"This [upgrade] is monumental for so many students. When we shot in standard definition, we were decades behind the industry. But now, with HD, students will learn on exactly the same equipment used by TV stations across the country."
— Leah Horner (Journalism, '17)
Gone are the days of blurry newscasts and clunky camera equipment — journalism students at Cal Poly are now broadcasting in high definition.
The university's on-campus, student-run TV studio has been upgraded with the latest video production technology, allowing Cal Poly to switch from standard definition (SD) to high-definition (HD) broadcasts.
The studio serves as a broadcast lab that provides students the opportunity to work in a traditional TV newsroom setting. Student reporters produce numerous interview and talk shows, a weekly sports update and a live 30-minute weekly newscast that airs on campus, online and on local Channel 2.
"This [upgrade] is monumental for so many students," says Leah Horner (Journalism, '17). "When we shot in standard definition, we were decades behind the industry. But now, with HD, students will learn on exactly the same equipment used by TV stations across the country."
Students who had worked in the studio prior to the renovation experienced the enhancement in quality immediately.
"Standard definition was not as polished, and stories wouldn't transfer well to web," says Peter Gonzalez, a journalism senior with a broadcast concentration. "Now, all our hard work comes across as it should in visual media."
The renovation was made possible by a private donation to the journalism department. Working with state-of-the-art equipment gives Cal Poly students an edge in the competitive and evolving world of journalism, enabling them to submit more impressive reels to prospective employers.
This streamlined studio experience encourages students to be more innovative. All aspects of media can now be integrated, such as incorporating livestream interviews with the on-campus radio station, KCPR.
The impact of the updated studio will extend beyond current journalism majors.
"It will hopefully attract more students and entice them to study journalism and pursue their passions," Peter says.