High School Students Spend Week at Point Park University Learning About Careers in Broadcasting Friday, August 5, 2022
"Students got to step into actual radio, TV and studio spaces where they can envision their careers and learn what it's like to be a broadcasting professional — directly from the pros themselves. They learned not only the jobs in the limelight, but the many roles behind the scenes that grow and sustain broadcasting."
Point Park University's Department of Community and Summer Education hosted its first Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) Radio/TV Broadcast Camp July 10-15, welcoming high school students from across the region.
The camp is part of the University's partnership with PAB, which has committed $41,000 toward scholarships and on-campus events for students interested in radio or TV broadcast media and demonstrated financial need.
"We want to thank Point Park University for this outstanding partnership with PAB," said Mike Sherry, PAB treasurer and vice president of sales, Forever Media. "We look forward to the future and to help engage high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting."
PAB Camp Highlights
During the week, students learned about radio, podcasting, TV, sales and promotion with Instructors Andrew Conte, Paige Beal, Robin Cecala, Tracey Belak-Morgan and Angelo Gargaro. PAB scholarship recipients De'Ante Johnson, Arianna Sanker, Autumn Ashbough and students Rebecca Schnupp and Zoe Vitalli assisted the instructors.
Outside of the classroom, participants gained hands-on experience creating content in the Center for Media Innovation and WPPJ radio station.
"The student talent was impressive — from creating and recording podcasts and commercials, acting as anchors in the TV studio and interacting with PAB professionals to talk about the importance of community and how the broadcasting business works," said Beal.
Additionally, students met industry professionals and toured local media outlets, including:
WTAE-TV
Chuck Wolfertz, general manager, Jim Parsons, news director, Paul Nowakowski, chief engineer, Tracy Acord Oliver, creative services director, DJ Cavanaugh, general sales manager, alumna Elena LaQuatra, anchor/reporter, alumna Kelly Sasso, anchor, Jeff Verszyla, meteorologist and alumnus Nick Matoney, executive producer.
WPXI-TV
Katherine Amenta, anchor.
WTAJ-TV
Phil Dubrow, vice president/GM.
iHeartMedia
Ally Bear and Tall Cathy, radio hosts, 96.1 KISS, Jonny Hartwell, radio host, 94.5 3WS, Travis Marzina, radio host, BIG 104.7 and 105.9 The X, David Edgar, senior vice president of programming, Dan Quindlen, promotions director, and alumna Laura Powell Smith, demand generation manager.
BrunnerWorks
Alumna Emily DeShantz, producer, and Jackie Murray, creative director.
Forever Media
Mike Sherry, VP of sales, Jim Shields, VP of programming, and Dave Pavlic, general sales manager.
"Students got to step into actual radio, TV and studio spaces where they can envision their careers and learn what it's like to be a broadcasting professional — directly from the pros themselves," Beal added. "They learned not only the jobs in the limelight, but the many roles behind the scenes that grow and sustain broadcasting."
Point Park plans to host PAB Radio/TV Broadcast Camp again next summer.
Video: On-Air with Ally Bear at iHeartMedia
Audio: Student Work on Commercials and Podcasts
- Commercial work with Tracey Belak-Morgan
- Podcasts: Movie Reviews | Favorite Sports | Baker Mayfield's Trade | Should I Leave Him?
More About: faculty, WPXI, School of Communication, summer media workshops, sports, arts and entertainment management, WTAE, broadcast reporting, Rowland School of Business, Downtown Pittsburgh, journalism