Joseph Petro
Staff Writer
The communication arts department launched a new program in broadcast journalism this fall. The new program complements the department’s two existing programs in advertising/public relations, and digital media/broadcast production.
Students enrolled in the program can expect a communication arts core and a major program that emphasizes traditional journalism courses, which will prepare students for a career in journalism.
Dr. Douglas Lawrence, chair of the department, said that his goal for the program is to cultivate good storytellers who possess great writing and communication skills. Dr. Lawrence said that the new program rounds out the current offerings in the communication arts department.
“I feel there is a need for a good journalism program,” Lawrence said. He added that he’d like to see the program grow and expand to produce journalists who will explore and report on local and national news using all of the new mediums available to journalists. “These new technologies service a wider audience and are cheaper,” Lawrence added.
Ms. Lindsey Wotanis, new faculty member and director of the program, said that the program will teach students theoretical journalism, practical skills, and the ethics of journalism. The broadcast journalism program will also prepare students for a field that is constantly changing through courses that combine traditional reporting methods with new, emerging mediums.
Journalism courses will combine theory with practice, teaching students how to write a news story, record an interview, do a podcast, or put together a multimedia package—and how to do so quickly and accurately. “I think it’s really important that as a journalist, you’re prepared to enter the workplace and in the workplace, things happen quickly,” Wotanis said.
In addition to coursework, the broadcast journalism program offers various opportunities for hands-on experience, through practicum and internships. Students can also get involved with TVM, 97.1 VMFM, and The Wood Word.
Owen Karoscik, freshman broadcast journalism major, said he chose Marywood because the communication arts department allows students to use hands-on equipment from day one.
“[At] most colleges, you have to wait until your junior year to get your hands on a camera,” Karoscik said. Karoscik is already actively involved with both the television station and radio station on campus as well as writing for the campus newspaper.
As for Wotanis, she said she is excited about the future of the program. “I think my two main goals are to grow the program while working closely with my students to get them really interested in what we do here, and also to grow and expand the student media on campus,” she said.
Students interested in more information about the program can contact Wotanis directly at [email protected] or stop by her office in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, Room 100B.