KVIKS Media broadcasts are student-led live streams that provide them with another way to give back to the community. Skills learned from broadcasts are both essential for live streams and life. From learning how to set up and operate equipment, students are taught how to follow directions effectively and how to be proficient leaders.
Learning Objectives
- Students will be capable of planning, producing, and presenting a live broadcast.
- Students will gain proficiency in operating broadcast equipment, including cameras, microphones, and control room technology.
- Students will learn to analyze and critique broadcast content for quality and effectiveness.
Broadcasting Activities
KVIKS Media broadcasts sports from all three seasons of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF). Many broadcasts originate from the Hilo High School Gymnasium, but with our broadcasting fly-pack, we are able to go live from anywhere! In addition to Hilo High School BIIF events, we broadcast for other schools and other athletic groups including the Kings of Hawaii Tournament, Battle on the Rock Showcase, and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA).
Other community events that we have broadcasted are the annual Hawaii Swim Show and Aloha Shirt Festival.
Training and Experiences Offered
- ON-THE-JOB: Due to the fast paced nature of a broadcast, as well as the logistical nightmare it is to find students to man the equipment, alot of our training is done on-the-job while we are setting up or operating equipment.
- DEDICATED TRAINING: As time allows, dedicated training opportunities are provided. As new things are purchased and set up, at times, students are offered training on it so that they are ready to use it in a real-world situation.
- INTERNSHIPS/WORK STUDY: Our program works with our community television station Na Leo TV to provide interns for their live television broadcasts. We also send interns to work with the Merrie Monarch Festival television production.
Activity Roles
Director: Makes the selection of camera shots and provides direction to the headend operators and camera operators.
Technical Director: Operates the video switcher upon direction from the Director. If the Director is distracted, the TD can make a judgement call as needed. At times, we consolidate the director and technical director role together due to the simplicity of the broadcast or because we are short on staff.
CG Operator: Manages the scoreboard unit as well as the media playback laptop. This dedicated role must pay close attention to the game and ensure the scoreboard is accurate or play media at the right time.
Audio: Operates the soundboard, balances ambient, talent and media audio. This person also sets up the commentary consoles and runs the necessary audio cables needed for the broadcast.
Instant Replay: This person operates the VMIX software to capture instant replay moments and then communicates it to the Director for playback and highlight reels.
Shading: Cameras needed to be manually color corrected and adjusted for appropriate brightness levels. This person ensures that all inputs match in color, contrast and brightness.
Camera Operator: Operates the URSA Broadcast G2 Cameras and runs the appropriate cables and accessories for it.
Commentator: Gives a play-by-play or color account of the game occurring. Exudes the energy of the game for the audience.
Live Playback: Sets up the televisions and screens in the lobby or for the commentators.
Broadcast Technician or Relief: This is a general position that invites a student to participate in the activity and assist with an area that requires assistance. We have a need for this for easy set up and take down, and sometimes, they take over a role for someone in case they need to be relieved.
Broadcasting Leadership
Students who are in a leadership role within the Broadcast department are called Broadcast Producers. They trade off doing several responsibilities including coordinating the crew, equipment, food, drinks, transportation, promotion and more!
Types of Equipment
Our Broadcasting Department utilizes a Blackmagic Design ecosystem including an ATEM Constellation system, Advanced Control Panel, Camera Control Panel, Studio and Camera Fiber Optic Converters and URSA Broadcast G2 cameras.
