Point Park University Students Get Behind-the-Scenes View of WTAE Studio Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Students got a behind-the-scenes tour of the WTAE studios on Nov. 7, learning about the various roles that go into the business of broadcasting from industry professionals and Point Park University alumni.
"It was so fascinating to learn how the City of Pittsburgh consumes their news. Getting to see that process done in a live professional setting really impacts the possible career path I choose."
Students from Point Park University were able to get an inside look at the broadcast business during a special tour of one of Pittsburgh's TV news studios earlier this month.
A group of students from several majors joined a tour of WTAE's studio and business offices on Nov. 7, learning directly from local professionals about the complex web of roles it takes to run a local station. This trip was a part of an ongoing partnership between the Rowland School of Business and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, which seeks to inform students about the essential business roles involved in media production.
"It was so fascinating to learn how the city of Pittsburgh consumes their news," said Austin Zarnick, a senior film production major with a minor in digital marketing. "Getting to see that process done in a live professional setting really impacts the possible career path I choose."
Throughout the tour, students met with everyone from on-air talent to those working the technical magic behind the scenes to ensure each broadcast is a success. The station is currently home to a few Pioneer alumni, including executive producer Nick Matoney and anchor Elena LaQuatra.
As current students took in the environment, they were able to get some visible examples of the options available to them after they graduate with a Point Park degree.
"I was so blessed to have been able to witness the studio that Meteorologist Brian Hutton Jr. was in!" said Leslie Rwigyema, a freshman broadcast major. "It looked really cool and super professional. I feel like I learned a lot from attending and it’s a fantastic opportunity."
"At the tour today, I felt so inspired seeing all of the behind the scenes, particularly seeing a young female director directing the live newscast just out of college," said Alaina Halbleib, a senior digital journalism major enrolled in the fast-track bachelor's to master's public relations, advertising and social media program.
"The part that I enjoyed most was being in the control room and seeing how it all went down," said Ken Palek, a junior broadcasting major. "Like Alaina, I thought it was really cool to see someone right out of college directing."