TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER Brian O'Neal, General Manager 2485 Union Avenue Phone (901) 416-3460 Fax (901) 416-7673 email: O'NealBrianE@mcsk12.net MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Telecommunications Center is to provide high quality instruction in the field of electronic media and use current technologies to provide news and information that support the mission and goals of the Memphis City Schools. GOALS Design and deliver high quality student course work, professional development and continuing education to be delivered through integrated technologies (i.e., television, video, radio, internet, multimedia, and interactive) to staff, students, and parents/community. Serve as primary sources of information and enrichment for internal and external audiences through the use of Memphis City Schools' radio and television stations. Serve as a state-of-the-art production laboratory for communication technologies that will provide students with career-oriented experiences based on industry standards and provide Broadcast Program teachers with the opportunity to integrate technology (i.e., television, video, radio, internet, multimedia, and interactive) in all phases of instructions. Primary Functions: Cable 19 TV — The Education Station Distance Learning Classroom MCS Broadcasting Program TCC — Auditorium WQOX 88.5 — The Voice of the Memphis City Schools

The tiered program provides a general introduction to all aspects of broadcasting production (first year); hands-on experience with electronic media production, management, and operations (second year); and responsibility for running the day-today operations at a television and radio station while producing professional-quality broadcasts (third year). Five professional staff members instruct students in the use of the state-of-the-art all-digital equipment at the Center, while six itinerant instructors teach classes at twelve feeder schools. Use of the Internet and local area network, a satellite truck, and signal transmission twice the broadcast quality of a typical television station give students the best possible training for careers in broadcasting.

At the Telecommunications Center, students benefit from the following:

• Training on industry-standard equipment identical to that used in the top television and radio production facilities around the country
• An instructional focus on the theory and process of putting together media projects, as well as on the importance of writing skills in all aspects of media communication
• Assuming responsibilities for all aspects of broadcast production
• Creating news broadcasts based on real stories in the Memphis education community, including interviews with real people (not just classmates)
• Reporting positive news about the Memphis City Schools district, in contrast to negative media coverage on local news stations
• Working within time constraints equal to those in professional television and radio production facilities
• Participating in an annual College and Career Fair, in which college/university and industry representatives from the tri-state area provide information; professional media personnel give workshops on writing, anchoring/reporting, and editing; and students can enter competitions for anchoring and reporting (TV) and audio (radio) that are judged by professional television anchors and reporters
• Field trips to learn about media programs at other universities, including those outside the Memphis area, to encourage postsecondary education and training
• Professional membership benefits of the Broadcast Education Association

In addition, a recent articulation agreement with The University of Memphis has given the Telecommunications Center a unique opportunity for qualifying students to earn credits in the university’s four-year degree programs.

¨      Cable 19-TV (The Education Station) – Cable 19-TV provides training for high school students in the area of Electronic Media (Television). Students are instructed in digital media production and transmission, and they gain valuable experience as they work on projects designed to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, reading, writing, and mathematics. By facilitating the day-to-day operations of Cable 19-TV, students learn both the technical and the managerial skills needed to work in television broadcasting.

¨      WQOX 88.5 FM (The Voice of MCS) – In the area of Electronic Media Broadcasting, WQOX 88.5 FM trains students to become responsible staffers for the station, and holds students responsible for the day-to-day operations of the broadcast facility. Students gain valuable experience as they work to achieve broadcast standards in the on-air operation. In 1990, WQOX 88.5 upgraded to an effective radiated power of 30.000 watts, becoming one of the most powerful high school radio stations in the nation.

¨      Distance Learning Classroom – The Memphis City Schools’ Distance Learning Classroom/Icaster Network Video Server provides the district with video conferencing and broadband video transmission over the Memphis City School Local Area Network.

¨      Telecommunications Auditorium – The State-of-the-Art Multimedia Auditorium provides seating for 300 people. The auditorium provides presenters with AMX remote control technology for seamless professional development presentations. The facility features 2 motorized projection screens, 2 video projectors, room lighting, podium with computer tech connectivity, video/audio mixer/switcher/router, 3 remote cameras, document camera unit and VHS/DVD access.

¨      Electronic Media Broadcasting Program – The Electronic Media Broadcasting Program is a series of courses available to students in grades 9-12 in twelve high schools. Approximately 700 students are currently enrolled in the program. These courses include Media Concepts, Electronic Media Production (Radio/TV), and Electronic Media Management and Operations (Radio/TV). After completing an introductory course at the feeder school, students are encouraged to undergo advanced training at the Telecommunications Center. Currently, 86 advanced students are in training at the Center.

¨      Media Concepts – Media Concepts is an entry-level course that provides a broad based exposure to audio, video, journalism, and broadcasting within the media industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to pursue advanced course work in either audio or video technology, journalism, or broadcasting areas.

¨      Electronic Media Production (Radio/TV) – Electronic Media Production (EMP) focuses on EMP Radio/TV technologies utilizing simulated and/or real life projects. This course centers on production of various EMP products, including commercials, news, music, interactive, and industrial programming. Students learn all aspects of concept creation, scripting, sound design, visual design, engineering, editing, budgeting, and production, as they explore some of the latest advances in radio/TV technology.

¨      Electronic Media Management and Operations (Radio/TV) – Electronic media Management and Operations focuses on simulated and/or real-life electronic broadcast media production and management activities. Projects center on in-house production of newscasts, special events, and original programming. Students learn both the audio and video sides of the electronic media industry. Course content includes scripting, broadcasting, reporting, directing, editing, budgeting, and production, as well as cameras, lights, sound, and set design.