If you want to work banker's hours, go work in a bank." Rodney Ward's comment was "Things are changing out there. You are responsible for recognizing the changes that affect you and to respond by developing the right skills. It is a scary time, but it is a time filled with great potential."

Lane Michaelsen, Vice President of News and Content for NBC6/WTVJ did a mock job interview with a UM student. In the late morning, many of the students asked questions that the panel members answered. After the Q&A session, the NATPE hosted a buffet lunch. In the afternoon many of the students toured the facilities at WPLG-TV Local 10 in Pembroke Park, Florida.

The following was written by Dick Block (pictured above in the center wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, standing next to Dave Boylan, Vice President and General Manager, WPLG-TV Local 10). Dick is the former President of Kaiser Broadcasting, consultant to broadcast groups and mentor to many successful broadcast executives. Dick now teaches television at USC in California.
He produced this workshop for the NATPE.

"Over sixty students made it to the one-year old (fabulous) plant. The above picture was taken before the tour started at around 2:20 in the afternoon. Thirty more Workshop attendees arrived during the next 15 minutes.

It was almost 4:30 by the time we visitors had assembled in a large meeting room, were shown a fascinating stop motion video of the
construction of the station, answered questions, and were wished well and godspeed by Vice President and General Manager Dave Boylan. Dave had also greeted us in the lobby at 2:30, and briefed us on the Post Newsweek Stations ownership, the concept of the beyond state-of-the art building and his own background. An added feature was when two youthful staff members arrived unexpectedly during the session in the lobby, and explained the educational and career paths that had led to them to this great station.   

Paul Kaniewski, the Creative Services Director, guided half the group while Dave took the rest. Paul had devised a plan, so that the groups would not meet again until they gathered in the meeting room. The plan worked flawlessly.

Darren Alline, the Director of Engineering, took over when the groups reached his bailiwick. Much of what the building represents would fall in to the area of technology, and Darren's explanations were clear and concise and not restricted to equipment alone.

My part-time teacher personna wishes that everyone interested in broadcasting TV, whether here or abroad (including FCC commissioners), could learn (and see) how Dave and his team designed a TV station for the 21st century that is as different and revolutionary as the DC-3 is from Boeing' s 787, in addition to being a handsome and inspiring monument to the future of the medium.

Finally, the patience, care and respect of Mr. Boylan and his lieutenants for this band of students could have been expected for a group of Mad Ave clients and agencies. But professionalism, and pride in their company and home, made it obvious that first-class treatment is all that they know about-even on a Saturday spring afternoon!"

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