Broadcast & Multimedia Education Blog

Branding and Marketing Yourself as a Broadcast Media Professional

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 26, 2020

To land a job as a broadcast media professional, it’s essential for you to...

How to Become a Freelance Videographer: 5 Tips to Get Started

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 23, 2020

For many people, freelancing is the ultimate dream: it offers flexibility, the opportunity to...

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 20, 2020

The Dramatic Rise of Podcasting; Exciting Opportunities for Media Entrepreneurs. Whether it is for...

Our Predictions on What Broadcasting Will Become in the Next Five Years

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 16, 2020

At Media Schools, we believe that the next five years for broadcasters will see...

How to Become A TV or Film Camera Operator

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 12, 2020

For some people, their dreams of a job in the entertainment industry involve visions...

How to Get Started in a Film or Television Career

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 12, 2020

It’s no secret that breaking into the film and television industry isn’t easy –...

Why Podcasting is the #1 Content Platform

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 12, 2020

Are you looking for a way to share your content with the world? If...

How Understanding Digital Marketing Can Make You a Better Newscaster

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On March 9, 2020

The broadcasting industry and newscasters as a whole have struggled in recent years to adapt...

How the Apps on Your Phone Can Help Curate Great News Stories

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On February 27, 2020

In today’s digital world, news is available at your fingertips. You can turn to...

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On February 26, 2020

CHRIS ALLEN – SUPERVISING PRODUCER – WGN-TV – AUGUST 7, 2013 – 9:30 AM...

Chris Allen is a native Chicagoan who went to Mississippi State for college. Upon taking a class in media he knew that he wanted to get into broadcasting. Chris secured a summer internship at WGN-TV and made it a point to distinguish himself by doing more than what was expected. He impressed WGN execs so much that they offered him an opportunity to go to the 1996 Democratic Convention that year. Chris had to turn the offer down in order to return to his college but he made it a point to stay in touch with WGN management. Upon graduating from Mississippi State, Chris applied for a writing internship at WGN-TV. He was invited to take the internship and that opportunity turned into a freelance paid position as a writer. Even though it was freelance, Chris worked over 40 hours a week for seven years when he was promoted to a staff-writer for WGN-TV News. The staff-writer position provided Chris an opportunity to learn how to produce and then WGN-TV promoted Chris to be the producer of the WGN Morning Newscast. After doing that for about 4 years Chris was promoted to a producer position for the 9 PM Newscast ( the major WGN Newscast of the day – seen not only in Chicago but nationwide). Chris then was promoted to Supervising Producer and he looks forward to someday becoming the Executive Producer and eventually a News Director. So he has been with WGN-TV for 18 years, never had to leave the Chicago market and it all started with that important internship opportunity. Chris encouraged the students to take their internship opportunities seriously and do as he did – SHINE – so that management truly values their contributions. Interns who play games on their phones or envelop themselves in texting and emailing during their shifts are not taken seriously. Interns who note that their objective is to be an anchor are not taken seriously. Instead, Chris suggested that those who want to be anchors, keep that to themselves and instead note their dream as a reporter. Reporters have to do the grunt work to get to the anchor desk and are taken seriously by managers who are committed to serving the community as well as their employers. Chris reminded students that they’re “disseminators of information” and with that responsibility comes the importance of being fair, accurate and unbiased when reporting news material. Chris was asked what new jobs have come on the horizon with the advent of the Internet. Mr. Allen replied that WGN – like many other terrestrial broadcasters – have begun to hire producers and reporters for Internet streaming newscasts that are solely available via the web. The Internet per Chris is opening up all sorts of new opportunities for broadcasters so the future is bright for those that apply themselves and take advantage of internship opportunities to make essential network connections and possibly to develop mentors who will help a novice broadcaster attain a position of employment that turns into a career – similar to what happen to Chris Allen (18 year veteran of WGN-TV)." target="_blank">

Freelance Camera Operator Jordan Campagna Visits ICB Chicago Campus

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On February 25, 2020

Jordan Campagna is a freelance camera operator and director of photography who in only...

Campagna noted that each student could possibly be sitting next to a future employer, and encouraged all to build a network base that would lead to one being successful in a very competitive business. Jordan worked on a HISTORY CHANNEL series regarding tugboat captains. That job lead to a connection that lead to another series that dealt with an opportunity to fly to Ireland to be the DP (director of photography) for a series about travel. As a DP, Jordan has to also sometimes serve as a producer and strongly suggested that ICB students learn as many aspects of the business as possible. According to Jordan, Chicago is a great town to work as a camera operator for sporting events that not only include professional matches but also collegiate contests. Jordan has worked on reality shows, sports programming, travel shows and has had his share of 18 and 19 hour days, but he loves what he does and suggested that ICB students to continue to not only develop their professional skills but also their inter-personal skills in working with others." target="_blank">

Adrian Dortch & Candid Candace Jordan Share Their Secrets at ICB

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On February 23, 2020

It was both a stylish and healthy event at Illinois Centers for Broadcasting when...

Enrolling Now!

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On February 17, 2020

Be On Air Campuses are enrolling now for our next class. You can...

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On February 17, 2020

Documentary Filmmaking Tips

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 23, 2020

When you’re creating a documentary, you’re presented with the unique opportunity to tell a...

Radio Jobs: How to Get Your Foot in the Door

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 23, 2020

Radio jobs promise a diverse, exciting, and potentially lucrative career path – but first,...

Closeup of DSLR camera screen showing a young vlogger holding a smartphone

Get Your Viewers to Know You Better with These 5 Vlog Ideas

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 23, 2020

Vlogging, short for video blogging, is one of a handful of types of video...

Microphone on the background of the computer monitor.

Podcast Recording Tip – Podcasting Like a Pro

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 23, 2020

It seems like just about anybody and everybody has at least a few favorite...

Why Blogging is an Important Component to Success as a Media Professional

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 11, 2020

Blogging is a unique form of journalism and the internet has created an atmosphere...

Vlog Ideas to Try Out

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 8, 2020

Whether you’re a brand-new vlogger or have been creating videos for some time, coming...

Best Studio Microphones For Recording Podcasts

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 8, 2020

If you’re interested in starting your own podcast, the first thing you’ll need to...

Social Media Coordinator Career Info_Be On Air Media

Your Career as a Social Media Coordinator with Be On Air

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 5, 2020

Just a few short years ago, the idea of a professional social media coordinator...

Posted by M&S Media Schools
On January 5, 2020

Katie Waldron, graduate of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting (ICB), came to campus to...

Todd Manley- V.P. Content & Programming for WGN, Tribune Radio