Ohio University Satellite Truck Expands Educational Opportunities
Contact: Paul Ladwig, executive director of media services, (740) 593-9843
Editors: You can view the satellite truck from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, across from Baker University Center. Ohio University President Robert Glidden will be available for a photo opportunity at 1:30 p.m.
ATHENS, Ohio (October 5, 2000) -- The sky is no longer the limit for Ohio University students preparing for careers in the news media. The recent acquisition of a satellite news-gathering truck allows Ohio University students to gain valuable experience in electronic news-gathering and satellite technology.
The 27-foot satellite truck has capabilities for editing and producing video messages and for transmitting and receiving messages through uplinks and downlinks with satellites. Cost of the truck is $480,000, which was provided by The Ohio University Foundation through private gifts to the university.
"The reputation of the programs in the College of Communication is, to a large extent, based on the numerous opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art technology appropriate to their field of study," Ohio University College of Communication Dean Kathy Krendl said. "The addition of a satellite truck to Ohio University's resources will provide video production and broadcast journalism students experience in broadcasting live events."
In addition to expanding educational opportunities, the truck can be used to promote both the university and events in the region. The satellite truck arrived from Boston Sept. 27 before hitting the road for its first assignment the Ohio Sports Network broadcast of the Bobcats' football game at Western Michigan two days later. On Oct. 12, the truck will be at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville for the WOUB/WOUC-TV broadcast of a performance by the band "Rarely Herd."
Further, the satellite truck will help put Ohio University's newsmakers in touch with reporters throughout the state and beyond despite Athens' distance from metropolitan areas. Video feeds can be transmitted to newsrooms, bridging that gap.
