Lights, camera … unfortunately, for those students studying Broadcast Journalism, there isn’t any action. In fact, there aren’t any lights or cameras.
The curriculum that once existed for the broadcasting program will not be offered this semester, leaving some angry and disappointed students. Former student in the program Lindsay Johnson said, “I’m doing an internship right now and all my colleagues are involved in well-equipped broadcast programs, it makes me feel less prepared than the people I’m competing with.”
According to Communication coordinator, Errin Julkunen-Pedersen, there aren’t enough students taking the classes. “Just as any other class, if there aren’t enough students enrolled, it can’t be offered.” There must be at least 12 students enrolled for any class to carry.
There may be a simple resolution to this dilemma: allow an exception for these classes until they are off the ground, and more students are enrolling, as surely they will.
There are only two classes solely focused towards on-air broadcast. Dropping these courses leaves those students who do know floundering for opportunities, especially seniors, and do nothing to attract more students.
Broadcast journalism is becoming more and more competitive and forcing students to have more knowledge than ever before. When seeking jobs, experience is a must, experience like working for a college television or radio station.
Not having this option hinders students; you’re expected to know how things operate. Not only in front of the camera, but also technical, behind the scenes information as well. Students wishing to study broadcast cannot get this kind of education right now.
While interning for Channel 4 San Diego over the summer, I noticed many of the other interns were equipped with multi-million dollar broadcasting studios and able to work with local stations. As a result, they were much more knowledgeable about many of the different aspects of the industry.
I constantly had to catch up and learn things others were already acquainted with. I was frustrated with the thousands of dollars I put towards my education that seemed to have been wasted.
Apparently, the campus does not have the facilities or money to provide a studio, which is another problem. Pederson said there are no longer funds to maintain a studio after having several unfortunate equipment difficulties.
This seems a bit strange because the university does have a perfectly good broadcasting room located on the sixth floor of the CS building. The school’s broadcasting studio has said that it isn’t an issue of not wanting the students to use the facility, but because of the many events that take place on campus it’s hard to find time for a class to be scheduled.
Despite all these difficulties, we should act next semester to bring the lights and cameras back to the broadcast program. We definitely need it.
