ATLANTA, GA (September 30, 2024) — Posted by Stella Payne
Kennesaw State University students recently visited Warner Bros. Discovery Sports’ Techwood Studios, home of television’s most prominent sports entertainment show.
KSU alumni give back
Students were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to four different sports studios.
The tour began at the studio where TNT hosts the weekly NBA Show with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Ernie Johnson. Students were able to see live sports events in action.
KSU alumnus and associate sports producer Reginald King spoke with students about paths into the sports industry. King, a former basketball player at Kennesaw College, spoke to students about his start as an intern and how to never give up.
“Always keep going. That’s all you have. Trust me, sometimes you’ll get unanswered emails and rejection letters, but don’t let that discourage you,” King said.
behind the scenes
In Studio F, students were able to watch live recordings of TBS’ MLB baseball show “Leadoff,” hosted by Lauren Shehadi, Jake Peavy, Pedro Martinez, and Curtis Granderson. Students were able to watch a 30-minute show and see how it was put together. The students watched the cameramen guide the on-air talent.
After the show, hosts Shedadi and Granderson took time to talk with the students and take photos.
“We were really excited to have an audience,” Granderson said. “We usually shoot with a camera crew, so it was fun to have future sports reporters watch it.” spoke.
Journalism student Caroline Harris, who has watched Shenhadi report on sports for years, said it was an experience she would never forget.
“I’m so grateful to be touring with Warner Bros. Discovery. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Harris said.
final destination
After the live show, students visited the control room where multiple shows are created and broadcast simultaneously. Alisha Dedones, a director with 30 years of experience, spoke to students about the hustle and bustle of running a live show and the need to be ready to make adjustments at any time.
“I think the most difficult part of this job is having to juggle that if something happens, you have to be able to quickly pivot and continue the show,” Dedones said. .
Students left the tour with insight into how sports television programs are produced and received encouragement from seasoned professionals in the industry.
For more information about the Sports Reporting class, please email Professor Stella Payne at spayne66@kennesaw.edu.