Kent State University - School of Journalism and Mass Communication

WHAT JMC STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW

Media Production students learn more about the Web

As the news industry moves more and more onto the Web, the need for quality video and audio becomes more apparent.

And that's one of the emerging areas of emphasis in Kent JMC's electronic media production major.

WATCH VIDEO: Dave Smeltzer talks about producing content for large screens . . . and for tiny ones, and the challenges that presents for electronic media production students. 

"We really try to teach our students how to effectively produce, shoot and direct quality segments and shows," professor Dave Smeltzer said.

There also are new connections to be made with the advertising and public relations fields.

Smeltzer said that when he attended a recent Broadcast Education Association convention, he learned that many programs are putting new emphasis on production

students working in student media.

"Many schools offer students 12 credit hours for a semester's work," he said. "Instead of taking 15 to 18 credit hours and trying to do student media in their free time, student media becomes the [additional] class."

In that one-semester "class," students work together to produce and create high quality news reports for print, broadcast and Web.

"Students would work together, maybe in shifts. They would have to go get video of a story, turn around a VOSOT for the news and also write a print story for the web and the paper the next day," Smelzter said.

Having students learn multiple media platforms is important for success in a changing work environment, Smeltzer stressed.

He said that in his Kent courses, he's putting more emphasis on the Web. Students are doing work for TV2 and KentNewsNet.com as well as other professional and commercial outlets.

 

Julie Loeper contributed to this report

"Having students learn multiple media platforms is important for success in a changing work environment"


Other parts of the story

Opening video

Technology, economy drive JMC changes

News students need to report across platforms

PR, advertising students need more online skills

Media production students learn about Web

JMC curriculum is changing, sometimes slowly

How prepared were recent grads?

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