Students attending the Second Annual Digital Media Technology Show held at the San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy walked away armed with knowledge and helpful tips after hearing from area journalists and radio and television personalities at various sessions. Students from participating school districts, including San Benito, Weslaco, Edinburg and Channelview, located near Houston, learned all about sound bites and images, shooting and editing sports and capturing radio audiences.

“The events went smoothly and were particularly relevant to our students. The presentors, not only those from the working press but also independent producers and folks involved in other areas of TV-film production, made their sessions both fascinating and stimulating for the participants,” said Media Technology instructor Roy M. Anthony from Channelview High School. “It was a fantastic follow-up to see the stories that night on the local news stations.”

Anthony spoke highly of the modern television facility located at the San Benito Veteran Memorial Academy. “Congratulations for such a beautiful, well-equipped up-to-date facility. Wow! As the saying goes, (and in my case it is particularly true) I’ve worked in a number of broadcast stations who would be glad to have such a facility,” he said. “My students and I are richer for having been with you. They met some of the fine Valley kids. It was aparticularly valuable experience for my students.”

Anthony praised event organizers, including KSBG-TV 17 staff members Patti Perales, Roger Torres and Sergio Garcia and Media Technologyinstructor Joel Rodriguez, for their efforts in coordinating a successful show. “ Everyone working on the show was helpful, friendly, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing,” Anthony said. “The events went smoothly and were particularly relevant to our students.”

Presenter Roni Silva, Action 4 News Assignments Manager, noted Media Technology students are at an advantage. “They are at a level that would beat out a lot of college students applying for the first time,” Silva said. “I hope one day that I will see them on the air or working behind the scenes.”

Presenters besides Silva from Channel 4 included Ryan Wolf and Clay Williams and Marc Dopher from Channel 5. Students also heard from Channel 48’s Miriam Martinez, cable industry representative Rick Leal and radio disc jockeys Patches, Jose Chapa, Double J, J. Cantu, Jay-Z, Mia Marquez, Frankie G. and Joseph De Leon.