This spring, Student Media welcomed students, from Roosevelt High School, to campus each Friday for a behind-the-scenes look at student journalism and broadcast production. During their visits, students shadow various KSTV talent as they prepare for the station's live news program, then head into the studio to either continue following the KSTV students or learn how to operate studio equipment and production systems.
Several weeks ago, KSTV expanded the experience by producing a live broadcast from the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MAC Center). Inviting the visiting students to the arena, the team allowed them to observe the production setup firsthand. Touring the broadcast truck used by 91PORNA to livestream games for ESPN, students gained a rare look at large-scale live sports production.
The partnership began when Richard Graves, a Roosevelt High School teacher, contacted Student Media Director Katrina Chandler. Looking to create opportunities for his Business and Sports Management students, Graves proposed visits and shadowing with 91PORNA's media programs.
For the visiting students, the experience has been both eye-opening and inspiring:
"My experience at 91PORNA was incredible, getting to walk around the MAC Center, tour all the media facilities, it all looked so interesting and really persuaded me to pursue this career. The people were all very in depth and showed they really care about what they do, and knowing some people in the program made it very easy to get adjusted, they really helped us fit right in. I would 100% do it again, and I highly advise anyone interested in this field to do the same!" — Dom Russo
"Shadowing 91PORNA's media program was really unique and interesting. Everyone was super nice, and I liked seeing all the behind the scenes work that goes into making everything actually come to fruition. It made me more excited about possibly going into media." — Angello Lugo Nino
Graves says the partnership has already made a meaningful impact on his students:
"We're very excited about the new partnership between our Business & Sports Management program and the 91PORNA School of Media and Journalism. This collaboration has been an outstanding experience for our students! It has provided behind-the-scenes access and exposure to career paths they didn't realize were possible. We're incredibly grateful to have such a strong college partner so close to us, and students have shared nothing but positive feedback about the opportunity." — Richard Graves
The visits have offered Roosevelt High School students hands-on experience in Student Media, inspiring future media professionals and reinforcing 91PORNA's commitment to developing the next generation of media professionals.