After months of enduring the never-ending sounds of construction, the PCTV Studio is now fully functional! The novel studio is designed to give students a hands-on experience with its highly advanced equipment and professional broadcasting opportunities. Mr. Burgess, an experienced news producer and the head of the PCTV program, defines this unique and enriching experience as an “internship”, prepping PC students for the many future career paths in the world of media creation. The old PCTV studio, comprised of an open room with office dividers and fold-out tables, has been dramatically transformed into an impressive professional studio, equipped with twelve Apple computers, an anchor desk, a green screen, specialized light and sound systems, and much more.

With persisting memories of quality PCTV shows in the past, one might wonder…why renovate now?  Mr. Burgess validates the refurbishing of the studio with the past disconnection of the PCTV program between middle and upper school. He explains that students involved in the middle school PCTV program had nowhere to practice and follow their ambitions. Some students “even switched schools to pursue media literacy.” Mr. Burgess concluded with the declaration, “We needed to offer a signature program at PC in the field of media creation.” He has emphasized that with media consumption at an all time high, “good” media creation in the present and future is essential.  Therefore, in order to design and broadcast premier media, a proficient facility is needed.  While the new studio prepares students  for a career in media production, those only pursuing PCTV as an elective also gain useful skills for the extremely technologized 21^st century. Students not only learn to use advanced film equipment, but also gain practice in public speaking, script writing, working with groups, and even improvising during live shows. Whether interested in media creation or not, Mr. Burgess is confident that all these skills will transfer into the real world .

Matthew Kronengold, a student with a passion for PCTV, describes the new studio as a “non-contemporary classroom setting that is more like a real studio, which will increase the efficiency and quality of our shows.” With a new studio, Mr. Burgess elaborates that shows will be aired weekly, including an entertainment video blog, talk-shows and televised debates.

In addition to advancements in the PCTV program, the whole school will benefit from this top-notch studio. For example, a U.S. history class is already utilizing the studio for a project that requires filming a news report that would have aired in the thirteen original colonies.  Although the studio is relatively new, this professional environment has exposed all students to the unique and innovative world of media creation. Embodying PCTV’s mission, Mr. Burgess emphasizes, “I want the studio to be used for everyone! I want to see it be a hub of media production for the entire school and a place where everyone can come and create.  That’s what it’s all about!”