April 24, 2018 -- The Heights High Digital Media Production 1, 2, Television Production classes and TV Production Club have been busy producing videos about their school and visited TV 19 to learn about TV News Production. In the past several months the students made videos about the March 14 student walkout in protest of gun violence, Chinese New Year Celebration, Students of Promise program, the advantages to being on-time to class, the importance of taking AP classes and interviews with Cleveland Heights police officers.

 

And, in March the students in the Digital Media Production 1, Television Production classes and TV Production Club visited Channel 19 WOIO TV station, a CBS affiliate, to learn about producing a newscast and the role of digital media in the news industry.

Cynthia Booker teaches Digital Video Production 1 & 2, Television Production and is the TV Club Advisor. Before coming to Heights High, Mrs. Booker was a morning and noon news anchor and reporter at Channel 19.

The Channel 19 staff was excited to talk to students about their roles in the news cycle and many took time to show the students elements of their jobs. News Anchor Nikki Vransky and meteorologist Jeff Tanchak even invited the class to join them on camera at the end of the broadcast. Several of the staff members greeted Mrs. Booker and enjoyed talking about the time period when they were colleagues.

For the students, the experience provided an important inside look at career opportunities in digital media. “My goal is to give students access to real world experiences in media,” said Mrs. Booker. “But even broader, I want them to know that communication skills are needed in all careers.”

In her class, Mrs. Booker emphasizes writing, speaking, design, videography and editing skills that are transferable to many careers.

Just before the student group was scheduled to leave the station, WOIO producer JoAnn Larsen surprised Mrs. Booker with two poster sized photos of the former news anchor. The photos were taken when Mrs. Booker was an anchor at the station and were used for publicity purposes. The photos had been displayed in the station at one time. “We found these photos recently and thought you would like them,” said Ms. Larsen.

Mrs. Booker was definitely surprised, maybe even shocked. “That’s amazing that you still have these.” The students enjoyed being part of the surprise. “Is that Mrs. Booker? That’s cool!” said one of the students.

Ms. Larsen helped coordinate the student visit.

Also accompanying the group was Michelle Phelps, CH-UH Career Development Coordinator. Ms. Phelps was previously the Channel 19 Assignment and Field Producer.