TELECOMMUNICATIONS STUDIES YSU to offer new track on sports broadcasting

Staff report

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Youngstown State University is launching a new sports-broadcasting track this fall semester for students interested in learning about and pursuing careers in sports media.

The new track in YSU’s telecommunications studies program recently was approved by the Ohio Board of Regents and includes courses such as broadcast sports writing and producing, broadcast sports performance, cross platform sports broadcasting, sports-media production and sports broadcasting internship. It also provides students with hands-on experience in radio, television, Web and mobile platforms, including broadcasting YSU athletics events on the Horizon League Network.

“Students will announce games, host interviews and work the production truck for football and basketball games,” said Fred Owens, YSU professor of communications. “Our particular focus will be on showing students how to step into the role of media professional — how to create websites, radio programs, television play-by-play and more. We will add professional-level internships so that graduates can seamlessly apply for career positions in top-level sports organizations.”

Students will serve as members of field-based production crews and learn the process of “setting-up” and “tearing-down” broadcast equipment.

“In essence, these students will be part of a creative-services team,” said Adam Earnheardt, communications chairman. “They become the professionals who design and maintain the websites and social media, who shoot and edit player profiles, and who call play-by-play and offer expert commentary.”

Bryan DePoy, dean of the YSU College of Creative Arts and Communications, said the new track “aligns perfectly with the college’s focus of providing real-world experiences throughout the curricula, which is something that will place our students at a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.”

Ron Strollo, YSU executive director of intercollegiate athletics, said his department is excited about the new track.

“The growth of sports-video production has been something we have been at the forefront on for many years,” he said. “A big reason is because of the work done by students who are involved with the Telecommunications Department in some way. Now there will be a curriculum available for those students wishing to remain involved, and we look forward to what the future holds.”

For information about the new sports-broadcasting track, contact Earnheardt at 330-941-3631 or acearnheardt@ysu.edu.