South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) has partnered with the University of South Carolina’s College of Information and Communications (CIC) to offer students practical, real-world experience in news pitching and storytelling. This effort is part of SCETV’s ongoing commitment to enhance local news coverage and deepen community engagement across the state.
Through a Capstone course for juniors and seniors, students will develop and pitch stories of statewide interest to SCETV for potential broadcast and digital publication. The collaboration aims to strengthen students’ skills in identifying and reporting on stories that inform and engage South Carolinians.
Each semester, students will participate in SCETV newsroom meetings, pitching stories to members of the SCETV News team. Selected stories will be produced and aired on South Carolina Public Radio stations across the state as well as distributed digitally across the network’s online platforms. By working directly with SCETV journalists and editors, students will gain valuable hands-on experience in reporting, production and media pitching.
The course is led by CIC instructor Eileen Waddell, a veteran journalist with 27 years of experience, including 21 years at The State newspaper in Columbia, where she served as assistant managing editor and investigations editor.
This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between SCETV and the University of South Carolina (USC), reflecting a shared commitment to journalism education and public service. In 2003, SCETV and USC collaborated to create Newsplex, a prototype newsroom of the future designed for training journalists in convergent media reporting. The facility—now SCETV’s Idea Lab—remains a dynamic, state-of-the-art space used as a hub for innovation, collaboration and learning.
SCETV and USC also worked together to launch This Week in South Carolina in 2007, when then-dean and former CNN journalist Charles Bierbauer served as host. The program, which originally filmed on USC’s campus and involved student interns in its production, continues today as a cornerstone of SCETV’s public affairs programming.
In 2024, SCETV strengthened its news operations, reflecting the network’s dedication to providing timely, accurate and impactful local coverage across its television, radio and digital platforms. By emphasizing a collaborative, multi-platform approach to storytelling, audiences can engage with SCETV’s news content seamlessly. With this unified approach, SCETV aims to be a leader in public service journalism, spotlighting the voices and stories that make South Carolina unique.
Over the next year, SCETV will host the “Your Stories, Your SCETV” local news tour in rural communities across South Carolina. The tour reflects SCETV’s continued commitment to engaging residents through transparent, inclusive and comprehensive news coverage that amplifies local voices and issues often underrepresented in statewide media. Conversations at each of the tour stops will help guide future reporting priorities and strengthen connections between SCETV and its audience. More information can be found on the SCETV website at SCETV.org/newstour.
View the latest SCETV news coverage at SCETV.org/news.
QUOTES
“At SCETV, we value partnerships that strengthen local journalism and prepare emerging professionals for meaningful media careers. Working with the USC College of Information and Communications allows us to continue delivering trusted, impactful and locally relevant content to the people of the Palmetto State while supporting the future of public media.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“With the decline of many local newspapers, public radio and television have become vital news sources, especially for those in rural communities. As educators in the journalism arena, we are intent on preparing our students for identifying and preparing news stories of interest to our state and beyond.” –USC College of Information and Communications Dean Tom Reichert
“Our entire news team is excited to help nurture the next generation of storytellers while bringing new perspectives to our statewide coverage. This partnership with the USC College of Information and Communications re-establishes a unique opportunity to bridge the classroom and our newsroom. By collaborating directly with our news team, students gain practical experience in developing and pitching stories that matter to South Carolinians.” –SCETV News Director Darryl Huger
“This program is a great opportunity for our students. We are grateful to SCETV for providing such real-world experience that only enhances what they’re learning in the classroom.” –USC College of Information and Communications Instructor Eileen Waddell
FAST FACTS
- SCETV has partnered with the University of South Carolina’s College of Information and Communications to offer students practical, real-world experience in news pitching and storytelling.
- Through a Capstone course for juniors and seniors, students will develop and pitch stories of statewide interest to SCETV for potential broadcast and digital publication.
- Each semester, students will participate in SCETV newsroom meetings, pitching stories to members of the SCETV News team.
- Selected stories will be produced and aired on South Carolina Public Radio stations across the state as well as distributed digitally across the network’s online platforms.
- This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between SCETV and USC, including Newsplex and This Week in South Carolina.
- Over the next year, SCETV will host the “Your Stories, Your SCETV” local news tour in rural communities across South Carolina. More information can be found on the SCETV website at SCETV.org/newstour.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About the USC College of Information and Communication
The CIC is a community of scholars, teachers, practitioners and staff who provide inclusive transformative experiences, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary learning that produces real-world-ready graduates. We do this by embracing change, adopting emerging technologies, collaborating with academic and industry partners, and bridging the fields of communication and information science.
Media Contacts
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
