The Jackson State University School of Journalism and Media Studies hosted 10 professional broadcasters from Mississippi radio and television stations who will work with students in media production and multi-media journalism and give them feedback on their broadcast career aspirations.
Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Day @ JSU is designed to foster communication between broadcasters, educators and students with one-on-one sessions, interviews with station owners and managers and critiques of student resumes and portfolios. Nearly 100 students, including JSU students, students from Belhaven University, Tougaloo College and Mississippi Valley State University signed up to attend the Feb. 16 event.
Dr. Elayne H. Anthony, Dean of the JSU School of Journalism and Media Studies, welcomed the broadcasters to the Mississippi e-Center for the day-long professional development activity. She became the first educator and the first African-American selected to serve on the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Board of Directors this summer.
“JSU is hosting this event between students and media professionals that will assist them in getting internships and jobs,” said Anthony. “I am so pleased to have MAB on campus. It is a rare opportunity for students to get a chance to sit down with media managers and owners to discuss their career options in such a detailed way.”
MAB is one of the nation’s leading state broadcast associations. With 100 percent of Mississippi TV stations, and 85 percent of Mississippi radio stations as members, the MAB represents the Mississippi broadcast industry in Washington and at the state and local levels, and has been representing and serving Mississippi radio and television since 1941.
Editor of the JSU eXperience magazine, Orionna Brumfield, a senior mass communication major from Brookhaven, Miss., was able to benefit from this opportunity, even as a graduating senior.
“The most influential person to me was the news director for WAPT. He was completely honest. You can obtain skills all day, but you have to pick that certain position YOU want for YOU before the interview,” said Brumfield. “The ‘just give me what you have’ attitude won’t go as far as we think,” said Brumfield.
Kendra Brown, a junior mass communication major from Meridian, Miss., was excited to see more professionals from her concentration.
“The event was definitely beneficial to my future. Integrated marketing communications is my concentration and I feel as if sometimes things are more multimedia or broadcast focused, but this event wasn’t. All areas of mass communication were represented. I was able to speak with different people who not only gave me tips for my career but also internship opportunities as well,” said Brown.
MAB’s purpose is to assist members with broadcast industry and general business related challenges. The association serves as a catalyst on national and state issues, in matters affecting the broadcasting industry through a close working relationship with our state and federal legislators, the FCC, and other important parties.
William H. Kelly III contributed to this story.
