Temple University journalism students are learning how to report and produce news for one of the region’s largest audiences.

With the studio lights shining bright and cameras locked in place, Temple senior journalism major Gabriel Linington took a steady breath, quietly checking his nerves just seconds before going live on Good Day Philadelphia. Then, as anchor Shaynah Ferreira tossed to him, the red light flicked on. It’s go time.  

“Shayna, there is so much excitement in the air for the FIFA World Cup coming to Philadelphia,” he said. 

Linington didn’t hesitate as he delivered his introduction with confidence and stepped seamlessly into his story.  
 
“I was so excited to have my piece go on air. A lot of work went in this moment, and it’s a huge personal milestone for me,” Linington said.  

Linington is enrolled in a practicum course that partners student journalists with experienced journalists from FOX 29. In this class, students are actively pitching and reporting stories focused on preparations for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, as well as FIFA World Cup 2026 events set to take place in Philadelphia. 

The class was the brainchild of Adjunct Professor Joe Schreiber. 
 
“This was a historic opportunity for Temple University journalism students,” he said. “We have the World Cup and the country’s 250th birthday all happening at the same time. This won’t happen again in our lifetimes. So this brings together industry partnership, experiential learning and the opportunity for these students to be doing the work of professional reporters in the fifth largest TV market in the country.” 

Schreiber and his co-instructor Matt Petrillo collaborated closely with students to develop story ideas and shape key news elements. From there, students reported and shot their pieces, wrote their scripts, edited their packages, and then presented them to their instructors for feedback. After changes, the stories were sent to FOX 29 news managers, who offered their professional feedback to help refine the work for broadcast.  

For some students, like Linington, the experience culminated with an invitation into the studio to deliver their stories live on air. 
 
“It was thrilling to walk into the studio with Gabriel, knowing how much work he put into his story, and have him be a part of the action with one of the best news stations in the country,” Petrillo told the class following Linington’s FOX 29 on-air debut. 
 
“This is a story I will absolutely use in my reel. And it will no doubt set me apart when I apply for jobs, as well,” Linington said.  
 
The class was structured to mirror a professional newsroom by implementing the Klein College of Media and Communication’s “learning by doing” approach.  
 
“Knowing your work could air on FOX 29 changes how you approach everything,” Linington said. “You double-check your facts. You think harder about your storytelling. It becomes more real.” 
 
For Temple faculty, the goal is simple: bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. 

“This is about giving our students a real seat at the table,” said Deborah Cai, Klein acting dean. “They’re doing more than practicing. They’re contributing to a real newscast, having a positive impact on FOX 29’s viewers and providing their own unique perspectives on major moments in the city.”