LHS Video Production Receives Real World Experience

Brent Lansden

Liberal High School video production students received some “real world” experience on Wednesday, March 29. The four students went to Amarillo where they visited KFDA Channel 10 along with West Texas A&M University.
These trips have been a long-time tradition for co-teacher Bill VanWyhe, who first began taking students around 16 years ago. The trip in 2023 was one of the best, though, as the students not only got to see a live newscast (news at noon on Channel 10), but they also were able to work one-on-one with video production students at WT.

“This year’s trip was amazing,” VanWhye said. “When I first started making plans for the trip, the contact at West Texas said he wanted our students there for around two hours. We usually just get a 30-minute tour of the facility, but this year the students were able to be on live radio and participate in a mock news cast.”
Three of the students served as anchors while another was in the production room with the director.

“It was such a great day for Bill, myself and our students,” fellow co-teacher Brent Lansden said. “I have been a part of a print news production for most of my professional career, but have never been able to take part in something like we did Wednesday. I am so happy for our students – they were the ones who got the most out of it.
“I want to also thank Bill for his hard work getting the trip organized. He has been in the video business for a long time, so he has tons of contacts. We are hoping to grow the program more in the coming years. We have some great ideas to hash out over the summer months.”
During the trip to KFDA, the host anchor put the students on the live broadcast, where she introduced them from Liberal High School. “It was so cool to see our students and community be recognized right on the air,” Lansden said.