Students Attend 2011 National Association of Broadcasters Convention - Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Point Loma Nazarene University

Contact: Nicholle Jaramillo

Point TV: Channel 23 Marketing & Promotions Mgr.

Advisor: Alan Hueth (619) 849-2358

Date: April 22, 2011

Written by: Nicholle Jaramillo

Students Travel to City of Lights for Annual Convention

            The “Superbowl” of broadcast conventions in the world is the National Association of Broadcasters/Broadcast Education Association convention that happens each year at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  This year, a group of media communication and broadcast journalism students and representatives from PLNU’s  KPLR radio and Point TV made the trek to the city of lights April 9-13^th to get a taste of the professional world of television and radio.   

            For some, the convention has been a great opportunity to network and mix in with professionals.  During last year’s convention, Katie Conner, a 2010 broadcast journalist major, unknowingly met her future employer.  She is now a reporter for CBS in Medford, Oregon.  In hopes of making a similar connection, seniors, Andie Adams, KPLR general manager and Jessica Bobik, Point TV general manager, attended the career fair and said it was their favorite event.

            “One of the most valuable experiences during my time at BEA was hearing from employers from Paramount, Warner Bros and CBS and what they had to say about what they’re looking for in potential employees,” Bobik said. “Each employer had almost the exact same thing to say, they harped on how important it is for passion and heart.”

            A passion for broadcast is something that student attendees have in common.  While networking is a huge part of the annual convention, the four-day event’s main focus was on “Tomorrow’s Media.”  A variety of workshops, sessions, panels and more honed in on where media was heading and what can be expected of future journalists.  For Christina Grijalva, KPLR promotions director, it was the different sessions that taught her the most during her time in Vegas.       

            “It was great to listen to others that have been in the industry or are teaching about the industry,” said Grijalva. “I really like getting as much insight as I can, especially from people who have had different experiences and who I can learn from.”

            Although a large portion of the group consisted of upperclassmen, younger students were given a preview of what’s to come.  Leah Murphy, a freshman media communication major, also realized the importance of looking ahead in regards to media.

            “The people presenting and the people who are showcasing new products are thinking forward,” said Murphy.  “They're ahead of the game and are introducing things that aren't necessarily widely recognized yet, but they will be. It's a great chance to get a look into the future of your major and career.”   

            PLNU students were not alone in representing the university.  Dr. Clark Greer, professor of communication, presented a research paper on Twitter trends and acted as the Festival Chair for the faculty audio competition. The university connection was a sense of comfort for students in attendance.  However, the conference forced students out of the PLNU bubble.   

            “It allowed them to step out of their comfort zone and see what else is out there,” said Grijalva. “Especially coming from such a tight-nit community like PLNU, being exposed to other people and experiences is healthy so that way it won't be such a culture shock when students are making that transformation into the job world.”

            Students and professionals alike will attend BEA for years to come in hopes of gaining insight into broadcasting, film, and journalism trends.  It is a great chance to learn about new products, techniques and expectations of the different career fields.

            “It was cool to see the overall emphasis on storytelling-in film, TV, broadcast journalism, print journalism,” said Murphy. “It was exciting to see the power of the story and to know that I have the chance to be a storyteller for the rest of my life.”

Other PLNU attendees included Sophomore Katelyn Rose, Senior Erika Scopelli and Senior Ashley Gulden.  For more information regarding the convention please contact Alan Hueth at AlanHueth@pointloma.edu.