The Midtown Morning News Crew is composed of teams of fourth graders that rotate each week. Being a member of the News Crew presents an opportunity for students interested in the production process. Each morning, students produce a live news show that is televised over a closed circuit TV system and Video Furnace. Students produce the news daily from the broadcasting room located in the Media Center. They use a “state of the art” Tri-Castor system that allows them to tape and edit videos as well as play recorded news clips. There are several different roles that team members must fill in order to produce the daily news.

Anchors: Read a script from the teleprompter, which includes the pledge of allegiance, weather report, lunch menu for the day, and other daily announcements. They also introduce Principal Victor and other special faculty guests.  Students who become anchors often polish their public speaking skills. They develop and practice the needed proficiency that enable them to read with fluency (key elementary school fundamentals.) This may take practice at first, but students who participate in the Mustang News Crew often leave the 4th grade with rich communication abilities and gained self-confidence.

Producers: Activate and operate the camera (zooming in and out when necessary), managing the Tri-Caster system (controlling the transitions between shots with chroma key effects.) Running the sound board (activating microphones on anchors and guests, adjusting the sound level for each.)  Assist Ms. Myers on the teleprompter and script for the show.  Students who become producers develop leadership skills, the ability to multitask and pay attention to detail.