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Temple Update Makes History, Wins Temple’s First National Student Edward R. Murrow Award

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Temple University’s student-produced newscast earns historic national recognition for Excellence in Video Newscast

Temple Update, the student-produced news program airing on Temple University Television (TUTV), has made Temple University history, earning the University’s first-ever National Edward R. Murrow Student Award.

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) named Temple Update the 2026 Student Edward R. Murrow Award winner for Excellence in Video Newscast, one of the most prestigious honors in broadcast and digital journalism.

The national award recognizes the November 13, 2025 edition of Temple Update, anchored by Kevin Gruen and Sydney Humes, with Aidan Cairns reporting sports and Mariam Elias-Danjuma delivering weather. The winning newscast was led by Executive Producers Peter Jaroff and Kristina Hammerschmidt. Following Jaroff’s retirement, Hammerschmidt now leads the Temple Update team as Executive Producer.

The winning newscast can be viewed here:

Temple Update – November 13, 2025

The Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious honors in broadcast and digital journalism. Presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) since 1971, the awards recognize journalism that demonstrates technical excellence, adheres to the RTDNA Code of Ethics and exemplifies journalism’s importance as a service to the community.

The Student Murrow Awards are particularly selective. Entries are judged at the national level, with just one individual or student team honored in each of eight categories. For Temple Update, being selected as the nation’s winner for Excellence in Video Newscast marks a historic milestone for both the program and Temple University.

Produced by students from Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple Update gives students the opportunity to experience the demands and responsibilities of a professional television newsroom while still in college. Students take on virtually every role required to produce a live television newscast—from anchors and reporters to producers, photographers, editors, directors and technical crew—covering stories across Temple University and the Philadelphia region while working under real-world deadlines and professional broadcast standards.

The Murrow recognition also reflects the mentorship behind Temple Update, which empowers students to take ownership of the editorial and production process while learning from experienced faculty and industry professionals.

Named for legendary broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow, the awards celebrate work that reflects the standards of excellence he established for the profession. RTDNA, founded in 1946, is the world’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to broadcast and digital journalism and works to promote and protect responsible journalism, defend First Amendment rights and encourage ethical standards, newsroom leadership and industry innovation.

For the students behind Temple Update, earning Temple University’s first National Student Edward R. Murrow Awardplaces their work among the very best student journalism being produced in the country—and reinforces the value of learning journalism by actually doing it.

The 2026 National and Student Edward R. Murrow Award winners will be honored at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Congratulations to the entire Temple Update team on making Temple University history with this extraordinary national achievement.

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TUTV Earns 15 Nominations and 61 Student Honors in the 2026 College Production Awards

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Temple University Television (TUTV) continues its tradition of excellence in student media, earning 15 nominations in the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Regional College Production Awards, recognizing the outstanding work of 61 Temple University students, faculty, and staff.

The nominations span news, sports, long-form storytelling, arts and culture, and on-air talent, reflecting the depth and diversity of student production across TUTV.

The 2026 Mid-Atlantic Regional College Production Awards will be presented during the 44th Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Awards ceremony on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, where the region’s professional and collegiate storytellers will be honored together.

“This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary talent, dedication, and collaboration of our students,” said Joe Schreiber, General Manager of TUTV. “Every one of these productions represents countless hours of reporting, producing, shooting, editing, and storytelling. We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to the faculty and professional staff who mentor them every step of the way.”

2026 Mid-Atlantic Regional College Production Award Nominations

College Newscast (C01)

Temple Update – November 13, 2025

  • Peter Jaroff
  • Kristina Hammerschmidt
  • Charly Schultz
  • Connor Magee
  • Spencer Schenkel
  • Kevin Gruen
  • Sydney Humes
  • Aidan Cairns
  • Mariam Elias-Danjuma
  • Sean Graveley
  • Lauren Haley Morris

Inside the Nest – October 24

  • Logan Matthews
  • Emily Courtney
  • Pat Dallahan
  • Xavier Adams
  • Jack Zebertavage
  • Marlee Myers
  • Haley Smith
  • Jake Holzhauer
  • Jake Steinke

College Hard News Report (C02)

Airport

  • Christian Lee

Slavery Exhibit at the President’s House

  • Kevin Gruen

College Arts/Entertainment/Cultural Affairs (C03)

The Art of Drag

  • Chelsea Scruggs
  • Delia Joyce
  • Jaime Holbeck
  • Melanie Ascoli
  • Cassidy Vilme
  • Reese Moreland
  • Rachel Williams

