Alcorn State University’s (ASU) Mass Communications Department hosted a Lunch and Learn Production Workshop on Thursday, April 21st from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the Industrial Technology Building in Room 214. The event’s featured guest was Michael Anthony White, Jr., the Director of Operations for Gray/WLBT Media Training Center.
Open to all majors, the workshop allowed students to gain insight into what it would be like to work for a broadcasting company. Broadcast Journalism is a vast field and it’s vital for students to know all of the basics to be successful within it. White shared his wealth of knowledge with the audience interested in his Broadcasting career.
White, who is a Jackson State University (JSU) alumnus, began gaining experience while attending the institution. He began working for Jackson, Mississippi’s news station, WLBT News Channel 3 as an intern before transitioning into a full-time employee. He discussed with the group how WLBT is currently hosting a program entitled the Gray Media Training Program for college students upon which he spearheads. The program is designed to create diversity and is targeted at recruiting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students. White encouraged the students to immediately apply to the program because the competition for positions was extremely competitive. Aubriana Lowery, a Graduating Senior and Mass Communications major stated, “Being that I’m a Graduating Senior I’m very thankful for Mr. White’s insights on the field that I’ve chosen to major in. The event today was indeed helpful.”
Throughout the workshop, students had the opportunity to learn more about marketing, editing, and directing. White stated, “I recommend that you all (the students) get on-the-job training and work experience before entering the Mass Communications field… And to the Graduating Seniors, learning the nuances of a successful job hunt is key to securing a position that you will be comfortable with.”
After the workshop White provided the students with resources on job openings at WLBT. Larry Sanders, an Assistant Professor of Mass Communications at ASU stated, “This was a much needed event for our Department. Mr. White’s vast knowledge of the Mass Communications filed is invaluable.”
For more information about the Mass Communications Department at ASU contact Program Director, Eric Dogini at edogini@alcorn.edu or (601) 877-6613.