Live from the studio: Tuning into radio and TV broadcasting

WARREN CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

The Condiment Crew 89.1 FM WPHS Exile Radio. PHOTO COURTESY OF WARREN CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

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Advanced Video Film & Radio Student Kimora Payne. PHOTO COURTESY OF WARREN CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

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Media Communications Student Nella Jakupovic. PHOTO COURTESY OF WARREN CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

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The media plays an important role in our day-to-day lives. It provides important information to help us stay current on events happening locally and globally. The evolution of technology and social media now allows us to quickly exchange information, thoughts, ideas, and opinions, helping us make more informed decisions on a wide variety of topics. The Radio and TV Broadcasting program housed at Cousino High School in Warren Consolidated Schools and run by Mr. Jeremy Olstyn is empowering the next generation of media professionals. Students enrolled in the program are exposed to the career paths available within the field of broadcasting and taught to understand the processes, decisions, and ethical and legal guidelines within the field.

Students interested in Radio and TV Broadcasting begin by taking Video and Audio Production and Performance. “This class has given me the opportunity to explore my career path and take charge of specific shows and productions we’re working on” said Kimora Payne, a Senior at Cousino High School. The course provides students with an overview of media production, podcasting, as well as streaming and live broadcasting. Students are also introduced to live DJ and television performances, camera and studio production techniques, script writing, and media editing software. Students also utilize Cousino’s in-house radio station, 89.1 FM WPHS, which is Macomb County’s only high school radio station.

Advanced Video, Film and Radio 1 and 2 is offered to second and third year students. Leia Bowman, a Senior at Warren Mott High School, explains “we actually go out and do ‘the real thing,’ we’re always busy making films and podcasts, which is 100% my favorite thing about the class.” ’These courses provide students advanced production and filmmaking techniques, hands-on experiences working in the studios with streaming video platforms, as well as performing weekly radio shows and podcasts. Students further develop their communication and telecasting skills by participating in YouTube programming and productions, in addition to recording PSA competition videos and recording various broadcasts for Warren Consolidated Schools.

In late October, students in the Radio and TV Broadcasting class wrapped production on their horror film, Furcula, and submitted it to the annual Metro Detroit competition, Horror Film Roulette. Over a 4-week span, students were tasked with writing, casting, directing and producing a five-minute horror film based on a genre they were given by spinning a roulette wheel. A screening of the film was held the weekend before Halloween at the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers within the Radio and TV Broadcasting field will continue to grow. The surge in remote work, accompanied by new technologies, illustrates the need for audio and video technicians. Students within Warren Consolidated Schools are learning essential skills within the field, helping them remain a competitive and integral part of the companies and businesses of the future.