Student media will get a run for its money when the Athletics department chooses a winner for the first Junior Reporter Contest.
The winner will represent the web and social media Junior Reporter program throughout the 2012-13 school year by covering athletic events or practices for AuburnTigers.com and other social media outlets for the Athletics department.
Each Auburn athletics outlet will display the winner's talent in at least 10 episodes throughout the year.
The application process began on Aug. 17 when applicants were required to submit audition videos uploaded to YouTube.
The results will be announced after a five to 10 day grace period after the Sept. 10 deadline depending on the number of applicants.
To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 5 and 12 throughout the entire year, must have a parent at all reporting activities and must be available to work on all 10 episodes.
According to Assistant Athletic Director of Public Relations Cassie Arner, "the amount of episodes could certainly increase depending on if the winner is nearby."
Arner said the junior reporter they are searching for in the video auditions will have an outstanding personality that is unaffected by intimidation.
Although many interested parents have called with questions for Arner, she said she has not received any audition submissions.
"What I've told parents that have called to ask is that we're looking for good stage presence," Arner said. "We're looking for someone with a good personality, but that will also feel comfortable around student-athletes and coaches."
Another common question is that of the audition video length requirement.
"There really is no set requirement," Arner said. "They could interview their mom or dog for one or two minutes as long as it shows their personality."
Arner also emphasized applicants should feel comfortable speaking about themselves on video.
The main goal of the Athletics department's Junior Reporter program is to create excitement about Auburn Athletics on the web by encouraging fan involvement, Arner said.
The Junior Reporter program is a part of the Auburn Kids Club, an organization to get kids involved and excited about being involved with their community.
Arner also said they hope to provide the contest winner with fun and excitement about their future as well as an opportunity to become more comfortable with the camera while enjoying time with coaches and student athletes.
Episodes will include post-game interviews or practices where student athletes share a lot more personality.
Arner said inspiration for the program came from the NHL Chicago Blackhawks' Joey the Junior Reporter. Joey has become a cult classic by making game day video appearances on screen and using his personality to create other videos, that have accumulated a great amount of YouTube traffic.
To apply, an email must be sent to markets@auburn.edu with "Junior Reporter" as the subject. Date of birth, grade in school, hometown, names and ages of siblings and parent or legal guardian's name should be in the body.
A link to the applicant's YouTube video audition must also be included.
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