HALLOWEEN WEEK

Did I hear someone say Trick or Treat? Calling all students everywhere who are interested in participating in the ideas outlined below.

These have been my treat for New York City residents over the past two spooky decades.

I arrived in New York City to build and launch News 12. Then AP Television News. Two decades later, I enjoy teaching students.

Not too bad for my past two-decades.

https://bronx.news12.com/watch-news-12-the-bronx

https://apnews.com/hub/television

https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/search/professors?q=roberto%20soto

The Haunted Newscast

Halloween Media Project — Department of Media & Communication Monsters
Instructor: Professor Roberto Soto
Due: ideally during Halloween Night before midnight.

Overview

This Halloween, our online haunted newsroom goes supernatural. In this project, you’ll produce a short broadcast or multimedia news piece that covers a fictional paranormal or Halloween-themed event as if it were the real deal.

Use production skills to deliver a credible, professional, and spooky report that would make any anchor proud to survive the night shift. Story Ideas: https://www.polygon.com/best-halloween-horror-movies-tv-watch-2025/

Learning Goals

• Practice newswriting, interviewing, and storytelling with creative flair.

• Apply video, audio, and editing techniques in a short-format production.

• Experiment with tone, pacing, and performance for different audiences.

• Collaborate as a newsroom team under a fun thematic constraint.

Project Requirements

• Standard newscast, special report, or mini-documentary style.

• At least one “live” or “on-scene” segment.

• At least one interview or soundbite (real or fictional).

• Include lower-thirds, titles, and/or graphics where possible.

• Must maintain the appearance of a legitimate news report.

Sample Story Ideas:

• Ghostly Signals Jam the Campus Radio Station

• Pumpkin Panic Sweeps the Borough Markets

• Student Reporter Vanishes While Chasing Viral TikTok Rumor

• The Haunted Editing Lab: Who’s Really Behind the Static?

Deliverables

1. Final Broadcast Segment (3 min) — Produce your YouTube, Vimeo video, and Email: to cityimages3@gmail.com

2. Written Rundown or Script — in AP or newsroom format.

3. Optional Social Post or Promo Line — 1–2 sentences teasing your story.

4. Reflection Paragraph (5–7 sentences) — how your team approached storytelling, tone, and realism.

Evaluation Criteria

Presentation Day

We’ll hold an online class premiere: “Night of the Living Leads.” HFR Details and costumes encouraged,

Awards may include:

• NewsBeast 

• Cinematic Haunting

• Anchor Most Likely to Survive an Apocalypse