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WSIU Radio Operations

Volunteer board operators: Board operators run FM programming over the air for the WSIU Radio stations on the master control board using a variety of audio equipment, including a digital automation system. They monitor the on-air sound, take transmitter meter readings, and handle any severe weather. Students are trained on all the equipment necessary to run the station. No experience is necessary. Volunteers do at least one shift a week and the shift can last anywhere from one hour to four hours. Shifts are available during all times of the week and day.

Operations/Production Assistants: These people assist the operations manager and broadcast programming assistant in the daily operations of the WSIU stations.

Operations Assistants: Responsibilities include assisting the operations manager in making sure all programs being fed over the content depot distribution system come down and are checked on a weekly/daily basis. They also do some digital editing and computer automation work. The schedule for this type of work is variable; your availability will determine your responsibilities. Operations assistants also may be responsible for assisting with remote recordings at different venues, as needed.

Production Assistants: Responsibilities include light voice/production work, or providing assistance in the recording of some of our locally produced shows. Duties may include writing, voicing, and producing a variety of local promos, underwriter announcements, and other on-air spots. To ensure on-air sound quality, an audition is necessary for the selection of production assistants who do on-air work. Production assistants also may help in remote recordings at different venues.

Volunteering in the above areas can lead to paid student work positions, if you are a full-time SIUC student. You can also earn a Radio-TV Independent Study Credit; see your advisor for details.

Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS): SIRIS is staffed by volunteers, many of them SIUC students, who read and record regional newspapers daily Monday through Friday. These recordings are broadcast on a sideband channel of WSIU Radio for the benefit of individuals who are blind or whose physical condition prevents them from reading. Volunteers are required to schedule an orientation and short audition with SIRIS staff. You also can assist with administrative tasks, such as delivering SIRIS radios to qualified users, maintaining the SIRIS office, and assisting with mailings. SIRIS is located at 1003 S. Oakland. Contact SIRIS Director Vickie Devenport at (618) 453-2808 for more information. Paid positions include serving as the SIRIS programming assistant.

Other Volunteer Areas

Library Assistants: Volunteers are occasionally needed to assist in keeping the WSIU Radio library in order, including entering music CDs into the database, shelving CDs, and contacting music distributors, as needed.

WSIU Television

Post Production: Post production is responsible for the editing of programs, promos, and other content aired on WSIU TV. Non-linear equipment includes a Final Cut Pro editing system using Beta and DVCam videotape decks, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, and other computer software used in non-linear editing. Students interested in volunteering or working in WSIU's Post Production area must be dedicated, hardworking, willing to learn new things, and above all, reliable. WSIU TV's Post Production unit offers you an excellent opportunity to get valuable hands-on experience at a real working television station and build your resumÈ reel. For additional information, contact Steve North, Post Production Supervisor, at (618) 453-6189.

Production: Students can become part of the WSIU TV Production Crew by first volunteering as production assistants. You can work your way into a paid position as you gain experience and demonstrate proficiency. Positions include serving as camera operator, floor director, lighting director, and audio mixer, just to name a few. You are encouraged to get involved at WSIU TV early in your college career rather than waiting until you are a senior, as paid positions are based in part on seniority, along with knowledge of equipment, a strong work ethic, and a good attitude. Productions are scheduled at various times throughout the week in WSIU TV Studios A and B, and occasionally at remote locations. Contact Mark Wetstein, TV Production Coordinator, at (618) 453-6104 to learn more.

Master Control: Under staff supervision, the Master Control Operator (MCO) is in charge of making sure that the right programming is on the air at the right time on WSIU TV's channels. Key duties for the MCO include maintaining the correct on-air programming schedule, performing quality control on recorded programs, and the operation of broadcast equipment such as character generators and traffic controllers. Students interested in working in TV Master Control MUST be reliable, highly-focused, and diligent about monitoring equipment to ensure that WSIU remains on the air. They also must be proactive problem-solvers and must follow a specific protocol with WSIU's professional engineering staff and the TV Master Control Supervisor when problems arise. For more information, contact Jim Eagelston, WSIU TV Master Control Supervisor, at (618) 453-6133.

WSIU - Promotions Department

WSIU's promotions department offers several paid positions to students interested in gaining experience in promotion and graphic design. Job duties include: designing ads, posters, flyers, postcards, display board items, brochures, signage, and other promotional items; assisting with content development, editing, and cover designs for WSIU's bimonthly TV program guide; serving as editor of WSIU Radio's monthly online newsletter; acting as station photographers and photo editors; writing press releases, media advisories, and PSA scripts; updating WSIU's regional media database; coordinating mailings; and other duties as assigned. Students with experience and/or proficiency in using the Adobe Creative Suite are strongly preferred. Federal Work Study is preferred, but not always required, depending on circumstances. Students are expected to work during breaks and summer session, when possible. Preferred majors: Radio-Television, Cinema & Photography, Journalism, Communication Design, and Public Relations.

Other Student Training Opportunities

WSIU Public Broadcasting also offers hands-on training in non-production areas of the stations, including customer service, accounting, computer technology, and office systems. Contact WSIU's main office at (618) 453-4344 for more information about available student and volunteer positions.