Temple SMASH

  • Catherine Lane
  • Stella Gownley
  • Kristin Aliquo
  • Brady Miller
  • Ollie Gomez
  • Jaiman Kondisetty
  • Charlie Anzalone
  • Alex Wensel
  • Erin Kady
  • Paige Petersen

College Long Form (C04)

We Need to Talk: Life After College

  • Chelsea Scruggs
  • Naya Ng
  • Sawyer F!ERCE
  • Lizzie Pegg
  • Rachel Burke
  • Amaica Reid
  • Amber Putnam
  • Sydney Humes
  • Vickie Perez
  • Lauren Magyar
  • Madison Fennell

Temple Talk – Season 13 Premiere

  • Jesse Kosierowski
  • Julia Green
  • Abby Gingrich
  • Lauren Morris
  • Lana Krobath
  • Kiana Purvis
  • Elliott Kahmar
  • Leigh Pullekines
  • Joe Schreiber

Lex Street Massacre

  • Lauren Haley Morris
  • Colt Gunn

College Sports Story (C05)

La Salle College HS Rules

  • Jaiden Vallejo
  • Tim McFarland
  • Sheldon Harvey

College Solo Storyteller (C07)

Individual Nomination

  • Colt Gunn

College Talent (Soni Dimond Award) (C08)

Individual Nominations

  • Sujan Upreti
  • Christian Lee
  • Jesse Kosierowski
  • Pat Dallahan

By the Numbers

  • 10 Mid-Atlantic Regional College Production Award nominations
  • 61 unique Temple University student, faculty, and staff nominees
  • Nominations across 7 competitive categories
  • Recognition in news, sports, documentary, arts and entertainment, long-form storytelling, and on-air talent

These nominations continue TUTV’s long-standing tradition of preparing students for careers in media through hands-on, professional production experiences. From breaking news and investigative reporting to sports, documentaries, cultural programming, and studio productions, Temple students continue to produce work that competes with the very best collegiate broadcasters throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

The entire TUTV community congratulates this year’s nominees and wishes them the very best as the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Regional College Production Awards are presented during the 44th Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Awardson Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.

Behind the Scenes of La Charla: The Teamwork That Brings Every Episode to Life

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What does it really take to produce a student-led television show?

In the season finale of La Charla, Temple University Television’s Spanish-language talk show pulls back the curtain for a special behind-the-scenes episode, giving viewers an inside look at everything that happens before the cameras start rolling. Rather than focusing on a guest or a single topic, this episode celebrates the collaboration, creativity, and dedication that make every episode possible.

Viewers follow host Fernando Santos through every stage of production—from weekly planning meetings and writing scripts to loading graphics, setting up the teleprompter, preparing the studio, and coordinating the technical crew. Along the way, members of the La Charla team share their individual responsibilities and demonstrate how each role contributes to creating a professional television program.

The episode also highlights an important lesson every aspiring broadcaster learns: live television rarely goes exactly as planned. Viewers witness last-minute script revisions, rehearsals, technical adjustments, delayed starts, microphone checks, and the inevitable challenges that arise before recording begins. Through it all, the team’s positive attitude and collaborative spirit shine, demonstrating the professionalism required to produce quality programming under pressure.

More than just a behind-the-scenes tour, the finale serves as a tribute to the people who built La Charla. The team honors graduating executive producers Mario Rodriguez Canuto and Alana Beltran, whose leadership helped transform the program into a thriving production while mentoring the next generation of student journalists and storytellers. Current cast and crew members, along with alumni, share heartfelt messages thanking them for their leadership, friendship, and lasting impact on the show and the Temple community.

As the season comes to a close, this special episode reminds viewers that while the conversations seen on screen are important, they’re only possible because of the talented students working behind the cameras. From producers and directors to camera operators, audio technicians, graphic designers, and hosts, La Charla is a testament to what students can accomplish when they work together toward a common goal.

The season finale isn’t just a look behind the scenes—it’s a celebration of teamwork, leadership, and the student-driven spirit that defines Temple University Television.

TUTV Launches Temple Unscripted: Conversations with the Leaders and Changemakers Shaping Our World

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Temple University Television (TUTV) is proud to announce the premiere of Temple Unscripted, a new long-form interview series featuring candid conversations with the leaders, alumni, and community changemakers whose ideas, service, and leadership are making an impact at Temple University, throughout Philadelphia, and beyond.

The premiere episode is hosted by Joe Schreiber, General Manager of TUTV, who introduces the series before passing the hosting role to TUTV students in future episodes. As the series evolves, student hosts will have the opportunity to lead conversations with distinguished guests while gaining invaluable real-world experience in professional interviewing, storytelling, and broadcast production.

