Oak Mountain High School revives media program

After a five-year hiatus, the Oak Mountain Media program is back in full force.

Much of the credit for the return can be attributed to Oak Mountain High School senior Ryan Hall, who serves as the executive producer for Oak Mountain Media. It was the fall of 2018 when Hall approached SGA Sponsor John Milton, asking for his advice on starting up the class again.

Milton, who was teaching economics at the time, was happy to help the students build a new broadcasting program.

“Ryan took it and ran with it. He held meetings for those who were interested in December, and I went and talked to Principal Dr. [Kristi] Sayers, then we gathered interest and got enough students signed up for the class to offer it,” Milton said.

Sayers agreed and gave Milton the task of leading the class. In Oak Mountain Media’s first year, the program has 45 students in two different classes: Intro to TV Production and Advanced TV Production. The program recently became certified in television production.

“I wasn’t trying to redo anything; we started fresh,” Milton said. “I don't have any background in doing this, so I came into it with fresh ideas. We are constantly changing things, and the leadership structure is student led. My role has been to help get things donated and make sure things were wired up correctly. They run everything and make it all happen.”

The Oak Mountain Media studio is set up in a room that was being used for textbook storage. Milton and the students gained access to it in May, then spent the summer turning it into an actual studio set. It features a wood pallet background, couches and chairs, a green screen, multiple cameras and more. Connected to it is the editing room and classroom.

The media program is part of the career tech program at Oak Mountain High School. They are able to get more funding and support than if it was under the English department. Milton said it’s “been great being in that umbrella.”

Unlike the traditional school broadcast program that features school news and sports, this one invites OMHS teachers and students, along with well known people in the community, to have a sit-down interview to share their stories.

The program’s vision is “Every Person Has a Story and Every Story Matters.” Those involved believe they can learn something from everyone around them. All the content they make has to fit into that vision.

Hall serves as the group’s executive producer, along with Tyler Noland, and leads all the operations while guiding a leadership team of nine other students. They are divided between five departments including audio/ visual (AV), post production, editing, production (set) design, and marketing and public relations. All content is promoted on the YouTube channel, Twitter and Instagram.

Some guests this year include ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann; Brittany Decker and Ian Reitz from NBC-13; Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks; and Kendall Williams, community relations director of the Shelby County Schools Foundation. Segments also feature students and teachers at OMHS.

Milton said this class has been like a dream job for him. “I’ve always wanted to do this. Most times, teachers create opportunities for students — rarely is it the other way around,” he said. “This is a case where that happened. I’ve been teaching for over 14 years, and it feels like I’m starting brand new. I could go another 30 doing this.”

Hall said Milton has been a “rock star” leading them, always giving the students space to lead and to get hands on experience, which is invaluable. One of the things he gets to do in his role is lead on screen interviews.

“It’s been enjoyable,” Hall said. “To figure out how to tell a story from beginning to end. I’ve also enjoyed gaining leadership experience. It’s not just one person working together — we all have one goal.”

With Hall and other seniors graduating in May, Milton said they have already identified potential hosts for next year. Leadership interviews will take place in April, and he will establish the next leadership team, hold meetings over summer and hit the ground running in August.

As for Hall, he plans to attend Auburn University in the fall and plans to study communications and have a major in broadcasting.

“I’ve really enjoyed being able to be part of this program,” Hall said. Mr. Milton talks about legacy, and I want to leave a legacy through this program, and I can’t wait to come back and see it.”

For more information on the program, visit YouTube channel “Oak Mountain Media.”