Story Archive

Dead Air

In 2005, Detroit Public Schools officials said they were prepared to educate future broadcasters on first-rate equipment. Two studios in the Detroit School of Arts cost taxpayers a total of $33 million, including such things as a roughly $1 million lighting grid. So what do DSA’s students think of their fantastic facilities? “It’s just a side of the school that we don’t use,” said freshman Dayjanae Baker. Television reporters who looked into the unused investment in 2009 were told that the district hadn’t been able to afford to train faculty on the fancy equipment. But the matter would be solved promptly, promised Assistant Superintendent Steve Wasko. “As you know, it’s a new day in town with Detroit Public Schools.” Years later, the TV station inquired again and was told the matter was being addressed — and then Detroit Public TV volunteers went to the school and started working on the equipment. It wasn’t ready yet, officials said, but the smaller studio would be usable soon. (AC/WXYZ Detroit) ...“I call all times soon.” —Aslan