Temple Unscripted goes beyond titles and accomplishments to explore the personal stories, defining moments, mentors, setbacks, and life lessons that shaped each guest’s journey. Whether the guest is a university leader, accomplished alumnus, or influential member of the community, every conversation is designed to inspire viewers through authentic storytelling and meaningful dialogue.

“Every leader has a story,” Schreiber said. “Temple Unscripted gives us the opportunity to move beyond formal interviews and create authentic conversations that reveal the moments, mentors, setbacks, and lessons that shaped our guests’ lives. Just as importantly, the series creates a unique learning environment where our students can develop the interviewing and storytelling skills that will prepare them for careers in journalism, communications, and media. We hope these conversations will inspire our students while preserving the stories of remarkable people who have made a lasting impact on Temple, our city, and beyond.”

The premiere episode features Dr. Valerie Harrison, Temple University’s Vice President for Community Impact and Civic Engagement, as she prepares to retire after more than two decades of extraordinary service to the university. During the conversation, Harrison reflects on growing up in Philadelphia, the profound influence of her late parents, her journey from law to higher education, and the community-centered philosophy that has guided her leadership throughout her career.

Harrison also discusses the vision behind transformative Temple initiatives, including Temple Community Gateway, Temple Promise, and workforce development programs that have connected thousands of North Philadelphia residents with educational opportunities, job training, and pathways to family-sustaining careers.

The conversation extends well beyond policy, exploring resilience, mentorship, advocacy, and the importance of investing in future generations. Harrison shares candid advice for young leaders, emphasizing the value of mentors, community, and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.

One of the episode’s most memorable moments comes as Harrison reflects on what leadership has taught her over more than two decades at Temple:

“The goal is to stay in the game… continue to try to teach young people how to think… continue to help communities get stronger.”

Produced entirely by TUTV students and staff, Temple Unscripted provides students with hands-on experience creating professional interview programming while preserving the stories of individuals whose work is shaping Temple University, Philadelphia, and society at large. Student producers, directors, camera operators, audio technicians, editors, and future hosts all play an integral role in bringing each episode to life, making the series both a compelling viewing experience and an innovative educational opportunity.

Future episodes of Temple Unscripted will feature university leaders, distinguished alumni, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, public servants, and community leaders whose work is making a meaningful difference in their professions and communities.

Watch the premiere episode of Temple Unscripted on TUTV, streaming at templetv.net, and on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Comcast, and Verizon.

About Temple Unscripted

Temple Unscripted is a TUTV original interview series featuring authentic conversations with the people shaping Temple University, Philadelphia, and beyond. Through thoughtful storytelling and candid discussions, the series explores the experiences, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped influential leaders while providing Temple students with hands-on experience producing and hosting professional interview programming.

From Temple Update to National Champion: Lauren Haley Morris Wins Hearst Award

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Lauren Haley Morris has made Temple University history.

The recent Klein College of Media and Communication graduate and former Temple Update anchor has become Temple University’s first-ever national champion in the prestigious Hearst Journalism Awards Program, capturing First Place in the National Television Championship at the 2026 Hearst Journalism Awards.

Often referred to as the “Pulitzers of College Journalism,” the Hearst Awards represent the highest level of recognition for student journalists in the United States. Morris earned the championship’s top prize of $10,000 following a week-long national competition in San Francisco that brought together the nation’s best collegiate journalists. As part of the award, Temple University will also receive a matching grant from the Hearst Foundations in recognition of her achievement.

The 66th annual Hearst National Championships brought together 29 outstanding student journalists from colleges and universities across the country. Finalists earned their places through a series of highly competitive monthly contests that attracted more than 1,350 entries during the academic year. During the championship competition, students completed demanding spot assignments under deadline pressure while their work was evaluated by some of the nation’s most respected journalism professionals.

For those who worked alongside Morris at Temple Update and TUTV, the recognition comes as no surprise.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Morris immersed herself in student media from the moment she arrived at Temple. In March 2023, she became an anchor for Update Now, Temple Update’s 90-second news brief program. By September 2024, she had earned a position as an anchor for the flagship Temple Update newscast, quickly establishing herself as one of the station’s most talented and recognizable student journalists.

Her dedication to storytelling, strong reporting skills, and professional on-air presence helped distinguish her throughout her college career. Morris consistently sought opportunities to challenge herself, participating in multiple Klein Global Opportunities programs, including reporting assignments in New Hampshire during the presidential primary season and immersive journalism experiences across the country.

