The Pioneer staff headed to downtown Cleveland on March 10 for a unique opportunity. In order to become more engaged in the world of journalism, the WJ students met with Cleveland 19 anchors and reporters, toured the studio, and watched a live broadcast.

Upon arrival, students were introduced to anchor Brian Duffy, who then began the tour. They were taken to a conference room where most of the stories and news segments are planned out. After a brief explanation of the process from marketing producer Joanne Larsen, they met  Sia Nyorkor, a multi-media journalist (mmj), who explained that she must come up with her own stories, go to the event site, and take her own videos and pictures, all without a crew.

Later, Mr. Duffy sat down with some Pioneer staff as they posed questions. Senior Brenden Regan started the interview by asking Mr. Duffy how he knew he was meant to be in the news reporting business. He responded, “I kind of fell into it. I wasn’t planning on becoming involved in this profession,” adding that he had actually hoped his future would include playing basketball. Beginning his news career in Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Duffy has been an anchor and reporter for nineteen years, seventeen of which have been in Cleveland.

Following the interview, Pioneer members were taken around the rest of the station where they saw the main control room, the sound room, and all the technology and equipment that goes into a broadcast. The group was split into two, taking turns watching the live broadcast with Brian Duffy and Tia Ewing or watching with Cleveland 19 producers in the control room.

The broadcast was abruptly interrupted by senior Lizzie Duffy when she was sent onto the set by the Director of News, Kevin Smith, to surprise the anchors. Ewing saw it coming, but Duffy was totally surprised, commenting, “I saw something out of the corner of my eye but wasn’t sure what it was.” Mr. Duffy then explained to the television audience that students from Walsh Jesuit, including his daughter, were visiting the station and how it is “a school of men and women for others.” (see the video below or use this Link)

When asked about her experience, senior and Pioneer journalist Allie Drake commented, “The fieldtrip was an amazing experience that made me realize how much work goes into journalism and real news.”  Classmate Sophia Atienza, who is interested in a career in journalism, said, “Watching the newscasters do a live show helped me appreciate everything that goes into journalism and affirmed my desire and interest in going into a broadcasting career.”

This field trip to Cleveland 19 News marked The Pioneer’s first of its kind since group tours are not generally permitted. The station’s generosity provided WJ journalism students a rare opportunity to see the real thing.

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Channel 19 News field trip [Photo Story]