TWU on the air
New podcast highlights Trinity talent
November 21, 2006
Rhoda Dyck
Podcast listeners will soon have the option of downloading a regular dose of Trinity Western University, as the school launches their own podcast featuring local talent this week.
Derek Weiss, a Media Relations-Communications Specialist who works out of University Communications at TWU, has had a role in developing the new TWU podcast, a web-based audio broadcast accessed through the Internet.
“We want the TWUcast to tell the story of the university and the great things happening here,” he said.
According to Weiss, the idea to start a TWU podcast was set in motion by an offer from Jim Janz, a TWU supporter. Janz recently donated the services of his business, Advertising Business Network, to set up an internet radio station.
“UComm decides the content, the look, the feel, but Janz is providing the technological resources,” said Weiss.
A wide variety of content is in the works. According to Weiss, “the TWUcast will be a centre for the best of Trinity in terms of audio and video - the highest quality. We want people to come to TWUcast for a library of Trinity Western content.”
TWUcast media will be as varied as the content, with three streams of music featuring new bands as well as TWU-grown talent. TWU podcasts will also feature both video and audio contributions from students, faculty and alumni.
“We want students to feel like they own it. We want their involvement,” said Weiss. “Students want to express themselves and we want to broadcast the best.”
TWUcast will also feature notable lectures from TWU professors and visiting speakers. Students, staff, and faculty will take hosting duties, and UComm will hire a Communications student to recruit content for the podcast.
Weiss also outlined the potential for the podcast to be a revenue-generator for the university.
“The more people who use it, the better,” said Weiss. “It is a way to get alumni, donors, and students connected - anybody with an interest in TWU.”
Weiss wants student input regarding TWUcast as well.
“We really want to find out what the students want to hear; we want suggestions and content,” Weiss said.
“Students will be given the chance to mould the TWUcast into what they want it to be.”
The TWUcast launch party is slated for Thursday, Nov. 23, 11:30-1 p.m. in the Caf. The podcast will be accessible at www.twucast.ca.
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