Field Trip to ABC TV

When I began teaching in October, I promised my students I would take them to a real newsroom so they can get a glimpse of the production process. Since ABJ, our multi-talented intern, also works at ABC TV, I asked him if he could give us a tour. He graciously agreed. I was very pleased to see that all 18 students showed up for the extra-curricular activity this Wednesday.

ABJ began with an overview of ABC TV, currently the only privately owned station in Sierra Leone. He then spent more than an hour explaining the nature of interviewing for television, and discussing the challenges of working with minimal equipment and often poorly trained reporters. He patiently answered the students' many questions.

The tour of the main studio, control room, and editing suite was a hit.



A quick lesson on the use of the teleprompter.



They seemed impressed by all the monitors and technical equipment.



ABJ mentioned that ABC TV was exploring the possibility of accepting interns who would help with the daily newscast. Half the group wants to apply.

Today, one of them sent me an email to thank me for the visit. "You demonstrated a love that you have for us to fully participate in journalism," his message read. Next visit: the UN radio station in Freetown.