South Bristol Scoop Takes Over NEWSCENTERMAINE
Last Wednesday, the original cast of the South Bristol Scoop—three sixth graders from South Bristol Elementary School—took their talents to the big leagues with a visit to Channel 6, NEWSCENTERMAINE’s studio in Portland. The students were invited to watch a live taping of the award-winning show 207, meet the crew, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how professional television is made.
This invitation was the result of a year-long journey in media literacy, guided by LCTV’s hands-on educational program. Over the past school year, the Scoop team learned the ropes of video production, audio recording, script writing, and on-camera performance. Their hard work culminated in a feature segment on 207 last June, where they were interviewed and celebrated for their creativity and initiative. That spotlight opened the door to their recent studio visit, where they got to see the magic of television up close.
During their time at NEWSCENTERMAINE, the students spoke with both on-air personalities and the behind-the-scenes professionals who make the show run—from camera operators and producers to editors and technical staff. It was a full-circle moment for the young journalists, who saw firsthand how their classroom lessons connect to real-world careers.
LCTV’s Media Literacy program was launched with a simple but powerful goal: to spark student interest in video, storytelling, and communication. “Hands-on learning is tough to beat,” says Larry Sidelinger, Executive Director at LCTV. “When kids get to create something real, they light up.” The program’s success has been contagious. Two additional schools have joined the initiative, bringing the total to 36 students across three Midcoast schools now learning the art and craft of media.
The Scoop’s reach is growing, too. Recently, Don Carrigan—207’s award-winning journalist and a longtime local—produced a segment on the Career and Technical Education program in St. George. Inspired by the story, the Scoop team has been invited to visit St. George and produce their own segment, offering a young person’s perspective on the program and its impact.
“It’s all good stuff,” says Sidelinger. “We’re only limited by money and manpower—never ideas. But where there’s a will, there’s a way!”
From South Bristol to Portland and soon to St. George, the Scoop is proving that small-town students can make big waves. With cameras rolling and curiosity leading the way, these sixth graders are learning not just how to tell stories—but how to shape their own.
Here's links to a couple videos produced during their visit
Link 1
Link 2