If you enjoy visual storytelling, multitasking, video production, and the idea of learning how to direct a live multicamera production doesn’t sound intimidating, then Electronic Media Production (JOUR 202), is the class for you.
“I joke that directing is like multitasking on steroids. In the beginning most students are overwhelmed with all of the director responsibilities; however, once they do it there is a great sense of accomplishment,” said Ream, who teaches Electronic Media Production for undergraduate students. Ream is also executive producer of UNLV-TV, housed in the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies.
Ream recently celebrated her 28th anniversary of working at UNLV-TV. She received the inaugural 2023 Collaboration, Leadership, and Innovation Award from the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.
“I enjoy teaching the production process, and how all of the different elements come together to create a show or story,” Ream said.
As executive producer of UNLV-TV, Ream provides opportunities for students to produce live-streaming events such as UNLV Creates, UNLV President Whitfield’s State of The University Address, public lectures such as the We Need to Talk series, and news programs like University Speaks.
Before students take more advanced courses in the visual production concentration, they have to take Electronic Media Production (JOUR 202). To work with UNLV-TV, there is no prerequisite.
Adapting her class to today’s workforce needs, Ream’s class is made up of lectures and hands-on training in the UNLV-TV studios. This is an introductory course, so Ream wants to ensure students rotate through various roles including directing, producing, reporting, and anchoring.
“How we consume media has changed. Very few students watch a traditional news broadcast. While we may be viewing media on our phones, computers, or other mediums, the skills taught in a traditional broadcast setting are applicable and translate across platforms,” Ream said.
Ream provided a rundown about what skills students can gain through the class.
What type of career does this class prepare students for?
This class will definitely prepare students who are interested in a career in broadcast journalism. Media organizations expect our students to understand TV, radio, print, and social media. For our students pursuing a career in public relations or advertising, they will be dealing with video in one way or another, so this class will benefit any journalism or media studies student.
What excites you as instructor the most about this class?
Seeing the spark when students find a love for video creation.
What’s a requirement of the class?
Students will be expected to watch a variety of video productions. They will be asked to think critically about why specific techniques are used. Finally, they will be expected to employ the skills they learn to create their own visual productions.
How is this course relevant to society today?
Video is a part of our everyday life. We use it in education, business, communication, and how we relate to one another. Have you ever calculated how many times you view some form of video content in a given day?
After this course, what courses do students have to take in order to go into broadcasting?
JOUR 202 is required before JOUR 325 and 424. Students in the journalism school’s sports media and visual production concentrations are required to take the following classes.
- JOUR 202 - Electronic Media Production I
- JOUR 309 - Reporting I or JOUR 310: Advanced Reporting
- JOUR 325 - Electronic Media Production II
- JOUR 371 - Media and Sports
- JOUR 424 - Electronic News Practicum - Broadcast Practicum
What is your motivation to teach this class?
I’ve been blessed with a long broadcast career. I want to prepare the next generation with the foundational knowledge they will need as they embark on their educational and professional journey.
What's one takeaway from the course that would interest non-journalism students?
I hope that all students will begin to think critically about the media they consume. This class explores how and why media creators tell stories... and even if they don’t choose to pursue a career in media, they should be able to improve their personal video content!
You can view some of the videos created by Journalism and Media students on YouTube.
