Electronic Media

Program Overview

Students select one of two sequences: Broadcast News or Radio-Television Producing. Coursework in the Electronic Media sequences during the first two years is similar. Specialization occurs during the last two years.

All electronic media students learn basic and more advanced techniques and disciplines of pre-production, studio and field production, and post-production, especially digital audio and video editing.

Drake’s Broadcast News major serves students who are considering careers in the news and public affairs departments of radio and television stations, cable television and news networks, bureaus and services. Students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to be a successful producer, news anchor, videographer, tape editor or reporter.

Students who study Radio-Television prepare for a broad spectrum of opportunities in traditional broadcasting, corporate video and cable television, and multi-media.

Electronic Media students help operate 94.1 “The Dog”  KDRA-LP heard in Des Moines and worldwide on the Web. First-semester students may host a program following some basic training.

Students produce programs for the The College Channel, seen across greater Des Moines. Senior capstone students produce DrakeLINE, a weekly newscast for cable and Internet, every spring semester.

Program Size

About 90 students register in Electronic Media sequences. The typical class size is fewer than 20.

Awards

Electronic Media students regularly enjoy recognition from state, regional and national organizations.

Twelve Electronic Media students have won coveted scholarships from the Radio Television Digital News Association (previously RTNDA) since 1980. Drake’s most recent winner was Rebekah Maxwell in 2008. Another previous RTNDF winner, Kailyn Reid, was also a national winner in the national 2005 Hearst journalism award program. She was recognized in both the feature and hard news reporting categories.

Broadcast News students regularly receive honors from the Iowa Broadcast News Association. Drake students won four first-place radio reporting awards for 2010 stories while Ciera Lundgren took top prize for her radio newscast.

Four Electronic Media students have won prestigious Philo T. Farnsworth award from the BEA since 1989.

The Electronic Media capstone newscast DrakeLINE won a regional student Emmy in 1993.

Facilities

SJMC maintains complete video and audio production studios in Meredith Hall. The facility offers easy access to Final Cut Pro, digital audio editing and equipment needed to accomplish assignments and public service projects.

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