Media students pose inside the newly-constructed studio at News 12 the Bronx.
BRONX, NY – They are “As Local as Local News Gets,” and the studios of News 12 the Bronx became even more up-close and personal for a group of Truman’s first-year Media Communications students in March.
“It was breath-taking. I felt like it was a chance of a lifetime because before I came to Media I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in life, but when I went to News 12, I was like ‘this is very interesting,” said freshman student Shamiyah Young-Chillious. “It takes a lot of cooperation, dedication and of course your imagination when you’re telling people stories.”
Students pose with Meteorologist Mike Rizzo during their tour.
The group met with morning anchors Asha McKenzie and Gianna Gelosi, and got to ask several questions of field reporter Anthony Carlo. After an introduction the team toured the newsroom, which included a stop at the weather center with Meteorologist Mike Rizzo. Rizzo taught students how he prepares his forecasts – and even gave one lucky student a chance to try her hand at the seven-day forecast using a chroma key screen.
“It’s so much fun to watch their eyes light up the first time they step in front of the camera,” according to media teacher Mr. Dave Roush. “This trip has become an annual tradition for the program, and it never gets old.”
After the weather center, students moved on to the main studio, where they got to see and learn about the cameras and teleprompter that guide anchors through the newscast.
(L to R) Angela Madrid, Fatoumata Bathily and Jamesha James try their hand at the video screen.
“I got to sit at the anchor desk in the tall chair,” Young-Chillious said with a large smile. “I feel like I was actually going to be this one day and I never felt that before about anything.”
After the studio, the students had the opportunity to observe a Facebook Live broadcast as well as a noon newscast from the master control room, under the watchful eye of Assistant News Director Brooke Rothenburg. They watched in awe as studio director Marissa Miksad adjusted cameras and mic levels, directed the anchor and made sure each video and graphic element played on time in the show.
The tour concluded with stops at the assignment desk and a conversation with Executive Producer Melissa Valcarcel-Serrano, who talked about growing up in the Bronx and pursuing her dreams of working in news. She also stressed to the students the importance of writing.
Meteorologist Mike Rizzo explains how he builds his forecasts.
“I can’t thank my colleagues (at News 12) enough. They always welcome my students with open arms. They take the time to talk to them, to answer their questions – and make them feel welcome,” Roush said. “I can’t wait to go back again next year!”
To view a full photo album from the tour, visit Truman’s Facebook Page.