The goal of the Video News Program is to become the eyes and ears of the entire Missouri YMCA Youth In Government Program. This program allows all delegates to view the workings of the other groups while they are at the hotel after long sessions each day. It gives an overall perspective of the entire proceedings through news reports and special programming so that delegates may become better participants by staying informed. The program also keeps delegates up-to-date about activities they are expected to attend and participate in during the State Convention.
The structure of the Video News Program is that of a television station. The Video News Director and assistant director make assignments for the reporter crews to cover while at the State Convention. The advanced students are then asked to help with the novice reporters in preparing their news packages. Packages are turned in by deadlines and then student directors prepare the packages for the newscasts. Students are evaluated by the quality of their news packages and have input for their further assignments when the goals have been met, allowing for creativity beyond the requirements of the productions.
When students are chosen from the applicants, teams of three students will be formed if not already done in the application process. It is then their responsibility to attend the Primary Convention to receive training from the Video News Program Coordinator. If a student is not in attendance at the Primary Convention, the student may not remain in the Video News Program for that year without special permission from the Video News Program Coordinator.
The student production crews will have assignments given to them and deadlines are expected to be met. Only after their deadline has been achieved will news teams be allowed to freelance stories of their own choosing. Above all, students must become responsible reporters to the delegates. This allows the delegates to concentrate on their own activities without having to wonder what others are doing during the convention. By turning on scheduled programming after the day’s work, they can learn from the newscasts.