Mocs News is one of my proudest achievements at UTC, not that I do much more than facilitate, but its all of the students' hard work that makes it happen.
"Mocs News boosts broadcasting dreams"
By: Laura Bond
Issue date: 2/9/06 Section: News
According to one UTC student, future broadcasters receive valuable experience while working on Mocs News.
Emily Edwards, a Chattanooga senior and a Mocs News anchor, said Mocs News offers excellent experience for beginners.
"Broadcasting is my dream," she said. "Everyone has got to start somewhere, especially in this profession."
"Broadcasting is my dream," she said. "Everyone has got to start somewhere, especially in this profession."
Being an anchor on Mocs News has helped Edwards become comfortable on camera.
She said: "The anchor position allows you to put yourself out there in front of the camera and get used to being on television. You can watch the episode following the show and constructively criticize yourself in order to improve."
At her job as an anchor, Edwards is responsible for writing the entire newscast as well as hosting the newscast with another student.
According to Chris Willis, the faculty advisor for Mocs News, there are about 16 students working for Mocs News, either receiving payment or school credit for their work.
Some students also volunteer their time. Edwards joined the team in January and volunteers at the station for about six hours a week.
According to Willis, the Mocs News program started three years ago by several UTC students.
A typical newscast covers campus events, entertainment and sports.
Students go through an audition process before given the opportunity to be on the air.
Willis said, "The students who want to be on-air try out for the positions by reading an example script off of the teleprompter.
"Then the news directors and I make the decisions," he said.
Willis said they try to provide everyone with on-air experience if they desire it.
Edwards said being in front of the camera was difficult at first.
"At first I was nervous, especially during tryouts, but I got over it by the next show," she said.
"Once you realize you are getting into what you want to do for the rest of your life, it calms your nerves and you want to show everyone what you are capable of doing," she continued.
Anybody, whether they have experience in broadcast, is encouraged to join the team.
"Students with broadcasting courses or work experience are terrific, but we can train anybody," Willis said.
"Students might perform better in [communication] classes having had Mocs News experience under their belts," he added.
Edwards said, "Mocs News offer[s] so many opportunities off-and-on camera, and there is always someone you can shadow or [who] is willing to help you out."
In addition to the regular newscast, there is a new sports show.
According to Willis, the student-produced show, called "R U Serious?" is similar to network sports shows like "Cold Pizza" or "Best Damn Sports Show."
The show covers local, national and international sports.
Both Edwards and Willis recommend students watch the news programs to receive information about UTC.
"Mocs News comes from a student point of view, so I think students would be interested [in] hearing the news from their own point of view," Willis said.
Edwards said, "In reading over scripts, I myself have found out about campus-related information that I would never [have] known unless I had been watching Mocs News."
Mocs News airs on Comcast cable channel 3. Join the Mocs News team by visiting Chris Willis, Phillip Brown or Shaadi Marand on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at noon in the Metropolitan Building.