Channel 12 offers local news, internships
For many, being on the news is an exciting event that the whole neighborhood talks about for days, but for three students at Utah State University, it’s all in a day’s work.
Vanessa Ballam Brenchley, Zane Stephens and Sharalyn Hartwell are interns with KVLY-12. But they’re not just interns, according to Dave Bennett, program manager for the station and executive producer of “Cache Valley Today” – they’re members of the news team.
“We expect them to be professional and be part of the team,” Bennett said. “Because we’re a small business, they’re responsible for certain things. If they don’t get it done, there’s not someone else to do it.”
Bennett was full of praise for the students and said they have brought energy, ideas, connections, talents and a willingness to learn to the station.
“They are part of the staff of Channel 12. That’s our way of doing business. They are staff members, not interns,” Bennett said.
Bennett said these interns work along with the production people to produce “Cache Valley Today.”
The half-hour program is filmed live at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and is rebroadcast at 1:30, 6:30 and 10:30 p.m.
Each broadcast of “Cache Valley Today” has two weather segments, including a specific report for Cache Valley and ski reports, a retail segment highlighting local businesses and an additional segment that changes; it’s a business report on Monday, a job report on Tuesday, a sports highlight called “Winner’s Circle” on Wednesday, a fitness segment Thursday and a recreation segment Friday, Bennett said.
“People forget it’s there,” Hartwell said. “It’s a resource for the whole community, and they should take more advantage of it.”
Bennett said Brechley functions as a co-host and associate producer of “Cache Valley Today.” Her duties include anchoring, prepping guests, getting in and out of breaks, lining up the guests and helping with community information.
Stephens is also a co-host and associate producer, but he is the weather man, Bennett said. He works at Utah Climate Center and is pursuing his doctorate at USU.
Hartwell is an administrative assistant. Bennett said her duties include helping the station manager, Jack Johnson, with the promotion of schedules to media outlets.
She prepares listings and distributes them to other facilities.
“I’ve done more things than I had thought I would,” Hartwell said.
Bennett said Hartwell also helps prepare calendars and graphics.
“It’s been a fabulous opportunity for me,” Hartwell said. “It has helped me get exposure into the field I’m planning to go into.”
Three interns at one time is the most Channel 12 has ever had, Bennett said. With the expansion of the station, there is potential for more shows and more interns in the future.
“As we continue to grow, that will involve more and more student-age employees,” Bennett said. “I see internships as a key to the future in being successful with what we want to do.”
Bennett said the best interns treat the internship like a job. Problems arise when students get an attitude that it’s “just and internship” and doesn’t really count, Bennett said.
“We’re always looking for qualified interns,” Bennett said.
Each of these students has a unique situation with the amount of credit they receive and their job requirements, Bennett said. The station usually asks for a year-long commitment from students.
Students interested in pursuing an internship with Channel 12 should send a resume to Channel 12 at 1772 N. 600 West, Logan, UT, 84321, or call Jack Johnson at 752-7537 with questions.