SGT Shawn Coolman, the journalist of the month for December, is both a videographer and photojournalist. Writing news stories is also part of Coolman's journalist toolkit. His varied skills help him illustrate the day-in-the-life... read more
SGT Shawn Coolman, the journalist of the month for December, is both a videographer and photojournalist. Writing news stories is also part of Coolman's journalist toolkit. His varied skills help him illustrate the day-in-the-life of his deployed comrades in the Regional Command Southwest through three different mediums. Coolman was able increase the reach of his reporting by writing a news story with accompanying photos and a video b-roll or package. <br />
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During December, Coolman assisted Regional Command (SW) Combat Camera in posting HD video of their coverage of Marine leadership to FOB Payne and FOB Jackson, Afghanistan. The two videos detailing each visit received more than 2,700 views, and were shared on Facebook almost 500 times. <br />
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Coolman's varied news subjects also make him stand out for journalist of the month. For video, his topics ranged from the U.S. Forces Band Touch'n Go to a video package about the Marines sharing inspirational mementos, which helped show a more personal side of some of our deployed servicemen and women. The band video is a good example of a videographer shooting in a low-light setting. <br />
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His focus on individual service members with video interviews and b-roll help show the individuality and life of deployed troops. <br />
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Timeliness is one of the most important keys to good journalism and Coolman's subject selections shows how he weaves it into both his subject selections and work timeline. For example, Coolman produced a video, took photos and wrote an accompanying news story about postal operations at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan during the holidays. The news pieces were submitted leading up to Christmas. Coolman's news pieces on Marines celebrating on Christmas Day were submitted on Christmas Day when Christmas is still on everyone's mind. Interest wanes the day after. <br />
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Adhering to current media trends, Coolman submits videos in high definition and has also tried experimenting with new technology for transmitting HD content. <br />
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So Coolman's skills with different mediums, selection of subjects, packaging, timeliness and use of new technology helped make him journalist of the month. <br />
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