By Kelsey Leonard

Everyday, Monday through Thursday students in the Broadcasting class puts together the daily announcements for all of Plymouth High School to see. The majority do not see the hard work, the dedication, and the large student effort that goes into the announcements.

The announcements that everyone has come to know and love start at 10:25 sharp, last about ten minutes, and then come to a short and sweet close. The process behind getting those ten minute announcements on is a lot more complicated than it appears. The staff beings run-throughs at about 9:45 in the morning.
A lot goes on behind the scenes at the broadcasting studio located just off Mr. Mackenzie’s room that most students and staff are unaware of. Director Austin Craft describes some of his typical duties as, “I am responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly, making necessary changes to the show, and fixing problems that go on in a studio, and let’s just say there are a lot them lately and it’s been difficult.” Craft thinks that most people would be surprised to know that, “Broadcasting may seem like an easy class, but many don’t realize how much time goes into putting out a good show. This year it’s been a little more difficult putting on a good show because at least half of our staff are first years. However, we are working hard and we are getting better.” The Lead Anchor for PTV, Senior, Sarah Gauker, says most of the student body would be surprised to learn that, “the work and stress of Broadcasting is just as great as any other class. Testing in front of the entire school is what we do everyday.”
As some may notice, there a few changes that are occurring with the Broadcasting class this year. With all the first year students they are working on making improvement their top priority. Craft has three years of experience under his belt to assist him with the daily issues that are thrown his way. He lists off some essential qualities of being in his leadership role, quoting, “you need to be able to keep cool and keep your head on under pressure (which is very hard sometimes.) You have to know how to do absolutely EVERY job in the studio, that way if something goes wrong with it, you can teach someone how to do that job or fix it. You also can’t be a pushover. Sometimes people may not like a decision you have made, but you need to stand behind your decision. You can’t always please everyone.” Gauker also has a heavy load of stress on her plate. She claims she must always be on her toes, “in case some things goes wrong and [then I can] adjust accordingly.”
The responsibility of the job can also have it’s upsides. An aspect that Craft loves about the class is that, “it is always changing and one day is never the same as the next. The thing you have to remember is that the minute you think you know everything is the minute you fail.” Gauker also enjoys various aspects of the Broadcasting class. She lists a few of her favorite parts as, “ I love the thrill of being on the announcements. Also, when I have just completed a pretty good special.”
All in all, the class pulls together a wonderful show for us to watch daily. The Broadcasting staff never fails to pull together, have a few laughs, and have a great news show.