“Lights, camera, action” are a few words you’ll hear on the first floor of the Farrison-Newton Communications Building, where a state-of-the-art television studio provides broadcast access for NCCU and the wider community.
The high-tech, high-touch facility is home to the Department of Mass Communication’s news show, “Central News.”
With $1.86 million in Title III funding, the studio enhances training of NCCU students for the growing mass communications industry. It provides educational experiences in audio and visual technology, camera operation, lighting, directing and on-camera presence.
“Central News,” a live broadcast, provides news updates impacting the campus community. Mass Communication students research, write, edit and produce content for the weekly production.
“NCCU’s TV Studio trains students in the professional world of visual broadcast production,” said Felecia Casey-Hicks, television studio manager. “Providing students with training of every aspect of television production will prepare them for successful careers.”
Students enrolled in the Media Practicum course taught by television studio assistant and lecturer Chavis Carter, are the core production team for “Central News.” Students from the Video Broadcast Announcing and Advanced Video Production courses also take on duties such as video recording, news gathering and producing stories.
Senior Mass Communication student Siegee Dowah is now serving as an anchor of the weekly broadcast.
“Being a part of Central News has been a great experience,” said Dowah. “Serving as an anchor has provided me with essential skills needed to succeed, it’s rewarding to see the finished product of my hard work.”
“Central News” airs live on YouTube every Friday at noon. The group has produced five episodes of the newscast thus far, with one taking a mobile approach following an unexpected flood in the building.
Students have produced award-winning broadcasts with The City of Durham, NCCU Department of Athletics, Carrboro C-47 Film Festivals and at the Annual Southern Regional Press Institute. The TV Studio is currently partnering with NCCU’s Civic Engagement Working Group and Democracy NC for informational programming to educate students and the local community on the political process for the 2020 General Election.
In addition to the television studio, the Department of Mass Communication also provides students with hands-on training through radio production at WNCU 907. FM. The on-campus radio station broadcasts jazz and public programming, while student radio stream AudioNet provides real-time programming with R&B and hip-hop music, news and sports.
