TeleProductions Earns Two Communicator Awards

By Brandon Koziol

Kent State’s own TeleProductions took home gold in the 19^th annual Communicator Awards.

“I’m pleased that TeleProductions has received this accolade,” said Mark Bussey, the director of technology and TeleProductions. “It is an important validation that our work is recognized as award winning, a confirmation of our continued pursuit of excellence.”

Out of more than 6,000 entries from around the world, two of TeleProductions’ videos were among those honored by the judges.

The production company earned both a gold and silver award. The Gold Communicator Award recognized the video “The Kent State UXD Program,” a video that incorporates hand-drawn cartoons to help highlight the User Experience Design (UXD) concentration in the Information Architecture and Knowledge Management program in the School of Library and Information Science. The Silver Communicator Award honored the “Traveling Stanzas 2012: Blooming Thoughts,” an animation that brings a poem written by a third grade class to life.

The International Academy of Visual Arts (IAVA) judged the videos and hand selected each. IAVA is a 600-member organization of professionals from leading media outlets like Disney and Time Inc.

“Winning these awards feels great,” said Graphic Designer Jim Hurguy. “It lets us know that the work we’re doing is appreciated and up to par with the work that those corporations are used to seeing.”

Hurguy worked closely Senior Media Specialist Shane Roach, who directed and produced the videos, and student graphic designers Brian Recktenwald and Alex Kurr.

For the “Kent State UXD Program” video, Roach explained how he wanted the commercial to help solidify the whole concept behind the program. He wrote the script around the idea of a person explaining what User Experience Design is all about while interacting with hand-drawn sketches. Since the program is based on user interaction and sketching out ideas, Roach thought this theme would be a perfect fit.

“Traveling Stanzas 2012: Blooming Thoughts” was a video created for the Wick Poetry Center. Hurguy and Kurr took on the job of bringing the third-grade poem “Blooming Thoughts” to life through animation. Kurr came up with the idea of using a rotating globe to give the animation a different, 3-D look.

With hours of hard work poured into the videos, the awards represent a great testament for TeleProductions, Roach said.

“We can put this out there, and future clients and the university can see that we’re being recognized for exceeding standards,” Roach concluded.

TeleProductions Lands Contract with The CW Columbus

By Nicole Gennarelli

Kent State University TeleProductions partnered with The CW Network in Columbus and Mann Communications this fall to produce Thursday Night Lights, a five-game high school football series profiling Columbus teams.

Mann Communications contacted TeleProductions after hearing about its state-of-the-art satellite uplink/production truck and inquired about broadcasting a high school football package in Columbus. Once the partnership with CW Columbus was finalized to air the games, the whole deal came together.

“The great benefits to doing this program is marketing our truck and our TeleProductions program at Kent State,” said Jeff Bentley, TeleProductions executive producer for the Kent State Sports Network.

This program was the first time that high school football had been aired live on Thursday nights. The series aired five different Columbus area high school football games. Each week there were two student athletes from each team honored at halftime. Video stories of each player were played for spectators to watch.

“The truck traveled from Kent to Columbus every Thursday and on occasion left Columbus and went straight to an ESPN3 game at Ohio University or University of Toledo,” said Dan Tonelli, TeleProductions engineering and operations manager. “There were also a couple of weeks where we had Thursday, Friday and Saturday games.”

Many student workers at TeleProductions were able to gain real-world experience during the Thursday Night Light season, as well.

“That is what makes this whole thing a win-win situation,” Tonelli said. “The students get great experience, and the PR value of having our truck at all of these high schools is huge. The station is providing programming that no one else in the market is doing – probably the only opportunity most of these athletes will have to play in a televised game.”

Because of the professionalism and quality of programs TeleProductions produced, the CW Columbus will be continuing Thursday Night Lights in 2013 with a 10-game season.

“Our partnership with Kent State for Thursday Night Lights was successful due to the professionalism and experience of Jeff, Dan and their amazing production and engineering crew,” said Ellen Daly, vice president and general manager of The CW Columbus. “They share our philosophy of producing the best product possible, and this was certainly apparent in the look of the live HD broadcast of Thursday Night Lights. The positive viewer feedback was tremendous with an overwhelming response to the quality of our production.”

