A group of students at Ottumwa High School are learning there is more to producing a news broadcast than “lights, camera, action.”
Nine students produce the Bulldog News Network as part of a video production class. The course is offered each semester and is a fairly new addition to the school’s Program of Studies. Students are responsible for the entire production cycle, from developing a list of stories to rotating responsibilities. Students interview staff and students, create public service announcements, do video editing, and create a 00:04:30 video that is broadcast to the entire student body.
Last semester, three students were enrolled, including senior Olivia Bohlman. She noted the class is more efficient this fall with nine students enrolled. Bohlman hopes to major in broadcast journalism and land a job as an anchor or producer. She sees the class as an opportunity to learn about her future career. “We are really lucky to have [this class],” she said. “Mr. Hanson is really supportive.”
There is no text book. Students are learning the skills needed on-the-job. “We had a day of learning and then jumped right into it,” said Monica Sanchez, a sophomore who is interested in video production. “It is so much more than just taking a video.”
“It is definitely a challenging class,” said Bohlman.
The class is a lot of work but also fun. “I’m having a lot of fun, I’m glad I made the right choice,” said Brandon Davis, a senior who had an opening in his schedule fourth period. It came down to video production or foods. “I’m better with technology than an oven,” he laughed. Students have access to video cameras, MacBooks, a Go Pro camera, a green screen, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro.
“My favorite part is doing the interview,” said Bohlman. “Meeting teachers and learning about different programs . . . and learning to be more charismatic as an interviewer.”
Airing the broadcast is more challenging this year with only two student advisories each month. Students are using social media to help share the video.
“There is so much more we still have yet to do with BNN,” said Bohlman.
