The new broadcast journalism studio provides real-world opportunities for students and the flexibility to go beyond traditional broadcast journalism, TCU News Now Adviser Aaron Chimbel said.

The new studio, which debuted in November, is located on the first floor of Moudy South. It is equipped with three high-definition cameras and monitors as well as a control room.

The studio allows a regular newscast the opportunity to be creative and try different things other than what you would normally see in a college newscast, Chimbel said.

“It’s been exactly what we were hoping for as far as providing a real-world experience for students,” Chimbel said.

According to Chimbel, a lot of universities, such as Southern Methodist University use a ten-year-old set that was handed down to them from Channel 8, which makes the newscasts look old.
“It’s great to have something modern and built specifically for us,” Chimbel said.

It also helps students who are interested in producing the behind-the-camera stuff; it gives them an opportunity to put together a newscast that will look very professional that they can send to employers, Chimbel said.

The studio is part of the school’s $5.6 million renovation of Moudy South that began with the Convergence Center in 2009.

Madison Pelletier, a senior broadcast journalism major, said the studio has drastically changed the program.

Pelletier said that students would benefit from the studio and the equipment available when looking for future internships and jobs.

“Seeing that we’re in an HD studio and a newsroom with all the equipment will look really good on our portfolio,” Pelletier said.

Pelletier said so far, she has anchored and produced in the studio.

After the studio is wired, there are plans to do a live broadcast for the first time at TCU now that technical resources are available, Chimbel said. 

“It will be a good experience for the students,” Chimbel said.

Xing You, a senior film-television-digital media major, said he was once in the studio for his film class working different jobs for TCU student media.

“It’s amazing for… a college to have that kind of studio,” You said.

According to Chimbel, the studio has also impressed prospective students as well because students can see the university’s commitment to the journalism and broadcast programs.
“The students love it; it blows them away,” said Chimbel.