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Columbia's 'Newsbeat' acquires set through WLS-TV donation
By Prema Chandrathil Staff Writer
“I couldn’t believe it, I was so surprised. I ran down to the studio and said, ‘Where is it? Where is it?’,” said Rich Ryzewski, a reporter for “Newsbeat.” “I said you’re lying. I thought they were pulling my leg,” said James Martinez, an anchor for “Newsbeat.” The decision to donate the set to Columbia was made by Joe Trimarco, the Program Manager at WLS but was suggested to him by Frank Bianco, their director and one of Columbia’s “Newsbeat” teachers. “If we wanted it, all we had to do was pick it up and put it together,” Bianco said. “The engineers in the television department high-tailed the set to Columbia, added some paint and built the surrounding scenery. It gives students a top-notch, first-rate news experience, with a polished look.” Since the start of “Newsbeat” a little over a year ago, students have complained about the cardboard cut out, “Judge Joe Brown” set, nicknamed for its towering height. “It was a flashback to the 1970’s,”said Joe Ulrey, a reporter for “Newsbeat.” “You feel like your towering over an ocean. The old desk was a looming monstrosity. It didn’t make any sense visually or aesthetically.” “It didn’t feel like a news set, more like a work bench,” Ryzewski said. According to students and faculty the old set was put together by a previous student and that the blocking was inappropriate for the size of the studio. Others were just grateful to have a set, as many other colleges and universities practice with just a regular desk. “Any set to me was good. I was just happy to have one at all, but I’m not going to turn down a new set,” Martinez said. The addition of the set was not the only professional equipment donated by ABC. The monitors, phones and intercom system were all given to the television department. And about a year ago NBC donated their plexiglass backdrops of the Chicago skyline. These backdrops sat in storage until an appropriate set was made. “It’s really good that they’re passing the set on to someone else who can use it,” Martinez said. The age and price of the ABC set were unknown by many, “It’s been around for so long, no one really knows,” said John Garcia, a reporter for ABC-7. Location and luck helped Columbia obtain all the professional equipment they needed. Being located in the third largest television market creates many perks for Chicago colleges and its students. “Our students are very well qualified and the stations appreciate that,” said Kelly Daniels, a “Newsbeat” instructor. “We try to make everything as real as possible and as hard as real life. This set raises and enhances the image of ‘Newsbeat.’” More important than the image of “Newsbeat,” are the experiences gained. “It gives students great material for their resume tapes,” said Ulrey. “When students take this course they take it very seriously. This set gave them more pride instantly and they realized that someone out there believed in them,” said Daniels. “I’m glad that Columbia got the set. The nicer the equipment the better the experience you will have,” Garcia said. “But I would caution students to remember that performance is the most important thing. Work on your presentation because that will get you a job and the set will give you that extra edge.” The Columbia Chronicle would like to hear your opinion on this topic. Note: If your browser does not support multiple windows, click here. Back to top | Home The Columbia Chronicle is a student produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of Columbia College administrators, faculty or students. |
March 26, 2001 This week in Campus News:
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