Cool Courses: Advanced Broadcast Journalism Production
Picture a course so compelling that students never want it to end.
That happened last term in the Communication program at Southern Oregon University, as student journalists came together to make three live newscasts in COMM472E – Advanced Broadcast Journalism Production. The team then committed to continuing the series with regular productions of Siskiyou News on Rogue Valley Community Television all the way through Spring term.
“I think after the class ended in the Winter, we all realized that we learned so much and wished we could just keep going,” said SOU senior Caroline Cabral. “Since the class isn’t offered for two terms, many of us wanted to continue, and we felt this is a really amazing way to get news out, and to connect with the community, and also to keep in touch and keep our skills sharp.”
Students learned the fundamentals of live broadcast television, including writing, producing, and directing and editing multi-camera studio news programming for both live and taped cablecasting. The course was taught by SOU instructor Brandon Givens, assisted by Shannon Young, formerly a reporter and news anchor for the Rogue Valley’s KTVL television station.
On Feb. 11, the Winter cohort recorded their first live broadcast in the Digital Media Center’s studio, which aired on RVTV. The television production studio was chaotic as the students and their professors rushed to resolve last-minute complications. However, once the camera was on, everyone was in position and ready to conquer their first live broadcast.
“It was so nerve-wracking, but I had a blast,” said SOU senior Kayle Blackmore. “The first broadcast was rough around the edges, as everyone was just getting the feel of what it’s like producing your own newscast.”
Blackmore has always had an interest in journalism but was nervous about pursuing that interest until this term. “I love how this class encourages each student to get out of their comfort zone. From interviewing strangers to doing a job you’ve never done before (like anchoring on live TV). We’ve grown so much and we’ve created a little family in the class.”
Story & Photo by Sophie Passerini, @SophiePasserini
