Student News Show, The Pulse, Celebrates 40th Episode
Celebratory program includes alumni who previously worked on the show
Sacred Heart University’s student-run television news production, The Pulse, recently aired its 40th episode, which included a short video featuring numerous alumni who worked on the show when they were students.
Started in 2008 as part of a course, TV news magazine I and II, The Pulse began with individual news stories posted to YouTube.
When Joseph Alicastro, professor of communication and media studies, as well as an Emmy-award-winning producer, took over the course in 2015, he decided to have students create an entire program, envisioning a format similar to the iconic CBS news show, 60 Minutes.
Shannon Szefinski, one of The Pulse’s three senior producers, had the idea to invite alumni to participate in the 40th episode. “We had a total of 18 alumni participate in a short, three-minute video,” said Szefinski. “I sent out questions to alumni and had them film their own videos to send to me. I went through the videos, grouped soundbites by general themes and put the pieces together.”
For alum Gabby Nutile ’17, ’18, working on The Pulse taught her not only technical skills, but life lessons too. “My favorite phrase actually comes from Professor Alicastro. He told us on our last day of class to ‘fail forward,’” said Nutile. “That’s something I’ve lived by since then and I think it’s a great reminder to whoever is coming out of college and is starting to build their career. Mistakes and failures are inevitable, but to truly succeed in whatever it is you want in life, you have to learn from those experiences and keep your head up.”
Nutile works as a digital operator at NBC Sports in Stamford, where she is involved in the production of live sporting events. “Overall, The Pulse gave me the background, knowledge and lessons that helped get me to where I am today. I’ll always be thankful for Professor Alicastro and that class for providing me with the tools and mindset needed for this field and this life,” Nutile said.
Producing an episode for The Pulse is a four-week process. In the first week, students critique the latest episode and pitch their ideas for the next one. During week two, students rehearse, learn the equipment and make progress on their filming assignments. By the third week, rough cuts, graphics, anchor lead-ins and scripts are due. During the fourth week they shoot the show.
“The Pulse prepares students not just for broadcasting, but also to be a media professional,” said Alicastro. “Students who have come out of the class are working in print; some are working in radio; some are doing podcasts. They’re working in all forms of media.”
Visit The Pulse website to learn more.