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Department of Communications | September 2023

AAJA: 50/50 Broadcast workshop

by: Hritu Barua

AAJA's Broadcast and Print News WorkshopAAJA held a workshop on how to be a news anchor and how to write news briefs  (Photo credit: Hritu Barua)

On Sept. 13, Cal State Fullerton’s chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) hosted a 50/50 Broadcast and Print News Workshop, which took place at Titan Student Union’s (TSU) Gilman AB. 


AAJA’s event was intended to help journalism students learn the basics of broadcasting and print. Club members showcased their presentation of how students can be more involved with the club and introduced different TV stations and live streams available on campus, such as The Report, Al Día, Titan Radio Live, Titan Tonight, Titan Weekly and many more.


Once AAJA’s members finished their presentation, students were divided into two groups: one for broadcast, where they played as anchors and presented a segment in front of a camera, and the other group had to write a news brief on a press release for publication. 

Attendees work together in their group to write a news brief on a press release (Photo credit: Hritu Barua)

Attendees work together in their groups to write a news brief on a press release (Photo credit: Hritu Barua)

At first, students were nervous and apprehensive as they had never faced the camera or been handed a script to recite. However, the host reassured them that this would be a joyful experience. One student went first while the other took care of the dialogue on the laptop to ensure the dialogue matched as she spoke. They were overjoyed and happy to know the glimpse of anchoring. 

 

The second group had the privilege to write their first press publication. They were handed two articles and chose one of them to become their breaking news. One of the students was hesitant because she is an English major with no journalistic background. However, the enthusiasm and passion that she had shown on her first attempt impressed the people around her. 


After a couple of minutes, both groups made the same attempt to present in front of the camera, recite the script and write a news brief for a press publication.


Ultimately, both groups enjoyed their time learning a new skill and being able to find new friends in the process. The workshop was intended so all students felt welcomed and possibly discovered their calling in journalism.