The Higher Learning Commission, Lincoln College’s accrediting
body, approved the degree late last week.
The Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television, and New Media degree is
designed as a “theory to practice” degree, exposing students to both
the theoretical and applied aspects of the media industry and
preparing students for careers in radio, television, and new media.
Students will learn how the emerging world of new media is rapidly
changing the delivery of mass communication through digital and
multimedia platforms across the world today.
Students successfully completing the degree can pursue careers in
media production, programming, promotion, marketing, advertising and
sales.
“The Radio, Television, and New Media degree is an important
addition to Lincoln College,” said Dr. David Gerlach, President of
Lincoln College. “Students will gain knowledge through a hands on
experience and leave Lincoln College with a working portfolio as
they begin their careers.”
When students arrive on campus, they will have the opportunity to
immediately start learning and working at the College radio station,
WLNX-FM and the television station, LCTV.
“Having a working knowledge of the industry plus a diverse academic
curriculum will help give our students more experience and knowledge
after they graduate and look for their first job,” said John Malone,
associate professor in the Division of Fine Arts and Communication,
where the new Radio, Television, and New Media program is housed.
Students will take a wide variety of different courses offered such
as; Audio and Video Production, Communication Law, History of
American Radio and Television, and Digital and Interactive Media
among others.
Last year, Lincoln College partnered with the City of Lincoln and
its cable franchisee, Comcast, to assume operational control of the
local education and government channel. Now, rebranded as LCTV, the
channel will serve as the outlet for the television component of the
degree program. In addition, the College is constructing a
state-of-the art television and multimedia studio facility in the
former ceramic arts building on campus which already hosts LCTV.
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----- Since 1974, Lincoln
College has owned and operated WLNX-FM and produced several notable
alumni throughout the years. Most recently, WLNX has expanded its
digital media presence, becoming one of only 33 college radio
stations in the country on the iHeartMedia digital platform.
Malone has served as faculty and general manager of
the College’s radio station, WLNX since 2004. Prior to joining
Lincoln College, Malone was a longtime commercial radio broadcaster,
most recently an award-winning program director of WMBD Radio in
Peoria.
Malone is joined by Deb Antoine, assistant professor of
Communication. Antoine has an extensive background in television and
digital production from both professional and academic settings. She
most recently headed the television and digital media program at
Benedictine University in Springfield.
Current Lincoln College students can declare their new major of
Radio, Television, and New Media with their academic advisor. New
students can select the major from the College’s offerings during
the admission process. Transfer students are welcome to apply.
More degrees will be launched at the College over the next academic
year. Currently, students can earn degrees in Business Management,
Criminal Justice Studies, Jazz Studies, Radio, Television, and New
Media, Sport Management, and Theatre.
[Christina Xamis, Public Relations &
Media Manager, Lincoln College]
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