UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 29, Page TT-2
April 25, 1996
TechTalk
Programming by students for students: Student Life TV

     That was the idea behind SLTV-Channel 49-on the Campus Cable
system. In the year it's been on the air, SLTV has grown into a
service providing 14 hours of programming, five days a week.
     "SLTV now airs 11 original series of shows and many short
spots-all produced by students," Carlos Hervas, SLTV, said. Students
act as producers, directors, script writers, editors, camera and sound
crew and on-screen talents.
     SLTV is on the air 14 hours a day, Sundays through Thursdays. A
typical broadcast day consists of three hours of original, student-
produced programming and two movies selected by the students who work
at SLTV. This seven-hour block of programming is aired twice.
     Original programming ranges from light-hearted productions with
scenes such as UD men's head basketball Coach Mike Brey trying to
dribble a football to serious campus issues.
     "One of the best original programs we've shown was 'A Campus
Divided: Race Relations at the University of Delaware,'" Hervas said.
The program originated as an assignment in one of Doug McLeod's
communications classes, with final production being done by SLTV.
     Hervas said that informal series like "Connections" and "The
Harry and Larry Show" often tackle serious subjects. "'Connections'
recently looked at diversity issues, particularly related to students
with alternative lifestyles. 'Harry and Larry' is sort of like the MTV
'Real Life' show, following characters through their lives, facing a
variety of issues," he said.
     The students also have produced several short spots promoting on-
campus housing, the football team, the basketball team and general
marketing spots.
     A group of SLTV volunteers selects the movies that will air each
week. "The student committee tries to pick movies that contain
material relevant to something happening in Delaware or on campus. For
example, many of the movies selected in February had tie-ins with
Black History Month," Hervas said. Further, the Office of Residence
Life often coordinates discussion groups for certain movies,
particularly if the issues raised by a film seem important to
students' understanding of important "life issues."
     "SLTV is a creative outlet for many students, giving them real
experience with all phases of television production. It really is an
example of students providing a service for other students," Hervas
said.