By Anna Foley '17
On Friday, November 13, the Smith Career Center and Department of Communication sponsored the 2nd annual communication agency trip to Chicago. This year's expedition was to visit WGN. Kim Dunn and David Schwartz from the Smith Career Center hosted the event with Anji Phillips, Professor of Television Arts. Eighteen students from the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts participated in the tour of WGN.
Bradley University communication students were able to tour the WGN studio and design department, watch a live broadcast, meet with the reporters, writers, producers, and graphic designers. At the end of the tour, students were given the opportunity to ask questions and get advice from a variety of professionals in the television industry.
“My favorite part of the trip was meeting and speaking with the WGN newscast members. They were all very sincere and helpful. The most valuable aspect of visiting WGN was the insightful advice from the panel,” said Television Arts major, Liz Duy.
Journalism major, Sabrina Salvacion, enjoyed speaking with the reporters and realized how important it was to make connections early in college, “The trip was valuable because we got a glimpse of what it looks like to apply the skills we’re learning at school in the real world. The trip will help me in the future by reminding me of my end goal - to be a news anchor in a large market like WGN.”
Students were able to see first hand what goes into a live broadcast production from all aspects in the newsroom. Visiting WGN and seeing how the world’s greatest news station operates was beneficial for all students to experience.
