SPJ UW officers and 15 students had the privilege of visiting KING 5 Seattle on Sept. 23. Director of Digital Media Elizabeth Wiley led us through various parts of the newsroom and showed us where editors, news producers, anchors and other staff members do their work. 
 

“The King 5 tour was my first SPJ UW event and I enjoyed seeing how the news industry functions first-hand,” Cameron Delfin said. “Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, fielded all of our questions, and introduced us to staff who were in the office while we were on our tour.”  
 

Wiley started the tour with a brief explanation of KING 5’s history. Then, we walked over to talk to the cap communications and assignment desk staff members, learning about their roles reviewing video and audio that comes into the building and taking note of what is happening so reporters can cover newsworthy stories. One staff member mentioned his opinion that broadcast news is on the decline, but Internet news is on the rise.  
 

The assignment editor described how he listens to police feeds and other sources to pick up on breaking news.  

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“It can get pretty loud,” he said.  
 

Wiley explained that reporters prepare pitches of their own stories, but what they cover that day depends on what breaking news has emerged. A reporter might not be able to confirm their ability to take on a story until that morning. 
 

Downstairs, we saw the recording studio where anchors read their scripts to present the news to viewers and where announcers present the weather. We also visited the control room, where staff monitor the footage going out to make sure everything looks good as it goes on air.