Alcorn State University’s Mass Communications students learn Television broadcasting blending theory, written and practical work. Like outstanding institutions elsewhere, students benefit from a professional, functional television studio, where they learn fundamental principles and practices of the television industry.
Besides courses on writing, editing, and management, students gather information, conduct interviews, tape shows, edit and occasionally broadcast them over the television station channel: ASU TV-13.
Outstanding Graduates
Manifest testimony of the program’s success shines through its graduates who excel in the state of Mississippi and elsewhere in the country. Two notable graduates from the Mass Communications program who work in the Jackson area are Katina Rankin who is an anchor/reporter at WLBT Channel 3 and Victoria Brinkley who is a producer at WJTV News Channel 12.
Conscientious Students
In addition to their classroom activities, current Mass Communications students serve as directors, producers, anchors, camera operators as well as photographers. Conscientious and committed students who are willing to learn, acquire expertise in television broadcasting like their counterparts elsewhere.
Students produce packages and broadcast programs over the station. Students record campus events such as SWAC football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis competitions for occasional broadcasts. Commencements, pageants, concerts and other special events are also taped, edited and broadcast over the television station.
Trophy Winners
Television students participate in and win competitions, affirming that they favorably match their peers elsewhere on the globe. Those who maximize the opportunities, graduate from the program with comparative advantage over their counterparts elsewhere.
The studio is equipped with the basics for students to learn the rudiments of television broadcast. Those eager to learn more do internships with television stations around the country. The studio has cameras, a switcher and sound board and appropriate lighting for programs.
Cognizant of ever changing industry standards broadcast students gain proficiency in Final Cut Pro, Avid, Adobe Photoshop & After Effects.
Streaming
In keeping with the growing trend of internet broadcasting, the Mass Communications Department has added video streaming of events over the Internet to the requisite skillset students gain, giving students interested in the evolving area a major head start over their colleagues elsewhere.
Upgrades
A major upgrade of the television studio is in the planning stages. In the meantime, students who maximize the opportunity excel and distinguish themselves in the industry.
One lesson caring instructors and mentors instill in students is that with rapid technological advances, media practitioners like all professionals are perpetual learners who must constantly sharpen and upgrade their skills. What one obtains today, becomes outdated tomorrow with lightening speed.