WIS-TV Meteorologist Sheds Light on the Local TV News Business

 

What a treat it was for the Communications Program to have WIS-TV Columbia meteorologist Shavonne "Von" Gaskins speak on Oct. 16! The veteran weather expert, a Palmetto State native, gave sage advice on the ins and outs of the local TV news business. She has forecast the weather for WIS and its viewers since 2010. Here is her station biography.

Among her insightful comments: "Behind the glamor are long hours and deadline pressure. The skills you need are storytelling, connecting with the audience. That matters more than looking good on camera."

Ms. Gaskins included a slide in her presentation showing several SC State communications graduates currently working at WIS-TV.

Thanks go to Andrea Milford-Williams for another outstanding guest in the program's speaker series!

"Country Girl" Shares Her TV News Success Story

 

"One of my rules is not to say I want to be but to say I'm going to be, so from now on say that." 

Such self-confidence has guided Billie Jean Shaw to a successful television news career since graduating from Winthrop University in 2013 with a mass communications degree. 

The self-proclaimed "country girl from Manning" treated our communications majors to an inspiring presentation on Feb. 20 as part of our Media Professionals Speaker Series. 

A main anchor at Columbia's WIS-TV, Shaw told us she knew early in life that she wanted to work in TV news, telling the Manning newspaper in 2014 that as a youngster, she preferred watching WIS-TV news instead of cartoons.  

"They had a segment, 'Live with Lucas,' she said back then, "where he would go to places all over the Midlands and interview all types of people. I would look at that and think, 'Hey, I want to be on TV. I want to talk to people like that and tell their stories.'" 

College helped equip Shaw with the knowledge, skills and tools to make her dream a reality. She showed us her first "MMJ" report as a Winthrop student. MMJ stands for multimedia journalist, meaning she shot, wrote and edited the package (a reporter story with voice-over tracks, soundbites from people interviewed, and her on-camera standup part). 

Police Social Media Coordinator Shares Career Advice

 

Campus involvement can be the key!

Communications graduate Brianna Simmons, Class of 2016, gave an excellent and insightful talk on March 21 as part of the program's Media Professionals Speaker Series.

The North Charleston native and Fort Dorchester High School graduate is the social media coordinator for the City of Charleston Police Department.

She encouraged students to make the most of their time on campus to better prepare themselves for life after graduation.

"My campus involvement helped," she said. "I was involved with student media, interned at WSSB (SC State's radio station), I shadowed a public relations department. It's really important while you are here to build up your resume and portfolio. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask."

Brianna spoke about, as a senior, meeting on campus U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, a prominent SC State alumnus, and asking him if she could come work for him. The assertive approach paid off, when a few months later she met with the longtime S.C. 6th District Congressman and went on to work in social media for him for two years.