In my last blog post, I went in-depth about the sneaky advantages of Iowa’s journalism programs and extracurriculars that the university has, which others around the country do not. During that post, I mentioned DITV (Daily Iowan Television)- a branch of The DI that does live news broadcasts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and allows reporters many excellent opportunities unavailable to general students. There are a ton of really cool perks and things that DITV reporters and staff have that others may not, so I wanted to give you three of my personal favorites as a new freshman!
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Studio Space!
The DITV studio is exclusive to DITV members, requiring a scan from your Iowa One card to get in, but it is added after you join, so no one can come in. The studio is always open if you have a card and offers many nice things. First, it’s a great place to sit, relax and edit. Second, several editing bays are noise canceling, so you can go and do work in private if needed (coincidentally, where I am right now as I write this). It’s a great, quiet, and exclusive place to study or work if needed, as long as no one needs to edit.
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Opportunities!
When you join DITV, you’ll be a general reporter, covering local stories and learning. But as you advance at DITV, getting used to the flow and getting better at reporting, you’ll get opportunities to join the sports or political staff that cover specific things. I worked my tail off to start the year, and I am now a 50/50 split between sports and news, but I’ll have a multitude of opportunities to cover sports games for free, including both men’s and women’s basketball. It’s a great chance to explore different fields and areas of reporting while also getting to do it all for free.
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Social Life!
While it is a workplace, DITV is a great place to meet friends. DITV is a massive time commitment, so you bond with those around you pretty hard and quickly. Everyone is genuinely amicable, creating a welcoming and fun environment that helps people feel like they belong. I’m incredibly extroverted and worked my butt off, so people got to know me quickly, but some of my other friends who are new to DITV aren’t nearly as out there or devoted as I am, but they would 100 percent agree that this place is welcoming and friendly. You spend a lot of time here, but so does everyone else, and you all have some basic interest in journalism, which leads to bonding quickly and effectively.
