Posted by Jodi Franks on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 @ 02:34 PM
LaTonia HopeGraduate/The Ohio Illinois Centers for BroadcastingCleveland CampusWife and Mother of 3
As part of the graduation requirements students must acquire 308 intern hours during their time with The Ohio Illinois Centers for Broadcasting.
Each of our locations have relationships with local television and radio stations, but there are times when special opportunities present themselves that are almost too good to be true.
This year we partnered with NBC Universal Studios. Students from our Cleveland Campus applied to have the opportunity to work with the production crew. Four of our students were selected. LaTonia, a recent Cleveland Campus graduate, took some time to share her story and her recent experience as part of the crew with Fireball Run. Fireball Run is a reality television show that's part scavenger hunt, part race, and a mission to bring awareness to America's Missing Children.
I ultimately chose The Ohio Center for Broadcasting because it spoke to me during my tour of the facility. During the tour, I felt a strong sense of confirmation that I belonged there. I sat with the administration and decided to take the plunge, step out on faith, and begin my life anew.
Being exposed to the different facets of broadcasting allowed me discover my niche, as well as what I liked and what I didn't. When the opportunity to be part of Fireball Run presented itself, I jumped on it. I prepared a video that I was proud of and submitted it. It turned out that it was the video they liked most. It was that encouragement, that I knew the skills that I both learned and developed at OCB had me on the right track.
Fireball Run was an great experience in so many ways:
- I learned to work with people with diverse styles and values.
- I was in a position to communicate with people who were successful in the industry.
- I would be able to use Fireball Run on my resume.
- Despite my age, I found I was a solid asset to the overall production.
- I received many compliments regarding my work from the Executive Producer. That was absolutely priceless.
If I had to share a piece of advice to anyone looking to work in broadcasting or in film, it would be:
- Be Yourself. No one likes a kiss-a##. If you are given the opportunity to work with a crew like that, believe that it was God that placed you there, and only God can remove you.
- Be A Team Player. Never try to aggrandize yourself at anyone else's expense. Please know that betrayal is never forgotten or respected. Those that make the decisions will recognize your work, and if they don't, it's their loss.
- Get Ready for Some Hard Work. Allow yourself to be comfortable in your surroundings, and know that you have just as much right to be on the team as anyone else. Take critiques, but not personally. Be willing to grow, but know that with growth comes growing pains.
- Find a School That Fits Your Needs. Frankly, there are a lot of schools out there that promise some big things and charge big tuitions along with them. I, along with my teammates, were chosen out of many other applicants from schools all over the country. However, the Executive Producer told me that he chose us because of the education that The Ohio Center for Broadcasting provided. We were also chosen based on our individual skill sets and abilities. The right education makes the difference.
- Show Up Every Day, Early!
- Be Focused. Work every project and learn everything being taught.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions, or ask for opportunities to learn more.
- Talk With the Instructors, it will help you find your way.
- Lastly, Anything Worth Having is Indeed, Worth Working For. In this is the glory of God- to do what he's given you to do with the right attitude. To be a blessing while being blessed!
No matter where you are in life, there's never been a better time than now to pursue your passion. If you're ready to take the first step toward your dream of working in the broadcasting industry, we're ready to help you get started today.
The Ohio Illinois Centers for Broadcasting. Where Broadcasting Careers Begin!
Posted by Jodi Franks on Wed, May 16, 2012 @ 10:13 AM
Kevin SalisburyOn Air Name: Kevin KnightKFXI Radio: Southwest Oklahoma's Real Country GiantGraduate: June Days/Cleveland Campus
We love hearing from our graduates! Their success stories are our greatest testimate to the power of our program.
Dear Staff and Students of OCB
In June 2011, I enrolled at The Ohio Center for Broadcasting and began classes on June 21st.
