By Evelyn Daood
Staff Writer
Evelyn.Daood7088@mb.rctc.edu
Several years ago, RCTC discontinued their Mass Communications program. Now, that program is in the process of being restarted.
One of the first steps toward this goal came with the acquisition of studio equipment, which was brought to campus earlier in the spring of this year. Acquired from KTTC’s sister station, Quincy, a family broadcasting network in Indiana, the studio looks sharp and is currently up to date with broadcasting needs.
Submitted photos
Some of the equipment RCTC acquired earlier this spring are these set props, which will likely be incorporated into the new Mass Communications and Broadcasting program being developed.
While the equipment is an important step forward, the process of creating the curriculum and getting the program approved is a much longer process. Currently, RCTC is on the first of three “tiers” in the approval process. At this point, RCTC is hoping to create a program which will be one of the few in the state to incorporate the use of studio equipment. This will mean that once the program is officially approved, the Mass Communications department will have to stay up to date with current materials and technology.
KAAL, a Hubbard family broadcasting team, has agreed to help RCTC stay up to date with the rapidly changing demands. Greg Mosier, the Vice President of Academic Affairs has been closely involved with the creation of the program. He stated that KALL has “been very supportive” throughout the process of creating the program.
If the proposed curriculum is passed through the three-step approval process, the new RCTC Mass Communications program could work together with four-year programs like St. Cloud. St. Cloud has a wonderful Mass Communications program, and students at RCTC interested in their program would be able to transfer smoothly.
Some of the skills that will be acquired and taught through this program would include teamwork, video shooting, editing, writing for mass media, audio production, video production, working with scripts, and broadcasting. Local news stations have also offered internships for RCTC students interested in advancing in those skills.
If the approvals run smoothly, the fall of 2018 is when the program may first be offered.