In addition to her Hearst success, Morris earned numerous honors during her time at Temple. She received a National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Student Production Award for Best Talent – News, Sports, Performer and was awarded the prestigious Trudy Haynes Scholarship from CBS Philadelphia, recognizing students pursuing careers in journalism and communications.

Despite the accolades, Morris has always maintained that journalism is about serving audiences rather than collecting awards.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the awards—it’s about the kind of work we are doing on campus,” Morris said during an interview prior to graduation.

Her impact extended beyond the newsroom. In May, Morris was selected as the student speaker for Klein College’s commencement ceremony, where she reflected on her Temple experience and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace opportunities, overcome challenges, and remain resilient in pursuit of their goals.

Morris’s Hearst victory marks a significant milestone for Temple University and Klein College. While Temple students have previously earned recognition in Hearst monthly competitions, Morris is the first student in university history to win a Hearst National Championship, placing her among an elite group of emerging journalists recognized at the highest level of collegiate journalism.

The achievement also underscores the value of Temple’s hands-on approach to journalism education. Through organizations such as Temple Update and TUTV, students gain real-world experience covering news, producing content under professional deadlines, and developing the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive media landscape.

Just days after graduating from Temple, Morris began her professional career as a multimedia journalist at 13News Now in Norfolk, Virginia. The position marks the next step in what has already become an impressive journalism journey. Morris has expressed long-term aspirations of pursuing investigative and consumer reporting, with hopes of one day working for a national news organization such as Good Morning America.

For Temple University, Morris’s championship represents more than an individual accomplishment. Her historic victory as the university’s first-ever Hearst National Champion brings national recognition to Klein College, Temple Update, and TUTV while demonstrating the talent, determination, and excellence of Temple students on a national stage.

As Morris launches her professional career, her success serves as an inspiration for current and future Temple students and a reminder of what is possible when talent, hard work, mentorship, and opportunity come together.

Congratulations to Lauren Haley Morris on this remarkable achievement and on representing Temple University with distinction as its first-ever Hearst National Champion.

Feel Good Cooking Tackles Type 2 Diabetes Awareness in New Episode

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Temple University Television’s Feel Good Cooking continues its mission of blending healthy living, education, and approachable cooking in its newest episode focused on Type 2 diabetes awareness and prevention.

Hosted by Anthony Oliver, the episode explores the growing rise of youth-onset Type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle and dietary changes that can help manage and prevent the disease.

The episode was inspired in part by ongoing leadership collaboration between Klein College Acting Dean Deborah Cai and Dean Jennifer Ibrahim of Temple’s Barnett College of Public Health. Their continued partnership has helped shape Feel Good Cooking into a meaningful interdisciplinary initiative that combines storytelling, public health education, and hands-on student production. The episode also reflects recent research and discussions led by Dr. Joy Pierce, Chair of the Department of Communication in Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, regarding the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among younger populations.

Joining Anthony in the episode is April Sakalsky, a graduate nutrition student from Temple’s Barnett College of Public Health, who helps explain common misconceptions surrounding diabetes, including the importance of balanced nutrition rather than eliminating carbohydrates entirely. The discussion also explores how sedentary lifestyles and increased consumption of heavily processed foods contribute to the rise in Type 2 diabetes diagnoses.

The episode also highlights Temple University’s Cherry Pantry, where Anthony learns about the resources available to students with dietary restrictions and food insecurity concerns. Cherry Pantry staff discuss access to whole grains, fresh produce, plant-based proteins, and other healthier food options available to students.

Back in the Aramark Community Teaching Kitchen at the Barnett College of Public Health, Anthony prepares a glazed teriyaki salmon quinoa bowl designed to align with Type 2 diabetes dietary recommendations. The dish incorporates quinoa, salmon, edamame, avocado, cucumbers, and fresh vegetables while emphasizing balanced nutrition, fiber, healthy fats, and protein.

Throughout the episode, Feel Good Cooking continues to make healthy cooking approachable and practical while educating viewers on important health issues affecting communities nationwide.

The series is produced through the ongoing collaboration between TUTV and Temple University’s Barnett College of Public Health and is filmed inside the college’s state-of-the-art Aramark Community Teaching Kitchen.

Viewers can watch Feel Good Cooking on TUTV and TempleTV.net and follow the show on Instagram at @feelgoodcooking_.

Temple Sports Student Media Launches First-Ever Broadcast Special Showcasing Philadelphia Athletics

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Temple Sports Student Media premiered its first-ever broadcast special this spring, bringing viewers inside the passion, tradition, and community spirit that define athletics across the Philadelphia region.

