PBS Staffers Find RNC Great Work Experience

Chris Boyd ’12 was hired as a local desk assistant with PBS to assist with the coverage of the recent 2012 Republican National Convention, doing things that included proofing scripts before they go on air.

“As a communications major with an emphasis in broadcasting, I know it's not every day that a national news event happens a few blocks away from your front door,” Boyd said. “It was a great opportunity.”

Elizabeth Fisler ’12 was hired as a production assistant for PBS NewsHour, where she helped set up during pre-convention activities, and during the convention helped out on the convention floor, running scripts, helping with the production in the truck and assisting the anchors.

Fisler, who graduated in May with a double major in communication and film and media arts, said she wanted to get the experience of producing a live coverage show.

“It's not every day you get the opportunity to be right in the middle of the action of a national event,” Fisler said. “It's a great opportunity, and I would encourage any student, no matter their major, to volunteer for positions such as these. This is where you learn the most — being thrown into the middle of it and discovering what you can really do.”

During the live shows Fisler said that she’d be nervous and overwhelmed.

“But it gets your adrenaline going and you start to crave the hectic, live show pace,” she said. “Going back to the office afterwards seems incredibly boring in comparison. We all like to be right in the action.”

Boyd said he enjoyed the camaraderie of the staff.

“Everyone spends so much time together — whether it's in the broadcast booth, the office or the forum floor — that we've become pretty close,” Boyd said. “We help each other out and try to learn and have fun in the process.”

Being a part of the production team was not only memorable for Fisler, but encouraging. She felt proud to be part of a group working so hard to produce the best show they could.

“Being here at 5 a.m. with everyone else clapping, knowing that we did it and we completed the best show we could,” was one of her best moments, Fisler said. “And feeling the excitement of what we all just went through.”

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