Dallas iMedia summer camp kids get crash course in current events

by Staff of Dallas iMedia

The 19th Annual Dallas iMedia Network Summer Media Studio Camp took place June 22-26. This was the first of six sessions this summer. The kids were trained in studio production, portable production, basic editing in Final Cut Pro and various other aspects of television. One of the topics every camp covers is broadcast journalism. Traditionally, the kids write news stories or "packages" about fictitious events. For example, "The volcano that erupted suddenly in Downtown Dallas was a surprise to everyone." Of course, the green screen in the studio actually makes this somewhat believable.

This year, however the camps are focusing on more real world issues. The opportunity presented itself to put their newly acquired portable production skills to work when an impromptu Iranian election protest began across the street at Dallas City Hall. The kids had a crash course in what had been taking place half a world away and the impact it had on Iranian-Americans living here. Although it was a peaceful protests, emotions were running very high and the young reporters were very nervous. After the first interview with a protester, it was difficult to keep them from interviewing anyone who would talk to them. They were hooked.

After an hour in the 100 plus degree heat, Chris Connolly, Dallas iMedia Network's director of media education, wrangled the reluctant young journalists back into the air-conditioning. The kids quickly began writing the "ins" and "outs" the anchors would use to help tell the story. They named their show "Politi-Kids." One of the kids said, "It's corny but you get what it's about."

Aiden O'Leary, one of the anchors, had this to say in his closing segment, "This show is a world view from a kid's view. So turn off your video game for a minute and take a look around. This will be your world one day and you'll need to know what's going on."