The hour-long program, produced entirely by Temple University students, featured in-depth storytelling and on-location reporting from more than a dozen schools and sporting events throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. Anchored by Haley Smith and Tim McFarland, the special highlighted not only elite athletic competition, but also the personal stories, traditions, and community connections behind the games.

“This was an opportunity for our students to go beyond scores and highlights and really tell meaningful stories,” said the student production team during the opening of the broadcast. “Each location helped give us a different look into what sports mean to the Philadelphia community.”

The special featured a wide range of stories, including:

  • La Salle College High School’s legendary “Silent Night” basketball tradition
  • The historic basketball legacy at Roman Catholic High School
  • One of Pennsylvania’s top female wrestlers balancing athletics and academics at Mariana Bracetti Academy
  • Nationally ranked wrestling programs at Malvern Prep
  • Elite basketball prospects competing in the internationally recognized Grind Session
  • Community fundraising events including the Philadelphia Love Run and Coaches vs. Cancer Baseball Fest
  • Historic milestones in Philadelphia public school basketball
  • Nationally ranked squash and tennis programs along the Main Line

Students traveled throughout the region reporting, shooting, writing, editing, and producing the stories themselves, gaining valuable real-world sports journalism experience in the process.

The program also demonstrated the evolving vision of Temple Sports Student Media: blending high-level sports coverage with human-centered storytelling that highlights perseverance, leadership, teamwork, and the role athletics play in shaping communities.

Several stories focused on themes far larger than sports. One feature followed Frankford High School baseball coach Juan Namnun’s battle with male breast cancer and how his family transformed that experience into an annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser. Another spotlighted student-athletes balancing elite competition with academic excellence and personal growth.

The broadcast special also showcased the depth of sports culture throughout the Philadelphia area, from historic Catholic League basketball gyms to emerging girls wrestling programs and nationally respected prep school athletics.

Produced through Temple University’s student media ecosystem, the special reflects the experiential learning opportunities available to students pursuing careers in sports broadcasting, multimedia journalism, and live production.

The debut program marks an important milestone for Temple Sports Student Media as students continue expanding their coverage and storytelling throughout the region.

Klein College Students Honored at 20th Annual MSP Student Media Awards

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Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication celebrated the creativity, talent, and dedication of its students during the 20th Annual Media Studies and Production Student Media Awards. The event recognized outstanding student work across video, audio, writing, music production, digital storytelling, live studio production, and emerging media.

Hosted by Temple alum and PHL17 sports anchor/reporter Lindsay Moppert, the ceremony highlighted the depth of professional-level work being created by students across TUTV, Temple Update, OwlSports Update, Bell Tower Music, graduate programs, and a wide range of Media Studies and Production courses.

“This event heralds the amazing work of so many students doing impressive research, production, music, and storytelling,” said Acting Dean Deborah Cai during opening remarks.

Several TUTV-affiliated productions and students received major honors throughout the ceremony.

Temple Update students earned recognition in multiple categories, including:

  • Best Feature News Package
  • Best Talent
  • Best Live Studio/On Location Show
  • Best Sports Package

Among the honored projects were stories covering Philadelphia’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking news coverage surrounding the Morgan Hall security breach, and feature reporting on local sports culture and community impact.

Student journalists including Gabriel Linington, Lucy Potts, Kevin Gruen, Christian Lee, Sujan Upreti, and many others were recognized for their reporting, storytelling, live production, and on-camera work.

OwlSports Update and related sports productions also received significant recognition, including awards for live studio programming and sports feature storytelling. Judges praised students for professional execution, energetic delivery, strong writing, creative shooting, and polished production quality.

Graduate student work was also prominently featured. The award-winning project “Between the Lines: Navigating the Standard of Black Women, Code Switching, Intersectionality, and Corporate Gaze” earned top honors in the Graduate Creative Project category for its thoughtful exploration of identity and representation in professional spaces.

In addition to production awards, several students received scholarships recognizing leadership, journalism excellence, technical achievement, and contributions to Temple Update and student media.

The annual MSP Student Media Awards continue to showcase the experiential learning opportunities available through Klein College and TUTV, where students gain real-world experience producing professional-level journalism, sports coverage, entertainment programming, documentaries, and multimedia storytelling.

The event served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the growing impact Temple students continue to make across the media industry.

https://vimeo.com/1191229072?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Cooking Up Collaboration: TUTV, Public Health, and President Fry Come Together on Feel Good Cooking

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At Temple University, the most meaningful learning happens at the intersection of disciplines, creativity, and real-world application. A recent episode of TUTV’s Feel Good Cooking is a perfect example of that collaboration in action, bringing together student storytellers, health experts, and university leadership in a way that is both engaging and impactful.

