Thirteen students from St James College experienced professional media production during a recent visit to the Brisbane ABC studios. 

St James College Arts Development Officer Ms Tia Jordan reflected on the experiences of the day.

A group of our students, involved in an in-house news bulletin produced on campus by the ABC, visited ABC studios recently. The behind-the-scenes visit gave students a look inside the world of professional media production. It was a day of dreams and discovery, and we couldn’t be prouder of our students ' accomplishments and growing potential as future media storytellers.

Our tour guide, producer Helen Wright introduced our 13 students to Michelle Mayman, Editor of ABC NEWS QLD. Michelle took time to explain how things work technically and how she oversees news production for TV, radio, online and social.

Celebrated journalist Lexi Hamilton-Smith generously hosted a mock bulletin with the students, on the news set. Students read Friday’s evening news and weather from the scrolling autocue, with all the graphics up on the screen behind them. There were cameras and screens everywhere heightening the thrill.

Later, student CJ Lepasteur met radio host Kat Feeney during her Greenroom coffee break. As one expects from such a charming student, he secured us an invitation into the control room of her live broadcast of "Afternoons with Katherine Feeney”. Then, we were pleasantly surprised to be invited to bring a spokesperson into the actual recording studio. Mia Jonker hit the perfect tone in her live interview with the host. You can hear her here from 2:05:30 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/... afternoons/104554102

Fledgling journalists from Jimmies podcast team confidently interviewed some of ABC’s key figures, impressing upon everyone, their assertiveness, and tenacity.

Mustafa initiated a conversation with Helen about career pathways into the ABC, regarding which Helen has already provided me with follow up instructions. Tyrone had his camera going non-stop with plans to make a short news style story about the day and Brodie rounded off the day with an outstanding thank you speech to producer Helen Wright.