It finally happened–NUTV flipped!
Flipped the power on closed circuit television, that is. On Thu., April 4, the New University Television Society officially unveiled the campus-wide closed circuit television system to staff and students in the MacEwan Student Centre food court. The project is the culmination of 10 years of planning and designing.
"This project was originally started with expansion," explained NUTV Closed Circuit Coordinator Jon Joffe. "But it kept being put off. So, we finally took the bulls by the horns and said let’s do this thing."
The closed circuit system will broadcast text-based programming on six monitors in MSC and other campus television monitors on channel 17. Initially, the system will include text only, which will allow broadcasting of bulletins and advertisements for both on and off campus groups.
"We expect that it’ll be a busy couple of months," said Joffe. "There’ll probably be a flood of people wanting to advertise on the system."
Students’ Union President Barb Wright, Vice-President Operations and Finance Natasha Dhillon, General Manager Bryan Pryde and Facilities Manager Kelly Hutton turned on the first group of televisions. The second set was powered by Communication and Culture Dean Dr. Kathleen Scherf and University Coms/Media Manager David Buhler. Members of the TriMedia Alliance, which includes NUTV, CJSW, and the Gauntlet, flipped the final group.
"We want to thank all of the groups for their support," acknowledged Joffe. "They have all helped us so much along the way."
The official flipping marked a historical moment for NUTV and the entire university.
"This is the first student-run closed circuit system that we know of in Canada," said Joffe. "Like anything new, it’s nerve-wracking, but we are confident in our system."
Joffe also cheerfully denied that closed circuit was an attempted coup of CJSW and Gauntlet audiences.
"That is the last thing we are trying to do," he smiled. "This will have a positive effect on all members of the TriMedia Alliance. It will be an opportunity for the Gauntlet and CJSW to expand and make more people aware of their activities."
The system will broadcast 24 hours a day in MSC.