Hosted by student Anthony Oliver, the episode featured a special guest: President John Fry. The concept was simple but powerful. President Fry shared his favorite comfort food, fried shrimp, and challenged the students to create a version that was both delicious and healthier.

What followed was more than a cooking segment. It became a hands-on demonstration of interdisciplinary learning, powered by a partnership with Temple’s Barnett College of Public Health.

Working alongside a public health expert, the students reimagined the dish using smart nutritional strategies. Instead of traditional frying methods, they incorporated healthier oils, reduced sodium, increased fiber, and made thoughtful ingredient substitutions. The result was a meal that maintained the flavor and comfort of a classic favorite while aligning with principles of heart-healthy eating. As noted during the episode, “we’re looking at things like sodium quality, fat quality, caloric density, and fiber” to guide these decisions .

The final plate featured fried shrimp prepared with healthier techniques, sweet potato fries rich in nutrients, and a vegetable-forward corn dish. It was a clear example that healthier eating does not require sacrificing taste, only rethinking approach.

Beyond the food, the episode highlights what makes TUTV and Klein College unique. Students are not just learning production skills; they are collaborating across disciplines, working with real clients and experts, and producing content that reflects the broader mission of the university.

President Fry’s participation underscores Temple’s commitment to student engagement and experiential learning. His willingness to step into a student-produced environment reinforces the idea that leadership at Temple is accessible, supportive, and invested in student success. His reaction to the dish said it all, describing it as “really light compared to the bad fried shrimp I eat at other places,” proving that thoughtful choices can elevate even the most indulgent meals .

This collaboration also showcases the value of partnerships across the university. The Barnett College of Public Health brought expertise that enhanced both the educational value and real-world relevance of the production, while TUTV provided the platform for students to bring the story to life.

In the end, this episode of Feel Good Cooking is about more than a recipe. It is about what happens when creativity meets purpose. It is about students learning by doing. And it is about a university community working together to inform, inspire, and innovate.

Temple Legends Return: Claire Smith with Merrill Reese and Howard Bryant

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Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication hosted a memorable and inspiring event as legendary alumni returned to campus for an engaging conversation on sports, media, and storytelling.

In the inaugural alumni speaker event, trailblazing journalist Claire Smith led a dynamic discussion with two icons of the industry—longtime voice of the Philadelphia Eagles Merrill Reese and award-winning journalist and author Howard Bryant. The event brought together decades of experience, offering students a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how the industry has evolved and what it takes to succeed in it today. 

Throughout the conversation, Reese and Bryant reflected on the dramatic changes in sports media—from the rise of digital platforms and multimedia storytelling to the increasing influence of business, branding, and audience engagement. Bryant emphasized the importance of versatility in today’s landscape, where young journalists are expected to write, shoot, edit, and produce across multiple platforms. Reese, drawing on nearly five decades in broadcasting, reinforced the value of preparation, passion, and consistency.

A central theme of the discussion was resilience. Both speakers shared personal stories of rejection, setbacks, and persistence—reminding students that success in media is rarely linear. Their message was clear: talent matters, but determination and work ethic are what sustain a career.

The conversation also explored the human side of storytelling. From building trust with sources to navigating difficult moments in coverage, students gained insight into the responsibility that comes with telling real stories about real people. Bryant highlighted the importance of curiosity and purpose, encouraging students to define what they want to contribute to the industry, while Reese emphasized authenticity and connection.

Students were highly engaged throughout, asking thoughtful questions about career paths, industry challenges, and how to stand out in an increasingly competitive field. The discussion reinforced the value of Temple’s network, with both speakers encouraging students to build relationships, stay connected, and take full advantage of the opportunities around them.

More than anything, the event served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible. From Temple classrooms to the highest levels of sports media, Reese and Bryant’s journeys reflect the strength of the Klein College community—and the bright future ahead for its students.

https://vimeo.com/1187048218?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Temple Alum Bernie Prazenica Shares Real-World Media Insights with Klein Students

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Klein College students recently had the opportunity to learn from one of their own—Temple alumnus and former 6ABC President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica—in a seminar that brought together leadership, career insight, and the evolving realities of the media industry.

The conversation, led by Temple Update alum and rising multimedia journalist Lauren Haley Morris, gave students a rare behind-the-scenes look at how television really works—not just in the newsroom, but on the business side that drives it. 

Prazenica’s career path offered an immediate lesson: there is no single route to success. Starting with an interest in production, he pivoted into sales early in his career—a move that ultimately led him to executive leadership. His message to students was clear: stay open, stay adaptable, and understand the full ecosystem of media.

