PRESS RELEASE
Point Loma Nazarene University
Contact: Ross Nederhoff (505) 999-8662
Point TV: Channel 23
Advisor: Alan Hueth (619) 849-2358
Date: February 25, 2015
Written by: Ross Nederhoff
PLNU Sportscasting History is Made:
First Remote Basketball Cablecast From Point TV Studio Control Room
On February 26, 2015, Point TV produced their first ever remote cablecast from the Point TV studio control room. The production featured a live cablecast of PLNU’s men’s and women’s basketball games against Notre Dame Namur for Loma Sports Tonight, Point TV’s sports focused program.
Although Point TV is no stranger to live basketball tapings, this particular production was a historic first: PLNU media communication and broadcast journalism majors directed and switched the show in the Point TV studio control room. This differs from previous shows which required a remote studio control room to be set up in Golden Gymnasium. By using the existing control room, students were able to not only switch between cameras and add graphics and cablecast the game with the regular play-by-play and color commentary talent, but also include studio talent throughout the cablecast. This new ability greatly simplifies production and will expand the ease and number of cablecasts in the future.
This new ability is based on PLNU’s visionary fiber-optics installations on campus—which will allow for a number of other more efficient recording—including events in the ARC, Crill Auditorium, and the annual commencement ceremonies that occur in the Greek Amphitheatre.
Producer of Loma Sports Tonight, Hilary Zeber, explained the experience in her own words saying, “This episode was such a seamless one to produce. The planning was more complex initially, but once we had the cameras, fiber optic cables, and other equipment in place and functional, the rest of the process was so much easier. I never thought we would be able to control cameras in the gym from halfway across campus in the studio! It was such a neat change to be a part of.”
Besides simplifying setup, the cutting-edge configuration also allowed more possibilities in the studio. News, discussion, and commentary by anchors Ross Nederhoff and Madisen Steele were interspersed among the various segments of the basketball games. Because of this, Loma Sports Tonight was able to provide a richer presentation overall.
“The fact that we were able to mimic the format of shows like Sports Center and Outside the Lines was super fun! I think it made our show a lot more professional and entertaining. Viewers want to see varied content, and the added studio moments definitely helped us provide that.” commented Madisen Steele.
Point TV is also looking forward to improving upon and expanding their use of this technology in the coming years. Media Communication head, Dr. Alan Hueth, spoke on his enthusiasm and expectations for the new tools:
“This technological addition will greatly enhance our sports production capabilities and I expect our students to take advantage of that and really expand their skill sets and job possibilities as they leave PLNU.”
For more information on Loma Sports Tonight, Point TV, or the studio, please contact Alan Hueth at AlanHueth@pointloma.edu or Ross Nederhoff at rossnederhoff1006@pointloma.edu.
