Broadcast TV – Academy for Digital Arts and Media

The Broadcast TV program at Viera High School is proud to be a part of the Academy for Digital Arts and Media which was launched in August 2009.  While “regular” Broadcast TV classes are still offered to the general population of students, those who join the academy commit to enrolling in the program for four years and are assured a seat in the popular class every year.

Here’s a video of the freshmen Broadcast TV academy class 2011 – 2012:

Here’s a video of the sophomore Broadcast TV academy class 2011 – 2012 (includes a few pics of digital design students and their images):

Students in the academy choose to take either Broadcast TV with Mrs. Sivco for four years or Visual Design with Mr. Cole and Mr. Episcopo.  Both programs teach students how to be successful in the world of media and communications.  While the academy was just started in 2009, the TV facility has been around since the school opened in 2006.  Viera’s top TV students have already gained recognition in one of the most prestigious broadcasting competitions in the state - the Florida Scholastic Press Association, also known as FSPA.  In 2009, Viera High TV won the most FSPA broadcasting awards in the state and its instructor, Mrs. Sivco was recently named the 2010 Central Florida region Journalism Teacher of the Year.

Students in this program produce the school’s daily news program, VTV News, and create a variety of commercials, music videos, dramas, and comedies for airing in school and on Bright House Networks TV.  Some of our students have even worked for local media outlets producing videos for company websites.  That’s real, paid, professional work experience that these students can show prospective colleges or employers even before they leave high school.

The spacious production facility is equipped with 20 computers and five private edit suites, all with Avid Media Composer; the same software used by professional broadcast stations and high-end production companies in the nation.  Students also learn how to shoot on-location using state-of-the-art professional HD cameras, audio gear and lighting equipment.  The large production studio is equipped with professional sets and green screen capabilities for live special effects.  In the near future, students will have the opportunity to be certified by Avid as video editors and by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) for general production knowledge.

With all this amazing equipment within reach, students are limited only by their imaginations.  Regardless of the career they ultimately choose, students learn key skills that will help them in any job.

While most students enjoy the Broadcast TV classes at Viera High, they are not for everyone.  Students considering the courses should like working with all kinds of other people and shooting afterschool and weekend events outside of class. The ideal students enjoy writing, editing, and shooting video.  Meeting deadlines is also a big part of a student’s success in this program.  For many students, the Broadcast TV program has definitely sparked an interest that will last a lifetime.