My story is a little different. I had already spent nearly a decade in radio. I left the business when life got in the way, as it often does. However the passion to work in broadcasting is so strong that once it gets in your blood, you can never get rid of it. I spent nearly 10 years out of the business, and due to the long absence, the technology had changed dramatically. It was absolutely necessary for me to return to school. Enrolling at The Ohio Center for Broadcasting was the best decision I ever made.
The program at OCB is like no other. I'm the type of person that learns best by doing, rather than reading. The hands-on approach at OCB is perfect for people like me. Everything that is taught is taught for a reason, even the things you may think are unnecessary. The program is systematic and gives you the tools you need to be successful. The staff at OCB is top notch. If you added up the years of experience from each staff member you're looking at more than 100 years of combined experience. I grew up listening to, and watching Jim Szymanski. He has forgotten more than most of you will ever know, so again, pay attention, and take everything very seriously.
Concerning your job search after graduation, if I can offer you any advice, its be proactive! If you use the resources that are provided to you by Gary James, you will find a job. The day I graduated, I sent out twenty resumes and demos. I did that every day until I landed my first job offer. I graduated toward the end of March, and by mid-April I accepted a job as the Afternoon Drive Host for KFXI, a 100,000 watt mega Country station, located in Southwest Oklahoma. KFXI has the tallest tower and the most powerful signal in the state of Oklahoma. Let's just say a lot people in Texas and Oklahoma get to hear what I have to say.
I want to wish you all the best of luck in this great journey called broadcasting, and may your trails be happy ones. I would like to leave you with the sign off I use every day on my show. "Well Boys and Girls, it's time for me to pee on the fire and call the dogs. I'll see you tomorrow."
Sincerely,
Kevin Salisbury
If you're ready to become our next success story, it's as easy as scheduling a tour at one of our locations.
The Ohio Center for Broadcasting. Where Broadcasting Careers Begin!
Posted by Jodi Franks on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 @ 11:09 AM
DaVida BranchAccount ExecutiveInternet Streaming Corporation Graduate/ The Illinois Center for Broadcasting
It doesn't take more than a few minutes to be infected with the enthusiam of someone who is living each day with the knowledge that they alone have the power to grab a dream and make it their reality.
We were able to check in with DaVida Branch, a Chicago graduate, to find out what her life has been like since graduation.
"The world of Broadcasting is so wonderful! The reward of putting a smile on someone's face while being yourself is unexplainable. I have been in broadcasting for quite some time now and I am glad I decided to take that step to get here. As a graduate from ICB, (class of 09). I have learned so many things and have met many great individuals along the way.
Passion goes a long way and as long as you have that you are bound to shine and enjoy it!
After graduating I knew what I wanted to do and I did it.
I have had the opportunity to work for The Softball Channel, where I met the Chicago Bandits (Jennie French). I created commercials, and even started my own television show. I also do a radio show based on my TV show called Real Talk Radio. The show airs on www.windycityunderground.com. It's tremendous fun being a radio host.
I feel as if I have unlimited opportunities, and who doesn't want that?
This business is hard work and tremendous dedication is involved. It won't always be fun and games. When it's time to work you have to put your best foot forward in order to achieve the highest level of success. It is up to YOU to determine how far you want to go. One of my favorite motivational quotes is: "The only person considered a failure is the one who didn't try" .
We wanted to ask some additional questions to find out exactly when her dream of working in broadcasting materialized.
ICB: Why is this industry your passion?
DaVida: I have always had the drive to be a people person. I started young by being involved in a lot of social activities. I always wanted to be the one in the class to dive in first when it came to addressing the class with a speech. When I looked into broadcasting I knew this would be a perfect fit for me. I wanted to be the voice for people and to encourage them to be themselves and enjoy it.
ICB: Why did you choose ICB?
Davida: I chose ICB because I kept hearing the ad on the radio and it felt like every time I heard it, they were talking to me! Although it took me three years, I finally enrolled and was amazed at the opportunities that lied ahead!
ICB: What kind of internships did you have? Did you have more than one?
