From the news show to spotlight features, Broadcast Journalism is a course that grants students a chance to step into the world of a camera-facing journalist. Students in Broadcast have the opportunity to not only learn the technical side of the industry, such as filming and editing media projects, but also how to tell a story and engage with the school community.
On a typical day, students can be found working on digitally creative pieces, such as humorous hallway skits and professional-grade podcasts, that are originally created and executed through collaboration with other class members. However, the class also dives into more serious projects, like feature video reports , where students are required to interview people of interest and explore newsworthy events around the school. The various projects give students enrolled in the course a nice bite of real-world broadcasting.
“Broadcast Journalism is to provide what I like to say are the sights and sound of Stone Bridge,” Broadcast Journalism teacher Tanner McClelland said. “Broadcast tries to build culture through stories that people can see and hear.”
Broadcast Journalism is freeform as it caters towards student interests while also immersing them into the structure and rigor of a newsroom. It’s the perfect class for students who want to experience a collaborative work environment. Current Broadcast students find that this dynamic is what makes the class more unique compared to other electives.
“I always kind of wanted to be in front of the camera,” senior July Meehan said. “[Broadcast Journalism] is just the most interesting and enjoyable experience I’ve had at Stone Bridge.”
Beyond the screen, students get to work with many technical skills that can prepare them for future careers. Whether it’s perfecting the camera work or splicing the right frame on Adobe Pro, students enrolling in Broadcast are sure to leave with a plethora of transferable skills.
“I’ve always wanted to get into film production, TV production, stuff like that,” senior Calvin Balda said.
“So, I thought [this class] was a good way to learn editing softwares and get some experience in that field.”
One of the most difficult challenges in Broadcast Journalism is the sharp deadlines that come along with each project. Like all work in the field of journalism, if a story takes too long to be produce, it becomes less-relevant and runs the risk of not going to get published. The class is one where hard work matches the joy felt in publishing work.
“And it comes to a point where, if you don’t have something in on time, we can’t put this on the news show,” Meehan said.
Despite the few challenges Broadcasting brings to the table, the class is filled with creative liberties. Whether it’s mixing up podcasts, taking B-Roll shots for stories, or getting the mic ready for a knee-slapping skit, the class fosters creativity in many directions. While making these projects, students have the chance to collaborate with other students, modeling a wonderful piece of media. Since the class is usually smaller in size, classmates build a strong bond, working as a team to put out impressive work.
“I think my favorite part of Broadcast is really just getting to work with my friends to kind of create an end product,” Meehan said. “And it’s like, this is the kind of thing that you would see and look back on and find in like a time capsule 10 years from now.”
Overall, students and teachers can agree that Broadcast Journalism is an enriching and memorable experience that offers opportunities to explore foundational technical skills, creativity, and improve communication skills. To view work produced by this class, be sure to check out the YouTube page @TribuneTVSBHS or the Bulldog Tribune Instagram (@thebulldogtribune).
For anyone interested in Broadcast Journalism, reach out to Mr. McClelland at [email protected].
