Alexandria Native Bringing Reporting Skills to 2018 Winter Olympics

Josh Shelton Granted Full Media Credentials by TeamUSA

Ball State University student Josh Shelton, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, will take his videography and graphic design skills to South Korea next month to cover the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Shelton, who is studying journalism and telecommunications at Ball State, will report from the games through the university’s Department of Journalism’s immersive learning experience BSU at the Games. The student-run news agency debuted at the London 2012 Olympics and members have been to both the Winter Olympics in Russia and the summer games in Brazil.

“I am most excited to experience the new and unique culture of South Korea while also being able to witness sporting history all add up to an amazing excursion,” Shelton said.

Shelton and four other students are being led by Ryan Sparrow, Ball State journalism professor, and will provide daily coverage of the games from February 9-25. Because of Ball State’s experience with previous Olympic contests, TeamUSA granted full media credentials to the students.

Previous BSU at the Games students have had limited “behind the scenes” credentials and have not had access to actual competitions like they will now.

“While I won’t be able to film the actual events because of NBC’s video rights to the events, I will be able to interact with Olympic athletes on a daily basis and tell their stories,” Shelton said.

In the past, students have produced stories, news graphics, photos and videos that have appeared in major news outlets such as the Huffington Post, USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. WTHR-TV, an NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, NBC, Chicago Tribune and Philadelphia Inquirerwill serve as partners for BSU at the Games.

“Throughout my three years at Ball State in the journalism department, I have been conditioned to tell stories with the different tools at my disposal.  From audio slideshows to full-on news packages, I will be able to take those experiences and apply them into real world situations and create professional quality content,” Shelton said, “I cannot wait to head out to PyeongChang and cover all the world-class athletes.”

Fans may follow the Olympics through the eyes of the students through Twitter @bsuatthegames and at facebook.com/bsuatthegames. The project’s website bsuatthegames.com, will have original stories, blogs and photos