HOW MASS COMM STUDENTS HELPED TO PRODUCE MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT
An inside look at a multimedia live production.
By Briyahna Rice
On Wednesday, October 16th, Five Towns College co-sponsored the League of Women Voters Meet the Candidates Night from 7 to 9 PM in the Performing Arts Theater. The participants in the candidate debate were running for Suffolk County Legislative Districts 13, 16, 17, and 18.
Five Towns College regularly presents many great theater productions, sporting games, and outside events that have put the college on the map and many talented students in the spotlight. Producing a live political debate broadcast is just another great example. Mass Communication Division Chair, Thomas Calandrillo, explained how this opportunity came about:
“The League of Women Voters first approached Five Towns College three years ago to produce an audio PSA for them about early voter registration. They were so impressed with our broadcast and journalism students, that they asked if we would be interested in hosting a Meet the Candidates Night. The offer came at the perfect time as we were in the middle of reorganizing the broadcast and journalism programs to better prepare our students for the real world. An event like this, produced and co-sponsored by the Mass Communication division, is put together like any large election coverage you would see on television. It gives our students real world experience; from directing and technical directing in the control room to covering the event as an on-camera reporter.”