SAGE members visit TV station
PRESQUE ISLE – This spring, a group of 35 University of Maine at Presque Isle SAGE members kicked off their spring session with a “learning excursion” to the WAGM-TV station in Presque Isle. Also known as NewsSource 8, WAGM is the primary CBS affiliate and operates the area’s FOX affiliate on its digital sub-channel. The SAGE participants got a look at the behind-the-scenes operations, learned some of the history of the station, and met the team members who work there.
Shawn Cunningham, news anchor/reporter, served as tour guide and did an excellent overall presentation on what happens to get the news on the air. As one SAGE member said, “She was not only interesting but extremely personable.”
The staff behind the scenes explained the technicalities of broadcasting and answered many questions. Rene Cloukey, sports director, provided excellent sports insight and meteorologist Ted Shapiro “schooled us about the art and actuality of weather,” according to a SAGE member. Shapiro encouraged those interested in learning more about weather to take his class at UMPI. He took pictures of the group and showed them on TV the next day just before his on-air weather report. He also spoke briefly about SAGE. The group agreed that the trip was two hours well spent, that it was a great learning experience and it will be long remembered.
SAGE courses offered during the spring session included Civil War Discussions, Moving to Music, Oldies But Goodies Film Series, Journalism Ethics, Creating an Artist’s Book, Music in Your Life, Cooking for Two, Buddhism, Writing Poetry, and a two hour presentation titled, “A Recollection of Life in the Maine Woods.” SAGE members ended their spring session with a visit to the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge.
