By Afra Hussain
<[email protected]

The radio broadcast of the State football game appeared to be a seamless commentary of the ongoing game. The three broadcasters commented on the game and listeners were able to hear their descriptions on air. However what went on to allow listeners to hear the game takes more than just three broadcasters.

It takes the involvement of many students to run the radio and television stations along with guidance and instruction from their teachers.

“For the State game the station needed to contact the IHSAA for media credentials. We received 4 total (3 for broadcasters and 1 for an IT guy). We then needed to contact the people at Lucas Oil for internet/phone access,” Brian Spielbeler, WHJE station manager and teacher said via email. After receiving clearance from the IHSAA and Lucas Oil Stadium, the four students boarded the cheerleader bus and arrived at the stadium.

After setting up, senior Bradley Huber hosts a live pre-game show. For the state game Huber pre-recorded the pre-game show and it was played before the broadcast went on live, according to Spielbeler. During the game Huber also hosts a halftime show with updates and statistics about the game.

While commenting on sports is one role of the radio station, there is more to the radio station than sports.

Junior Megan Snider is a co-host of the radio show, “Jam Session”. She and Stephen Moore, the other host talk about the school in their radio show. “I really enjoy radio. I really like my teacher Mr. Spilbeler. He makes things fun and interesting,” she said.

Snider goes on air on Thursday for her show. Snider said she first became interested in the radio station after taking Mass Media her freshman year.

Students must take the prerequisite classes to get involved in both video and radio. Senior Kyle Borcherding chose the broadcasting and video path after taking a series of television broadcasting lab classes. He is a sports announcer for CHTV. “I’ve always been really big into sports. I’ve never been really good, so it’s a way of being involved,” he said.

Borcherding’s schedule on a football game day is busy. Before the game he looks up the opposing team’s statistics. Borcherding must arrive at the game early.

After tailgating for a while, Borcherding and the crew of two camera operators, one technical director, one instant replay machine operator and Huber, the other announcer, set up. Before the game Borcherding discusses the match up between schools with Huber. Then before the game starts, Huber and Borcherding host a pre-game show. After the game, the crew cleans up and leaves. However, Borcherding’s work does not end. He looks up other team’s statistics from around the school before he is finished.

Espey said he recognizes the work that students put behind such programs. “There’s more that goes into things than meets the eye. Things tend to be a little bit more complicated than they appear.”