Students at Florida A&M are taking the initiative to practice entrepreneurship through resources provided by the university.
Edward Thomas, a broadcast specialist at FAMU, encouraged students in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication to branch out and produce their own independent programs.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Thomas said. “Just seeing these students work together as a team…I think that’s more than anything to have them utilized one another’s strength and learn from one another.”
Words of encouragement from professors and mentors have inspired FAMU students to take advantage of available resources to become not only competent journalists, but entrepreneurs and producers.
Ashli Doss, 19, a second-year, from St. Petersburg, was chosen to be an anchor for the show “Spotlight Poetry.” The show displays a range of content from poets to performers.
“I like the concept. I do poetry, free style and spoken word,” said Doss.
Doss said that her work with the show, has prepared her for future positions. The show plans to air in spring 2011 on channel 20.
Kyle Marcil, 22, a senior broadcast journalism and Spanish student from Jacksonville, dreams of one day working for ESPN. He started his journey this fall with “Sports on a Hill.”
“There was something that was missing,” said Marcil. “I want to take FAMU to the next level.” One of the main goals for the show is to integrate social networks like Twitter and Facebook, giving the campus community a voice in sports. He plans to air the show in early October, also on channel 20.
Glenn Hutchinson, 28, an intro to music recording instructor at FAMU and student at Tallahassee Community College from Ft. Lauderdale, has an upcoming show called “Glenn Jr. Presents.” The show’s purpose is to give independent artists an opportunity to discuss their trials in the music industry and showcase their talents. The show airs on Sept. 9 on channel 20 at 10 p.m.
Aspiring anchor for the Major League Baseball Network, Omari Brown, 23, a senior broadcast journalism student from Chicago, collaborated with students to create “Franchise Sports.”
“[The show is] a great way to give to the community,” said Brown. “You will have a lot of fun watching us.”
He also plans to branch out to colleges in Tallahassee. The show will cover debates about national and local sports. The show airs on Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. on channel 20.
Karisa Olds, 23, a senior broadcast student from Graceville, Fla., believes that everyone has a voice and a story. Olds host “Reality Talks,” a show that focuses on real everyday issues concerning students like rape and abuse.
“I want to be inspirational [and] make a difference here at FAMU,” said Olds. Olds elaborates on the healing process about others venting their stories to help people with similar problems.
“When they learn from one another and get meetings started and put it all together, it’s a wonderful thing to see,” said Thomas.