Student Broadcast and Sports Seminar
Student Schedule
9:00 AM
Doors Open
Registration
Foyer
10:00 AM
Orientation
Welcome Remarks
Presentations of Hod Humiston Award and Dr. Ian Punnett Award
Tower Club East
10:30 AM
Keynote Address
From Minors to Majors with Jake Eisenberg
At just 30 years old, Jake Eisenberg has already made his mark as a Major League Baseball broadcaster. From calling games in the minor leagues to earning a coveted spot with the Kansas reparation and passion for storytelling. In this keynote conversation, Jake discusses the highs, the hurdles and the hustle it takes to make it in professional sports broadcasting. Whether you’re dreaming of the big leagues or carving your own unique path in media, this session will offer inspiration and lessons from someone who’s lived it.
Tower Club East
11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Activities & Career Fair Luncheon
Activities Fair
Six Stations provided by Kansas broadcasters for students to practice their skills and step into the studio.
Students will have the opportunity to perform the following activities:
- On-Air Radio Reads – Students will read a short script as if they were live on the radio, practicing voice projection, pacing and articulation.
- Calling a Game – Students will call a short clip from a sporting event, practicing play-by-play and color commentary.
- Mixing Board Practice – Learn the basics of audio control and mixing.
- Green Screen Practice – Step in front of a green screen and deliver a news or weather report.
- Interviewing – Practice conducting an on-camera interview, developing skills in asking questions, active listening and on-camera confidence.
- Read from a Teleprompter – Students will use a teleprompter to deliver a short script, focusing on eye contact and fluency.
College & Career Fair – Building Connections for Your Future
Looking to kickstart your career in broadcasting or interested in what college programs in Kansas have to offer? Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry professionals during our College and Career Fair.
This event is designed for both high school and college students. High schoolers are able to talk to multiple schools in one place. College students can connect with local stations to plan their post-grad career.
Whether you’re exploring career options or ready to take the next step, this is your chance to make valuable connections and gain insider knowledge to help shape your future.
Tower Club East
Tower Club West
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions | Career/Podcast/Sports
Broadcasting’s Backbone: Discovering Careers Behind the Scenes
with Brian Johnston (Sponsorship Focus), Ronnie Hawkins (KCTV), Jason Holloway (KMBC), Jay Nix (KSHB)
You’re probably familiar with the public-facing jobs in broadcasting, but there’s a whole team behind the scenes making every broadcast possible. This panel highlights the essential roles and career paths that keep stations running smoothly beyond the spotlight. Hear from a salesperson, producer, creative services director and engineer in this panel.
Location: Foolish Lounge
Podcasting That Pops: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
with BJ Kissel (KCSN), Jillian Carroll-Letrinko (Sports & SHEnanigans), Hartzell Gray (KC Morning Show)
With an ever-expanding catalog of podcasts, how can you ensure yours stands out? Join panelists who’ve successfully launched and marketed their podcasts to learn about strategies that work. This session will dive into creative approaches to content creation, effective marketing techniques, and how to carve out your unique niche in a crowded field.
Location: Pressbox
Preparation to Performance: Play-by-Play Fundamentals
with Brian Hanni (KU), Jake Eisenberg (KC Royals) and Wyatt Thompson (KSU)
Play-by-play announcing is a key aspect when broadcasting a live game, providing vital insight to the moment-by-moment action of the sport, as well as developing stories behind-the-scenes. This session demonstrates how to professionally prepare for a game as a play-by-play announcer, how to successfully work with an analyst or reporter, how to use proper tone and inflection, and the important aspects of play-by-play announcing during a live broadcast
Location: Tower Club East
See Tabs
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions | Career/Social Media/Sports
Breakthrough in Broadcasting: What Employers Really Want
with Justin Fluke (MSC), Roxanne Marati (Audacy), Dan O'Donnell (KMBC), and Jesse Fray (KSNT)
In today's competitive media landscape, landing a job or an internship in broadcasting requires more than just a polished resume and reel. What exactly are broadcasters looking for when they make hiring decisions? Learn from hiring executives about the key qualities, skills, and experiences that can set candidates apart to land the job or the internship
Location: Foolish Lounge
How the Media is Using Social Media
with Kramer Sansone (Audacy) and Matt Self (KSNT)
Explore the dynamic relationship between broadcast radio and social media platforms, examining how news & entertainment organizations are leveraging social networks to reach broader audiences, engage with viewers, and shape public discourse. We'll delve into strategies used by media companies to harness the power of social media for content distribution, audience interaction, and brand building. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of journalism and the ethical considerations that arise in the intersection of media and social media.
Location: Pressbox
The Future of Sports Streaming
with Cici Rojas (Tico Sports), Jillian Carroll-Letrinko (KC Current)
Join Cici Rojas, co-founder of Tico Productions and Tico Sports, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of sports streaming. Learn how Tico Sports has successfully expanded into bilingual and multicultural broadcasting, built strategic partnerships, and leveraged technology to enhance fan engagement. Cici will share industry trends, challenges, and opportunities for broadcasters looking to grow in the digital sports space. Whether you're new to streaming or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide valuable insights from one of the industry’s leading innovators.
Location: Tower Club East
See Tabs
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Student Awards Presentations
Tower Club East
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Tower Club East
6:40 PM
Kansas City Royals vs. Colorado Rockies
Tickets provided to attendees for only an extra $5 each, thanks to our partners at the Kansas City Royals!
Kauffman Stadium