Behind the Scenes & In the Spotlight: A Day with Ebony J Media at Fox19
- Ebony J Wynn
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Lights, cameras, and cake competitions — our latest field trip with Ebony J Media was anything but ordinary.
By Shy Halbert 6/27/25
KEY TAKEAWAYS
We started the day with Kickin’ It with Ken from Fox19, where we got to cheer him on during a live cake competition. Vendors were setting up for a Pride event, and we helped bring some good energy and attention to it while the cameras rolled. It was fun, fast-paced, and definitely not the average field trip moment. Being part of that live moment gave us a taste of what it’s like to energize a crowd and represent something bigger than ourselves.
Then we headed over to Fox19’s studio, and that’s where things got even cooler. We got to sit in while the news was being broadcasted live and learned so much. One thing that really surprised me was that the weather person was pointing at nothing, and it’s all done in front of a green screen! I always thought it was a projected map behind them.
We also saw a teleprompter in action for the first time and asked a bunch of great questions to one of the reporters and Mr. Ken. They were super open and shared what it’s really like working in media and doing live TV every day.
Getting to and from an event can sometimes be the most stressful part—but not this time. A huge thank-you to A-List Transportation for making our ride there and back smooth.
Student Q&A with Mr. Ken
Q1:
Student: "How does the weather man know what they are going to touch when they look at a green screen?"
Mr. Ken: "That’s something you have to learn over time. They don’t actually see the map behind them; they watch a monitor off to the side to guide where they’re pointing. They also use a remote to click through each weather slide. It’s really about memorizing where things are on the screen and practicing a lot."
Q2:
Student: " Are there hairstyle restrictions they put out towards the black community? "
Mr. Ken: " No, there aren't any strict hairstyle restrictions; they’re all about equal opportunity. At FOX 19 specifically, they’re very inclusive. Not every station is like that, though. Some places might be more particular, but here, as long as you look professional, you're good.
They might make suggestions, like avoiding certain patterns on camera, but it’s usually done respectfully and discreetly."
Q3:
Student: " How did you like crime reporting before you got your main role?"
Mr. Ken: " I liked crime reporting for a couple reasons. First, I’ve always been drawn to action, but more importantly, there’s always a story behind it. And in a way, you get to help the community heal.
A lot of people see us show up and think, ‘Oh, they just want to talk about another shooting.’ But that’s not it. The reason we cover these incidents is to bring attention to them, so hopefully, they stop. If no one talks about the violence happening on that same corner every week, how will public officials feel the pressure to do something about it "
Q4
Student: "What would you say to someone to convince them to get into this job? like what's the why to do it? "
Mr. Ken: " This job gives you a broader perspective. You meet people from all walks of life, and it challenges your assumptions. It really opens your mind because you realize we’re all just people with different stories. You also get to witness and document history. Some of my stories have even been used in court. I’ve covered everything from emotional moments, like a grieving mother, to chaotic scenes, like board members fighting on live TV. It’s intense, but powerful.
You’re not just reporting, you’re witnessing and documenting history."
Q5
Student: "What's the biggest mistake you made on this job?"
Mr. Ken: " I’m not even sure what the biggest one is...there have been a few. Dropping a camera, damaging equipment, getting information wrong... But the worst would be reporting incorrect facts, especially if it’s something serious, like saying someone died when they didn’t. That’s why it’s so important to double-check everything. Accuracy matters."
As the conversation wrapped up, students walked away with a deeper understanding of the media world—from the responsibilities that come with storytelling to the real-life challenges reporters face. The Q&A gave us a behind-the-scenes look that was honest, inspiring, and incredibly valuable.
Big thanks to Ebony J Media for making this experience possible. Opportunities like this remind us that our voices matter and that there’s power in the stories we choose to tell. If you’re a student interested in media, don’t sleep on these moments—they just might spark your future career.
Join the Movement
This session reminded us why Ebony J Media exists — to mentor the next generation of media leaders through hands-on experience and access to voices that keep it real.
If you want your student to benefit from this level of mentorship, enroll them in our training camps or join our membership program. At Ebony J Media, we go beyond teaching media skills — we nurture confidence, spark creativity, and foster a supportive community.
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Tap the link in our bio to enroll in our next session or become a member. Let’s create, connect, and level up — together.
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