LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Students from McManus Middle School’s Tiger News team, known for their live broadcasts every Friday morning, embarked on a memorable field trip to Univision, one of the nation’s top Spanish-language media networks.
Guided by their faculty advisor and technology teacher, Howard Schulz, the group explored the station’s operations, met with media professionals, and gained inspiration for their future in broadcasting.
𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The students were given a comprehensive tour of the station, exploring various departments and gaining insights into the intricate operations behind live television. “Our trip to Univision was one of the best I’ve ever taken with students,” Schulz said. “They got to see how a professional studio operates and realized that what we do at McManus is a smaller version of this incredible operation.”
One of the most exciting stops was at the Operations Department, where students observed the teamwork and technical expertise required to produce seamless broadcasts. “The exciting part was visiting different departments, especially Operations,” said Obinna Orekie, Tiger News’ Sports Director. “It gave us a new appreciation for what it takes to produce live television.”
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
The students had the chance to meet several Univision personalities, including Takashi Kmo, a TV and radio journalist, and Max Perez Jimenez, the Hispanic voice of the New York Mets. “Meeting Max Perez Jimenez was incredible,” one student shared. “He was so down-to-earth and inspiring, just like everyone we met.”
The team also interacted with reporters and anchors Jonathan Inoa and Adriana Vargas, who shared behind-the-scenes insights and advice on breaking into the media industry. “Their passion and enthusiasm for their work were contagious,” Schulz said. “The students were inspired by their commitment.”
𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥
The experience left a lasting impression on the team, particularly Jennery Gomez, Tiger News’ Q.O.D. (Question of the Day) Creative. “Watching the producers work behind the scenes and hearing their advice gave me so many ideas for Tiger News,” Gomez said.
Orekie emphasized how Univision’s global influence inspired the students. “Because of Univision’s ability to connect across platforms like TV, digital, and radio, it serves Spanish-speaking communities worldwide,” he said. “It pushed us to strive for greatness with Tiger News Live.”
𝐀 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The admiration was mutual, as Univision staff expressed their appreciation for the students’ dedication to Tiger News. “Miss Chavez told us she was inspired by our energy and commitment to creating live broadcasts,” Gomez shared.
Schulz noted how the visit sparked ambitions among the students. “Some of them, like Jennery, left with a clearer sense of what they might want to pursue in the future. That’s the kind of experience that can shape their dreams.”
Univision 41: A Hub for Media Excellence
Univision 41, officially known as WXTV-DT, is the leading Spanish-language television station serving Teaneck and the greater New York City metropolitan area. Licensed in Paterson, NJ, the station’s operations are headquartered at 500 Frank W. Burr Boulevard in Teaneck. As a hub for innovative broadcasting, Univision 41 provided the students with a glimpse into the possibilities of a future in media.
For the Tiger News team, the visit wasn’t just a field trip—it was a transformative experience that fueled their passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence in broadcasting.