The Military's Media College Story and Photos by Donna Miles Pvts. Darrell Chandler and Mike Gettle prepare newscasts. Darrell Chandler has wanted to be a broadcaster since he was 12 years old. So, as he was called on to begin his graded newscast, he approached the lectern, took a deep breath and started talking, deep from his diaphragm. That was 17 seconds too long - an eternity in broadcast time, as Chandler, two weeks into the Department of Defense Information School's basic broadcaster course, already knew.
Broadcasters live by the second hand.
Chandler's instructor, Navy Petty Officer Gary Potterfield, had other criticisms, too. Chandler didn't enunciate a word or two, and failed to pause before leading into his public service announcement. Then, as his broadcast started to run long, he picked up the pace too quickly in an attempt to finish on time. You have good inflection and credibility. You sound like you know what you're talking about.