PBS 39 Last spring, the campus debuted a course in Television Field Production (COMM 282) taught by former PBS 39 Station Manager and regional Emmy-winner, Amy Burkett. Participants met regularly at the new PBS studios at Bethlehem’s SteelStacks complex and learned hands-on how to write, shoot, edit and produce television programming. The result was a 15-minute news program, “Our Penn State Lehigh Valley,” that aired three times on WLVT PBS-39. “Taking this class and learning from someone with an impressive career in the field, using the same equipment that the professionals use, and seeing all of our hard work broadcast for the whole community was a uniquely rewarding educational experience,” said Alexandra Lynn ’15, who will be one of the first graduates of the campus’ Corporate Communications degree program next year. “Not only did it enhance my communication skills, but it will enhance my résumé.” Burkett accepted a new position in North Carolina shortly after the class wrapped. Next spring, COMM 282 students will have the benefit of learning from another veteran broadcaster, Elizabeth Keptner Babashak, whose 15-year career in broadcast journalism includes serving as anchor and reporter for CBS 3 (KYW-TV) in Philadelphia, WB-17 in Philadelphia, KTXL-40 in Sacramento, Ca., and WFMZ-69 in Allentown, Pa., among others.
PBS: Students from the inaugural COMM 282 class pose after wrapping up production on their television program. From left: Alexandra Lynn ’15, Jenna Mason ’16, Ryan Dieter, Jon Bloc, and Bob Gallagher ’15.
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