Students at USC’s College of Information and Communications will be practicing their media pitching skills this year in a capstone class with juniors and seniors. The students develop and pitch news stories of statewide interest to South Carolina ETV Public Radio (SCETV) to broadcast on radio and share on digital platforms.
“With the decline of many local newspapers, public radio and television have become vital news sources, especially for those in rural communities, “said CIC Dean Tom Reichert. “As educators in the journalism arena, we are intent on preparing our students for identifying and preparing news stories of interest to our state and beyond.”
Each semester, students in Advanced Reporting Topics and Advanced Multi-Media Journalism will attend news meetings and pitch selected stories to members of the SCETV News team. Approved stories will be aired on South Carolina Public Radio stations throughout the state. Through direct engagement with journalists and editors, students will learn the news business and have hands-on roles in news reporting and media pitching.
“Our entire news team is excited to help nurture the next generation of storytellers while bringing new perspectives to our statewide coverage. This partnership with the USC College of Information and Communications re-establishes a unique opportunity to bridge the classroom and our newsroom. By collaborating directly with our news team, students gain practical experience in developing and pitching stories that matter to South Carolinians,” said SCETV News Director Darryl Huger.
The classes are taught by Eileen Waddell, instructor at the CIC. Waddell spent 27 years as a working journalist, the last 21 at The State newspaper in Columbia, where she was the longtime assistant managing editor. She also served a stint as investigations editor and ran the morning meeting for eight years.
“This program is a great opportunity for our students,” said Waddell. “We are grateful to South Carolina Public Radio for providing such real world experience that only enhances what they’re learning in the classroom.”