By
Reasa Haggard
Arizona Daily Wildcat
For students in residence halls who find purchasing cable too expensive and renting movies an inconvenience, the UA is offering an alternative form of entertainment, TV3.
TV3 - a division of Arizona Student Media - is a student-run television station that broadcasts to more than 5,000 students in 16 residence halls, with the exception of Babcock, Palm Shadows Apartments, Parker Hall and Corleone Apartments.
Though TV3 just began airing last August, they already have a large audience.
"Ninety-two percent of students in the residence halls watch TV3," said Mark Woodhams, Arizona Student Media director. "TV3 , mostly right now, is movie and entertainment programming via satellite."
The TV 3 program includes a line up of recent movies such as "Fight Club," "Something About Mary" and "Magnolia."
"I think they show excellent movies. They are great to watch, especially when there is nothing else on," said Christy Bear, UA retailing senior and Yavapai resident.
For students that crave MTV and ESPN, TV3 broadcasts the College Television Network - a national show that airs music videos and sports coverage every hour.
Student-produced shows, such as "U-Turns," are also aired by TV3. "U-turns" is a welcome-special designed to introduce freshmen to university life and has aired from Thursday until today.
"Students created the show to help new students get a feel for campus, like where to eat and work out," said Michael Camarillo, broadcast advisor for Arizona Student Media.
"It is totally beneficial for residents who are moving into the halls and getting to know Tucson. It supports Residence Life's goal of transitioning into college life," said Annet Bonnano, a resident assistant at Yavapai Residence Hall.
"TV3 would like to lean towards more student-run programs," said Kevin Clerici, student broadcaster for "U-Turns" and a journalism senior.
Airing a monthly television news magazine is a goal for student participants in TV3, said Camarillo.
TV3 produced a similar show that aired at the end of last year called "Wildcat Wrap Up."
"'Wildcat Wrap Up' dealt with student issues, such as student seating in McKale Center," Camarillo said. "The show also included arts, entertainment, sports and news."
Since the station is just starting up, its facilities are not what TV3 participants would prefer.
"TV3 does not have its own studio, when it will have it is up in the air since the station is in its developing, embryonic stages," said Woodhams. "In two years, Arizona Student Media is moving into Park Student Union. It is my hope then that TV3 will have its own editing room and office space, a studio is a bit ambitious."
In addition to getting established in more permanent quarters, TV3 hopes to become profitable by selling enough commercial space to offset their expenses, said Woodhams.
"Last year, TV3's total operating expenses were $10,500. What wasn't covered by advertising revenue was picked up by student media," said Woodhams. "TV3 is a movie channel free of charge. That's the charm of it."
TV3 is also looking for more students to get involved.
"We are looking for anyone who has an interest in production, media arts, film, journalism or business," Camarillo said. "This is a student-run organization. You may never have a chance to produce a show, but here, you will."
TV3 offers students that are interested in broadcasting a way to get on-the-job training, said April Warnecke, a student broadcaster in "U-Turns".
"This is a good way for students to get involved. They (TV3) give students a lot of freedom and encourage creativity," said Warnecke.
