CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx. — As part of the National News Literacy Week, we went to Calallen High School to catch up with students from Calallen TV.
Calallen TV is a student-run news network where students are working hard to produce, report and broadcast the school news.
"Everyone has their role," reporter Jolie Lira said. "It takes a village but it's really fun."
This is not just your basic school news where the anchors read school announcements. Reporters go into the field and find stories on the latest sporting event, any big projects that are going on in different classes, and anything happening in the district the student body needs to know.
"Once we get back from doing those interviews we have about 10-15 minutes to get everything done," reporter William Burch said.
This is a real news operation. There are producers, engineers, directors. Minus the size of the operation, it really looks no different to what happens on a daily basis at KRIS 6 News.
"If someone doesn't show up or get that interview, someone has to step in and do it." added Burch.
Just like in our newsroom, reporters get the stories and the anchors read on air, but it is the people behind the scenes that make the show come to life.
"I couldn't be up there if it wasn't for these guys in the back making me sound good, look good and making sure everything goes smoothly," said anchor Nathan Atkinson.
Jesus Chavez, a tech engineer for the show, agrees.
"This is one of the most important hobs here," he said. "Without this, there would be no show."
Students are running all over the school pulling peers out of classes or coaches out of meetings to get their interviews and turn their stories.
Just like the professionals, the students will slip up from time to time. But more often than not, they get that perfect show.
"No mess-ups, everything is good with audio, no late stories, just everything being good," said reporter Kendall McCall.
