Cameron R/TV program prepares students for job market

It’s top-notch and state-of-the-art.

It rivals any other of its kind in Oklahoma universities.

And, most importantly, it’s right here at Cameron University, led by an award-winning faculty.

The radio and television program at CU prepares students to enter the job market with a hands-on and technical understanding of the industry equipment.

According to Steve Adams, assistant professor of communications, the CU radio lab has a new digital audio console and is the first broadcast program in the state to have one.  Students will find that the equipment in the radio lab is equivalent or better than what is found in actual radio stations.

“Our chairman of the department and the administration have been really supportive of this over the years,” Adams said.  “Without their support, it wouldn’t function the way it does.”

The radio/television program, in cooperation with the administration, has a long-term proposal about what to purchase to fulfill needs within the program.

“It allows us to cycle out an older piece of equipment in that process,” Adams said.

Funding for the department is dispersed by the administration.  When needs within the department have been demonstrated, the administration has been very receptive to those needs, as CU’s up-to-date television lab can attest.

The facility boasts an array of new equipment, including editors and studio lights, according to Dr. Matt Jenkins, associate professor of communications.  CU’s studio equipment is of the same caliber as that used in television stations.

“Our administration has been wonderful about updating our equipment every year,” said Jenkins.  “Their continued support of our department is terrific.”

Students not only can acquire valuable skills on campus but also can develop professional experience at local radio and television stations in entry-level positions.
Through practical, educational instruction, students gain invaluable practice in CU’s modern radio and television labs, making students employable, even before graduation.

“Graduating with those kinds of experiences is just tremendous,” Adams said.  “Channel 7 is a big asset for us, and the radio stations in town have been very cooperative as well.”

Aside from technical aspects of the program, students can benefit from the low student-to-teacher ratio of classes and the one-on-one interaction which can last far beyond the classroom.

“We know all of the students who have gone through our program and still stay in touch with a lot of those students as well,” Adams said, whose office bulletin board displays photographs of some of those former students.

In the program, professors create an environment in which every student has the chance to work on student productions and to nurture their areas of interest.

“We have the opportunity to work with all [R/TV] students,” Jenkins said.  “Some of the larger schools don’t produce as much as we do in the studio…and you have to compete for everything you want to do.”

In-studio instruction and lectures educate R/TV students about the industry, but students don’t have to take their professors’ word for it.  Each year the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters holds seminars, which students are welcome to attend.

“For professors it validates what we are teaching in class,” Jenkins said. “A big advantage is that students get to hear an industry professional discuss topics.  You get added insight into the professional world.”

The meetings can also put students in a position to network with industry professionals, which could lead to potential employment after graduation.

“If you’re a senior getting ready to graduate and there is a news or program director at the seminar, there is a chance to meet them,” Adams said.

CU makes every effort to aid students on their road to success.
Being able to help students understand how to make a production and be successful is what Jenkins enjoys most about his job. teaching.  “We want to help you,” Jenkins said.