Good Morning, Foran. It’s November, and here is a behind-the-scenes look at the “Lion Pride News.”
Foran High School’s TV Studio class is run by teacher Mr. Thomas Dillon, and together with his students, they bring entertaining and pressing news to students and faculty members.
Each broadcast follows a similar structure: the daily lunch menu, the weather, updates about upcoming school events and club/sports meetings, and always ending with a Q&A interview section.
“Lots of work goes into the production of these broadcasts,” says Dillon.
It has been 14 years since Dillon began working in the Foran community, and a great deal has changed. In the beginning, Dillion and his crew were using a directive feed, or a wire that sends the videos to each classroom, to record their broadcast, which would sometimes only be shared with half of the school. Nowadays, the Lion Pride News team utilizes an open broadcast system (OBS) to facilitate their recordings and uploads the videos to their YouTube channel.
Although Dillon runs the class and advises the operation, it is the students who do most of the work in the production process. The students brainstorm ideas on what to record and talk about.
Each student has their own role too. Senior Lexi Kochanowicz is in charge of editing and filming the broadcast. She’s taken the class twice, returning this year to relieve a bit of the workload for the team.
“Loves to see everything coming together,” states Kochanwicz.
In addition to the editing, other students are in charge of tasks such as script writing, anchoring, camera operation, audio mixing, and graphic design. These behind-the-scenes roles are essential in ensuring the final product is prepped, polished, and professional.
In charge of making sure the studio is running smoothly and on time, Chloe Ayoub serves as the floor manager of the team. She is responsible for counting off behind the camera and keeping the set quiet. Ayoub is also considered the “rock” for the team, as she strives to find the calm in every moment.
Segments are often pre-recorded before or after school, but the editing process is always done during class, requiring all hands on deck. From cutting footage to adding transitions and sound effects, students gain valuable experience in industry-grade software and techniques.
All episodes feature reports, from school-wide events like pep rallies, fundraisers, and sports tournaments.
Dillion continues to encourage creativity and leadership in his students, emphasizing the development of skills such as work ethic, time management, and teamwork. The class not only teaches technical skills, but also provides students with real-world experience that could lead to journalism, broadcasting, or media production.
As the Lion Pride News continues to evolve, one thing remains the same: its dedication to informing and entertaining the Foran community while giving students a platform to express themselves.
