​On September 9th, the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at Illinois State University invited Don Kronberg, the President of NiteLife Promotions, to speak with its members about his experience in the entertainment industry, how the coronavirus has changed the world of entertainment and answered a few questions.
      Kronberg attended Columbia College in Chicago. Then in 1989 he became a DJ for WZOK radio. As an air personality he hosted various shifts and radio station concerts and events. He began working for NiteLife in 1990, where after 30 years he manages the Concert Promotions and the Event Management Company that has put together nearly 1,000 concerts throughout the United States. 
      NiteLite Promotions is an independent concert and event promoter. Bringing all aspects of live entertainment events. They cover music ranging from classic and active rock, to adult contemporary, jazz, blues, country and urban. They also host comedy shows.
      Kronberg shared experiences with working different artists shows'. From his first show with Jerry Seinfeld, to artists that have performed at ISU, such as Snoop Dog. His development of skill sets improved as shows went by.
      A few of the most desired and needed skills in the marketing business are communication and computer skills. Kornberg share, “when you are able to find something that is really interesting and that appeals to other people changes your direction on how you converse with someone…it is important to me to put my best foot forward to end up with a positive experience. If they remember me and remember the show, chances are they will book another show.” Computer skills come into play when working with multiple offers. With the transition of paperless, making excel sheets and generating documents are the largest tasks.
      The Coronavirus pandemic has had a great impact on the entertainment industry. With show cancellations concerning the artists health and the general publics’, the entertainment business has come to a halt. Unfortunately, seeking jobs in the entertainment business right now is not ideal. As someone within the industry, Kronberg recommended, “that the best thing to do, is to establish relationships with anybody and everybody that you can… not forcing yourself onto anybody because right now is not the time to be doing that.”
      Kronberg finished off by talking about how the unprecedent is no excuse to not develop ideas and work behind the scenes. Having an unpaid internship with minimal hours can help in allowing your knowledge in the industry to grow. Thinking positively will bring good to you, the entertainment industry and every other industry affected.
      Thinking about, “what can I offer when the opportunity comes to me?” will prepare you for the future. The entertainment industry affects us whether it is on a professional level or just as a consumer. Attending shows, concerts, events are a huge part of our lives, because such experiences guide us personally and professionally. His final recommendation, if interested in the concert business is to join the TV and Concert Committee on campus. 

By: Yasmin Carrillo 

November 3rd is Election Day! This means there will be people voting for the first time and voters that have actively exercised their right to vote. The General Election of 2020 will determine the 59th President of the United States along with state senators, representatives and judges.

Here are some of the most common questions people have when it comes to voting.

Why should I vote?
It is your voice. When you do not vote, you allow others to make decisions for you. Decisions that will affect you financially and personally. Vote because you hold the power to be heard and express your stance on who you wish to represent you.

You are a taxpayer. Some elections hold questions to pass if you should pay more in taxes or where your tax dollars get to be spent. Whether it is for construction, schools or healthcare. You get to choose, yes or no.

It gives the opportunity for change. If there is something that you do not agreed on or feel the elected officials are not carrying out their duties as they should, if they are up for re-election you can vote them out.

To better your city/community you must vote. When you vote, you are not only voting for yourself. Your vote affects you, your neighbors, other adults, children and businesses. Some do not have the privilege to vote and your decision will create change over time that affects those around you.

Does my vote really matter/count?
Of course it does. Popular vote does not elect the president, but the electoral college does. But who votes for the electoral college? WE DO! Because we vote for state representatives and senators. Your vote counts for more than the elected president. The people that will represent you, fight for you and your city matter just as much (and even more). That is where you see and are affected the most by the decisions they make.

How do I register to vote?
There are a few ways to register to vote in the State of Illinois. You will need to two pieces of identification, one with your current address. You can do it online, just follow their instructions. You can register to vote at your local Board of Elections Office. Universities, churches and non-profits hold voter registration days where in specific places you may register to vote. For new voters when you go get your drivers license you may register at the DMV. Also, you may register to vote ON election day, at your assigned polling place. Just like the other registrations, you must bring the two pieces of identification.

Where/how do I vote?
Voting can be confusing for students. If you are away for college, there used to be an absentee ballot. Where you could vote via mail, however that has been taken away and it is now just referred to as early voting. You may request that your ballot be sent to where you are residing while away for college. Then you just mail it back. The early voting period is 40 days long. Starting on September 24th, voters have the capability to vote at their Board of Elections office. This option is available for those that wish to get it out of way, if you will be away on election day, if you are an elected official, work for the city or are incapacitated. The early voting period ends on November 2nd. In order to vote on November 3rd, you must go to your assigned polling place and vote there.

Happy Voting!

By: Yasmin Carrillo 

We are three weeks into the Fall 2020 semester and with McLean County having a rise of COVID cases, classes are slowly transitioning to an online format. Currently, McLean county has a total of 2,312 confirmed cases. The Normal-Bloomington area takes 1,189 of those cases.
 
The rise of case count is no secret as universities across the country welcome students back on their campuses. Multiple universities have made national news as students struggle with quarantining themselves. Through the use of their social media, students are sharing their experiences while attending college during a global pandemic.
​
From quarantine meal shows on TikTok and an on-going bingo game involving controversial news reports on various school. The global pandemic is on the rise with no signs of coming to an end. The platform has allowed students to share their struggles, their advice and has allowed them to share their personal opinions about their peers and university.
 
Unfortunately, Illinois State University is not safe from this. At the moment, we are ranked number five in the top schools with the most confirmed cases in the United States. Within the state, we are number one. As instated, no more ten people may gather in one place and face mask use when in public is still mandatory.
 
One TikTok user, kikii0088, shared her opinion on the face masks given out during Welcome Week, “has  3 splits and two miscellaneous slits at the bottom and when I breathe you can see my whole face.” Her video also had a written statement about Illinois State University not requiring it students to get tested prior to coming to campus. She ends her video by saying, “they really put us on campus and said survival of the fittest.”
 
Another TikTok users, dannyflor26, shared his opinions on the breakfast and dinner food given to students that are in isolation. Danny stated that, "They actually give us a lot and I’ll be doing this for a few days”. His overall rating was a six out of ten and in his video, he listed all the food given.
 
The use of social media has created a new side of sharing information. Some urge others to stop partying while on campus, while others showcase their gatherings. In Illinois fines up to $750 dollars have been instated to urge college students to stop gathering in large crowds.
 
 Illinois State University strongly encourages the members of the campus community to follow CDC guidelines in helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Link here.  

By: Yasmin  Carrillo