Online Emmy Personality Entry
My business card says “Reporter.” It should also read “blogger and videoblogger.” I update Jason’s DeBlog several times every day, and send out video e-mails daily. I also file occasional videoblog reports, that get e-mailed and cross-posted to my blog. I’m not sure how I get away with what I get away with, but we do some crazy things online, and some really provocative things online.
HARD NEWS, UNIQUE INSIGHT:
I was one of the first reporters on the scene when the 35W bridge collapsed.
That night, I blogged my thoughts after 6 hours live on the air.
I posted about that first report, after getting viewer e-mails about it.
And I explained how a mohawked bicycle messenger helped us get our video on the air.
CONTROVERSY:
When the Airport Police stonewalled me in my reporting on the Arrest of Senator Larry Craig, I called them out online.
When one of our viewers sent me a crazy, racist question about Barack Obama, I blogged, videoblogged (1:34 into video), and the story got picked up by a major independent online publication.
WCCO fired a popular meteorologist, and viewers got to vent on my blog.
VIDEO:
When I heard about a huge Minneapolis Pillow Fight, it was a no-brainer for this web-only report.
To tease my story about a hops shortage in beer, I clearly had to experience what hops taste like.
Bob Barker’s microphone got plugged into our camera for this videoblog.
Another online exclusive, when a guy synched his Christmas lights to a computer.
Oh, and when my wife and I had a baby, we sent out a videoblog report. She’s a Saint and I’m an idiot.
VIEWER INTERACTION:
My current assignment is to produce our “Good Question” franchise. I rely on my blog readers to help shape my answers and then react to my stories.
It was obvious to ask for their help for my story about why people are obsessed with the Internet.
They went off as to why some people are always late.
Very strong opinions on whether the speed limit should be lowered to 55 mph to save gasoline.
And helped me report on why Midwesterners drink so much.
FUN TIMES:
And there’s a lot of fun here. After a story on how building wraps are applied, we created an image of me on our building.
My appearance in Zubaz pants ended up on Fark.
When a viewer asked about dying her boyfriend’s hair blue, the crowd provided answers.
PARTICIPATION IN OTHER BLOGS:
To be a real “online personality” you can’t just keep up your own site; you need to be a member of the online community. Minnesota/St. Paul Magazine went to me for tips on 5 top websites. I have a Twitter account (that’s received national attention for how I’ve used to put together stories), and I’m a frequent commenter on other sites.
Chuck Olsen, one of the nation’s most prominent videobloggers, wrote this about me: “DeRusha has quickly become our generation’s Dave Moore. He effortlessly blends his traditional news background with a personable delivery. He’s in touch with what’s going on and what people are saying because he uses every new media tool imaginable. DeRusha is fresh, authentic and accessible like few on-air talents.” Another blogger wrote more simply: “DeRusha rules.”
