Western Carolina University has invested $2 million in a new television studio for its students, providing upgraded technology and a modern set designed to prepare students for careers in the television industry.
The renovated studio, home to WHEE-TV, was completed over the summer following more than three years of planning and preparation. Work began the Monday after graduation, with crews removing the old equipment and installing the new technology before the start of the fall semester, in an effort to have the studio ready for students to learn and practice when they get back to campus.
Mark Poff, assistant professor of practice in communication, said that when talking to people within the industry, a modern set makes a student’s portfolio material look professional. In such a competitive field, the department wanted students to have the advantage, to be able to create a professional portfolio. Not only was the communication department on board, but Western Carolina University recognized the importance of providing students with professional tools to strengthen their work and prepare them for future employers.
“Western Carolina University felt that what we are doing in the Comm Dept’s broadcasting/journalism concentration is important enough to support a $2 million investment to provide our students with quality tools to create work they feel proud to showcase,” Poff said.
The studio features a completely redesigned set, including a new news desk, customizable LED lighting and updated technology. The previous set included equipment and background pieces collected over several years, including a news desk donated by a local television station and a background from a WCU theatrical production, which looked its age.
The new design gives students greater flexibility to produce professional-quality broadcasts and portfolio materials. The state-of-the-art technology is a modern set for viewers and potential employers will notice in a portfolio. Its color-changing LED lights allow students to customize the set for different productions, while the updated equipment reflects the technology they can expect to encounter in the industry after graduation.
Although the studio’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony was scheduled for Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 24, the facility already became part of students’ classroom experience. Because the studio serves as both a learning space and a production facility, it was ready for use on the first day of the fall semester. WHEE-TV began uploading shows using the new technology to the youtube channel, once the semester started.
The official grand opening welcomed the chancellor, the provost, communication department faculty and leaders, broadcasting alumni and students for a special celebration of the ribbon-cutting, before the university’s Homecoming football game.
Beyond its updated appearance and equipment, Poff said the studio’s greatest value lies in the creative opportunities it offers students, and the possibilities it holds. He expects students to use the technology in ways that go beyond his expectations and what instructors initially envision.
“Students always surprise me with their creativity,” Poff said. “Every time I envision what students will be able to do, they always take it a step or two beyond my expectations. I’m looking forward to the surprising ways students will find to create something far beyond my expectations for them.”
The investment reflects the university’s commitment to equipping students with the resources they need to develop their skills, build professional portfolios, practice in an industry setting and explore new approaches to broadcasting.
“We just need to give them the tools they need,” Poff said. “And I think WCU has done that.”