DaVida: I had a very exciting internship in promotions and camera production for the Softball Channel. I learned so much and it was hard work, but so worth it. We would go out and cover The Chicago Bandits, (Jennie French) in Elgin every weekend during the summer.
ICB: Was there any special person who you felt mentored you along the way?
DaVida: I would say all of my instructors were my mentors. I would contact them outside of class with questions. I think I drove them crazy sometimes, but they were wonderful.
OCB: Did you land your first job before or after graduation?
DaVida: I created my own television show, Real Talk Television, which airs on CANTV as well as Comcast 17 in the northern suburb. My co-host is the co-founder. We travel all over, and attend many events discussing crazy topics or whatever is requested, while interviewing people and getting their opinions. We also host a radio ahow titled Real Talk Radio on windycityunderground.com on Wednesday nights.
ICB: Aside from your favorite motivational phrase, what would be the one piece of advice you’d give anyone considering a career in broadcasting?
DaVida: Hardwork and Dedication will take you a long way.
If you're ready to make your dream of working in broadcasting a reality, schedule a tour to visit one of our schools today!
Posted by David Huffman on Wed, Sep 21, 2011 @ 01:34 PM
Dear Ohio Illinois Center for Broadcasting,
Never thought I would be writing a letter like this less than a year after graduating from the Ohio Center for Broadcasting Cleveland campus! This is definitely a good thing though! In a little less than a year I have been able to use the skills and knowledge I acquired during my time on campus to get my start in the broadcasting industry. There were times during the program where I wondered if there was a light at the end of the tunnel and I am glad to say that there is!
In less than a year I am already working my second job in the Cleveland Market at ESPN 850 WKNR and ESPN 1540 KNR2.
I produce a show on Notre Dame College football; I report on High School football, basketball, and the Cleveland Indians as well as producing on-air promos and commercial spots. I also get to go on-site to produce for our Sunday NFL Countdown show.
Before all this, I was in a board-op position at AM 930 WEOL in Elyria.
There are some things that I took from my time at OCB that I will always remember. First, is to have PASSION. Those words from the late Bruce Ryan will always be with me, every day that I go to the station. Passion will be the thing that carries you and keeps a smile on your face on the toughest of days.
The second lesson is NETWORKING. I can't stress the importance of this enough. Networking through the program and your internships is the key to getting a job and getting your start. Treat your internship like your job! Someone at your internship is always watching you. If you do good work and are easy to work with, these people will remember you when a job comes open at their station or another station.
Thirdly, be FLEXIBLE. At the radio station, I love programming and production - but my interest in promotions is tepid at best. However, learning how to set up and run promotional events made me more versatile and more attractive to WKNR. It's a good thing to be able to wear as many hats as you can. Each hat could be a potential avenue to start your career in broadcasting.
So - never burn bridges in this business. You never know when you will work with someone again, so treat him or her with respect even if you do not get along.
Sincerely,
Adam Cahill
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Posted by David Huffman on Mon, Sep 12, 2011 @ 03:27 PM
Hello all! My name is Terrance L. Snell and I am a very proud graduate of Ohio Center for Broadcasting class of July 2003! During my time at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting I interned at WCIN under my mentor and instructor Phil Tucker. I also interned at beonair.com when it first started, of course it was just an 80's channel at the time.
After graduation, I was still in the Air Force so I worked off and on at as many places I could until something became more permanent. I got my chance when I got stationed in Abilene, TX and started working for KTAB CBS there as a production assistant. After doing that for about 4 months, the News Director loved my voice and offered me a chance to become a reporter full-time.
That meant I had to make a huge decision, so I decided to come out of the Air Force and follow my passion into this business.
I became a reporter for KRBC NBC in Abilene and stayed in that position for over a year. We then moved to Waco, TX in 2008 and I became a News/Sports photographer for KCEN NBC in market 89. I had a good time there and I was actually a part of some very historic events like President Obama addressing Texas A&M and the tragic events at Ft. Hood. Around that same time, I also became a game photographer with Baylorvision at Baylor University as the main camera operator on the football field, on the basketball court, and I was on the centerfield wall for baseball. Working for Baylor was a great experience.
