Venturing into the exhilarating world of sports and event broadcasting has never been more accessible for students at Valencia High School (VHS). Thanks to the pioneering Sports and Event Broadcasting Program, students are delving deep into the realms of live production and broadcasting, all while earning UC-approved credits and honing their skills in this fine art or general elective course.
Formerly Tiger Tube Live, the program has now been rebranded as Tigers Sports & Event Network (TSEN). In its third year, the program has 24 students and involves the video production (Tiger Tube) class and community service participants. It offers a 7th-period class focused on attracting both athletes and non-athletes alike with plans to introduce a daily class to create a deeper understanding of sports/event broadcasting.
Under the direction of teacher Rod Boaz, with assistance from Valencia Networking teacher Dwight Osborne and some dedicated former students, the program is tailored for students aspiring to pursue careers in live broadcasting. Modeled after professional live production environments, students engage in various roles and operate equipment utilized in live television or streaming. These roles encompass director, producer, technical director, replay operator, graphics and score bug operator, camera operator, audio producer, audio mixer, video and photography producer, social media producer, stream and network engineer, production manager, stage manager, play-by-play announcer, analyst announcer, and sideline reporter.
This program, nestled within the career technical education (CTE) and arts, media, and entertainment (AME) pathway and a cornerstone of Valencia’s Val Tech program, offers a one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunity. Through a dynamic on-the-job training format, students are put into the heart of professional live production environments, mirroring the operations of highly regarded broadcasting organizations.
One of the key aspects distinguishing this program at Valencia is its strategic partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions. These collaborations not only enhance learning opportunities but also provide pathways to professional advancement for motivated students.
Among them, Dave Otta Productions played a pivotal role in guiding the model for live sports production. Through strategic alliances with California State University, Fullerton, Titans Sports Network, and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the program facilitates a pipeline of learning opportunities for Valencia students. Through their relationship with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Network, the Tigers unlock distinctive streaming capabilities and a greater understanding of broadcasting rights and advertising. District support and funding have helped purchase cutting-edge equipment, significantly enhancing students’ broadcasting skills.
Mr. Boaz has over two decades of professional experience in international television distribution, audio-visual production, and even some play-by-play broadcasting. He shared, “It was a dream of mine to start this class since I started teaching over 8 years ago. I love live television and I believe my passion translates well to the students. They are learning and operating equipment at a very high level that is not far off from how it is done in the real world. In fact, given the technical element of moving audio and video through the network to a centralized studio in my classroom, and adding real instant replay, you will be hard-pressed to find many others doing this.”
In an era where digital media permeates every aspect of society, programs like Sports & Event Broadcasting at VHS are more relevant than ever. As the program continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in education. By providing students with practical experiences and industry connections, the program empowers the broadcasters of tomorrow to make their mark in the world of sports and event media.
Photographs capturing the live broadcast of the varsity men’s volleyball match against Tustin on March 27.
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