**Entertainment PR Students at Elon University Los Angeles Wrap Up Their Semester with Something ‘Extra’**
Students enrolled in the Entertainment Public Relations program at Elon University’s Los Angeles campus recently concluded their semester with an exciting and hands-on experience. The program, designed to immerse students in the heart of the entertainment industry, provided them with real-world opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge in public relations, marketing, and media relations.
### The Program
Elon University, a private university in North Carolina, has long been recognized for its strong focus on experiential learning. The university’s Los Angeles program is a prime example of this, offering students a chance to live, work, and study in one of the world’s entertainment capitals. The Entertainment PR program is part of the School of Communications, which has earned national recognition for its innovative curriculum and emphasis on practical experience.
The Los Angeles program allows students to intern with major entertainment companies, PR firms, and media outlets, giving them a firsthand look at how the industry operates. This semester, students wrapped up their studies with a unique project that involved working with the popular entertainment news show *Extra*.
### The ‘Extra’ Experience
*Extra* is a long-running entertainment news program that covers the latest in celebrity news, gossip, and pop culture. The show, hosted by Billy Bush, has been a staple of the entertainment industry for decades. For the students at Elon, working with *Extra* provided an invaluable opportunity to see how a major entertainment news outlet operates behind the scenes.
Throughout the semester, students were tasked with creating PR campaigns, writing press releases, and assisting with media outreach for *Extra*. They also had the chance to meet with industry professionals, attend tapings, and learn about the fast-paced world of entertainment journalism.
### Key Figures in the Program
– **Billy Bush**: The host of *Extra*, Billy Bush is a well-known television personality who has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades. He has hosted several other entertainment programs, including *Access Hollywood* and *The Billy Bush Show*. Bush’s experience and insights provided students with a unique perspective on the industry.
– **Dr. Naeemah Clark**: A professor at Elon University’s School of Communications, Dr. Clark is a key figure in the Entertainment PR program. She has a background in media studies and has published extensively on issues related to race, gender, and media representation. Dr. Clark’s guidance helped students navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry.
### A Brief History of Elon University’s LA Program
Elon University’s Los Angeles program was established to give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the entertainment industry. Over the years, the program has grown in popularity, attracting students from various disciplines, including communications, film, and business. The program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, providing students with the skills and connections they need to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry.
The program includes:
– Internships with top entertainment companies
– Networking events with industry professionals
– Workshops and seminars on entertainment PR, media relations, and marketing
– Opportunities to attend film premieres, television tapings, and other Hollywood events
### Key Takeaways from the Semester
– **Real-World Experience**: Students gained practical experience by working directly with industry professionals and contributing to real PR campaigns.
– **Networking Opportunities**: The program provided students with the chance to meet and connect with key figures in the entertainment industry.
– **Hands-On Learning**: From writing press releases to attending live tapings, students were able to apply what they learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
### Conclusion
The Entertainment PR program at Elon University’s Los Angeles campus offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the entertainment industry. By working with *Extra* and other major media outlets, students are able to gain invaluable experience that will help them launch successful careers in public relations, media, and entertainment. As the semester comes to a close, these students leave Los Angeles with new skills, connections, and a deeper understanding of the industry they aspire to join.
For more information, visit the official [Elon University website](https://www.elon.edu).