The FUNC-Y Side of Furman Student News

Hey y’all! My name is Lexia, I am a Communication and Sociology major. The Furman University News Channel, better known as FUNC, has been a key component of my time at Furman. I have been involved with FUNC producing student news for a little over two years, in that time I have served in a wide range of positions and learned about how a newsroom operates. 

What’s My Favorite Part of FUNC?

One of my favorite parts of working for Furman News is that you do not have to be an active member of the Communication department to work for or with the news. When I first started at FUNC, I was a freshman and on my very first day, I learned to anchor. In the following weeks, I was taught how to use each piece of equipment. Throughout my time in student news I have worked my way up and now I will be taking over for our Student Director. In this role, I will be managing the shows and training our new staff members. I have had the opportunity to make connections across departments while working alongside students in the newsroom as well as when I am working on stories around campus.

What Goes Into Preparing a Show?

While I have learned a lot about the technical side of news, I have also learned how to navigate the dynamics of working with a team. To make a show happen there are many moving parts that all must work properly. Before any production happens one person will write the script. In order to tape the show we have multiple positions in front of and behind the camera such as a Technical Director, Producer, Anchor, and Script Manager.  The many roles in a newsroom allow for everyone’s talents to shine.  

The Value of Student News:

I believe that student news has great value not only for the students who watch but also for the students working to make the news happen. The student staff members acquire knowledge and practice that carries over to internships as well as their jobs after Furman. Some people have a strong interest in production but they may be a Chemistry or Psychology major. Student news programs allow a space for learning and expression even if students are not Communication Majors. Those who are Communication students with a strong interest in broadcasting the news can help them with footage for their reel to get internships or even jobs.

I met with Furman alum and Journalist, Jessica Taylor, in her time at Furman she worked for The Paladin (Furman’s Student-led Newspaper). She recognizes how her work with the student newspaper helped her to acquire internships that ended up shaping her career. Now she is hiring interns of her own and seeking students who have worked on their student news sources.  

Future Plans:

In the future, I plan to take the information I have learned in production, management, and reporting to my next steps to work at a news station. Since I have hands-on learning opportunities each week to learn the parts of a newscast I will be versed in how to operate equipment as well as what is required of each of the roles in the newsroom. While working in a newsroom I know that one must have the capability to switch tasks quickly. For example, we all showed up to film FUNC and one of the cameras was not working so we pivoted the focus quickly to produce a talk show.