Taking a Broadcasting Class? Here’s What to Expect

Reading Time: 6 minutes

As a high school student, your life if FULL of digital media. You may be dreaming of becoming an influencer. Heck, you may already be one. But the term “broadcasting” feels so old. What will you learn? Besides, why should you sign up for a broadcasting class at your high school when you can do it yourself or sign up for one online?

This article will help understand why broadcast classes are important and what you can expect after signing up. Plus, you’ll learn about the career opportunities that await you. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding What Broadcasting is About

The term “broadcasting” means the distribution of audio and video content to a wider audience using a media platform. It’s not limited to live TV news. More content is broadcast than you probably realize. While traditional broadcasting ment radio, television, and film, nowadays, schools are also teaching classes on podcasting, Youtube, and Social Media content creation.

Broadcast classes in high school are sometimes called TV Production, Digital Media, Media Literacy, Film or Broadcast Journalism. These classes focus on teaching storytelling through video. While you may not think of it this way at first, news reporting is video storytelling, and it’s the most popular course that schools teach. School news broadcasts play a crucial role in shaping how your community, school, family and friends, learn information and consume entertainment. The fun part about being in a broadcast class is that you get to make this content!

The Role of Broadcasting in Media at Your School

Students are often thinking of becoming influencers with millions of followers, but your work can have a major impact on your school with only a couple hundred viewers that you see on a daily basis. The field of broadcasting in all its forms (podcasting, TV, film, etc) holds immense power in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. Student voices have changed the course of events at their schools many times. Like these students who found out their principle lied on his resume.

When I was a broadcast student, I filmed graduations, the senior show (an annual comedy show), all the sports events, and my own projects for us. The TV production classroom was a way for me to get away from “school work” and be creative. I also enjoyed being part of a team. I was certainly known throughout my school as the guy with the camera.

Key Broadcasting Rolls You’ll Fill

While taking a broadcasting class, you will encounter new and exciting jobs behind the camera that you may not have known about. These jobs will be challenging, creative, and often team oriented. Here are a few examples:

• Video Editor: I’m starting here because it was my passion in school. Many years after finishing school, I became a professional video editor, working on films and television. If you’re interested in learning about editing, consider taking an online class.
• Technical Director: A technical director sits in front of a video switcher and picks the different camera angles that get shown on TV. These days, switching is often done during live productions.
• Graphics Designer: There are way more graphics on TV than you think. All the lower 3rds, full screens, bugs, opening titles, and sports tickers all need to be designed by someone. Believe it or not, this is a job you can be paid to do.
• Producer: Some people don’t like being in front of the camera but are really good at organizing and delegating work. This is your chance to be the boss! Producers coordinate how a team works before the broadcast begins.

As you delve deeper into the world of broadcasting, you will discover tons of new jobs you had no idea existed. From the technical aspects of audio and video production to the art of storytelling, broadcasting offers a wealth of opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Your First Broadcasting Class

So you’ve signed up. Now what? To help you make the most of this experience, I want you to keep an open mind and try lots of different jobs. It’s great that you want to be a director, and you should totally do that, but don’t forget that there are a lot of jobs you simply don’t know about yet. It’s worth trying them all to see where you fit. Broadcasting is a team sport. It’s not likely you’ll be able to complete any single project on your own. That means, it’s worth taking the time to help your friends with their projects so they will help with yours.

Everyone on the team is important and a big part of your success will be how you work with other people. A great director will fail without a great sound person, camera operator, or actors. You need the team. A broadcast class is not the same thing as an English class, where you write a paper by yourself and you’re not allowed help from others. In broadcasting class, it’s difficult to achieve a passing grade or complete assignments by yourself.

Necessary Materials for Broadcasting Class

At most schools, you will not need to provide any of your own equipment. Some students get their own cameras or specialty gear, but generally, the school will have better equipment than you can afford on your own. Broadcast equipment can be very expensive. It’s likely that your school has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the equipment you will be operating. Treat this responsibility with respect. Be careful with the equipment.

Take advantage of the opportunity to use the gear. Many professionals that I knew became successful because they had access to specialized equipment and they used it after school, on the weekends, or late into the evening while working on projects. When I was a kid the only place you could edit video on a computer was a school. I know how crazy that sounds because you can pull your phone out of your pocket and edit. I’m making you a promise though — your school has at least one piece of gear that you can’t get on your own. As a media class student, I suggest you spend your money on fun props, renting films online, and reading text books. Leave the expensive gear to the administrators of your school.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Remember, you’re a student who is learning. Your first videos are going to suck. You’re going to frame shots poorly. The pacing of the editing will be slow and terrible. The sound, nonexistent or mind-blowingly loud. That’s how it’s supposed to be. The most important thing is that you make A LOT of content. Not that you made GOOD content.

It’s vital to set realistic expectations for yourself. Ironically, students who think they are already good broadcasters prevent themselves from learning because they are afraid to fail. After all, failing would mean that maybe they aren’t that good. Broadcasters blend theoretical knowledge and practical technical skills. It’s obvious that it takes time to learn how to use software, but it’s less obvious to understand that you also need to learn about the creative process. Embrace the fact that mistakes are part of the learning process.

The Importance of Practical Experience

You can watch all the Rooster Teeth Youtube videos you want but nothing will make you a better content creator than creating content. If you want to be a pro, you need this class. Learning film theory online is undoubtedly helpful, especially if you want to edit Youtube videos, but practical experience plays an equally vital role in the journey of a broadcast enthusiast. As we mentioned, Broadcast is a team sport, so you probably can’t get the same practical experience without a class unless you have a large group of filmmaking friends who are ready to help you. Plus, great equipment at schools means you can apply your newly acquired skills in a real-world setting that mirrors the work place.

Career Opportunities in Broadcasting

Completing a broadcasting class opens up a myriad of exciting career opportunities for aspiring media professionals. The technical skills acquired during those classes, combined with enough practical experience to build a portfolio, will pave the way for a successful career in the broadcasting industry.

Broadcast jobs are highly sought out. Who wouldn’t want a creative job working in an exciting industry? Broadcast jobs do not always require a college degree. Networking will be a key aspect of your progress through the industry, so don’t neglect your teamwork soft skills.

Upon graduating high school, you can explore various career options such as radio or television broadcasting, news reporting, podcasting, producing and directing, or working in online media. You can also consider roles in advertising, public relations, or corporate communication departments.

The Role of Internships in Broadcasting Education

Internships are a valuable stepping stone for aspiring broadcasters. Many community colleges offer students college credit for taking broadcasting classes in high school. I encourage you to seek internships in radio or television stations, production houses, or online media platforms. These internships offer the chance to work alongside industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and establish vital professional connections.

Continuing Education in Broadcasting

The broadcasting industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. We encourage you to embrace lifelong learning by participating in editing workshops, attending conferences, or pursuing higher education in specialized areas such as sports broadcasting, documentary filmmaking, or multimedia journalism. Continual growth and adaptation are key to thriving in this fast-paced field.

By embarking on a broadcasting class, you are taking a significant step toward understanding the captivating world of media and communication. Remember to approach each section of your class with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Embrace the practical experiences, immerse yourself in the course curriculum, and keep your eye on the numerous career opportunities that await you. Good luck on your broadcasting journey!