High School Radio Conference Offers Q&A Seminars to Public

The Peninsula High School is hosting the this Thursday, and for the first time, the community is invited to attend its educational breakout sessions.

High school radio broadcasters from throughout the state will gather for the annual event. Mentor speakers from the broadcast industry will share their expertise and knowledge and answer questions during three, 40-minute breakout sessions. Prior to sitting in on breakout sessions, members of the public will be asked to sign in at the school’s office and receive a visitor’s pass for the duration of the event.

Breakout sessions will run from 9:15 to 10 a.m., 10:10 to 10:45 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All sessions will be held on the high school campus.

Session speakers will include:

Russell Houghtaling: Also a Peninsula High School graduate -- and a one-time voice of the Peninsula Seahawks -- Houghtaling is the manager for Internet services for the University of Washington Athletic Department. 

Leah Frazier: A Gig Harbor resident, Frazier represents the Nielsen Company, the world's leading provider of marketing and media information including the Nielsen TV Ratings. Frazier will be able to answer questions on how are TV and radio ratings compiled. 

Rob Endsley: Endsley is a co-host for ESPN KIRO's Outdoor Line, a highly successful program (Saturdays, 6-8 a.m.) centering on sport fishing in the Northwest. 

Matt Martin: Martin is a Gig Harbor-based voice-over artist. Martin will share some good advice for students who may want to break into the fun and creative world of voice-overs 

Rick Gonzalez: A talented guitar player, vocalist and Gig Harbor resident, Gonzalez is also well versed on the use of home-based recording equipment and the program Pro Tools. 

More than 200 high school-aged broadcasters from six Washington high schools are expected to attend the Washington State High School Radio Awards and Conference. In addition to hosting guest speakers from within the broadcast industry, the event will feature student seminars, lunch and a closing ceremony to present awards in 11 industry-related categories.

A General Excellence honor is given to the high school that compiles the most overall place finishes. Last year, Peninsula and KGHP earned the General Excellence honor following four straight wins by Seattle’s Nathan Hale High School.