Students Dive into Broadcast Tech at WBAL’s Media Forward Event
On November 18, students from various Mid-Atlantic schools attended the Media Forward event held at WBAL’s broadcast center in Baltimore. This initiative was organized by the Washington, D.C., Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Chapter 37 and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) D.C. chapter.
WBAL, a major broadcasting hub owned by Hearst Corporation, encompasses both radio and television under one roof, providing a unique, multi-platform experience for attendees. Molli Chang, the manager of the Washington chapter of SMPTE, detailed the day’s activities, which attracted students from the student-run 90.5 WKHS(FM) at Kent County High School, Towson University, and local broadcast engineers from the Baltimore-Washington area.
Fred Willard, a member of the SBE national board and an alumnus of both WKHS and Towson, collaborated with WBAL’s Director of Engineering, Kerry Pluckmeyer, to coordinate the program. SBE President Kevin Trueblood and Vice President Geary Morrill also participated in the event.
Throughout the day, students interacted with industry professionals, received insights on SBE certification, and explored a Sinclair satellite TV truck. WBAL meteorologist Tony Pann conducted a comprehensive tour of the facility. A lunch session served as a networking opportunity, encouraging students to engage with professionals and ask questions.
Among the speakers was Camri McKee, a WKHS graduate who has spent over a decade working behind the scenes at WBAL. She credited WKHS Station Manager Chris Singleton as a key mentor in her career. McKee emphasized the importance of making a good first impression, noting that the industry is interconnected, and relationships matter.
Bud Williamson, chair of SBE Chapter 15 in New York City, attended the event and expressed enthusiasm over the high school student turnout. He highlighted the need for more students to explore the communications media industry to gauge their interest and potential career paths.
Founded in memory of the late Peter Wharton, the Media Forward program aims to inspire and educate future media professionals. The next event is scheduled for February at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus, offering yet another opportunity for students to engage with the world of broadcasting and media.
For more information about the SBE and its initiatives, visit the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
Learn more about the impact of such programs on students in the radio industry.