For two years, students and staff were welcomed each morning by the engaging banter, witty commentary, and compelling videos created by the broadcast journalism class.  This year, students are greeted by the nameless and faceless voices of volunteer students who do their best to inform students about upcoming events and important information.

  The loss of the morning announcements and the broadcast class that sustained them, has had a detrimental effect on those seeking the opportunity to stay in touch with the latest developments in the journalism world. Though these students will get ample experience writing for newspaper, magazine, and online venues, the skills that broadcast journalism provide are more valuable now than ever.

     “It [not learning the technology used for broadcasting] will give them a disadvantage when they go into the real world,” said senior Will Duley.

     Being a member of the broadcast team also gave students a way to improve some skills, like public speaking.

     “Even though the announcements are gone, every teacher should be teaching students communication skills so that they do not fall behind,” said English teacher Linda Duncan.

    Though the primary people impacted are those who were directly involved with the broadcast class, they are not the only ones feeling the loss.

     While the intercom may be short and precise, it lacks the personality and spirit that were synonymous with the morning broadcast. The broadcast team was able to entice students into joining clubs or attending after school functions. Students were recognized for achievements, and countless special videos were created to showcase the amazing things that students and staff were doing. Certainly, the loss of this kind of positive energy in the building can be nothing but detrimental.

     “It [not having broadcast] could definitely drag down the school’s spirit, and how students get involved,” said senior Jess Hart.

     In a recent survey of 143 students, an overwhelming majority, 135, were in favor or bringing back announcements through the broadcast studio.  In the meantime, while announcements are being reported over the PA, the studio equipment will sit idle, collecting dust until next year.  With any luck, NH will reinstate this valuable program in the future so that the journalism program will once again be able to provide valuable and necessary services to the Hawk community.