Titan TV

As the semester comes to a close, we think it is important to fill all of you in on what has happened with Titan TV so far this year and what we hope to accomplish by the summer.  This is really a very brief overview; there is so much more we just do not know how to fit in a small piece like this.

First, and probably foremost, we got a new programming system on channel five.  This is a big (huge, really) step in the right direction, as movies are unable to cut out on channel five now (like they have in the past and still do on channel four) and the overall interface is greatly streamlined.  Not only does this make the viewing experience much more pleasurable for all of you, but it makes the job of our Programming Manager a heck of a lot easier.  We’ve been told by the Student Senate Media Commissioner that we will be getting the same system for channel four in January.  Needless to say, we’re really excited.

Second, we have gotten a lot of new staff members we really like who have done some amazing things.  They may not realize it, but the work they’ve done has been recognized by Rae and myself and we really do appreciate everything they’ve done.  Without a large staff, a station like ours really couldn’t do much of anything.

Third, we’ve had a few scripts to look over for new shows.  While we haven’t made any original content ourselves this semester (though you should really look forward to 9×9’s film festival next semester), this is only because we’ve been so busy with the rest of the things we’ve been working on that making new shows has been temporarily pushed to the backburner.  Don’t worry, though, we’re very excited to work on it some more next semester.

Fourth, as Rae mentioned in her last (and first) post, we’re in the process of making a Titan TV handbook and contract for all of our employees.  This will really help us to attract and retain new staff members and it will ensure that we have great new things to broadcast on a regular basis.

As far as next semester is concerned, there are a lot of things that we are looking forward to.  We’re in talks with someone high up in the University administration (not naming any names) about a show with their employees and students which we’ve been wanting to do for quite some time now.  As we get more worked out on that front, we’ll let you know.  Just look forward to it; it’ll be awesome.

As I said, we’re also getting a second digital programming system (for channel four).  This will be a major leap forward in terms of simplicity and reliability and, in conjunction with that, we’ll have a new option for submission of advertisements we’ll tell you about soon.  (Email titantv {at} iwu(.)edu for advance information about that if you’d like.)  No longer will there be that annoying screen that just says when the next movie is going to start; it’ll be much more like what we already have on channel four and what we had on both last year.

That’s all I’m going to tell you about right now; this entry is already too long.  Just keep checking back for more information as it comes up.  And, as always, email titantv {at} iwu(.)edu with any questions, comments, ideas, suggestions, or requests to work with us.

Rae Rein, executive director here. This is my first post to our site; the site would not let me on until a few days ago.

Have you seen our new logo? Every pixel was crafted with a special kind of awesomeness designed to blow your mind. It was created by Bryan Byers, who also does the icons for Titan News. The header to this site was designed by the fabulous Michael Gorman. It features John Meuser (one of the anchors on Titan News), Michael, and yours truly.

Speaking of Titan News, shiny new episodes are up every week at noon and 7pm. It’s all you need to know, so you should definitely tune in.

Michael and I are hard at work on a new Titan TV Handbook, outlining rules and regulations, as well as standardizing manager positions and shows. We are also working on contracts for all our employees to sign. Basically, we’re making Titan TV more legitimate than ever before. It’s all part of our plan to gain street cred and become a true institution of Illinois Wesleyan.

Next semester is going to be extraordinary in terms of programming. I could tell you, but then I’d have to feed you to the Sheean beast.

That’s it for now. Remember to tune in!

Rae

Check it out on Pipeline or Facebook (http://iwu.facebook.com/event.php?eid=5218764069). $50 to the person who creates the winning logo. We have already gotten some great submissions.

Hey, all.

We just wanted to let you know that, after a few small technical difficulties getting to know our new programming system and streamlining our update process, we have our new schedule up and running on channels four and five. You can find the most current copy of our schedule here on our blog. Check it out.

If you have any questions, comments, ideas, suggestions, or anything else, you can get in touch with the Titan TV Managers by emailing us at titantv {at} iwu(.)edu. Also, if you have any ideas regarding how we can best let you know of our new schedules, send us those ideas here.

Hello, Titans! After about three weeks of IWU blogs under construction, we are back up. The year has started in full-swing, and the station has seen some exciting new improvements.

First, we have a new system for movies. Currently on channel five and soon to be implemented for channel four, we have an all-digital programming system that guarantees that no movies will be cut short and that we’ll never be left staring at a DVD menu screen again. If you’ve noticed that we haven’t been showing any campus announcements on channel five recently, this is why. Fear not, however, as we will soon be adding these to the experience, too.

Second, and more importantly, we’re looking to completely revamp the station this year. we have completely new management, as well as new and brilliant staff, new shows, a new payment structure, and a new green screen (that we’re ridiculously proud of).

We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our staff. Titan TV pays better than any other place on campus. For just going to an event to film and edit, we pay you $14 an hour. So, if you attended the latest Lyrical Graffiti open-mic (which lasted about 2 hours) and happened to bring a Titan TV camera along, then went back, made a few edits, and put it on DVD, you would have been paid a whopping $28.

We have the schedule for the month of September, and scheduling from now on will be done by our new programming manager Scott Black. He will also choose the movies shown on Channels 4&5, so be sure to email us with suggestions!

We are also looking for other managers. Here are the positions:
Events Manager — Coordinates filming and post-production of events
Business Manager — Writes the budget, submits FAB petitions
Original Content Manager — Oversees production of student-made videos
Technical Manager — Oversees station equipment (purchasing, repair, support)
Public Relations Manager — Presents the station to the rest of campus

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, email us at titantv {at} iwu(.)edu.

Thanks for reading!
Rae Rein and Michael Gorman
Titan TV General Managers