![Bronco TV Students Gain Real-World Insights from Former Student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739371865/bronxvilleschoolorg/jyhuktqeh8tktex2lgb0/021225-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739371865/bronxvilleschoolorg/jyhuktqeh8tktex2lgb0/021225-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739371865/bronxvilleschoolorg/jyhuktqeh8tktex2lgb0/021225-1.jpg","width":800}])
Bronxville High School students welcomed John Flannery, a member of the Class of 2014, as a guest speaker in Chris Doyle’s Bronco TV class on Feb. 7 to share his expertise in television programming. Now working at Nickelodeon, Flannery provided the students with valuable insights into the rapidly changing landscape of television.
As part of their current unit on television, the students are preparing presentations on various streaming platforms and networks.
“We approach the study of TV versus streaming by having students learn about the development of television and the networks to give them a basis in where the industry has been,” Doyle said. “Students will look at the programming and economics of the streaming services today, and they will each present on a different service in the upcoming weeks.”
During his visit, Flannery explained how a channel like Nickelodeon operates within its parent company, Paramount, and highlighted the brand’s innovative collaborations — such as incorporating beloved characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star as announcers during an NFL playoff game. During the discussion, the students explored the increasing fragmentation of television content and audiences, gaining a deeper understanding of how networks target specific demographics. Flannery also shared insights into the significance of long-running shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” which has been a cornerstone of Nickelodeon’s success for 25 years, and introduced students to Nielsen ratings. Beyond industry knowledge, the Bronxville alum’s visit provided the high school students with a glimpse into potential career paths.
One student, Iris Donovan, will be presenting on Nickelodeon in the coming weeks. She engaged in a meaningful discussion with Flannery, sharing her experience of watching the channel while growing up in Hong Kong — demonstrating the global reach of Nickelodeon’s programming.
“This showed the class the worldwide appeal of the channel and programming,” Doyle said. “The students will incorporate ratings, demographics, costs and programming into each of their presentations.”
