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Channel surfing with TV3

Student-run television station brings news and fun to UA residence halls

As the only television station entirely produced, filmed and broadcast by UA students, TV3 producers are hopeful for continued support of their young, independent television station.

Beginning last August, the station airs movies, campus updates from across the country and the College Television Network in University of Arizona residence halls.

TV3 programming coordinator and media arts senior Jared Petty said TV3 is a "great avenue for students" to demonstrate their broadcasting skills and have fun at the same time.

"TV3 is public access for university life," he said. "We learn through experiences, not just a classroom."

Media arts senior and production assistant Sarah Sligh describes TV3 as "a cross between MTV and a cool CNN."

While the comparisons remain, Petty said the TV3 programmers want to implement new programming that evolves away from movies and music videos.

"Wildcat Wrap-up" is a new show that producers hope will initially air in May and continue on a monthly basis next semester. The show will have arts and entertainment, sports and news designed to inform students about current events.

"'Wrap-up' would be a half-hour show," Petty said. "We already have a large amount of people who want to help out. All these people are volunteers, so we need to get organized for next year."

Petty also plans to air a student feature by early May called "Student Showcase 2000." The feature will include submissions by students who have produced and created their own original work.

In addition to showing movies, College Television Network and original productions, TV3 also broadcasts the comedy troupe, Charles Darwin Experience, every Tuesday and Thursday.

Petty, Sligh and media arts senior Cameron McCusker, broadcast movies in addition to College Television Network and news updates.

"Originally, the movies were sporadic, so we've organized the movie nights to have themes," Petty said.

TV3, part of Arizona Student Media, communicates in the same fashion as KAMP radio station - using the same ideals to appeal to the collegiate audience. While KAMP focuses on elements of radio broadcast, TV3 parallels this focus with the visual aspects of communication.

Petty said he wants people to take in an interest in television.

"We're trying to develop a KAMP for TV," he said, "instead of students going through the red tape of public access television."

Indicative of the station's success, Sligh said the students who work for TV3 carry a heavy workload because of the small amount of volunteers.

Sligh herself takes care of advertising, programming line-up, picks programming and still finds time to help with student productions.

Of the students who watch TV3, some have had positive feedback.

"TV3 is good for the college student's budget," said viewer Mollie McGowan, history and psychology freshman. "You don't have to pay for cable for music videos or go to Blockbuster to rent movies."

Since the trio of TV3 workers are seniors, the station is looking for fresh faces to take over.

"Anybody who wants to learn, we definitely need talent," Sligh said. "We need for sound, broadcasting, editing and much more. This is a great experience for people to see what they like and how television production really works."

If interested in learning more about TV3 call 621-7584 or e-mail at kamp@u.arizona.edu.