I am currently a photographer at WPSD in Paducah, KY and I am always looking to better myself and use all that I learned during my time at Ohio Center for Broadcasting.
The biggest thing I will tell anyone is the same thing that Phil Tucker told me and that’s "Don't burn any bridges, because you never know when you will have to cross them again".
He was right about that, sometimes it’s not what you know it's WHO you know. This business is a small world unto itself, and you have to remember that, we don't get into it for the money, but for the passion of our art!
I greatly appreciate everyone that taught me about this business at OCB and I would love to pass on what I have learned, thank you guys so much for everything!
Terrance L. Snell
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Ready to follow your passion like Terrance did?
Posted by David Huffman on Tue, Aug 02, 2011 @ 09:27 AM
How can I thank you and the staff at OCB enough?!
My journey in radio has been more than fun and it all started in 2007 when I started at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting. Looks like hard work and perseverance really pays off! I can't believe how much I have accomplished and where this adventure has taken me in these three short years since graduation from the best broadcasting program ever!
Below I have written a little note to current and future students to help be an inspiration and ensure that dreams really do come true.
Ohio Center for Broadcasting rocks, but it all starts with you. Your dream of working in the broadcasting industry can come true if you dedicate yourself to the 11-month program OCB has to offer.
I started my internship with Lincoln Financial Media with KKFN as quickly as I could and landed a part-time job after graduation in 2008 as a remote engineer. Putting in time at an unpaid internship can be hard and some days it was but it's all about your attitude and how bad you want it. It's a tough and competitive business to break into, so my advice to current and future students is to work hard, be patient, and set reasonable goals. The classes are challenging, but fun. You really get to experience it all, so be ready to dive in headfirst and get a first hand look at how a career will be in Radio and TV.
I now work for Clear Channel Radio in Wilmington, Delaware (Market #77) as a morning show co-host on WDSD-FM. The Ohio Center for Broadcasting will set you up nicely to succeed but you have to be willing to do what it takes and possibly work multiple positions. Not only do I act as a co-host, I do traffic reports morning and afternoon drive on all five stations in our cluster production work, promotions, and web design.
The dream job I always wanted is now my everyday life and I only have OCB and the people I have met along the way to thank. Never give up, believe in yourself, and keep that dream ahead of you. Anything is possible.
I wish you all the best of luck, I'll be listening :)
Christa Pogonyi (Christa Cooper)
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Posted by David Huffman on Fri, Jun 17, 2011 @ 01:30 PM
If you attend one of the Ohio Illinois Center for Broadcasting schools you'll hear the word internship, well, probably more than just about any other word in the English language.
Why?
Your internship is the portal that starts your career. You perform well there, you start to build a name, you continue to work at it, and it all just sort of grows and continues to build from there.
So, you can imagine, when Joey came to our Cincinnati campus to sit down, reflect, and talk about her time at OCB, one of the first things brought up was her time as an intern with various stations around the Cincinnati area.
Hear it in her words below. The video is only about a minute.
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Posted by David Huffman on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 @ 03:18 PM
I'll be totally honest here: We absolutely LOVE testimonials and reviews of our broadcasting schools.
Why?
Everyone likes a lil' ego stroke. Plus, it just makes us feel all giggly inside. You know, to see someone accomplish what they set out to do. For some folks, the road is a bit longer. For some, a bit shorter.
But for most of our students - it all leads somewhere. Even if there is a broadcasting career detour or two along the way.
Enough from me though - check out Steffen Ridley's Ohio Center for Broadcasting story in his own words, below.
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Posted by David Huffman on Tue, May 10, 2011 @ 09:57 AM
I am living my dream and loving each and every minute of it!
Can you say the same?
Believe me it wasn't easy getting where I am at today. It took a lot of hard work and dedication as well as sacrifice. But I did it! And I love it! And I am living my dream! It is truly amazing!
