EP104: Sheri Stilson, Executive Director of Student Television Network – TV Matters
On today’s show we’re speaking with the executive producer of the non-profit Student Television Network, perhaps better known as STN, the one and only, Sheri Stilson.
STN was founded in 1999, with a mission of promoting scholastic Broadcast Journalism. But over the past 24 years, STN has grown to more than five hundred member schools, thousands of student members, and one of the nation’s largest scholastic conferences focusing on multimedia, broadcast, and film. Each year, the convention plays host to 3,000 students from around the country who come to compete, learn, and network with colleges and each other in a new city.
Sheri joined STN in August of 2020, when the scrappy non-profit was facing serious questions about its future, after the pandemic forced the conference to cancel just a day before the show was set to start. But over the last three years Sheri has – through her skills, tallents, and most importantly her amazing team – brought STN to new heights. Before joining STN, Sheri was a TV Producer and Event Specialist.
On today’s show you’ll learn all about STN, why all media students should attend the conference and compete, and finally how to make the dream of attending their conference with students, which is a logistical challenge for any school, a reality.
Empowering the Next Generation
STN is dedicated to empowering the next generation of storytellers. As Sheri emphasized, “We focus on students from grades 6th through 12th, providing a supportive platform for them to develop their skills in broadcast journalism, filmmaking, and multimedia.” This focus on young minds is at the heart of STN’s mission.
How Does STN Make a Difference?
The podcast explored the various ways STN equips students and teachers, with Sheri highlighting the importance of a multifaceted approach:
- Yearly Memberships for Teachers: Teachers gain access to a treasure trove of resources, including an online community forum, year-round contests with diverse themes and genres, and the annual national convention.
- Giving Students a Voice: STN believes everyone has a story to tell. They equip students with the tools and opportunities to showcase their talents through competitions, workshops, and screenings. This fosters a sense of confidence and allows their unique voices to be heard. As Sheri said, “STN is all about empowering students to find their voice and share their stories with the world.”
From Contests to Curriculum: Supporting Student Growth
The episode unpacked STN’s three-pronged approach to nurturing young talent, which Sheri elaborated on in detail:
- Contests: There’s always a challenge waiting! Students can compete throughout the year in contests with various themes, from chilling horror stories to impactful public service announcements. National awards recognize excellence in film and broadcast, giving students a chance to shine on a big stage.
Every entry receives valuable feedback from industry professionals, providing crucial insights for improvement. Imagine getting pointers from seasoned filmmakers and journalists – that’s an invaluable learning experience!
- Curriculum: Learning doesn’t stop at contests. STN’s online resource library is a goldmine for teachers, brimming with lesson plans and curriculum guides that align with the contests. This creates a cohesive learning experience, allowing students to master the skills needed to excel in the competitions.
Media Mondays offer an extra boost. Every week, teachers receive emails with fresh teaching tips and resources, keeping them at the forefront of media education.
- Community: STN isn’t just about individual achievements; it’s about fostering a supportive network. Teachers can connect, share resources, and learn from each other. A dedicated mentorship program pairs experienced teachers with newcomers, ensuring everyone thrives.
The annual national convention takes community to a whole new level. It’s one of the largest combined broadcast journalism and film conventions in the US, offering workshops, networking opportunities, and social events. Here, students from across the nation can connect, share their passion, and build a sense of belonging.
The STN National Convention: An Unforgettable Launchpad
The podcast painted a vivid picture of the STN National Convention – a place where students compete in national competitions with on-site prompts, tight production deadlines, and judging from industry professionals. Add workshops led by top experts, opportunities to network with peers from across the country, and fun social activities, and you have a recipe for a life-changing experience that propels young filmmakers and journalists towards their dreams, as Sheri enthusiastically described.
This summary captures just a glimpse of the inspiring conversation with Sheri on the power of STN. To hear the full interview and delve deeper into STN’s incredible work, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode. You might even be inspired to get involved and empower the storytellers of tomorrow!
Feeling inspired? Dive deeper into Sheri’s journey by listening to the full podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
