November 13, 2026

by Maeve Weber ’30

Ramapo College of New Jersey students were granted inside access to the world of broadcast journalism during a hands-on visit to the ABC7 television station, home of Eyewitness News, in New York City.

The trip – coordinated by Ramapo’s Cahill Career Development Center – exposed Roadrunners to a live television set and the various career paths available within it.

It began with a detailed tour of the studio in which students were taught about the inner workings of the ABC7NY station,  part of the larger American Broadcasting Company (ABC), owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company.

Students experienced the newsroom, as well as the behind-the-scenes control room. From state-of-the-art television screens to large robotic cameras, the studio of the famous Eyewitness News proved to be a thrilling experience. In the studio, students discovered the amount of television artistry that goes on backstage.

“One of the most interesting parts was getting to see everything that happens behind the scenes at ABC7NY, from the newsroom to the production and preparation that goes into delivering the news,” said Communication Arts Major Rebecca Romero ’28, of Monroe, NY.

Students were able to watch a live broadcast from behind the scenes. They watched as news anchors Pedro Rivera, Rhiannon Ally, and Brittany Bell covered the news. During commercial breaks, students asked the anchors questions and learned more about their careers.

International Business Major Victoria Acunto ’28, of Wyckoff in Bergen County, NJ said she found it interesting “how they must cut or replace stories within seconds according to timing or more important stories coming in.”

Students also learned how teamwork goes into the media production room, and that without the combined effort of each employee in the studio, Eyewitness News would not be able to broadcast to its millions of viewers each day.

Later on, students met a panel of ABC7NY professionals, representing various career paths, such as news production, sales, and human resources. The panelists provided Roadrunners with unique insight into future career opportunities and possibilities within the realm of the media industry.

“It reminded me that there isn’t just one path to follow,” Romero said.

Throughout the panel, Ramapo students learned the value of curiosity and commitment, and that driven students can be successful no matter what industry they choose to pursue.

Acunto recalled learning “as long as students are curious, driven, communicate well, and can read and write well, then they will be very successful no matter their industry.”

Learning about the creativity and human talent that goes into running a television station left Acunto feeling hopeful for the future. “One of the most interesting, and rather most hopeful, things I learned is that AI is not intended to replace human creativity at the Walt Disney Company,” Acunto said. “From Disney cartoons and animations to ABC7’s news scripts, creative work remains human-driven.”

The live discussion with the experienced panelists also helped Roadrunners develop tactical steps as they prepare for their own professional careers.

“When industry leaders take the time to share real talk, answer candid questions, and offer mentorship, it turns abstract career goals into actionable blueprints,” said LaQuan Norman, director of Ramapo’s Cahill Career Center, which organized the visit.

The Cahill Career Center worked closely with Porsha Grant, the vice president of social corporate responsibility at ABC7NY, in order to create the experience for Roadrunners. The trip was open to students of all majors, and was just one among many that the College consistently secures to further develop students and prepare them for future careers.

“We are constantly scanning for companies to work with as a college,” Norman said.

“Experiences like these are exactly why corporate partnerships matter,” said Jane He, director of advancement at Ramapo. “They open doors, broaden perspectives, build connections and help students envision career possibilities they may never have considered.”

For more information on how the Cahill Career Center opens up opportunities for Roadrunners, visit the Cahill Career Development Center webpage.