Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Vincent Massey High School has started taking its morning announcements to the screen with the addition of a unique news program.
The program, an elective course called broadcast media, evolved from the school’s former media club.
“Over the lunch hour students come in and get the announcements, they get the script, they put the news to the teleprompter and we air it in the school,” teacher Greg Beckwith said.
The students, who take the program in addition to attending regular classes in the afternoon, tape a three-minute broadcast about 20 minutes before the lunch break, then air the recording in the afternoon.
The broadcast is aired on monitors located in the foyer and the hallways of the school. The monitors also display other school information throughout the day.
There are 14 students in the program, which started in January. Students are assigned a different role every two weeks to get experience being a producer, reporter, graphics director and sound director.
“We are trying to give students the most realistic experience of the industry standard,” Beckwith said.
Other broadcasts include highlights and full games from school sports played the previous day.
“Students have been doing play by play of sporting events, getting to know the sports,” principal Mathew Gustafson said.
The school is using the same camera system and programs that Westman Communications uses for its news program. The students used a green screen and video graphics to turn their classroom into a broadcast studio.
“I think it is a good idea to get a feel for media in the real world. Sometimes you are in front of the camera, sometimes you are on the crew, it is great,” broadcast media student Drew Martin said.
After the experience he has had in this course, Martin plans to take a broadcasting course once he completes high school.
Vincent Massey’s media program was two years in the making. The high school worked with Assiniboine Community College and modelled its media course on ACC’s electro-communications program.
The regular announcements are still played on the PA system every morning but the student broadcasts are meant to draw in other kids who either missed the morning announcements or want to watch student news instead.
Vincent Massey students are currently involved in a moustache-growing competition to raise funds for Westman Easter Kids, an idea created by the media students as a way to make the newscast more interesting.
» mkerr@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition April 7, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Vincent Massey High School has started taking its morning announcements to the screen with the addition of a unique news program.
The program, an elective course called broadcast media, evolved from the school’s former media club.
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
Vincent Massey High School has started taking its morning announcements to the screen with the addition of a unique news program.
The program, an elective course called broadcast media, evolved from the school’s former media club.
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.