Radio-TV Department to offer sportscasting class in fall 2009

July 13, 2009 -- Continuing decades of providing hands-on opportunities for students at Arkansas State University, the university’s Department of Radio-Television is offering a sportscasting course for the fall 2009 semester.This marks the first time the department has offered a sportscasting class.

Radio-TV students have been serving as crew members for all ASU football and men’s and women’s basketball games since 2001 when new video scoreboard systems were installed in the football stadium and Convocation Center.  All content shown on those screens is produced entirely by student crews taking radio-TV courses.

Course instructor and ASU-TV faculty adviser, Collin Pillow said, “The experiences our students gain from these events rival any found elsewhere in the country and prepare students directly for work at professional sports stations.  In fact, two of our students will be in Bristol, Connecticut this fall doing internships at ESPN.”

Numerous graduates of Arkansas State’s Radio-TV Department have gone on to work in sports broadcasting throughout the country. 

ASU-TV, the university’s cable channel, has been replaying the school’s athletic events for several decades for audiences in northeast Arkansas.  A benefit of these experiences has been the numerous opportunities for students to be hired regionally when television sports organizations, including ESPN, Comcast Sports, and Cox Sports, are in the area seeking crew members. 

Students enrolled in this fall’s sportscasting class will have the opportunity to serve both on and off the camera during multiple sporting events.  Student teams may provide play-by-play and color commentary, operate a camera, direct, or provide slow-motion replays.

Anyone interested in additional information about the course or the department may contact Collin Pillow or Dr. Osa Amienyi, department chairman, at 870-972-3070.

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