Currently, TeleProductions is in negotiations to take its truck to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, La., this year.

“We’ll be in a live productions capacity working for the BBC involved in its live production of the Super Bowl,” Bentley said. “We are excited at the real possibility of having our truck in New Orleans for the Super Bowl. We feel this is just another great opportunity to market not only our truck and department, but the whole university. It would be so cool to see the big Kent State logo on our truck in the massive production truck compound.”

New COMM course focuses on propaganda in history

Looking for a new, compelling class to take next semester? The School of Communication Studies is offering the “Media, War and Propaganda” course during Fall 2012 for the first time during a regular semester.

“I’m really excited about the course as a whole,” said Dr. James Trebing, the professor for this course. “I like this kind of stuff, and I hope that excitement is shared with students.” He added that he’s intrigued by the methods used to manipulate people, especially during an election year.

This course will dissect the nature and history of propaganda, similarly to the “Vietnam: Messages from the Cultural Divide” course. Dr. Trebing said he plans to utilize various posters, cartoons and films from history to provide a basis for analysis and class discussion. The majority of the material he plans to use has been produced in relationship to martial war, and some has been derived from cultural war and advertising. This will include Defense Department documentaries, Bugs Bunny and Donald Duck cartoons from WWII, The Day the Earth Stood Still and more.

“Media, War and Propaganda” will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30- 1:45 p.m. To find the class, look for COMM 42000, course number 12200.

While anyone can register for this course, public communication majors can use it as one of their upper division requirements. Hurry up and register before it fills up!

JMC and COMM Majors Shouldn’t Stress About Changes in the Professional World

By Britney Beaman

Technology is forcing a wave of change onto journalism and communication professions. Take a deep breath and swim with the current, because this isn’t a bad thing.

According to Jeffery T. Child, an assistant professor and undergraduate coordinator for the School of Communication Studies here at Kent State University, it’s an opportune time to study communication. The Internet has changed the way that people communicate, seek news and organize information.

“We’re in an era where communication skills have never been more important, given how online communication has changed the available means for interaction,” Child said. “People need help understanding communication in different contexts, for different goals, through different channels and understanding the rich avenues for the study of interaction in this day and age when so many jobs require such an advanced communication skill set.”

The media in which people communicate and gather information may be evolving from print and face-to-face meetings to the Internet, but the basics still remain.

“It’s not changing in terms of the basics, meaning, accuracy, credibility, thoroughness and fact-checking,” said Jan Leach, an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State, said. “It is changing in delivery, desire for media, finding it and those kinds of things.”

That’s a good thing for COMM and JMC majors. The basics that students are taught at Kent State are those listed in the Forbes article The Seven Most Universal Job Skills. Here’s how:

1. Top-Notch Communication Skills- Students in COMM and JMC studies are taught communication skills from day one in their core classes, like Introduction to Human Communication and Introduction to Mass Communication. Then this knowledge turns into skills as students progress in their upper-level classes.
2. Creativity- Whether it’s choosing an angle on a news story or developing a new way to reach an audience, COMM and JMC students learn diverse and creative skills to make an impact when it matters.
3. Curiosity- Students in both schools are expected to be curious, so they can find more news stories and consider the effective functioning of communication contexts in growing fields, such as the health industry and the new major concentration in health communication.
4. Good Writing Ability- Not only do both COMM and JMC majors at Kent State have plenty of writing to do between the research papers, campaigns and news stories they must write for classes, but the students are taught to write professionally.
5. Ability to Play Well with Others- Students within both majors experience teamwork through group projects, clubs and organizations.
6. Re-engineering Skills- Using a variety of clients for projects, interviewing people in many different industries and developing an understanding of communication theory and practice are just a couple of ways that Kent State helps its COMM and JMC students become re-engineering.
7. Computer Skills- Various courses in COMM and JMC help students to be familiar with different computer programs, social media and online researching tools.

These schools aren’t going to leave students treading water with these basic skills, though. Each has made changes in the learning sequences that flow with the wave of change in the professional world.

