Cleveland State University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) recently visited the WEWS News 5 Cleveland station for a behind-the-scenes look at live news and learn about the many career opportunities within the media and television industry. Students were welcomed by Moreen Bailey Frater, Director of Community Relations for the local ABC affiliate who shared a brief history of the station, which was founded in 1947 by distinguished newspaperman Ewaee Wyllis Scripps (making up the “EWS” portion of the “WEWS” call letters).  

Creative Services Director, Dan Coyle, joined PRSSA members to discuss his work with the station from graphic design to writing and beyond. “When you’ve been doing this for as long as I have, it doesn’t seem that hard anymore,” said Coyle, “But what is hard is finding different creative ways to carry out your work year after year.” 

Following the discussion, Moreen moved the group into one of several studios in the building, where students watched from the studio and control room as reporter John Kosich and meteorologist Katie McGraw went live on air for the 12 o’clock news. Allison McCann, PRSSA president shared, “Despite having a vague expectation of what the studio would look like, I was still surprised and intrigued by the complexity of it all. Being able to experience segments in both the studio and the control room really tied together my understanding of how it all works.” 

Once the 12 o’clock news wrapped, the students heard from both Katie and John about their experience of their jobs on air. PRSSA faculty advisor Dr. Elizabeth Thomas weighed in on the experience, sharing, “It’s important to show students that working at a news station isn’t just about being an anchor or a reporter. It also includes behind-the-scenes producers, directors, sales, digital content, and creative teams to orchestrate a newscast. Experiences like this open students’ eyes to explore all of the job opportunities that are available to them.”