WVTV (Villanova)

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WVTV (Channel 17) Villanova Television is a student-run campus television station within Villanova University, Pennsylvania. The channel is only available through the on campus cable network.

History

Early years (1999-2001)

In the fall semester of 1999, an group of students met in the commuter lounge of the Connelly Center for the regular meeting of the Villanova TV Production Club. The club had officially been in existence for about a year at this point, under the faculty advisor Gregory Potter. None of the original founding members were present, as they had all previously graduated from the University. Originally, each member of the club served as part of an organic “Creative Team.” In Room 108 Dougherty Hall, the club had a small office which housed its mediocre equipment. Two Panasonic VHS camcorders, and a makeshift Panasonic and Sony A/B Roll Editing Station, and a Videonics Titlemaker 2000. There was a T-Channel unit supplied by Comcast to broadcast on the closed circuit University Cable system, but no means for any programming to actually be played through the transmitter.

It was decided that the first order of business should be the acquisition of equipment needed to begin broadcasting programming. To that end, a S-VCR with an auto-repeat function was purchased. Since a more powerful character generator had already been ordered, the decision was made that programming would play on “auto repeat” with the smaller Titlemaker 2000 providing an automated scrolling bulletin board during periods of no programming or during a “rewind.” The maximum amount of programming that could be put out at once was merely two hours.

As the production of material began, it became clear that some changes were necessary. The organizational structure was so flat that nobody had any decision making ability without the consultation of the entire “Creative Team.” Consequently this forced participants to often seek the assistance of the faculty advisor, who would attempt to mediate the situation.

The by-laws were rewritten and adopted by a unanimous vote at a regularly scheduled meeting. Nominations were made and the first Executive Board staff was elected. After some painful adjustments, the new Board, under the leadership of Christopher M. Natale began the club’s first period of rapid expansion. With a meager budget, it was very difficult to acquire necessary tools, equipment, supplies and parts. The Board was a resourceful group, however, members often relied on their ingenuity to get the job done.

At this point, the need for a true identity was recognized. The “Villanova Television Production Club” was simply too cumbersome and difficult to market effectively. Several ideas were presented, including naming the station VUTV, also VUTV with an alternative pronunciation of the “VU” as “View.” Other ideas included VTV for Villanova Television, or WXVU-TV, playing off the Radio Station’s call letters. While none of the ideas truly seemed spectacular, the Board eventually chose VTV. A logo, inspired by one sometimes used by MTV was developed. It was a translucent white square with a large blue “V” with a casual “TV” in white written over the “V”. Beneath the square were the letters “Villanova Television.” Despite being an impromptu logo designed to fill an immediate need, it was relatively popular and it continues to serve the station today.

In the Fall of 2000, the future incoming Director of Production and Board Chair, Ryan G. Brogan proposed that the official name of the station be adjusted to WVTV. The board approved with no objections. The original logo, however, was retained. Despite hefty equipment maintenance bills, the club was able to purchase several high quality cameras and a Leightronix switcher which enabled, for the first time, additional broadcast decks and regularly scheduled programming.

During this year WVTV began a tradition, of sorts, of creating an orientation video each year. It started off as a fun way to welcome back the TV staff to campus and get the year of programming rolling. In the end it became an impressive show of publicity on campus and an important recruiting tool. This video has since become an integral part of the freshman orientation.

The programming provided on WVTV varied greatly through the early years. One of the early staples was a news program entitled “Nova News” that was taped in the Falvey Library’s antiquated TV studio. Another early WVTV favorite was a televised radio show entitled “Trips & Cheech,” which televised the radio antics of two of WXVU’s most popular DJs. The partnership with WXVU had tremendous results in advancing the notoriety of both stations. In addition to televising speakers and musical concerts, WVTV had always produced original creative content. Hezekiah Lewis and Nicholas Martorelli, both with theatrical experience, made significant contributions in the creative area.

