LiveU Helps Central Michigan University Journalism Students Gain Experience

The broadcast field isn’t easy to break into, but broadcast journalism students at Central Michigan University (CMU) are gaining an edge by working with the professional equipment that top broadcasters around the globe are using to cover breaking news. 

The school was introduced to cellular bonding technology by an alumnus that considered the technology to be the future of TV. He believed it was a tool the students should be using as part of their curriculum. After some extensive research, the faculty and staff at CMU selected LiveU for use in the program. Through a matching grant initiative, the school purchased their first LU500 portable transmission unit and LU2000 server. 

“What we’re training them on is what they’ll use in the real-world,” says Aaron Jones, Video Facilities Manager for Central Michigan University’s School of Broadcast & Cinematic Arts. “The students love it. Right away, the LiveU portable transmission unit opened up a world of possibilities for the daily newscast.” 

The students produce five live evening newscasts and three morning news broadcasts per week and include at least three live remote shots per week.  Live shot examples have included breaking news events, weather updates, sports hits from the stadium and last year’s State of the Student Body Address, which was put on by CMU’s Student Government Association. The community-focused news broadcasts are seen in three counties and a dozen communities in the mid-Michigan area via three Charter cable systems, including News Central 34. The newscasts are also streamed live on Facebook and Livestream. 

“Remote production is one of the most complicated things our students will have to do. Getting out of the building is critical for their training. Students learn how to think on their feet, resolve issues, and communicate efficiently with the control room,” says Jones. 

During the 2016 Presidential Election, the students covered a political event held in Metro-Detroit and proudly stood next to local broadcasters using the same LiveU technology to cover the breaking news. 

“The students are more comfortable with the equipment and their abilities thanks to the LiveU technology,” says Jones. 

“The experience that our students get by being in the field doing live coverage is invaluable to their success in their careers,” says Aaron Jones, Video Facilities Manager, Central Michigan University.