Behind the Scenes: Shaping Future Television Journalist at SCSU [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- This week in our "Behind the Scenes" series on WJON, we step in front of the camera and prepare to go live with UTVS News.

Located inside Stewart Hall at St. Cloud State University, the student ran television station has been preparing future journalists for a career outside of college.

UTVS News Director Emilio Ramos DeJesus says the students get hands on experience with the same equipment major television markets use.

"We prepare by using the same equipment so when we graduate we are ready to take on the job and do it," says DeJesus.

Every Monday through Friday the students not only put the work in the classroom but prepare for two live newscast in the evening.

UTVS News Director Danielle Maroney says they begin every morning with a meeting to get everyone on the same page for the broadcast.

"Everyone arrives around 9:00 a.m. and that's when we have our morning meeting to gather all the information for the day and get everyone on the same page before we go off on our own," says Maroney.

Throughout the day the anchors, reporters, and producers are busy writing scripts, and filming stories to fill out the rundown.

"They'll put together a three minute block on their own, the meteorologist will do a three minute block and our producers will write all our news stories," says Maroney.

And the students help each other to learn and get better at their jobs.

"That's what we do here we teach each other that's how UTVS is able to survive," says DeJesus.

As showtime approaches the production team takes their places before it's time for lights, camera, and action.

The students say there is a fine line between classroom and newsroom work but the end result is well worth it.

"It's really difficult sometimes to be a student and a part of UTVS because it is time consuming and not just an eight our day," says DeJesus.

"Once the newscast is over I have to spend time on homework so balancing that is a challenge," says Maroney.

Live newscast are at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. every Monday through Friday.