Red Bank's 'Mane News' makes news

By Claire Cox

Valley Voices Staff Writer

After taking home a medal last year, students and instructors alike applaud the benefits of Red Bank High School's award-winning media program.

Media and broadcasting instructor Glen Wagner said teaching students how to produce video news, sports and features packages combines two of his favorite activities.

"I've always had a love for media and I love working with kids, so when I found a job that combined the two, it was a dream come true," Mr. Wagner said, adding that he's been teaching media courses at Red Bank for 10 years.

Red Bank's media program started in the early 1990s with cameras and other equipment donated by DuPont.

In March 2008, the media program placed first in electronic newsgathering at the Tennessee High School Press Association Media Awards with a news package about teen driving called "A Day To Remember."

Last spring, for the first time, a few students from the media program attended the Student Television Network convention in Orlando, Fla. They are planning to attend the convention again in March in Anaheim, Calif.

In addition to his courses, Mr. Wagner also oversees production of a daily news program, "The Mane News." The show is broadcast daily throughout the school to inform students about activities and events on campus.

Students are taught how to anchor, produce graphics and audio, and how to use studio cameras, teleprompters and switchboards. All of the packages that are aired on "The Mane News" are shot and/or edited by the broadcasting students, Mr. Wagner said.

Some students in the program are working on projects to submit in the STN's Fall Nationals Contest, at which they hope to continue their winning streak from last year.

"I am planning to submit something for the music video category," said senior Caleb Davis, who is currently taking advanced broadcasting. "I really hope we win something and represent Red Bank well."

The contest categories for the Fall Nationals Contest were announced Sept. 28 and students have until Nov. 23 to submit their projects. The winners will be announced Jan. 11.

Some participants in Red Bank's media program said Mr. Wagner's courses helped them plan beyond graduation.

"I never knew what I wanted to do after high school, but the media program really helped me choose," senior Bethany Campbell said.

Claire Cox is a student at Red Bank High School