Throughout the seminar, Prazenica emphasized a reality that often goes unspoken in the classroom—the media industry is, at its core, a business. Ratings drive revenue, and revenue drives everything from hiring to storytelling decisions. But even as platforms evolve, one thing remains constant: the need to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

That connection is now more complex than ever. With streaming, social media, and countless digital competitors, local news is no longer the only source of information. Prazenica challenged students to think critically about how to stand out in a crowded landscape, stressing the importance of authenticity, personality, and strong storytelling.

He also highlighted a major shift in the industry: the rise of the multimedia journalist. Today’s reporters are expected to shoot, write, edit, and present their own stories—skills that Klein students are already developing in the classroom and in the field. Rather than seeing this as a burden, Prazenica framed it as an opportunity for greater creative control and career flexibility.

Beyond technical skills, the seminar reinforced the importance of professionalism and preparation. Prazenica shared candid advice on internships, interviews, and workplace expectations—reminding students that showing up, being reliable, and understanding the culture of a newsroom can make all the difference early in a career.

The seminar also featured student voices from the field. Senior Kevin Gruen and junior Christian Lee joined the conversation as panelists, sharing their experiences working and interning in the Philadelphia media market. Their insights added a peer-to-peer perspective, reinforcing how classroom learning translates directly into real-world application.

What made the session especially impactful was the level of student engagement. Students asked thoughtful, practical questions about everything from career paths to standing out in a competitive hiring process. The discussion wasn’t theoretical—it was grounded in real experiences, real challenges, and real opportunities.

At its core, the seminar reflected what Klein College does best: connecting students directly with industry leaders who are shaping the future of media. As Prazenica reminded the room, success in this field isn’t just about talent—it’s about adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning.

For students preparing to enter a rapidly changing industry, it was a powerful reminder that the path forward may not be linear—but with the right mindset, it’s full of opportunity.

Temple Students Cover a Historic Moment in FOX29 Television Practicum

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Experiential learning took center stage at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication with Temple Preview: Philly’s World Cup Summer, a TUTV wrap-up special produced as part of the FOX29 Television Practicum.

Produced by Professors Joe Schreiber and Matt Petrillo in collaboration with Professor Paul Gluck’s TUTV studio production practicum, the program showcases student reporting tied to two major events coming to Philadelphia: the FIFA World Cup 2026 and America’s 250th Anniversary.

Over seven weeks, students worked in a real-world newsroom model, developing pitches, reporting in the field, and producing broadcast-ready stories with guidance from FOX29 professionals. The result is a fast-paced, student-driven show that captures both the excitement building across the city and the growth of the students behind the work.

The program features reporting from Gabriel Linington, Lucy Potts, Anthony Roscioli, and Moyo Awolowo, with stories ranging from local businesses preparing for global crowds to young athletes inspired by the World Cup, and the revival of historic Philadelphia landmarks. It also includes live reporting, including a segment from inside the FOX29 newsroom.

Behind these stories is a collaborative team of student journalists who brought the production to life, including Mario Rodriguez Canuto, Haley Smith, Kayla Levine, Emily De Notaris, Nicklaus Parr, Chelsea Lubbe, Emily Courtney, Christian Lee, Jessy Xu, Mariam Elias-Danjuma, Janine Gasarowski, Gabriel Perez, and Xavier Johnson. Together, they contributed across reporting, production, and on-camera roles in a fully professional studio environment.

Just as important as the reporting is the reflection. Throughout the special, students share what they learned, from stepping outside their comfort zones on camera to building confidence in pitching, interviewing, and producing stories. Many described the experience as their first time working at a professional level, gaining insight into how a modern newsroom operates and what it takes to succeed in it.

More than a final project, Temple Preview: Philly’s World Cup Summer reflects what makes Klein unique: students learning by doing, engaging in real collaboration, and reflecting on their growth as emerging journalists.

And with continued story production for FOX29 in the months ahead, this experience is just getting started.

https://vimeo.com/1185301785?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Big Dreams, Bold Pitches: Inside Klein College’s Mock Pitch

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Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication recently hosted its second annual Klein College Mock Pitch Competition—an inspiring, high-energy event that brought together Philadelphia public high school students for a real-world communications challenge.

Captured in a special TUTV program, the event featured student teams pitching integrated advertising and public relations campaigns to representatives from the Philadelphia 76ers. More than just a competition, the Mock Pitch offered students a unique, hands-on opportunity to step into the role of agency professionals—developing ideas, presenting strategies, and thinking on their feet in front of industry judges.