This past year, the School of Communication Studies added two new concentrations in global communication and health communication. This allows students the ability to acquire critical communication skills required for jobs in demand today.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers a high-tech TV and print newsroom where students can practice the skills they learn in the classroom. Both schools have adopted online classes and hybrid (online and face-to-face) courses to keep up electronically.

Students need to take the initiative to swim with the current, too.

“Effective students are those who love learning, do everything they can to further invest in their education and be fully present in it,” Child said. Do this by standing out to professors, joining groups, being involved in your professors’ research and applying for internships that provide opportunities for enhanced skill development and networking.

These experiences will help you to land a job in an economy that’s tough for everyone.

“It’s a tough job market for everyone in all markets,” Leach said. “If you have multiple skills (interview, practical, multimedia and news skills) and really, really work at them, you’ll have an excellent chance of being employed in your field.”

Within this job market, traditional jobs are evolving with the Internet. Opportunities in both communication jobs and journalism jobs are more and more online focused.

So, the wave of change in communication and journalism fields may be creating different types of online jobs, but the basic skills professionals will need remain the same. Kent State COMM and JMC students are being prepared for the changes.

Here’s an eye-opening video about how the Internet and social media is changing communication and journalism in important ways…

Social Media Revolution 2012

Global Comparative Media in Paris and Florence

Learn about European journalism with CCIKent this May during summer intercession

Applications are being accepted through February for this short study abroad course scheduled for May 2012 Intersession: 

Open to: All graduate and undergraduate students interested in European culture and how European media function.
Length: Two weeks, one in Paris and one in Florence: Travel dates will be May 12 – May 27.
The plan: Learn about European journalism, TV production, PR and advertising by visiting media outlets and meeting professionals and experts in the field, both in Paris and in Florence, as well as during a day trip to Milan. 

Cultural outings include visits to the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, and to the Uffizi in Florence.

The cost: Approx. $2,600 plus airfare and Intersession 2012 tuition.

Study in Paris and Florence with CCIKent’s Global Comparative Media Course

For more information and to complete the application, visit: http://kentglobalmedia.wordpress.com/

Check out the website and email Deborah Davis with your questions – dldavis@kent.edu.

 

 

Black Squirrel Radio Auditions

Information provided by Lori Cantor, student media advisor, and Mike Smylie, general manager of Black Squirrel Radio

Black Squirrel Radio (BSR) will be having its DJ auditions at the following times/days:

Thursday, January 12: 4-8 PM (*for returning DJs only*)

Monday, January 16: 4-8 PM (*for new and returning DJs*) (MLK Day, so classes are cancelled)

Tuesday, January 17: 4-8 PM (*for new and returning DJs*)

 All auditions will be held at Black Squirrel Radio (224 Franklin Hall). Applications for both new and returning DJs will be available on www.blacksquirrelradio.com and in 224 Franklin Hall starting this Monday. (Students will need to fill out an application before coming to auditions.)

Contact Mike Smylie at mjsmylie@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Research: The Musical

By Britany Ruby

Are you a fan of Glee? Do you like raunchy humor? Do you enjoy watching movies that make you want to sing along? Well KSU Independent Films has a  fantastic show in store for you! Kent State University’s very own independent film company will be premiering its first feature length musical this fall.

The film, Research: The Musical, is about a group of biology students who are interning for the summer in a stem cell research lab. While they are interning at the Hope Falls Stem Cell Research Lab they are guided through mysterious mishaps and random musical numbers by their wacky boss Dr. Luv.  The students have to help each other save the lab and their internships, while having one unforgettable summer.

Research: The Musical’s Red Carpet Movie Premiere will be on December 8, 2011 in the Kent State University Ballroom. The premiere is open to the public and will include refreshments, a chance to meet the cast and first look at the film.  Pre-sale tickets are $5 for students/staff and $7 at the door. All general admission tickets are $10. Make sure you put away your money now, save the date, and invite friends! Whatever you do make sure you go see Research: The Musical. See you in the lab!

*Photos Courtesy of Melinda Yoho*

Britany is a senior applied communication studies major and a practicum student for the College of Communication and Information.

Looking for an intriguing summer elective?

Register now for this summer’s

Take Back the Media course!

