Telestream’s Wirecast Powers Student Broadcasting Excellence at Whitney High
By Stephanie R
In this case study, Telestream explores how the broadcast journalism program at Rocklin’s Whitney High School has transformed into a professional-grade television operation. WCTV19, featuring the student-produced “Unleashed” newscast, reaches audiences across campus, local cable networks, and social media—all while serving as an exceptional training ground for aspiring media professionals.
Teacher Ben Barnholdt built this remarkable program over eleven years through resourceful fundraising and unwavering dedication. Despite starting with minimal resources, the studio now boasts professional equipment centered around Telestream’s Wirecast live production software, which students use to create polished broadcasts with custom graphics, transitions, and special effects.
Students arrive before dawn to handle every production aspect themselves—writing, directing, filming, and editing their daily 15-minute newscast. Their dedication recently expanded to include a 25-foot broadcast trailer for remote productions of sporting events and community activities.
The program’s professional approach has earned prestigious recognition, including US Education TV’s Best Overall Network and Student TV Network’s Excellence Award for Best Daily Taped Show. More importantly, it creates a collaborative environment where students develop technical expertise alongside essential workplace skills.
Graduates leave with impressive portfolios that have helped them secure positions at universities and media companies, equipped with digital communication abilities that translate across numerous career paths. Through hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Wirecast, Whitney High School students aren’t just learning about broadcasting—they’re already doing it at a professional level.
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