News from the Broadcast Journalism and
Electronic Media Production Programs

            Lori Granger teaches a dual purpose class where two groups of students are combined to obtain real world experience in the production of a public affairs program.

          The class combines broadcast journalism majors from MCJ 128, News/Public Affairs Production, and video production students from MCJ 115, Electronic Field Production. The class produces a 30 minute television program called Fresno State Focus. It is produced entirely by the students and airs on local cable channels 14 and 96.

The broadcast journalism majors hone their skills in such areas as generating story ideas, writing and producing well-scripted reporter packages, anchoring and producing the program. The video production students learn hands-on directing, shooting, editing, audio production and many other technical aspects of putting on a news broadcast.

This semester they have presented shows on such topics as soldiers returning from Iraq, debate and controversy around Greek life, the Myspace phenomena and numerous stories about sports stars and clubs on campus. The news anchor and sports anchor each conduct one live interview during each show and shows are taped on Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

“Students learn valuable lessons on deadlines, get to work in the field as a team, be productive and professional and face the facts about their performance and what it takes to compete for jobs in the field,” Granger said.

The class is assisted by Barbara Rodiek from Comcast Cable, ABC/30 reporter Christine Park and Don Priest, as well as the graduate assistants, to get the program on the air.

“I think having a reporter from ABC/30 has added a lot practical tips for the class this year,” Granger said.

By the end of the semester the class will have produced 10 shows. The students will have collected enough material to assemble a resume reel that they can use to secure internships and obtain jobs in their field.