Writing Assignment 5

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Towson U's TV station needs new members

Big responsiblilities may be too much for students who already balance school and work

By Matthew Peters| Towson University Newswriting student April, 23, 2009 WMJF-TV is one of only two FCC regulated student run television stations’ in the country. It provides many shows which range from news, to entertainment and even music reviews. It currently airs on channel 61 and is an MTV affiliate. The student run station will soon be undergoing major changes due to a large amount of graduating seniors. Many of the stations most experienced and dedicated members who put forth critical time and energy must finally move on to further their careers. Though it is Towson University’s only television station, a lack of publicity has caused the amount of new members coming in to decline sharply. With almost half of the overall staff graduating, a lack of new membership could pose a potential threat to the stations overall health and funding. For those not expecting to graduate this year, the changing atmosphere will be a major hurdle to overcome. Executive Producer of the show Campus Update Valarie Bragg, 19, of Waldorf Maryland is a junior at Towson University and must recruit new members to help keep her show running. “It’s really hard to find new people who can commit to helping out with a show. It’s a lot of work filming, editing, writing and actually producing a show” said Bragg. Campus Update is a show which informs students about important announcements and upcoming events in and around Towson University. Volunteers go out on assignment to film short segments about everything from new policies to entertainment, and are edited and produced in a thirty minute show which airs on Thursday evenings. “We have a lot of dedicated members who meet the responsibilities necessary for keeping the station afloat, but with everyone leaving after this semester the work could be too much to handle for the little staff we will have left.” Bragg said. Becoming a member of WMJF-TV is relatively simple and staff members are on hand to answer questions at the TU involvement fair which is held at the beginning of each semester. Information on how to become a member can also be found on the stations website, http://www.towson.edu/wmjf/. Next semester will certainly be a challenge for those involved and will require dedication by all of the stations remaining members. The stations continued success will certainly rely on incoming members who have an interest in television production.