Bedfordtimesregister.com - Students tune into new broadcasting program at school

by Emily Canning-Dean

Reporter

Bedford -- Bedford High School 11th-grader Antwone Morris first realized he was interested in film in ninth grade when he made a video for a class project.

Amanda Cosner, a 10th-grader, has always been interested in technology and journalism and was looking for a way to combine the interests.

And ninth-grader Javonte Colbert is a self-described "computer geek" who loves working with high-tech equipment.

So naturally when Bedford High School formed a broadcasting program, the three students jumped at the opportunity to be involved.

Morris, Cosner and Colbert are three of about a dozen students who spend time writing scripts, filming and editing to create shows that air on cable channel BCSTV 22, the Bedford City Schools' TV station.

"Our first show went on in March," said Warren Parks, the program's faculty advisor, adding that the show, called "In the Den: The Bearcat Chat," included an interview with Board of Education President Barbara Patterson and a foreign exchange student.

Students in the program are currently filming a show about BHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductees. Although they are enthusiastic, the students admit filming and editing can be a lot of work.

"I have to edit out certain things like coughing, so that was a lot of work," Morris said.

Morris said the group has received a lot of help from Dennis Howard, the school district's technology expert.

Howard, who has worked in the district for about three years, said he is enthusiastic about the program.

"I wish we would have had this when I was a student here," he said. "I've worked in television for about 30 years, so I meet with the students about twice a month and teach them how to use the equipment."

Colbert said the team is planning more programs.

"Next month I want to go to Columbus Intermediate School and film a program about a group called the High Steppers," he said, referring to a cheerleading group.

"Not only is this educational for students who are interested in film and broadcasting, but also it is an opportunity to put out information about the district," said Margaret Bierman, communications coordinator for the district.

"Later we are planning to film a segment about the [new] dress code by showing visually the kinds of things students are supposed to wear next school year."

Bierman said the district recently received a $2,100 grant from the Bedford Schools Foundation, which was used to purchase film equipment.

The students say they are already looking forward to participating in the program next year.

"If something happened and we couldn't do this next year, I would be heartbroken," Cosner said.

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