Valley Park High School’s English 4: Modern Literacy students recently stepped out of the classroom and into the newsroom for a field trip to Channel 5, KSDK, as part of their study of media literacy.
This semester, the class has focused on evaluating news sources, identifying misinformation, and even reporting their own stories. The KSDK visit provided a unique opportunity for students to see the inner workings of a professional newsroom and engage with experienced journalists. During the trip, they met with Alex Fees, Art Holliday, Kay Quinn, Corey Miller, Michelle Li, and Megan Kernan to discuss critical aspects of journalism, including research, honest reporting, and the news cycle.
Jaecie Bowen, one of the students, reflected saying, "I think it was an incredible opportunity and such a fun experience! We learned so much during the trip, especially about how misinformation is everywhere. It taught us the importance of doing thorough research to uncover the truth. Overall, it was one of the coolest field trips I’ve ever been on!”
The trip included more than just a behind-the-scenes tour. Art Holliday, KSDK’s news director, led a Q&A session that emphasized critical thinking in news consumption. He shared practical tips on finding trustworthy sources, questioning information, and understanding the role of journalists in maintaining a free and informed society.
Alex Fees, a former reporter and KSDK’s current marketing director, guided students through the production process, offering a firsthand look at live and recorded broadcasts. The students observed a taping of a story to air later and watched a live broadcast in action. A star studded moment for many was witnessing an interview with legendary football player Lawrence Taylor “L.T.”, offering a unique lens of the intersection of sports and journalism.
This field trip was a key component of the media literacy unit, which challenges students to explore how stories are reported, how evidence ensures accuracy and fairness, and how journalists work to minimize bias. By connecting classroom lessons to real-world practices, students gained a deeper understanding of the responsibilities local news stations like KSDK have to their communities.
Now, inspired by their experience, students are using their newfound insight to produce their own news broadcasts. This hands-on approach highlights the importance of media literacy in today’s world.
Click the photo to check out highlights from the backstage tour of KSDK.