Voice of the Club

By Media Club President Chris Ward

Members of the Media Club took part in a rare opportunity to broadcast Hillary Clinton’s visit to King’s College. Pictured front row (left to right): students Kevin Garvey, Katie Moore, faculty members Dr. David Sosar, Dr. Jayne Moore, and student Chris Ward. Second row (left to right): student Norm Henderson, Frank Konek (IITS), and faculty member, Mr. Mike Moran.

On Tuesday, April 1, the King’s College community had the pleasure of welcoming Democratic presidential candidate and former First Lady, Senator Hillary Clinton, as she made an important campaign stop at the Scandlon Gymnasium. Members of the media club, as well as a student from Mr. Moran’s Advanced TV Production class, were given press credentials and produced a live show prior to the rally featuring Dr. David Sosar from the Political Science department and Dr. Jayne Klenner-Moore from the Mass Communications department.

In addition to the show, we were able to simulcast both the program and the entire rally on KCTV-10 and 88.5 WRKC, as well as throughout most of the Wyoming Valley through Service Electric Cable channel 19 and on our Internet stream.

The opportunity awarded us an incredible learning experience. Through a quality, professional-looking broadcast, we were able to show the King’s community and the residents of greater Wilkes-Barre that students can work together to produce something just as good as any other branch of the media.

Senator Clinton’s visit also gave students the ability to work side-by-side with members of the local and national media outlets like CNN and ABC. We were able to see the time and hard work it takes to be able to meet constant deadlines and be a responsible member of your respected outlet. We also learned about the amount of preparation needed to organize and prepare for an event, such as a political rally. Strict guidelines had to be followed to ensure the safety and security of Senator Clinton, Governor Ed Rendell, and all 3,000 people in attendance. Because of this, we had to have every piece of equipment in the gym before 9:30 a.m. so the Secret Service could perform a security sweep. When we were allowed to re-enter, we had to go through metal detectors and police dogs inspected any additional equipment we brought.

Events like Senator Clinton’s visit give the Media Club the chance to fulfill our mission by serving the college and the community with our skills and talents. It also gives students first-hand experience and an opportunity to network in the field of mass media and teaches them the value of journalistic integrity, but especially the value of teamwork.