Otis in the AM- East Hamilton High

Chattanooga, TN - East Hamilton launched a new era of their morning announcements Otis in the AM on March 25 with a live recording in their newly redesigned newsroom. With the introduction of cutting-edge audio/visual equipment and a modern newsroom, students now have the opportunity to produce a morning news show and acquire valuable technical a/v and broadcast journalism skills. This initiative is a testament to our commitment under Opportunity 2030 to create opportunity by design for all students and ensure Every School is Equipped.

Over the past seven years, East Hamilton High School has progressively built a robust A/V program. With the addition of a second A/V teacher last year, the program has expanded to include morning announcements and more comprehensive A/V training. This year marks the inaugural class dedicated to creating morning announcements, allowing students to dive deeper into the world of news production. The program intends to continue expanding production to include a weekly interview style show highlighting accomplishments of the past week. This initiative not only enriches the school community but also empowers students to build connections across grade bands.

Thanks to funding from the Innovative Schools Model grant, the new A/V equipment and newsroom have transformed the learning environment for students, offering professional-grade platforms to hone their skills. Class starts with a table read at 12:10 PM, followed by recording the show at 12:20 PM, and editing by 12:30 PM, students are immersed in the real-world broadcast journalism through the quick pace. The enthusiasm among students is apparent, with many expressing how the program has ignited their passion for media and journalism. Emma Mountain, co-anchor for Otis in the AM, discovered her love for broadcast journalism through the program, while other students enjoy the chance to represent their school and develop public speaking confidence.

Hamilton County Schools believes in the power of providing every student with the tools and opportunities to explore their interests and talents. The new A/V equipment and newsroom at East Hamilton High School are not just about teaching technical skills; they are about fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging creativity, and building confidence among students. Through this innovative program, students are learning to view information from different perspectives, understand the mechanics of show production, and appreciate the impact of effective communication.

We are proud of the positive feedback from the school community and excited about the future of broadcast journalism at East Hamilton High School. Hamilton County Schools remains dedicated to empowering our students to achieve their highest potential, and the new A/V equipment and newsroom at East Hamilton High School are pivotal steps toward that goal.

Watch previous episodes of Otis in the AM.

Mar 25, 2024 Live Taping (Morning Announcements for Mar 26, 2024)