Students work together to create their own news broadcast, learning the basics of the production process while enhancing writing, reading, and music skills. The groups collaborate on the entire project from start to finish: choosing topics, creating scripts, and producing and filming the final product.
Before and during the visit, pre-production activities include a script workshop, storyboard development, sound check, choosing costumes and props, and rehearsal. The groups also learn how to compose their own theme song using digital technology. The roles of anchor, interviewer, interviewee, and cameraperson are divided among the group. Field trip participants learn journalism fundamentals, such as how to create an intriguing story and answer the “who, what, where, when and why” of every news story, in addition to behind-the-scenes production tips.
The newscast workshop provides a great opportunity to discuss current events and enhances media literacy by offering students a deeper understanding of how news is produced.
