Are you looking for a way to take on a fun commitment that can also further your career path and goals? Of course you are. Otherwise, why are you in college?
Here’s something we’ll keep talking about until the keyboards on our computers break: join student media. We don’t just mean The Globe.
On campus, there are three main media organizations that can be considered a trifecta: U-View, WPPJ and The Globe.
U-View is the campus’ television broadcasting station. In it, there are five different shows: NewsNight, Entertainment on Point, Pioneer Sideline, Late Night S’News and Daybreak.
Each of these shows has a different theme, often mirroring major productions like talk-shows, news, comedy skits and more. There is something here for everyone, and if you feel like there isn’t, maybe you can be the one to start a new show.
Every show has its own staff, operations and schedule. It’s also not uncommon for the staff members of one show to be involved in multiple others.
U-view holds meetings and shoots in the University Center studio, past the Student Production Services Office. U-View shows are very easy to get involved in. Just show up! You’ll get a feel for how it works after a while.
WPPJ is the campus radio station. While it doesn’t broadcast on open air, it still broadcasts around campus and even on third-party radio apps like Radio Garden.
The locations on campus that WPPJ broadcasts in include Point Perk, floors one and two of Lawrence Hall and the dining hall.
There are multiple types of radio shows on WPPJ, which are all curated by the creators.
Whether you just want to play music that you enjoy, host a podcast or do something else, you can do that on WPPJ. Often, DJs have shows once a week ranging from one to two hours, and sometimes they have multiple shows a week as well.
Throughout the beginning of next semester, WPPJ officers will be reaching out to the campus community for sign-ups and training on how to use the equipment.
Along with being fun, these options can all help to build up your career and diversify your portfolio.
And don’t forget about your favorite – we hope – campus print publication. The Globe is always looking for new and motivated writers and photographers to contribute to our community.
At The Globe, you’ll find a sense of community among the staff. If you’re great at working on a deadline, that’s a plus. We put ads out every semester describing what positions we need, and you can even suggest different beats for us to include. Who knows? Your pitches just might make it in.
For those interested, The Globe holds an interest meeting on the first day of every semester in the Center for Media Innovation.
There are also plenty of other student media options available to partake in. The Point Park News Service, for instance, publishes content written by students for public use.
If you want exposure in media as a student, you’d be limiting yourself if you didn’t join student media.