As you pitch your program to the superintendent or the principal for the first time, it might be a good idea to make him or her feel very comfortable with your objectives. The first year, maybe do a lot of stories about activities and accomplishments at your school. Keep it as positive as you can, and let the students learn basics about shooting, editing, and writing. No administrator wants to get angry phone calls after your first or second show about the story you did on abortion or guns or other hot-button issues. You have to earn your way to that kind of freedom by establishing your credibility. Unfortunately, some administrators will never be comfortable with their students covering those kinds of topics. Keep the Student Press Law Center in mind when you need free legal advice as a broadcast adviser or student. Above all, strive for 100 percent accuracy. Spell the names right, pronounce names correctly, tell us who, what, where, when and why. Bring recognition to your school (and your administrators) by entering contests for broadcasting like the "STN Nationals," a great mail-in event with 12 great categories. Recogntion builds support in your community, your city, among your school board members--it puts you on the map so you can increase your chances of getting financial backing and cooperation on many of your most ambitious projects. There are several proven ways to build credibility and support in your school and your community, such as: Do a piece on the local blood drive (a good cause) Have a different teacher introduce the announcements each week Get the Art department (or Theater Arts) to design sets Do a memory tape for the football boosters Set up a booth at Open House, show some of your stuff Select an Athlete of the Week to feature Press releases about your shows or awards Get the Student Council to give away Spirit Awards on TV These kinds of ideas are designed to get you some positive exposure and support in your community. Keep your eyes and ears open for others.