Go WCMO!

Transformation. That’s what happened in 2022, when all our amazing alumni donors came together in record numbers to underwrite crucial upgrades to the WCMO TV studio. We were able to replace a video router, install a new audio board, solidify a plan for the redesign our sets and complete Phase 1 of our studio updates - with students doing all the hard work of moving furniture, and scrubbing and painting the floors and walls! Manufacturing delays have eased, and we’ve learned we should have our replacement automation computer soon. Additionally, we brought in a television professional to help us visualize updated and more professional-looking news, talk and sports sets in our TV studio and design phases for improvements. Our Phase 1 updates have positioned us to embark on Phase 2 of the project which is to complete the renovation of our news set.

Here’s what you can help accomplish by making a gift this year:

• Add specialized carpeting under the desk in the set area – there’s currently no sound deadening and the audio in the studio is noticeable reflective.
• Update teleprompter software (glitches no more!).
• Add the station’s logo to the front of the new news desk.
• Modernize the wall flats behind the news desk and architectural elements and logos for a more professional look.

This past semester, we had students involved in two, weekly live news casts and four special news magazine style broadcasts. Add independent podcasts and classroom studio work to the list and we’re a vibrant hub of activity! While the majority of the students involved with WCMO TV are majors within the Department of Communication, we welcome all majors/minors whether they are required to contribute as part of a class, get work study or volunteer their time/energy. Continued improvements to our studio will attract prospective students and excite, engage, and prepare our current ones through professional training and transformative experiences. Any additional money raised will be directed to updating the radio programing schedule.