CBS

One of my favorite field trips that we’ve had during this study abroad program was the visit to CBS. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect because the visits to the BBC and ADA were both different.  I was hoping we would get a tour of the workplace, but we ended up getting even more than that. The whole class was taken by surprise because every single employee seemed happy to talk to and show us around. We got to see the control rooms, conference rooms and even a live broadcast. This was a totally unexpected but pleasant surprise.

But it got even better than that. The sections of CBS that we did check out, we got to experience how the work actually gets done. In the control room, we were briefed on the technical aspects of broadcast television. The tech explained and showed us his methods of work.  In the conference room, we were able to have a chat with one of the main anchors about what it takes to be in the broadcast business. He told us to not be afraid of the competitive field that we are in because 90 percent of people who try out don’t get. As long as you put in the effort, work hard and be persistent then you have a chance at success. These were very encouraging words and I appreciated the wisdom. I never want to give up on the things I love, even if it requires me to pull my weight.

Lastly, we got to see a live broadcast take place. But it wasn’t an ordinary live broadcast; it was a breaking news story about the most wanted man in America, Edward Snowden. Snowden had just been given a 1 year temporary asylum in Russia after being stuck in the airport for weeks,. I’ve been following the Snowden saga since it started. To be there for this historic moment is an experience I will never forget.