Illinois State’s student-run TV station recently made the switch to high-definition (HD) technology, better preparing students for careers in the industry by giving them hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
TV-10’s new high-definition equipment includes a tricaster, three studio cameras, HD cables, and a newly built monitor wall. The equipment was installed last February with the help of TV-10’s full-time broadcast engineer, Rob Whalen. It was funded in part by generous gifts from TV-10 alumni.
“The new equipment is so nice and really makes the quality of the show that much better.” —Isabella Rodriguez
“Our old equipment was about 23 years old,” said TV-10 News Director Laura Trendle-Polus ’87, M.S. ’00. “We felt like we were looking old and tired.”
TV-10 is located on the lower level of Fell Hall. Students perform all necessary roles within the station including writing, taking photos, producing, creating graphics, and much more. Though the students do the work, they are supervised by professional staff who have backgrounds within the field.
Students within TV-10 are required to enroll in classes with the station. These classes better prepare students for working with professional equipment. TV-10 students have the opportunity to cover live stories and exciting events around both Bloomington-Normal and nationwide.
“The students are very busy,” said Trendle-Polus. “The deadlines we enforce add pressure to the work they do.”
TV-10 has grown tremendously in the past few years. Beginning as a small group of students in 1974, TV-10 has now produced many successful alumni. The students of TV-10 strongly believe in its future.
“I am proud to be a part of TV-10 because I can show people how I have grown and how the whole station has grown in the three years I have been here.” —Brad Fosler
“The new equipment is so nice and really makes the quality of the show that much better. The picture is clearer and improves our overall look,” said senior Broadcast Journalism major Isabella Rodriguez. “I see TV-10 continuing to improve in the next 10 years. The technology used will only continue to be updated and students will produce better and better content,”
Students within TV-10 are passionate about their television station. They enjoy the friendly yet hardworking atmosphere.
“I am proud to be a part of TV-10 because I can show people how I have grown and how the whole station has grown in the three years I have been here. Everyone I talk to about it is always so impressed,” said senior Television Production major Brad Fosler.
Logan Sellers can be reached at lsselle@IllinoisState.edu.