Summer III — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Tuesday – Thursday in Franklin Hall

Take Back the Media summer elective course

Experience Paris and Geneva with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication

By Emily Carle

For students with the study-abroad bug, a two-week trip to Paris and Geneva may be the perfect way to satiate this desire. Offered through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the course Global Comparative Media Systems: Paris & Geneva is a two-week European adventure during Summer Intercession that allows students to earn course credit towards their degree, meet professionals in European media as well as experience two of Europe’s biggest cities. The trip runs from May 14, 2011 to May 29, 2011.

Photo of Geneva by Ryan Collins

The trip coordinator, Dr. Evonne Whitmore explains that the two cities were picked because of Paris’ cultural draw and Kent State resources in Geneva. While visiting these two cities, students will have the chance to visit European media outlets as well as meet with professionals in the field. Both Geneva and Paris have a rich media history and much to learn about. Though media sites are still being confirmed, students can expect to visit France 24, The Libertarian and Marie Claire in Paris as well as the United Nations Public Relations, Swiss International Radio and the Associated Press Headquarters in Geneva. After exploring media sites all day, there will also be trips to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Alps, and more cultural sites.

Photo of Geneva by Ryan Collins

During the two-week trip, students will be responsible for documenting their experiences through video, sound, pictures, stories and blogging. All of the students’ work will be continually posted on a website designed for the students. Friends, families and colleagues will be able to follow the group as they experience European culture. The schedule will usually be 9:00 AM-5:00 PM during the week with media assignments due every day. Evenings and weekends are free for students to explore the cities’ rich cultural history.

Photo of Geneva by Ryan Collins

At the end of the trip, students will have a complete media diary through their postings online. On top of this, students will be assigned a reflective paper looking at their experiences and what they learned over the two-week course. All of the work completed for this course is meant to be meaningful, not boring. Creativity and openness are always encouraged.

Photo of Geneva by Ryan Collins

For students who are interested in this unique and amazing opportunity, they must have a 2.7 GPA and be in the College of Communication & Information. The final informational session is tomorrow, Jan. 20. at 12  noon and 4 p.m. in 201 Franklin. There are applications in room 201 Franklin Hall. Applications are due by January 31, 2011. For any questions about the program, please contact Dr. Whitmore, ewhitmor@kent.edu or Deborah Davis, dldavis@kent.edu.

 

Photo of Geneva by Ryan Collins

Emily Carle is a senior applied communication major and marketing assistant in the Dean’s Office of the College of Communication and Information.

All photos compliments of Ryan Collins, a CCI student who traveled to the CCI Florence program.

Poynter KSU Media Ethics Workshop Reaction

By Nicole Gennarelli

The Poynter KSU Media Ethics Workshop was extremely interesting. I got the chance to actually work behind-the-scenes for part of it in the morning, as well as sit in and listen to the Online News Association (ONA) panelists. The panel consisted of John Kroll, from the Plain dealer; Michelle Jarboe, from the Plain Dealer; and Bruce Winges, from the Akron Beacon Journal. The topic was Reporters and the Audience: A two-way street.

John Kroll talked about how the Plain Dealer has a three prong program that deals with taking down offensive comments posted online. Reporters like to engage with the reader over stories and allow a two-way street for communication. He talked about how reporters decide where to draw lines on rude comments, and that they have started to remove comments that cause controversy.

Michelle Jarboe talked about how she remembered when commenting was not open to the public. She was thrilled when she could respond to sources and readers’ comments on the website. Every time someone comments on one of her stories she receives and e-mail and she asks herself, “Do I really need to comment on this?” Sometimes comments require more than one answer and others she decides to let go because she has more important work.

Bruce Winges discussed how it is always good to look for a way to interact with readers. Blogs, Facebook and social media platforms allow readers to have a positive or negative voice in stories that are published. He has realized that when stories get posted on Facebook, the conversations about them get better. Winges also talked about how at the end of a story there is a reminder to “play nice” for readers. It’s not always a good idea to post controversial comments on certain stories. Some overly controversial stories will have comments blocked completely.

Overall, it was a great experience. I had a great time working behind the scenes and listening to media experts. I learned a lot and can’t wait for next year’s workshop.