WMLT Changes Name to Mountain Lion News

Student run news station changes former name, WMLT, to Mountain Lion News beginning this fall semester. 
Photo Courtesy of Concord Communications Department

The start of a new semester carries with it new changes, opportunities, and excitement. All of this holds true for Mountain Lion News, the on campus, student run news station at Concord University. Perhaps the biggest change to occur for the program this fall is the change of the name itself. Formerly known as WMLT, the news station is now Mountain Lion News or MLN. Mr. Robert Hoffman, Assistant Professor of Communication Arts, says that change can be a good thing and this new name will help to make the program more cohesive with the rest of the Communication Arts Department.

    Over the summer, the studio itself underwent renovations in order to accommodate the growing program. Some upgrades that were made with current technology included the studio wiring, renovations to the existing set, the addition of new television monitors, the meteorology green screen and software for the show are among the cosmetic changes that were made. To go along with the new station name, all new graphics and a new logo were created. All of these new graphics, including the opening message, weather report backgrounds, and station logo were created in house by Hoffman. 

    Much of the equipment has also been upgraded. Suddenlink Communications made a donation of several new pieces of equipment to help the Mountain Lion News studio stay current in its technology. Concord also invested $10,000 into new cameras, boom poles, microphones, and LED light kits which students will be able to use as they gather information about stories happening both on campus and in the community. With all of the new upgrades to the facility itself and the equipment, students and staff will see more modern technology being used out and about on campus in order to gather video, audio, and other content for the show. The finished stories will also have a more professional look which is a goal of the program. Hoffman states that he “did not want our students going into the workforce having only experienced consumer grade gear. Between recent donations and the money invested by Concord now they won’t have to.” 

    One of the most exciting changes to MLN and the Communication Arts Department is the addition of the new Meteorology Broadcast program. This program of study will allow students to learn how to accurately predict the weather by using brand new software technology and other methods. Students in the program will then also have the opportunity to step in front of the camera and put their skills to use during the weather portion of the MLN broadcasts.

    Hoffman says that more changes are also in the works to help improve the future of the program and bring more students into Concord. Another renovation to the studio, along with the addition of a second set that is being donated by Quincy Media, will expand the production capabilities and allow more students the opportunity to have hands on experience in the fields of Broadcast Journalism and Meteorology. Hoffman says that the ultimate goal of this program and studio “is to make this as close to a real world experience for the students as possible.” 

    The first episode of the fall semester broadcast will be available on September 17 at 12:30 P.M. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting (PBS). It will then re-air on Monday, September 18 at 1:30 P.M. on the West Virginia Channel, as well as several times throughout the week on local media access channel through Suddenlink. Anyone with an interest in the Broadcast Program or the studio is urged to contact Hoffman for more information, at rhoffman@concord.edu or his office phone at (304)-384-5309.