Students Get the Scoop on Broadcasting Careers

Students, news professionals and faculty came together at California State University, Fresno on April 28 for a daylong conference on how to navigate a career in broadcasting. Three panels were presented, Behind the Scenes, The Business of the News Business and Getting Your First Job. Panelists talked about how they broke into the field of broadcasting and explained what it takes to be successful in the broadcast industry.

SAG-AFTRA members from Fresno news stations KSEE-TV and KFSN-TV who work as producers, directors and reporters discussed their work in the Fresno market. Members of the editing and photojournalist teams also presented to the student group. Students had the opportunity to have their news reels reviewed by a panel of regional news directors, who critiqued their packages and provided constructive feedback to individual students.

SAG-AFTRA National Board member Bob Butler interviewed Los Angeles-based actor and fellow board member Lisa Vidal. They discussed her television show Being Mary Jane, a BET drama series that follows the life of a television news anchor. 

This event was co-sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California Local, California State University, Fresno and the CSU Entertainment Alliance.

Photo: Students join National Board members Bob Butler and Lisa Vidal during the April 28 workshop at CSU Fresno.