PPCHS Second Annual Journalism Summit:
Raise Your Game
Journalists Discussed Issues Facing Teens in School and Sports
Pembroke Pines, FL… October 5, 2017…Sports journalists participating in the panel discussion at the Second Annual Journalism Summit hosted by the City of Pembroke Pines Charter High School discussed and debated the multifaceted issues facing teen journalism students in school and sports.
In advance of the summit, the students had prepared questions ranging from technology in the media, interviewing, and techniques for covering the news in today’s world for the panelists. The overriding advice from the four panelists was to use every experience and opportunity they have in high school, from a teacher profile to an investigative piece as a learning experience. They shared how they have learned from career challenges and experiences, as well as a few funny stories. The panelists discussed the value of a journalist who does his/her homework, properly researching, fact checking and reporting in an unbiased manner. Also addressed was the importance of being spontaneous, flexible, meeting deadlines, and staying on top of issues and technology.
“Students were interested in stories as they related to teens in sports such as the one relayed by Bruce Silverman, who used his experiences as a broadcaster to tell the students to find their voice and never give up,” said Faran Fagen, Newspaper/Yearbook adviser, Department Chair Electives Pembroke Pines Charter High School. The panelists spoke of about evolving from a self-conscious teen to a confident professional. Confidence gained through their individual life experiences, the importance of working hard and going beyond to produce a solid story. Treating people with respect and honesty helps build “go to” relationships in the sports world. It was pointed out to the students that learning never stops; they must continually hone their journalistic skills to separate them from their peers.
Nearly 100 students from the PPCHS Yearbook, Newspaper, Digital Publishing and Journalism classes participated in a Question and Answer period following the Town Hall style Journalism summit. “The goal of our Journalism Summits are to help students realize that whatever age you are or profession you are in, there will always be unpredictable days, some exciting and some not. A journalist working in the field has to meet his/her obligations including meeting deadlines in a 24-hour news cycle regardless of the unexpected including power outages,” concluded Fagen.
The title Raise your Game, Journalism Summit was a nod to the careers of the guest panelists:
Juan Arango color analyst Miami FC soccer, covered/announced two World Cups, correspondent TALK Sport and Sportsmax,
Bruce Silverman Play-by-play announcer Miami FC soccer, host of Silverman on Sports radio show, Herff-Jones Yearbook Representative for PPCHS,
Chris Wittyngham PPCHS graduate and former Sports Editor Host of Miami Dolphins pregame show,
Josh Appel Football play-by-play voice for Sports USA media Play-by-play broadcaster for Philadelphia Phillies Clearwater Threshers.
The City of Pembroke Pines Charter High School is located at 17189 Sheridan Street in Pembroke Pines.
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Media Only:
Valerie L. Moran, Publicist Pembroke Pines Media
C: 954.392.9494 / E: VLMoran@ppines.com
