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Five Point Park broadcasting students networked with industry professionals and learned from educators from around the world at the Broadcast Education Association annual conference in Las Vegas held April 22-25. Photo | Alex Grubbs

"We have state-of-the art technology here at Point Park, but to see all of the technology currently being used was almost overwhelming ... It was like being in a broadcast candy store. Plus, networking with individuals made the experience even better."

-- Alex Grubbs


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Five Point Park University broadcasting students networked with industry professionals and learned from educators from around the world at the Broadcast Education Association annual spring conference in Las Vegas.

At the conference, students got a first-hand look at the latest and advanced broadcasting equipment at the 2017 National Association of Broadcasters Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Alex Grubbs, a junior broadcast reporting major from East Allegheny High School, attended the conference.

"We have state-of-the art technology here at Point Park, but to see all of the technology currently being used was almost overwhelming," Grubbs said. "Virtual reality, 8K video, everything of that nature was amazing to see and it was cool to use that technology, too. It was like being in a broadcast candy store. Plus, networking with individuals made the experience even better."

Professors and industry professionals from around the country led panels at the BEA conference and engaged in topical discussions with attendees. Point Park students attended discussions ranging from the media's coverage of Brexit, how schools around the country produce live newscasts, the evolving role of a multimedia journalist and more.

Casey Hoolahan, a junior broadcast reporting major from North Allegheny Senior High School in Wexford, Pa., had the chance to ask TMZ founder Harvey Levin a question during a panel discussion about TMZ and the entertainment news industry.

Broadcast majors at the Broadcast Education Association Conference in Las Vegas| Photo by Alex Grubbs

"The environment was very open and friendly at both the conference and the NAB show," Hoolahan said. "Everyone I approached to speak with was open, friendly, and treated me like a professional, not a student."

Point Park School of Communication Professors Heather Starr Fiedler, Thom Baggerman and Robin Cecala also gave presentations and moderated panels. Paul Coatsworth, Point Park University's television studio supervisor, also attended.

The students gained valuable experiences that they look forward to applying next year at the campus television station, U-View.

Broadcast majors at the Broadcast Education Association Conference in Las Vegas| Photo by Alex Grubbs

"I had a blast on this trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat," said Michael Turk, a sophomore mass communication major from North Allegheny High School. "It made for some great memories and gave me productive ideas to use in the future for U-View."

"I hope that what we learned helps us make U-View better," said Breana Uhl, a sophomore broadcast production major from Bishop Walsh High School in Cumberland, Md. "We all had great ideas that we continued to bounce off each other, and I hope that shows in the work we're going to put in next semester."

Article by Josh Croup, broadcast reporting major
Photos by Alex Grubbs, broadcast reporting major

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More About: Broadcast Education Association, conference, broadcast reporting, North Allegheny Senior High School, East Allegheny High School, faculty, U-View, School of Communication