WISH-TV Announces its Second Year of Multicultural Media Producing Program

WISH-TV has taken significant measures to increase diversity in newsrooms around the country, and it is continuing that work by starting its second year of the Multicultural Media Producing Program.

The program is more than just a semester-long college course; it represents an investment in journalism's future. Students study everything from producing a newscast to navigating the fast-paced environment of a newsroom.

The program is led by Adam Krent, an executive producer at WISH-TV and a veteran of the news industry. The curriculum addresses the technical aspects of production while also delving into real-world demands. Student Alexis Howell says her interest in broadcast journalism inspired her to apply.

"What I've really enjoyed learning about so far is making graphics and also learning about writing teasers along with just stories, as well," she told. "We're also learning how to stack the shows. I know we're supposed to start studying about breaking news shortly, so that would be great."

Howell says she has a renewed appreciation for news creation and hopes that what she learns in class will help her get a foot in the door in the future.

"I really feel like this could be an actual career and something that would be really fun and engaging for me," says Howell.

Howell adds that she is pleased to be a part of a program that will provide her with lifelong critical thinking skills.

"I figured that by going into journalism, I could help a lot of people while also doing something that I loved," according to her.

Dominic Cantanzarite, a former student and current WISH-TV midday producer, says the program has already provided him with opportunities and a voice in the newsroom.

"I learned a lot about the fundamentals of broadcast production from the ground up. From writing to generating graphics, how to format a presentation, and what should lead a performance. Adam Krent did an excellent job of laying everything out for us," stated Cantanzarite.

Cantanzarite says he's still learning and using the core skills he learned in the program.

"It's an incredible experience and a great opportunity to get your foot in the door of this profession. "You can take what you learn in the program and apply it anywhere, so I highly recommend it," he said.

DuJuan McCoy, owner and CEO of WISH-TV, founded the Multicultural Media Producing Program in 2023, in collaboration with JPMorgan Chase and the DuJuan and Tina McCoy Foundation.