College of Western Idaho (CWI) students got a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism during a recent tour of Boise’s KTVB News Channel 7.
Assistant Professor Anna Daly’s News Writing and Reporting class visited the station recently to explore the many roles available in local journalism and get a taste of what life is like inside a working newsroom.
“I was already considering a career in journalism, and getting to tour KTVB definitely made me even more interested,” said General Studies student, Ani Staigle. “This was especially so, because I got to see the many jobs that make up the news. It would be fun to explore different avenues related to journalism to see which one I like best. The KTVB tour was a really great and inspiring opportunity.”
While some students already had their sights set on careers in journalism, others said the visit opened their eyes to new possibilities.
“Touring KTVB made me consider for the first time working at a news station, maybe as a producer or something more on the technical side of news production,” said Media Arts student, Adrian Spencer. “I was also really impressed by the professionalism and discipline they showed in order to produce a successful newscast.”
Not only did students observe the preparation it takes to produce a newscast during a day with breaking news, they watched the News at Six in the KTVB studio live and had a Q&A session with people working in a variety of roles at the station.
“I really enjoyed seeing the excitement from all the students as they watched everything that was going on around them during what was a bit of a chaotic afternoon,” said Danielle Allsop, KTVB Special Projects Producer. “It was a true reflection of what working in the media is like and I’m so glad they were able to see it as it happened.”
KTVB staff say they welcome the opportunity to connect with students and support the next generation of journalists.
“KTVB is always excited to open the doors to students who are eager and passionate to learn more about broadcast journalism,” Allsop said. “Oftentimes, stepping through the studio doors for the first time is the beginning of a future career in media, whether it’s in front of or behind the camera.”
In their reflections on the tour, students not only shared what they learned but also said they left the experience with a renewed sense of direction and possibility for a career in journalism.
