Next time you catch one of CSD’s high school plays, an elementary spelling bee or basketball game, be sure to check out the action in the wings and on the sidelines. Chances are, a CSDtv student broadcaster is working behind the scenes — running lights, sound boards, and cameras — to capture the action live for friends and family to enjoy from afar.

Now in its inaugural year, CSDtv’s Student Broadcaster program is already 112 students strong. More than a medium for sharing the story of Canyons, its schools, students, and staff, CSDtv is a hands-on learning opportunity. From livestreaming and sports commentating to news broadcasts, podcasts, and talk shows, CSDtv gives middle- and high school-aged students multiple avenues to try their hands at broadcasting while honing their critical thinking and collaboration skills.

“The launch of this program has far exceeded our expectations. Clearly, there was demand for this kind of training as an extension of what students are learning in the classroom,” says Justin Andersen, CSD’s Video & Digital Broadcast Specialist. “We are excited to see this program grow in partnership with our middle schools and high schools.”

For an insider’s look at the world of broadcasting, Connnect Canyons podcast crew recently sat down with CSDtv broadcaster Zander Frisby and KSL 5 TV Anchor Shara Park, both of whom developed a taste for this fast-paced and fast-changing field at a young age.

Union Middle’s Frisby joined the program when his stage-tech duties were paused during the construction of Union’s new auditorium.  “I was interested because when I was a little younger, I made videos of me and my teddy bears. With stage tech it’s fun to do behind the scenes, so I thought it would be interesting,” Frisby said.

KSL’s Shara Park, the mother of two CSD students, recalls as a kid watching her brother’s involvement in a high school broadcasting program.  “I got to watch him run around with his best friend, making these cool videos and hosting little segments,” said Park, “putting together the yearbook video, and I thought, ‘that’s what I want to do.’”

Park continued to work toward her goal, attending Northern Illinois University where she played volleyball. “The minute I got on campus, I went marching into their broadcast studio as a little freshman and said, ‘this is what I’m going to do, help me figure out how.’ I remember the professor was blown away and said, ‘ok, we can do that.’”

A KSL 5 TV reporter for the past 18 years, Park says it was her early hands-on experience that helped pave her path. “I think that’s what inspired it,” she says. “I was able to put a camera or a microphone in my hands and go out and talk to people. It gave me that feeling of, ‘Oh my goodness, I could do this as a career and I could love it.’”

Park says early career exposure that students like Frisby are getting through CSDtv will pay dividends, no matter what career path students choose. “Career opportunities are out there and to expose a child to this hands-on learning at an early age is critical. You’re just opening up their minds to the possibilities that are out there,” she said.

Indeed, Frisby says, through CSDtv, he has been exposed to aspects of broadcasting he might not have otherwise explored. “I really like the technical aspect of it,” he says. “You get to really know what’s going on and every time I get to teach someone else something new. With CSDtv there have been experiences like trying to be a producer, being a switcher. I was terrified but it was a lot of fun in the end.”

Frisby also recognizes the benefits not just for the teams and schools, but for the families and community members who may not be able to attend the games in person. He hopes to become an entrepreneur and run his own business one day. “I really want to do something with my own business,” he says. “Now if that’s going to be tech, broadcasting, theater, I don’t know. However, I’m definitely going to take these skills to my advantage and use them to help me get where I want to be.”

Park says connecting with people is the most rewarding part of her job. “It’s very rewarding to be able to share with people and hopefully to inspire people,” says Park. “The most rewarding thing is when I have an opportunity to do a store which inspires or I’m able to gain the trust from a family to share their story. That’s the most rewarding thing for me, because I know, not only did I do my job, but I also gave someone else something that is meaningful.”

Park shared her enthusiasm and encouragement for students in the CSDtv program, working to ensure they graduate college-and- career ready. “I’m very proud of you,” Park said to Zander. “When I get to meet students like you, I am thrilled. I’m excited for your future and just to know that there are so many possibilities. You’re going to do amazing things.”