Arts and Entertainment

Student-produced 'In the Game' to air on WPSU

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Two episodes of a sports magazine show produced by students in the College of Communications at Penn State will air today, May 3, and Friday, May 10, on WPSU. Each of the different episodes will air at 10 p.m.“In the Game” represents a full semester of work for students in the capstone course COMM 498A In the Game. Instructor Topher Yorks, a producer for WPSU, was pleased with the work of the students during the semester. He compares the approach of the programs to that of CBS News stalwart “60 Minutes” or ESPN’s critically acclaimed “E:60,” with students exploring sports and societal impacts.

The May 3 episode will touch on topics such as Penn State football player John Urschel’s high academic and athletic performance, how the digital age is changing the way athletes live their lives and how one Penn State team keeps it “all in the family.” The May 10 episode will include topics such as a fitness craze that is sweeping the nation, the sports world’s response to the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., and more.“The goal is to be producing work that is approaching level that people would see on ESPN, MLB.com and the NFL Network. We’re working to develop storytelling skills, and share those stories with viewers,” Yorks said. “The students get to know the story behind athletes, whether it’s professional, amateur, collegiate or even high school athletes.”Patrick Woo, a junior majoring in broadcast journalism, from Crumpton, Md., is a student in the class that produced the shows. His work focused on the sports world’s response to the shootings in Connecticut, and he has followed the story from Connecticut to Florida and other locations.

“Working on ‘In The Game’ was a tremendous experience. Having the support of the College of Communications in allowing you to pursue your story and being given the resources is the most important factor that led to its success,” said Woo, who also felt a personal impact with the story. “When I made the trip to Newtown, it was like I was in a different world. When I left, I kept looking in my rear-view mirror as if I was leaving something behind. I felt like I needed to do more to do my part.”

Along with the broadcast premieres of the episodes on May 3 and May 10, complete espisodes and individual segments may be fond at ComMedia online.

Last Updated June 2, 2021

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