Curriculum
Cal Poly's Broadcast Journalism curriculum includes topics such as "Writing for the Media," "Media Ethics," "Broadcast News," "Broadcast Announcing," "Electronic Newsgathering," and the capstone class "CPTV."
Information about each can be found below.
Writing for the Media
This class is an introduction to the techniques of writing and reporting news. It includes intensive lab and field practice in gathering and evaluating information. Students will learn to write basic news stories under the supervision of instructors who can show them the ropes as a result of their own professional experience in the field.
Media Ethics
This class discusses current issues revolving around the social responsibility of the media in general. It allows students to discuss and debate what they might do in an ehtical dilemma while on the job. Discussion focuses on media accountablility and appropriate behavior one should display when covering a story.
Broadcast News
This class gives students an introduction to broadcast news writing and reporting, with an emphasis on developing news judgement and producing radio newscasts. Includes writing and reporting headlines live on air on the Cal Poly radio station, KCPR.
Broadcast Announcing and Production
In this class, students will develop on-air skills to perform well in such positions as hosting, anchoring, and live reporting. Students will also be responsible for conceptualizing, writing, shooting and editing their own televised public service announcement.
Electronic News Gathering
Nearing the end of the Cal Poly Broadcast Journalism curriculum, students will be given the chance to apply their skills and knowledge of the news industry by generating story ideas, content and video to create news pieces and have the chance of airing them on CPTV. Here, there is an emphasis on field reporting, interviewing skills, research techniques and professional on-air delivery.
Cal Poly Television
This senior level class encompasses all that a student can expect to learn in the Broadcast Journalism program at Cal Poly. Here, students will produce a weekly 30-minute newscast to air in the dorms. Students will write, produce, edit and shoot stories, as well as run the stage floor and production equipment at show time. Students will also rotate anchoring and weather reporting positions each week. CPTV is a two-quarter class, so students can hone their skills before graduating and making their way into the broadcast world.