Tulsa Students Get Hands-On Training In Broadcasting

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- Students at Tulsa's Webster High School are set to learn the tricks of the broadcasting trade. Their segments can be seen all over Green Country.

Most homework assignments and projects never leave the classroom. But a hands-on-class at Webster High School offers students on-the-job-experience.

"I think it's exciting because you get to learn about media and not too many schools teach you about it," said Unique Foster.

Each week, the students hang up their backpacks and put on headsets.  They produce two sports-related programs and run the show from start to post-production.

Students wear many hats. They go from directors, to floor managers and camera operators. They also learn general studio production.

"I've done everything," said Paris Antwine. "The cameras, but I prefer the audio because I like the audio. I like pressing the volumes and the ups and downs."

"I'm actually an anchor for the morning news and I want to do that," Foster said.

A good grade is a goal, but there's also the added pressure of knowing the teacher isn't the only one with a watchful eye.

"As soon as I said they air on TV, that piqued their interest and they said how many people will see it and I said the entire school district and about 500,000 people and the surrounding area," said Jeff Mason, Webster High School Broadcasting Teacher.

"It teaches you basic stuff like how to run new technology. How to run the cameras, how to produce new things what you need to do, what not to do," Antwine said.

Station Manager Lisa Ruffin says the students learn to work together and that the program wouldn't be successful without the teamwork.

"We work together as a team every day," Antwine said. "Even though some days can be a little off brand. But we work together every day."

The student produced sports segments air on TPS Channel 20.