The Department of Communications completed renovations to its new E-Media Center at the beginning of the fall 2013 semester. Students from the Department of Physics and Engineering worked with Facilities Management and Helm Construction to assist in the renovations. Junior Graham Lenker, ECTV-40 Station Manager, and junior Ryan Carson, WWEC FM Station Manager, were “Steinman helpers.” They were the go-between communication with construction workers and helped with anything from moving to working with the electricians.
In the past, the Department was broken up into different sections. After these renovations, ECTV-40, WWEC FM and the Etownian now share an open space in Steinman Center. “We’ve taken several small spaces, opened them up and created a space that will prove to be more functional while promoting a communal feel, allowing our students to work together within the space,” Director of Broadcasting Andy Williams said. The new open space includes a working area and large windows, which allow in more light. The lounge was extended and decorated with bright furniture, and an open area for the radio was added. New doors, cabinets, countertops, carpet and ceilings were installed and the area was repainted. “When the program needs were formed, there was a need to have the two concentrations of the communications major (corporate and mass) work closely together on ‘multi-media group projects’. The design and construction of the space certainly achieved this,” said Director of Facilities Management Mark Zimmerman. In addition to the openness concept, the electrical and lighting systems were upgraded with energy-efficient units and fixtures, and fire suppression was installed for safety. With the new open space and safety features, the Department of Communications is positive that the flow and learning environment will be more functional and enjoyable.
There are new improvements for students who are interested in video, photography and audio, including new equipment. Twenty new iMac computers loaded with Adobe software were added to the lab. There are six new video editing suites, which include separate rooms for video and audio editing. New video cameras were purchased for the Department, and the old equipment will be sold to students in the future. Now, the student media organizations including ECTV-40, WWEC FM and the Etownian will be able to work collaboratively in a space with many new tools.
The new area gives students a sense of what their future employment may be like and allows for them to collaborate with their peers. “I strongly believe what we’ve tried to create is a real world working environment. No longer do people look to one source for information. With print, web, television and radio all working together, it will give our students the experience and hopefully an edge when it comes time to work in the private sector.” Williams said.
As for now, the Department of Communications is happy with renovations recently made in the E-Media center and won’t be making any major changes anytime soon.
