Reporter For A Day – Hot Dog Edition

Today was quite the day. For the first time in my life, I got to be an actual reporter. In the past I have gone out and been a stringer for WNYC, or written wraps for FNR, but today I did the whole thing… for a hot dog eating contest.

The day started pretty early, I took the subway to Union Square and met up with Nate and his friend for the long ride to Coney Island. Arriving around 10, I headed towards the press check in. (Unfortunately I couldn’t get out, so I lost Nate at this point.) Standing among tons of reporters and cameramen, I could do nothing but look on in awe as cards were being played and several people arguing over where their equipment would be set up.

Due to some audio issues, I decided to head towards the stage. I ended up standing next to the family and friends the entire time. But lets get to the big show.

This year, the length was cut from 12 to 10 minutes. Which at first looked as if it could favor one eater over another. Joey Chestnut is faster out of the block than Kobayashi, but Takeru is better over the distance of the contest. I had a pretty good view of the entire disgusting event. Those guys can EAT. Now I know that is a pretty obvious statement, but you don’t know how fast it is until you are RIGHT THERE watching the motions and emotions of each eater.

In the final seconds, Chestnut shoved as much as possible into his mouth for the win, and came up just short and it came out as a tie. The first one in the history of the event, it was crazy. Both were given 5 dogs… first one finished… wins. And once again the “greatest american hero” won.

Afterwards came the hard part for me. Actually having to do some reporting. I ran up on stage and snagged as many interviews as I could. Hit up the crowd surrounding Chestnut… same thing with George Shea. Most of the event was caught through me holding up a mic at the front of the stage and I hope most of it came out alright. I’ll try to put a wrap together this weekend.

I wrote a script and was set to go live in the 2pm newscast. Veteran… Pro… The… AMAZING… Lisa Brady was the anchor. And yes, she was great for my first time… on national radio, sickos, she is pregnant. I was supposed to talk for 25 seconds… I sort of went 37 seconds. A pro like Bradyl was more than ready for it and wrapped up the newscast. I then filed basically the same thing with Kathy Lee and tagged out that amazing “Nick Brewer, Fox News Radio.” Then I felt like I was going to puke, so I played a game of skee-ball and headed back into Manhattan. Below are the sound files for A) The live 2pm broadcast, B) The phoner filed from the field, C) When Lisa used part of my phoner at 5pm, D) The first wrap I was able to write and voice on FNR. Overall it was pretty exciting.

A) The Live Report
Press Play or Download Here

B) Phoner From The Field
Press Play or Download Here

C) Phoner At 5pm
Press Play or Download Here

D) First Voiced Wrap
Press Play or Download Here

I took a nap on the D back from Coney Island and headed to work, grabbing the most American food I could think of… Halal cart food. Nothing like Lamb and rice to get you back in the festive spirit. I pulled some sound, threw a few in the can and headed back to the apartment. Enjoy and I hope everybody has a very happy 4th of July… Especially Takeru… tough break man.
-Nick

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