By: Claire Corr, Manager of Events and Member Relations

(L-R) WILX Meteorologist Andy Provenzano, MAB's Claire Corr and WILX Anchor David Andrews

In my quest to learn all I can about the broadcast industry, I spent an entire day this past Tuesday (11/1) with Debbie Petersmark and her team at WILX-TV in Lansing, MI. Debbie and her team welcomed me with open arms and showed me what a “day in the life” of a broadcaster looks like. Among those I met with are Mike Schram, Pat Schooley, Kevin Brown, Jennifer Watkins, Dan Crandell and Steve Coon.

The day began with important business meetings, and I learned how a story idea is created and packaged. Next, I sat in the master control room and watched how the producers, morning anchors and engineers work together like a finely tuned machine. A meeting with the broadcast and digital sales department showed me the direct impact their line of work has on the station revenue. The marketing and promo division is always busy promoting an event, planning content for Studio 10, a viewer favorite, or organizing community impact activities. The backbone of the station, the engineering department, did not disappoint. I got a first-hand look at what it takes to get the station on the air. Finally, the morning and afternoon on-air talent teams sat with me to go over their roles and responsibilities and how they connect with the viewers each day, whether on the air or via social media.

It was a fabulous day spent with many talented folks. I am grateful for the time they took out of their busy schedules to help educate me. This is a glorious and exhilarating industry in which I am proud to be a part.