As much as my career of choice has changed, it has always had something to do with broadcasting. I went from wanting to be news anchor, to a radio dj, video editor and even star in my own tic tac commercial. I remember back when I was going through my news anchoring stage, I was in the 6th grade and Jack Atherton spoke to our class.
I told him about my dream and right before he left, he passed me a note that read "See you on TV one day" along with his autograph. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, especially since I watched him on the 10 o clock news every night!
I remember checking out the Ohio Center for Broadcasting in 2002. So I decided to check out the school once again a few years later. It was perfect! Fast paced, hands on environment and only 10 months.
Being a single mother, it worked out great!
From the hands on traing in the very beginning, it was as if it was a refresher course to me, being able zip right thru the program. From the first day of class, I set a goal for myself upon graduation being the award recipriant of the Tony Sands Award for Excellance in Television. The training i received was great. Knowledgeable instructors and a staff that pushed you to be your very best and help you every step of the way. They want you to become successful! And I did! I met my goal as well. Not only was I student of the Month for March but on April 2, 2010 I received the Tony Sands Award!
After graduation it seemed as if it was a bit of a struggle to find a job, but I went from zero jobs to having three.
Yes three jobs and all of them in the industry. I sent out my resume over and over again to different tv stations and production houses. Not a single bite.
So I decided for radio. I wasnt a big fan of radio but I decided to give it a try and I have to say I am happy with my decision. I landed a job as a radio sales representative at Oldies1480 WDJO. Not only do I go out and sell air time but I write edit and produce spots as well. Hearing my commercials on air is great, to be able to say "Yea I did that, I wrote that, I voiced over that, and I produced that!" is simply amazing and well worth that pat on the back. That is my work, my writing, my art!
Soon after I landed my radio job I went back to the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, and became a Graduate Assistant so that I could help future broadcasters learn the field. I love to teach, so it just made sense and Im getting ready to go back to school to get a teaching degree. I want to teach the industry. Just recently I landed my gig at Channel 12 as a production assistant. It is funny how they really do hold on to your resumes. I put my resume in April and it took them to December to call me back. So that makes job number 3.
Its a lot of hard work but it is fun. I make a lot of sacrafices, but it will pay off in the end. Even with working 3 different jobs, I was still able to make a schedule where I still get ample amount of time with my son each and everyday.
I am a big believer in timing. Maybe it was not my time 10 years ago when I graduated highschool, but today it is mine, and I am taking full advantage of it! Be confident in yourself, and you will be great!
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Posted by David Huffman on Fri, Mar 25, 2011 @ 06:42 AM
I think back to June 2009, I was a single mom with a dream of being an on-air personality. When I found Illinois Center for Broadcasting I thought it was too good to be true. I decided to go for it and less then two years later I am living my dream.
I am the afternoon drive host for a Top 40 CHR station Hot 93.1 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Working in radio has given my life so much meaning.
I am in a small town but I am a big fish here. Everyone treats me like a celebrity, it’s so weird! I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love my job, not only do I host my own show but I am out in the community doing remotes each week, concerts, business developments, plus the bonus of getting to take part in one of the best festivals in the USA, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Moving so far from Chicago so soon after graduation was a bit unnerving. Will I be good enough? Have I learned everything to be successful? I was filled with fear; however it turns out I did learn everything needed to know to start off. I am learning more and more everyday. I have the best job in the world and it all started because of the amazing people at Illinois Center for Broadcasting.
Seriously without the support of the whole team who believed in me I am not sure I’d be doing this today. I need to say without my personal drive and willingness to take a chance I would not be where I am today. I went to school, interned 30+ hours a week, a single mom plus was teaching too. After 10 months of no sleep and the determination of being #1 - I did it.
So here I am the NUMBER 1 Host on the number 1 station in town with share of 21.4 in my demo.
Kimberly Turnquist
June Days 2009
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