News
Guest speakers discuss TV news industry, importance of writing and video editing skills
Visit part of effort to bring more working professionals into the classroom
Dec. 2, 2012
The
TV news industry is fast paced, exciting and challenging. It also
features long hours, high stress and most often, low pay.
These were some of the observations shared by Capital Region BOCES Communications Specialists Skye Morey-Heritage and Aaron Cagwin—working professionals with education and experience in broadcast news, video production and public relations—with the high school’s Live Production class.
The two traded stories about their days working in the news industry – Cagwin as a television reporter in Washington State and Morey-Heritage as a television producer in Toledo, Ohio. Cagwin talked about being a “one-man show” and going out, by himself, into a snow storm with a camera to do a live weather story. Morey-Heritage talked about working around the clock on September 11, 2001 to get the news out about what was happening both in Toledo and New York City.
After leaving Toledo, Morey-Heritage came to Albany where she worked for the Business Council of New York State. While she didn’t use her video skills much in that job, she said her writing skills were essential.
“If you can write, and write well, you really
will be able to be successful in whatever you do,” she told the
group.
Today, both Morey-Heritage and Cagwin work for BOCES where they serve school districts as public relations and communications practitioners. In this role, they have done numerous video projects including spotlighting local academic programs and informing the public on important budget issues.
The two also viewed the latest MHS TV broadcast and were able to offer the students some tips and ideas. Overall, both said they were impressed by the caliber of the production.
“I couldn’t believe it was only their second show,” Morey-Heritage said.
One goal of Mohonasen’s Mo-Tech programs is to expose students to real-world opportunities and experiences. So far this year, the Live Production students – part of the Mo-Tech Film, Theater & Television program – have taken field trips to television and sound recording studios. Inviting in guest speakers, like Cagwin and Morey-Heritage, is also part of this effort.
