Posted February 26, 2018
By Kelli Caldwell, senior public relations major, reprinted from InterCom
Photo by Kelli Caldwell. Greg Brannon helping seniors in Carolina News.
A former executive producer of television broadcasting for the Carolina Panthers, Greg Brannon is now sharing his experience with the next generation of broadcast journalists as an instructor for the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. It was an easy choice for Brannon. His son graduated from the journalism school in 2016, giving him four years to learn about the university and its campus as a parent. He saw a growing interest in sports media and knew he could help students develop those skills. After guest lecturing in different classes during the past year, Brannon decided to call Carolina home.
“I’ve been in broadcasting for 30-plus years, and in the back of my mind I always thought it would be great to teach,” Brannon said. “Maybe it sounds a little ‘hokey’ but I wanted the opportunity to give back.”
In his previous position, Brannon was in charge of staff who produced weekly content for Panthers.com and the television show, Panthers Huddle.
The Ohio State University alumnus now brings those skills to the journalism school. He shows students how to run a switchboard or use a camera properly, and most importantly, how to find that interesting news lead. He is currently helping with the broadcasting students’ senior semester, putting on live shows twice a day.
Senior broadcast student J.P. Hovey thinks Brannon is the perfect fit for the university because he shows students how to be true professionals in the broadcast field. “He understands the sports media world and the direction it’s headed,” Hovey said. “His experience in the traditional newsroom mixed with his experience with the Panthers creates a great balance for what senior semester needs."
In Spring 2018, Brannon will revamp a Maymester course for younger students to show them a glimpse of the sports production world.
The class is slated to be held in Williams-Brice Stadium and will work with the athletic department’s live production staff. David Cockfield, the director of live operations, will assist Brannon in acclimating students to the equipment. It's open to underclassmen through an application process.
“It’s a natural connection between the broadcast and journalism students to understand the backside of the business,” Brannon said. “That was the genesis of the class; to expose our students to another aspect of broadcast and at the same time, help the athletic department.”
Experience is crucial in landing the first job out of college. Brannon and Cockfield hope to provide that for students in this course.
“Our idea is to give them that ability to work in the field prior to graduation,” Cockfield said. “We’re providing practical experience before they look for a job.”