of ‘Relay For Life’ events over the years with friends from work. In doing so, I made a few friends and networked with people in the American Cancer Society. I’ve gotten to partner with them on a number of live music event-type projects. When the COVID pandemic struck, in-person fundraisers were unable to take place, so there has been a huge hit in funding for organizations like the ACS. My friends in the ‘Ellis County Relay For Life’ contacted me about helping organize a virtual event (Songs For Hope: Battle Of The Bands), and I was excited to get some artists together.”

This led me to ask some of the performers how it felt knowing their music was able to make such a positive impact on someone’s life. Here was their response:

• • Sophie Thompson: (Drummer/Vocals: Dangerously Biased) “It’s really awesome! I’ve never really had the opportunity to do something like this, so it felt really rewarding to help someone in need while doing something I love.”
  • James Herrera: (Lead Guitarist: Falling Walrus & Ellyria) “It’s an incredible feeling that I think unfortunately gets taken for granted from time to time, but events like this really bring you back down to earth! It warms the heart to hear that it makes such a positive impact!”
  • 

    “It’s great to see how people have adapted to social media and how artists are still excited to share their work in much the same way of performing live.”- Matt Isley

    Matt Isley: (Bass/Vocals: Dangerously Biased) “I was excited to see how people responded to the event, and it’s nice to see such support for the cause. It feels good to make a difference. The Family/Friends/Fans who made the generous donations made the real difference.”