The program highlights not only the excitement of the live pitches, but also the deeper impact of the experience. Students engaged with Klein College faculty, current students, and alumni—many of whom once walked the same path—while also exploring Temple’s campus and envisioning their own futures in media and communication.

With participation growing and community partnerships strengthening, the Klein College Mock Pitch continues to build a powerful pipeline between Philadelphia’s public schools and the communications industry. Through experiential learning and meaningful connection, the event—and the TUTV program that brings it to life—showcases what’s possible when opportunity, creativity, and mentorship come together.

TUTV Premieres Lo Último, Expanding Student News to Spanish-Speaking Audiences

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Temple University Television (TUTV) is proud to announce the premiere of Lo Último, a new Spanish-language news program created by Klein College of Media and Communication students. The first episode is now airing on TUTV, marking an exciting step forward in expanding access, representation, and opportunity in student media.

Lo Último will continue to build momentum with its next airdate scheduled for April 10 at 5:30 PM, leading up to its first live broadcast on April 24 at 2:00 PM. The program is designed to grow into a live Spanish-language version of Temple Update, one of TUTV’s flagship programs.

At the heart of this launch is the inaugural class of student creators who brought Lo Último to life: Mario Rodriguez Canuto, Fernando Santos, Desiree Genao, Jarly Ramos, Sean Graveley, Estevan Quintero Malaga, and Noah Cardona-Sanchez. Their work represents the next generation of bilingual journalists and storytellers at Klein College.

The program is supported by a course taught by Kristina Hammerschmidt, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media Studies and Production, Executive Producer of Temple Update, and Executive Producer of Lo Último. Her leadership ensures students are building on a strong foundation of journalistic excellence while adapting those skills for bilingual storytelling.

The launch of Lo Último is powered by student leadership and collaboration. Temple Update seniors Sean Graveley and Charly Schultz are contributing as student workers, helping to bring the production to life behind the scenes.

From a production standpoint, the premiere introduces a full creative package. The show features a new open, original music composed by Bell Tower Music, and a custom graphics package being developed by a student from Temple’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This cross-disciplinary collaboration highlights the depth of talent across the university and the real-world experience students gain through TUTV.

Industry support has also played a key role in bringing Lo Último to launch. NBC10 and Telemundo have provided guidance and support, reinforcing the program’s connection to professional standards and opportunities.

Beyond the technical and creative achievements, Lo Último represents something larger. It is a platform for inclusion, a space for new voices, and a meaningful step toward reflecting the communities that journalists serve.

As TUTV continues to innovate and grow, Lo Último stands as a powerful example of what happens when students are given the opportunity to lead, create, and tell stories that matter.

https://vimeo.com/1177814721?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Bridging Community and Public Safety: A Conversation with Captain Terry King

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On a recent episode of TUGether!, host Mariam Elias-Danjuma highlights the power of connection by sitting down with Captain Terry King of Temple University’s Department of Public Safety. Following Black History Month, the conversation continues to recognize leaders in the Black community who are making a difference through civic engagement, education, and public service.

Captain King brings a unique and powerful perspective to his role, combining more than 20 years in law enforcement with an equally long career in academia. From his early experiences growing up in Trenton, New Jersey—where relationships between police and the community were often strained—to his leadership roles in Camden and now at Temple, King has made it his mission to be a “change agent.” His goal: to build trust, foster connection, and ensure that public safety is rooted in service and understanding.

At Temple, King serves as the head of the Professional Standards and Advocacy Unit, where he works behind the scenes to support students, connect them with resources, and promote a culture of care. His approach is grounded in one key principle—community engagement must be genuine. Whether through outreach programs, student interactions, or simply conversations on campus, King emphasizes the importance of active listening and meeting people where they are.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes as King reflects on a deeply personal experience from his time as a detective, illustrating how compassion and consistency can leave a lasting impact on someone’s life. It’s a reminder that public safety is not just about enforcement—it’s about empathy, presence, and human connection.

Beyond his professional role, King continues his commitment to mentorship and community service, working with students and young people to help them grow, find their voice, and succeed. His message to students is simple but impactful: continue learning, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to speak up—even when you feel like your voice isn’t heard.

This episode of TUGether! is ultimately about more than one individual’s journey—it’s about the broader impact of leadership rooted in service. Captain Terry King’s story is a testament to how advocacy, education, and public safety can come together to create stronger, more connected communities.

Watch the full episode on TUTV and see how meaningful connections are making a difference—because here at Temple, we’re stronger when we’re together.