Program Coordinator Mike Lemons
The Digital Streaming and Broadcast Media program trains students to operate audio/video equipment and software to create content for distribution on various platforms including radio, television, and online media. Students will work to develop communication skills needed for today’s mass media. Combining classroom instruction and practical lab activities students gain proficiency and are prepared for entry-level positions in mass communications and content creation and distribution.
Business and industry outside of the media profession continue to have an increasing need for employees that can create, edit, and distribute audio and video content. Podcasts offer a unique opportunity for companies to engage with potential customers in a way other marketing channels cannot. It has also allowed individuals to affordably create and distribute content on a global scale. The need for employees who can produce high quality, informative content for companies to interact with customers and stakeholders will continue to grow at a rapid pace. Podcasting is projected to be a $95 billion industry by 2028.
The L&C Digital Streaming and Broadcast Media Program will give you the practical experience employers want. From the first day of class to graduation, you will have the opportunity to work in the environment of the campus radio station. You become a staff member, assuming the same responsibilities as in a commercial station. You learn on the job while working as an announcer, newscaster, copywriter, producer, or manager. The program teaches you creative professional techniques while helping you become a more productive student and person.
In addition to your work for WLCA, you will have the opportunity to participate in a 16-week internship at St. Louis area radio and television stations, audio/video production companies and businesses needing students experienced in planning and executing social media marketing campaigns.
The Program Coordinator will play an active role in helping you find your first professional position. Students will create online portfolios and distribute them to hundreds of professional broadcasters throughout the Midwest and across the county.
Program Learning Objectives
Operate media equipment and software including control surfaces, digital editing systems, digital delivery systems, microphones, and cameras
Demonstrate competency with the basic practices of broadcast announcing, including pronunciation, enunciation, inflection, and projection
Compose standard script formats for radio, television, print, and digital media
Write and rewrite news stories for radio, television, and internet using correct style and format
Maintain legal operation of campus radio station by following FCC Rules and Regulations
Describe the major media programming, their histories, and target audiences
Produce commercial and imaging content for radio, television, and the internet
Explain the economics of media including the societal impact of advertising
Plan, create, and distribute audio and video podcasts
Nature of Work: Media professionals can have an array of job responsibilities depending on which respective field they chose to pursue. Career tracks range from producers, editors, copywriters, on-air personalities, news directors, sportscasters, social media marketers, and professional podcasters. The L&C student has direct contact with media’s, fresh, and constantly changing nature. People who work in media are not mere observers, but participants in a very active way in with world.
Skills and Abilities: To pursue a career as a media professional, you must be reliable, ethical, task-oriented, responsible, and possess strong communication skills. Students must be able to work with people of various abilities and personalities. Basic computer skills are a must. For most entry-level jobs, college training is preferred.