Written by: Lee Hankinson (cjh012@marietta.edu)
The majority of Marietta College Students have not been inside the McKinney Media Center. This is because they do not know the opportunities and rewards that are offered inside by the Marietta College media and music therapy departments.
On the outside the building blends into the rest that a student passes when going to Mills Hall. However, McKinney contains something you probably would not expect. The top level is home to Marietta College’s music therapy lounge and offices as well as the podcasting studio. The second level has a classroom towards the right and to the left is a computer lounge and an office. The basement is home to Marietta College’s own TV station, recording booths, sound rooms, and two radio stations.
Our TV station, WCMO-TV, is an on-campus TV station that broadcasts student-produced news, sports and public affairs programs to over 12,000 households in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The station also broadcast nationally on YouTube. The TV facilities include a large main studio, master control, field production equipment and Final Cut Pro & Adobe editing systems. Our system is similar to that of CNN and ESPN.
One of our radio stations, WCMO-FM 98.5, is a 10-watt station that broadcasts contemporary music and local events throughout the campus and within a six-mile radius of the City of Marietta. Nearly all of the programming is live, and student driven. Students can choose what kind of music to play or even host a talk show. The other radio station, WMRT-FM 88.3, is a 9,200-watt student-run station, with a range of 30 miles, which broadcasts classical music, jazz and show tunes, as well as national, regional, state and local news, weather and sports.
Student media is not limited to just McKinney. Many students on campus run their own photography businesses. A few to name are, Matthew Siegler known as ‘SieglerShots’; Isabelle Poling known as ‘IzzyPPhotos’; and Keshaun Madlock known as ‘Madlock_Photos’.
Not only is photography found around campus, but so is writing. The Marcolian is an online student-run newspaper covering news and events at Marietta College and in the community. The newspaper gives students an opportunity to prepare and produce multimedia news in collaboration with the other campus news organizations. The newspaper is a great way for people to hone their writing skills as well as develop story-telling abilities and practice creative writing.
Student media serves as a vital outlet for students, providing them with a platform to express their voices, share their stories, and engage with their communities. Through various forms of media, students can explore diverse topics that resonate with their peers, allowing them to have discussions on important social, political, and cultural issues. This creative freedom not only cultivates critical thinking and communication skills but also empowers students to challenge narratives, advocate for change, and showcase their unique perspectives. Additionally, student media fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration, uniting individuals from different backgrounds and experiences to create a vibrant tapestry of ideas and creativity that enriches the entire campus community.
To alumni, your connection to our college and its student media is a bridge that not only honors your experiences but also enriches the next generation of students. By staying informed about our student media, you’ll witness firsthand the creativity, passion, and innovation that current students bring to their work, tackling relevant issues and showcasing talent that reflects the spirit of our institution. Your support through donations ensures that these vital platforms can continue to thrive, providing students with the resources they need to hone their skills and amplify their voices. Your contributions can make a tangible difference, offering a rich environment for storytelling and engagement that cultivates future leaders and changemakers. Join us in empowering students to carry on the legacy of excellence that you helped establish. We ask that you please stay connected, get involved, and make an impact!
For those of you would like to get involved with radio, TV, podcasts, or the Marcolian, please contact Marilee Morrow at morrowa@marietta.edu.
Edited by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
