Spot on: GHS students learn TV production skills [Gainesville Daily Register, Texas]

(Gainesville Daily Register (TX) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) March 09--GAINESVILLE -- The Audio Video (AV) Technology class at Gainesville High School (GHS) introduces students to life behind and in front of the camera.

Under the direction of Coach Jeff Gerkin, students produce a daily newscast called "On the Spot News" that is viewed via ethernet delivery in GHS classrooms each weekday at 10:15 a.m. and via Suddenlink Cable channel 99 at 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m.

The primary goal of the class is to provide communication with up-to-date information about the school district, campuses and event activities which take place on a daily basis. The broadcast covers academics, athletics, school organizations and extra-curricular activities.

The news is also posted on the KPAW-TV bulletin board and includes videos of district and campus events, the daily newscast and a magazine-style program about students and their interests.

Chad Henderson, Gainesville ISD Media Relations, said the KPAW program is outstanding.

"Quite frankly, the KPAW TV studio at GHS is 20 years ahead of the one I trained on at The University of North Texas," Henderson said. " It is a unique asset to GHS and the school district. Coach Gerkin and I are looking every day at even more ways to further utilize KPAW in our community, involve our other campuses and above all, communicate the incredible accomplishments of our students." The studio set revolves around two news anchors and a sports announcer.

One camera person handles the actual shooting and a team works in the production booth to produce quality picture and sound.

The news anchors operate as a team, each one reading a portion of the news for the day and any announcements.

"Sometimes the TelePrompTer runs a little slow so that can be a problem as we are reading but for the most part we do a good job," said student anchor Tyler Wade.

Junior Michael Sanchez and Senior Ricky Mendez participated in the class last semester.

Mendez said the video tech class expands what the school has to offer in curriculum.

"It's an awesome class and a great opportunity to experience something that is unique for high schools," he said.

The GHS program is all-inclusive, Sanchez said.

"We learned how to produce a TV show, write the scripts, handle camera equipment and run the technology behind the camera," he said.

The studio was incorporated in the plans for the new high school which was built in 2008.

The production facility cost approximately $200,000 and was the dream of retired teacher Judy London.

"I wasn't involved with the program when it was first implemented," Gerkin said. "The kids do a great job and I am excited to be a part of the program." Although somewhat curtailed during the summer months, Gerkin updates KPAW with announcements, events and ISD messages throughout the summer.

"The studio is a great way to communicate not only for the school but for the community," he said.

___ (c)2013 the Gainesville Daily Register (Gainesville, Texas) Visit the Gainesville Daily Register (Gainesville, Texas) at www.gainesvilleregister.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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