Many of Southeastern Channel student workers have been recognized
and have gained valued experience during their time with the channel.
Courtesy of Public Info

The Southeastern Channel recently won National Videographer Awards for 16 student productions such as: music videos, short films, promotional spots, public service announcements, a documentary, sportscast and entertainment show. These pieces were written, directed, filmed, edited, anchored, produced, hosted and reported for the Southeastern Channel. The students have been taught by an Emmy-winning Southeastern Channel staff and have won 12 Emmys themselves. The Broadcast team has been honored as first in the nation two years running by College Broadcasters, Inc. and has been named first place “Best College Television Station in the South” many times by the Southeast Journalism Conference.

“These prestigious awards show that our students continue to produce television, film and video work that’s universally recognized as the best in the nation,” said Southeastern Channel Manager Rick Settoon. “Once again they’re honored as the country’s elite in high-quality college production. It’s a tribute to their talent, creativity, work ethic and high standards of quality.” 

The “Award of Excellence” first place winners included the short film “GPS,” which was produced and directed by Kayla Hill with help from her production team members Colton Vickers, Adam Hebert and Cady Carreras; the music video “All About That Bass,” which was directed by Danielle Shearer, Sarah Barbier, Rachel Taylor and Kristen Roussel; a video promotional spot for the student sportscast, “The Big Game,” produced by Shearer; a public service announcement, “Save Water,” produced by Roussel and a public service announcement, “Get Active,” produced by Barbier.

The “Award of Distinction” second place winners included Richard Mills’s sportscast, “The Big Game,” anchored by Mills, Jonathan Poche and Taylor Rubach; the short film, “Sims in Real Life,” produced by Shearer, Taylor, Roussel and Hill; the public service announcement, “Recycle,” produced by Hill; and the public service announcement, “Northshore Recycling,” produced by Javon Monroe. 

“We’ve seen all of our students exhibit impressive growth, from beginning totally green to ultimately producing professional-quality stories, segments and full programs and shows,” said Settoon. “They’ve learned the craft both in-front-of and behind the camera at the Southeastern Channel.” 

The students working with the Southeastern channel grow in skill and gain the confidence they need to be the best.

“The channel has helped me by giving me confidence with my abilities,” said Shearer. “My skills have grown so much here. The channel gives you many opportunities to explore the areas that you’re interested in, whether it’s sports, news or entertainment.”

Roussel is one of the first place winners who won because of her Public Service Announcement piece. She spent a tremendous amount of time working on this project and had fun doing it.

“I produced a Public Service Announcement about water conservation,” said Roussel. “I wanted to create something that appealed to the audience’s emotions so I went out and bought a goldfish and used him to show that using too much water can harm the environment. I feel honored that my PSA won first place at the National College Broadcasters Convention. This particular project was my favorite that I have ever done, and I spent a lot of time filming and editing it. It feels great to be recognized for something that I had a lot of fun putting together.”

Students have many different options and opportunities working for the channel. They learn skills in every broadcasting position.

“They’re headed for outstanding careers both in-front-of and behind the camera in the television, film and video industries,” said Settoon. “Some are focused on a career as a reporter, anchor or show host, while others are looking to become producers, directors, writers, editors, cinematographers, graphic artists and animators.” 

Working with the Southeastern Channel can help students find careers after college.

 “They want to work in news, sports, documentary production and entertainment, or as filmmakers and creators of movies, music videos, commercials and specialty videos,” said Settoon. “As such they’ll follow a large number of Southeastern Channel graduates from the past decade who’ve flooded the industry market and landed great jobs at television stations, film companies, video production houses and advertising and public relations firms throughout the country. These students are working daily as professionals on news, sports, entertainment, film and documentary programs along with commercials, infomercials and specialty videos.”

To view the Southeastern Channel go to channel 199 (Charter Cable) or go to selu.edu to view a live stream.