Prime Time Roxbury started in 1989 for Roxbury High School students interested in broadcast journalism. Each year students join this co-curricular program that allows them the opportunity to learn how to use cameras and microphones as well as learning the correct methods for interviewing. Certain students also give of their time to help edit the show together. This is a very time consuming but rewarding skill. These experiences help students gain self-confidence, poise, and good public speaking techniques. All of these can easily translate into their high school classes as well as into their future vocations.
Prime Time Roxbury was designed to feature not only the special events in our schools, but also highlights of daily activities in the district. The television studio is located in the Roxbury High School’s media center. The advisors of the club are Mr. William Martin, media specialist, and Mr. Richard Cooper, television and film teacher. Mr. Martin and Mr. Cooper work closely with the Director of Community Relations, Mrs. Deborah Burleigh. Together they develop a show that features the wide range of events and news occurring in our seven schools.
Interest has always been high among the high school students. From its inception with the first show in October of 1989 to today, Prime Time Roxbury has been a liaison from the school system to the Roxbury community, as well as the rest of Morris County.
This year Prime Time has a large and dedicated group of young people interested in television production. This month’s show features an interview with Mrs. Marilyn McSpiritt, Director of Food Services, highlights from the Roxbury High School Field Hockey team, a visit from “Officer Phil” at the Kennedy School, Defibrillator Training for the schools’ administration, and Mr. Mack bringing everyone up to speed in his “Superintendent’s Corner.” This year a new theme song will be heard, written and produced by Roxbury High School junior Mark Leibowitz, a member of Prime Time Roxbury.
Students participate in preparing a monthly newscast that is then featured on the local cable network. County College of Morris supports the program though Channel 22 Morris Education Technology.
Prime Time Roxbury is always enlisting support from the local community to help make enhancements to the studio and gladly accepts donations of new equipment or materials. The Public can enjoy Prime Time Roxbury on Sunday evenings at 6:30 and Wednesday evenings at 6:00 on Channel 22.