Channel 50 Program Scheduling

“How do I know what will be on Channel 50?” is a common question. The simple answer is that the Channel 50 schedule of programs is always on the bulletin board for the current day and one or two days in advance. The bulletin board appears between programs usually at the hour and half hour. But unlike commercial channels, we do not have a printed schedule that appears in local newspapers. There are several reasons for this. First, we try to show videos as soon as they arrive from other schools in the system. Many times we don’t know about a class project or performance until it appears in the mailbox. With a schedule set weeks in advance for print, this would not be possible. Secondly, we try not to promise things and not deliver. While we schedule taping of events well in advance, the actual taping may be prevented by weather, technical problems, or student’s schedules (they volunteer their time to do the productions). What we do instead is to replay a current program many times within the week following its creation. Newer programs often show every day on weekdays and twice on Saturday and Sunday. Each program recorded at Channel 50 airs an average or ten times. Finally, we understand that things happen. A power outage may shut down our playback units over a weekend or a family has to travel out of town. However, being local has advantages. You can always call Channel 50 and request a program be played again. We will even schedule it at a mutually agreeable time. Our number is 349-6262 or fax us at 349-8031.

Form & Function: Political Ads

David Bruce, Comunications Teacher

Viewing the barrage of TV political ads usually leaves me feeling somewhat cynical given the outrageous claims often made ("Joe Smith is against children. Electing Bob Jones will make you healthy and wealthy..."). Yet this year I have been viewing them from a different perspective. Since my Communication classes have been examining how the production of video influences its meaning, I have started critiquing the ads regarding their production techniques. In other words, how does the form of the video influence the function? For example, a producer doing a story about toddlers may want to get camera footage from a childâs perspective. To do this, the camera person would hold the camera at the childâs eye level at an angle that would mimic a child looking up to an adult. By doing so, the feeling evoked in the viewer would be one of smallness and lack of power. The technique (form) of the production influences the meaning (or function) of the clip. While political campaigns are meant to be biased in their message, the televised ads do it in a particularly insidious ways. In Ohioâs gubernatorial race, both the Fisher and the Taft campaigns have used production techniques (form) the underscore their message (function). Here are some examples already used this season: Black and White: This give the video a hidden camera or undercover investigation look. Digital zoom on video frame: This enlarges the pixels making the picture look more grainy. Using this technique is never flattering to the subject in the video. Slow Motion: Videotape records and plays back 30 frames per second. By slowing the tape, motions can be emphasized. Even the simple act of blinking while nodding oneâs head can be made to look distorted through slow motion. Music: We often buy soundtracks to movies that we particularly enjoy, yet often overlook music on ad clips. Music is intentionally added audio tracks to create a mood. Voice-over: This is a script written along with the video clip in mind so that what is being said reinforces or even changes the meaning of what is being shown. Now combine all of these together. Play eerie music underneath grainy, black-and-white video of a candidate nodding his/her head and blinking in slow motion while a concerned voice states that this person may have committed some political sin. Nevermind that the videoclip was taken out of context. Nevermind that it has been manipulated technically to show the subject in an unattractive way. Nevermind that the actual statement that accompanies it does not prove wrongdoing. The overall effect leaves a subconscious impression that the opposition is corrupt. This impression may be more powerful because it is not openly stated for examination and questioning. I encourage you during this political season to not only view the stated content of a political television ad, but pay attention to the manipulative production techniques. Many times the form is the message, everything else is just distraction.