What's Happening?
Reeldata, through its Veterans TV initiative, has partnered with PBS SoCal to offer free, hands-on training in television production to U.S. military veterans. This program aims to equip veterans with the necessary skills for real-world production jobs.
The training covers various aspects of production, including studio operations, electronic news gathering, and studio management. Participants gain experience with cameras, lighting, audio, editing, directing, and technical directing. The program, which began developing in 2019 with a mobile production truck, has evolved to utilize PBS SoCal's professional production facility in Burbank, providing veterans with access to control rooms, lighting grids, and studios. Experienced industry professionals lead the classes, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the veteran students. The goal is to provide veterans with practical broadcast skills that complement their existing attributes such as teamwork, responsibility, and performance under pressure.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant for both the broadcasting industry and the veteran community. For veterans, it offers a direct pathway to new careers in a growing field, leveraging their inherent skills developed during military service. The hands-on training and access to professional facilities provided by PBS SoCal ensure that veterans are well-prepared for the demands of live television production. For the broadcasting industry, this initiative addresses a potential need for skilled professionals, especially with major events like the 2028 Olympic Games coming to Los Angeles, which are expected to increase demand for production staff. By tapping into the veteran talent pool, the industry gains employees who are disciplined, team-oriented, and capable of performing under pressure. This program also highlights the value of community partnerships in creating impactful workforce development opportunities and supporting those who have served the country.
What's Next?
Veterans TV plans to expand its training programs, offering more classes and reaching a larger number of veterans. The organization also aims to extend its training into additional locations beyond Southern California. Efforts are underway to connect trained veterans with employment opportunities, particularly in remote sports broadcasting, in anticipation of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The program relies on continued support from manufacturers, broadcasters, industry organizations, and individuals through equipment donations, funding, facilities, and expertise. Veterans TV encourages industry professionals to share their knowledge, help connect veterans with jobs, become partners or board members, or provide financial support to further its mission.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative underscores a broader societal recognition of the need to support veterans in their transition to civilian life and careers. It highlights the transferable skills gained through military service, such as discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valuable in various industries, including media production. The program also exemplifies how non-profit organizations, in collaboration with established media entities like PBS SoCal, can create effective models for vocational training and job placement. This approach not only addresses unemployment among veterans but also enriches the workforce with diverse perspectives and a strong work ethic. The success of such programs could inspire similar initiatives in other sectors, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for veterans across the U.S. workforce.
