At a college known for its commitment to an experiential learning model, it’s partnerships like the one that exists between the Endicott Athletics Department and 熊猫在线视频 Television (ECTV) that shine a light on how widespread that ideology is held across the College’s various departments.
This partnership allows members of ECTV and students enrolled in the School of Communication the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in live video production and broadcasting. Students are responsible for operating cameras, producing, and providing live audio commentary, among other duties, throughout broadcasts of various sporting events on campus.
The scope of this operation has with each passing year. In October of 2017, ECTV by broadcasting a single football home game. Afterwards, Eleanor Pye, Director of the Digital Media Center and ECTV’s Advisor, worked with the athletics department to iron out the specifics of the partnership, leading to ECTV broadcasting every single home football game during the 2018 season and allowing fans to root for their fellow Gulls from outside the Melissa Hempstead ’69 Stadium.
The partnership has since blossomed into a multi-sport venture that provides ample opportunities for students to take part in. ECTV’s current slate of sports include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s ice hockey, and men’s volleyball, along with any conference championship game that occurs on campus.
“The live sporting event scenario allows our students the ability to collaborate in a real-world setting while honing their skills and developing partnerships across disciplines,” says Pye. She continues, “Students in the ECTV crew must adapt to the fast-changing speed of live game coverage while being mindful of crowd, weather, and technical needs that may change in a moment’s notice.”
“The live, sporting event scenario allows our students the ability to collaborate in a real-world setting while honing their skills and developing partnerships across disciplines.”—Eleanor Pye, Director of the Digital Media Center and ECTV's Advisor
Therein lies the cherry on top of the partnership between Endicott athletics and ECTV—it’s mutually-beneficial. Not only are students gaining real-life experience that can be applied to different career paths, but they are also providing the Endicott community with a heightened and more enjoyable gameday experience. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved.