The Signpost from Ogden, Utah • 18

wsusignpost.com Orientation 2004 Page 10 posts Student-run news broadcast updates community On-screen information and behind-the-scenes education By MARIA VILLASENOR managing editor The Signpost Buttons are pushed, lights are on, cameras are focused and everyone gets ready for the count to one. While Salt Lake City residents know what just happened by watching channels Two, Four, Five and 13 News, farther up north, Weber State University's own news program serves the community. "Our focus is Ogden and Davis County, and so there's a certain amount of responsibilities that our reporters and producers feel because we are a news source," said Terri Reddout, Weber State News adviser. "We aren't just playing news; we're providing Along the way of informing the community, the student-run Weber State News serves as a launching pad for students interested in broadcast journalism. "I came here at Channel Two at my Station hands-on By SHANE FARVER news editor The Signpost Students preparing for a career in radio needn't look any further than Weber State University's KWCR 88.1 The Edge for experience.

According to general manager Ashlie Johansen, the college radio station provides student-run, hands-on experience that few other universities can claim. "It really is by the students," Johansen said. Johansen has been working at KWCR for four years and has run the gamut of positions from DJ, to program director, to promotions, to general manager. She did it all with very little assistance from faculty. "You come in here and there's not a faculty member around," she said.

"There's not someone telling you what to do." WSU radio is unique in this aspect. A majority of other college stations Johansen has encountered have strong ties with university faculty and are affiliated with NPR. Johansen feels that KWCR will prepare any aspiring student for a position on the airwaves. "This is a great springboard for out there," Johansen said. Several students involved with KWCR host their own radio shows from 9 p.m.

to midnight. DJ Nick Fury hosts "The Local Landing" every Wednesday. Fury is glad to have the opportunity to share local music with the rest of Ogden. "I've always been passionate internship and I'm able to go with reporters or go into their control room," said Cami Zampedri, former WSN and recent graduate. "I actually already know what's going on, what they're doing, why they're doing it, so I don't really have to ask anybody and bug them." Reddout said there is no Salt Lake City station that doesn't employ a former student.

She points out that WSU alumni are producers at all four stations, editors at two and videographers at one. There are some in Yakima, Charlotte, N.C., Las Vegas and more. "We apparently do a good job because people get out there and they find jobs," Reddout said. While working at WSN, students learn how to work in every area of a newscast. "I had no idea how much work went into it," said Stephanie Olson, WSN news director.

"I thought you'd go in and specialize in what you wanted to do, but actually you go in and learn it all." Like most students, Olson has shot and edited her own film, written news copy and worked in the control room pushing buttons. KWCR provides radio experience BY ROBERT CASEY Weber State University students practice their broadcasting skills at the WSU news room. Zampedri began at WSN interested in working behind the camera, but after being exposed to reporting she found her interest in front of the camera. "I liked how everyone worked as a team," Zampedri said. "And you're not just stuck in front of the camera or just behind it." "They're being exposed to this because these are the kinds of skills they'll need for those first jobs," Reddout said.

"One of the nice things we get feedback from intern coordinators and people that have hired our people, they say, 'It's so nice because they know See Broadcast page 21 Fraternities, sororities offer long-lasting friendships By MELISSA BROWN asst. copy editor The Signpost The fraternities and sororities of Weber State University offer students many opportunities for friendship, fun, communityservice and academic achievement. Six organizations comprise what is known as the Greek system. LaDianaeda, Gamma Phi and Otyokwa are the sororities and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Chi Omega are the fraternities. Many Greeks originally got involved with their organizations for the friendship that comes along with being a member.

Lisa Tigert, member of LaDianaeda, joined her sorority because, along with being new to the school, she was also new to the area. "For me, I was out of state, so when I came here I didn't know anybody but my family," Tigert said. "It was great to be in an organization where you meet other people who are new and they understand what you are going through with starting classes and not really knowing anybody." Friendship, or brotherhood and sisterhood as it is known amongst the groups, plays a big role in Greek organizations. For many, the friendships they form while in these groups are close and last for years. For Sha Brock, another member of LaDianaeda, most of her friends in college have come from her sorority.

"When you get into an organization like a sorority, the people are instantly your friends," Brock said. "You get a closer friendship than with O1OHd PHOTO 1 OW SWVITTIM THE people you meet in classes." In addition to friendship, Greek organizations participate in activities throughout the year, such as exchanges, where a fraternity and sorority participate in a group activity such as going bowling or to a haunted house. "Exchanges allow you to meet a ton of people," Brock said. "You have an opportunity to expand your friend base." Community service is also a priority for Greek organizations. This past year, the entire Greek system made quilts for the Christmas Box House.

In addition to Greekwide community service, each organization plans community service projects individually. This includes volunteering time at animal shelters and retirement homes. Academics are not forgotten among the Greeks. All of the organizations have GPA requirements to encourage academic success. "If you put your social life ahead of your grades, it doesn't work," Tigert said.

"You have to keep a certain GPA to participate in activities." Becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority requires going through rush, which gives students the opportunity to meet each group before deciding which one they want to join. It also allows each group to meet potential members and decide who will be a good addition to the organization. This year's rush will take place Sept. 15. For more information visit organizations.weber.edu/ greeks.

You can reach reporter Melissa Brown by calling 626-6358. DJ Nick Fury multitasks during his show, "The Local Landing." WSU radio offers students the chance to host their own radio shows and gain experience for a career on the airwaves. about local music," he said. "I always wanted to be in a local band but I never had time, so I live vicariously through other people." Fury has local bands come in often for interviews and, if their style allows it, an acoustic set. "The Local Landing" has existed for several years; Fury took over in 2001.

During the three years he's been part of KWCR, he's bonded with his co-workers. "I've made a lot of really good friendships," he said. One of the friendships Fury has made is with technical director Wm. Luke Jenkins. Jenkins also hosts a radio show entitled "Nerd Show," which features a mix of dance, techno and electronica.

Jenkins enjoys picking his own play list and sharing what he normally listens to with the rest of the city. He also hosts a radio talk and music show from midnight to 2 a.m. Monday mornings, and as technical director, learns the ins and outs of broadcast and electronics equipment. Johansen is going to be making a few changes to the programming of the station this fall. She plans to incorporate more Top 40 rock hits into the play list to better serve the See Radio page 19.