Behind each Mustang Morning News episode is teacher Dr. Dan Leopard’s hardworking broadcast journalism class, where co-news directors senior Gordon Jonas and junior Brynn Barry lead the staff with student-driven energy.
The broadcast team combines video production and journalism to produce a bi-monthly broadcast covering both on- and off-campus news for students to watch during homeroom.
“We come up with story ideas, check in on groups and their progress, and over- see deadlines to keep the class on track,” said Jonas.
Both directors have been in the class since their freshman year, starting their MMN journey by completing simple news assignments and reports.
“When I was in 8th grade, I asked a few older Costa kids about the broadcast journalism class, and they said I should join,” Jonas said. “I’m really glad I followed their advice.”
Jonas has served as a co-news director since last year, and Barry is taking it on for the first time this year.
“I loved doing news assignments last year, but I also enjoy taking charge in everyone’s stories beyond just my own,” said Barry.
The pair supports the class by showing up on site when staff reporters are given challenging off-campus assignments. In a story about the Palisades wildfire, Jonas drove to the Palisades with reporters to ensure the filming process went smoothly.
“We are here to make sure everything gets done, and done well. Plus, it’s a great leadership opportunity for us, and is really unique from anything I’ve done before,” said Barry.
This experience as co-news directors has helped Barry and Jonas better understand what they want to study in college.
“I want to do something in broadcasting, like sports broadcasting in the future. It’d be cool to combine my different interests, and this class has prepared me with skills for that,” Barry explained.
Jonas shared how he’s able to use the skills learned as a news co-director to benefit his goal of becoming a lawyer.
“I like connecting the investigation and writing processes of a story,” said Jonas. “As a lawyer, you have to tell the story of your client’s point of view, so it’s very similar to broadcasting in that regard.”
The pair is excited to keep leading the class to success for the rest of the school year.
“It’s a really rewarding position: seeing the final product is always a treat, as well as a reflection of the hard work and hours put in,” said Barry.
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