KSU Sports Reporting Class Tour Warner Brothers Discovery Sports

ATLANTA, Ga. (Sep 30, 2024) — by: Stella Payne

Students from Kennesaw State University recently visited Techwood Studios at Warner Brothers Discovery Sports, the hub to some of the most prominent sports entertainment shows on television.

KSU Alum Gives Back

Students were granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access to four different sports studios.

The tour began in the studio where TNT hosts it weekly NBA show with Charles Barkely, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neil and Ernie Johnson. Students were able to get a first hand look where the live sports shows come to life.

KSU alum and Associate Director/Producer Reginald King took time to speak with students about his pathway into the sports industry. King, who played basketball at Kennesaw, talked to students about starting out as an intern and how you should never give up.

“Always keep going. All you have is that one. Trust me, you’ll get unanswered email, rejection letters, but don’t let any of that discourage you,” said King.

Behind The Scenes

In Studio F, students were able to watch a live pregame show taping of MLB Baseball Show “Leadoff” on TBS which is hosted by Lauren Shehadi, Jake Peavy, Pedro Martinez and Curtis Granderson. Students were able to watch the 30-minute show and see how it was put together. Students saw the camera crew in action as they guided the on-air talent.

After the show, hosts Shehadi and Granderson took time to talk with students and take photos.

“We were really excited to have an audience. We normally tape with the crew, so we had fun with having future sports reporters watching.” said Granderson.

Journalism student Carolyne Harris, who has watched Shenhadi cover sports for years, said the experience was something she would never forget.

“I am very thankful for the tour at Warner Brothers Discovery and I cannot say I would trade it for the world,” said Harris.

The Final Stop

After the live show, students visited the control room, where multiple shows are created and aired simultaneously. Alisa Deanes-Davis, a director with three decades of experience, talked with students about the hustle and bustle of running live shows and the need to be ready to make adjustments at any time.

“I would say the most challenging part of this job is what you have to juggle, If something happens, you need to be able to pivot quickly and keep the show going,” said Deanes-Davis.

Students left the tour with insights into how sports television shows are created and received encouragement from seasoned professionals in the industry.

To learn more about the Sports Reporting class, email Professor Stella Payne at spayne66@kennesaw.edu.