LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Students from McManus Middle School’s Tiger News Network, led by Howard Schulz, recently stepped into the world of professional television during a special visit to William Paterson University.

Hosted by TV Studio Manager Al Clarke, students experienced what a television production class looks like. Inside the university’s professional studio, they rotated through multiple crew roles in a live, multi-camera production environment similar to what is used for TV news, sports broadcasts, and game shows. Using a news style format, students expanded upon their knowledge of television production including camera operation, directing, graphics, and audio while working together in both the studio and control room using industry level equipment.

With Communication Department Chair Chriss Williams in attendance, William Paterson students Baylee Matthews (Senior), Vitoria Rogerio (Junior), and Alexa Topolski (Junior) also helped guide the middle schoolers through the experience. They shared their knowledge and gave the Tiger News team a glimpse of what studying broadcast and media production at the university is like. Baylee expressed how impressed she was with the group’s high level of engagement compared to previous high school groups that have visited the campus.

Beyond the technical skills, the visit emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and quick thinking skills essential in both television production and sports broadcasting.

For many of the Tiger News Network students, the trip offered an exciting behind the scenes look at how professional television works and inspiration for what their future in media could look like. Experiences like this continue to highlight how Linden Public Schools and the Tiger News Network in particular have become a standout presence in student media, giving young broadcasters the opportunity to develop real world production skills long before they reach college. The Tiger News team extends a sincere thank you to William Paterson University for its hospitality and for providing an experience that helps inspire the next generation of media professionals