This blog is aimed at University of Colorado students taking Reporting II during the fall semester 2009. Here, I will post relevant information regarding the class and the transforming nature of daily journalism. Who am I? The name is Julie Poppen, former daily newspaper reporter most recently employed by the Rocky Mountain News. I – like you – am navigating this rapidly changing media environment. It’s an exciting time. There’s so much to learn. The tools available for sharing information are mind-boggling, but we must not forget it’s still all about the story.
The black and white photo was taken when a photog and I headed to Fort Carson to interview some army troops headed to the Middle East for their third or fourth tours. Our guides made us wear the helmets as we rode in a bumpy military vehicle to a remote, top secret location so we could watch tanks blow up fake buildings then interview some soldiers. I tried on the entire get-up a soldier would wear and I couldn’t believe how heavy it was. Fifty pounds plus. Imagine wearing all that weight in extreme heat AND having to stay alert enough not to get yourself killed. The second shot was taken at an Ethiopian Orthodox church in Denver. The church leaders asked me to wear a scarf to enter. I happily complied with their wishes. When in Rome….
Then, here’s me hobnobbing with the stars at the 2008 DNC.
