Faculty & Staff
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Jackie Layng
Dr. Layng with UT:10 student Cam Norton
Jackie Layng is a nationally recognized scholar in the fields of media and business communication. She has published a communication technology book for Prentice Hall, written more than a dozen articles that have appeared in national & international journals, and presented at more than 30 professional conferences around the world. Dr. Layng designed and is the Executive Producer of UT:10 News, the nationally award winning broadcast curriculum at the University of Toledo, which has won multiple awards from the Society for Professional Journalists, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and College Broadcasters Incorporated. Dr. Layng believes strongly in preparing her students for the “real world” and has hundreds of graduates working at TV stations, media companies and business all over the US and several other countries around the world.
Instructor:
Erik Tyger
Erik gives a camera demonstration to his students
Erik comes to UT with more than 16 years of newsroom experience. From starting out as a reporter/anchor in Iowa to his role as an assistant news director in Louisiana, his experience and knowledge of TV news is an invaluable asset to up-and-coming journalists in UT’s Communication Department.
Erik credits his first boss, legendary Madison, WI newsman Tedd O’Connell, as his role model. “Tedd was more than just a news director. He was a mentor and would do anything to make sure young, green journalists like my colleagues and me understood the role we played in getting information to the public. Beyond that, he was a dear friend whose passing in 2008 will forever be felt from those whose lives he touched.” Erik tries to impart upon his students the teachings Tedd instilled in him. “’Attribution, accuracy, balance, and fairness,’ and ‘feet to the fire.’ He would beat those tenets into our heads daily. Unfortunately, many shops don’t adhere to those anymore, and it’s sad. Those are the foundation of good journalism, but somewhere that all got lost in the chase for higher ratings and sensationalized on-air product,” Erik said.
Erik would also be remiss if he didn’t mention the prominent role UT’s Dr. Jackie Layng and the late Don Reiber played in his development. “Don was so beloved on this campus, and his passing stunned us all.
Erik credits Dr. Layng for igniting his passion for teaching. One day in fall 2006, she invited him to talk to one of her classes about life in television news. After engaging the students in a lively discussion about the realities of the business, his passion for teaching was ignited. 11 years and a Master’s degree later, he is back where it all began!
When he’s not on campus helping mold the reporters of the future, Erik is at home trying to handle the excitement and challenges of raising four young kids!
Erik credits his first boss, legendary Madison, WI newsman Tedd O’Connell, as his role model. “Tedd was more than just a news director. He was a mentor and would do anything to make sure young, green journalists like my colleagues and me understood the role we played in getting information to the public. Beyond that, he was a dear friend whose passing in 2008 will forever be felt from those whose lives he touched.” Erik tries to impart upon his students the teachings Tedd instilled in him. “’Attribution, accuracy, balance, and fairness,’ and ‘feet to the fire.’ He would beat those tenets into our heads daily. Unfortunately, many shops don’t adhere to those anymore, and it’s sad. Those are the foundation of good journalism, but somewhere that all got lost in the chase for higher ratings and sensationalized on-air product,” Erik said.
Erik would also be remiss if he didn’t mention the prominent role UT’s Dr. Jackie Layng and the late Don Reiber played in his development. “Don was so beloved on this campus, and his passing stunned us all.
Erik credits Dr. Layng for igniting his passion for teaching. One day in fall 2006, she invited him to talk to one of her classes about life in television news. After engaging the students in a lively discussion about the realities of the business, his passion for teaching was ignited. 11 years and a Master’s degree later, he is back where it all began!
When he’s not on campus helping mold the reporters of the future, Erik is at home trying to handle the excitement and challenges of raising four young kids!
Technical Advisor:
Kevin O'Korn
Kevin and his son, Dominic, in their favorite city, Pittsburgh
Kevin O'Korn returned to his alma mater in January 2016 to be the Production Studio Coordinator for the Department of Communication. He earned his Communication degree from The University of Toledo in 2001 with an emphasis on broadcast journalism and production. His love for broadcast television began when his mentor, the late Don Reiber, asked him to run camera for the University's Coaches Show, Rocket Replay. Kevin became the first student to produce and executive produce the weekly sports show that aired on WTVG ABC 13. After graduation, Kevin worked at WNWO NBC 24, where he worked his way up from Live Truck Operator to Producer of the NBC 24 Today morning newscast. In 2005, Kevin and his family moved to Orlando, Florida where he was a producer at WOFL FOX 35 and WKMG News 6 (Orlando's CBS Affiliate). His nickname at WKMG was "The One Man Newsroom" because he was cross trained in every newsroom position and served in those roles at one time or another. People questioned Kevin why he would want to leave sunny Florida and return to Ohio and the answer was simple, The University of Toledo hold a dear place in heart. He wanted to return to continue the legacy left behind after the passing of Don Reiber and help develop the talent of television's next generation of reporters, photojournalists, and producers. Kevin is currently as student of the Masters in Educational Technology program and is expected graduate in Spring 2018. He intends to continue his education and pursue a doctorate in the same field.