Transitional Period (2001-2002)

The 2001 – 2002 school year was largest transitional year for WVTV. With a large portion of the club graduating the previous school year, the programming consisted mostly of independent productions such as “First Date” and "Mirrors" produced by Nicholas Martorelli. However, the station still managed to produce both a sports and news show. The board maintained an excellent working relationship during this transition, with Ryan Brogan taking the lead role and Chris Natale, now a graduate student, accepting the Programs Director and serving as Vice-Chair, a role he would maintain until May of 2003. The lack of space and equipment limited the club and its abilities. The club maintained a relatively low profile until it had enough funding space and members to expand.

Continued Expansion (2002-2003)

The fall of 2002 was the start of the largest expansion of WVTV up to that date. The year begin with taping of the orientation video. It was during this shooting session that board members Nicholas Martorelli, Chris Natale and Ryan Brogan first interviewed Brian Lamsback. He gave such an entertaining interview that the three board members unanimously agreed that the club must recruit Brian as part of WVTV. Later that fall WVTV saw one of its largest jumps in talent and membership. Jessica Hartzell, Brian Lamsback, Joe Cutalo, Phil Seiler, Chris Padilla and Emily Schmidt were some of the most notable new members that year. All members helped to produce WVTVs first regularly scheduled programming since "Nova News" entitled “The ‘Nova Scoop.” It was a lively magazine-type show and was the first of many regularly airing programs that year. The Scoop was a concept introduced by then-freshman Jessica Hartzell, and the show was an instant hit. Over the winter, WVTV witnessed the first of its many moves. The station moved out of Room 108 and into Room 214 on the second floor of Dougherty. This gave the station an increased editing bay as well as a meeting room/small studio. The centrally located Dougherty Hall was a favorite of TV staff members because of the presence of other student groups and numerous food outlets nearby. This made the office a hub of activity nearly all day long. In addition to its first move the winter also saw WVTV celebrate its first members Christmas party.

That spring WVTV started the tradition of taping the “Greek Week Skit Night”. Because of the draw of this event, WVTV members saw this as an opportunity to expand their programming while offering fully edited DVD for sale that would help off set the stations operational costs. In addition to the skit night, the club also created, produced, and directed a game show that was part of the “Greek Week” events. The game show followed a similar format as the Newlywed game but substituted the Newlyweds for “bigs” and “littles.”

Both the game show and skit night taping were the largest live productions undertaken by WVTV to that date. Many in the club considered these two events a maturing crucible that helped give the club increased confidence and demonstrated to all of Villanova the true potential of the club. In the weeks following the two events, these shows became incredibly popular. So much so that when WVTV took the shows off the air for brief periods the station was flooded with calls, voice mails and emails from students demanding the station place the shows back on the air.

Not only was this year witness to one of the largest live productions but it also saw the origins of the frequently aired and highly popular political debate show entitled “The Villa-No Spin Zone” produced by Chris Padilla. The first debate was taped in the newly finished Bartley Atrium, which to some estimates drew an over 200-member audience. For the next several years the Villa-No Spin Zone became a staple of WVTV programming.

Digital Transformation (2004-2005)

During the summer of 2003, WVTV made its greatest stride toward digital, non linear editing. Earlier in the year, Kathy Byrns and the office for Student Life approached members of WVTV to produce a video that could highlight many of the exciting opportunities new students could take advantage of while attending Villanova. To make this video WVTV decided to invest in a new digital editing system. During the school year WVTV, members taped many of the segments and footage that the station would use within the video. Over the summer, Ryan Brogan offered to edit the video and have it ready for freshman orientation that fall. In addition, this video was the first DVD produced by WVTV. This first video helped to establish WVTV as the go to organization for future video projects and lead the way for additional Student Life Videos. This helped WVTV expand and gain credibility with Villanova’s administration.

The 03-04 school year was the first year that WVTV had full digital editing capabilities. These new assets and abilities were clearly visible in many of the projects that the WVTV members created. As usual, the beginning of the year started with the highly successful orientation video. The clubs exposure to the freshman and the video helped to attract many new talented people including the future WVTV president Christopher Ayers. That fall also saw the taping of an entertaining Halloween special entitled “Jeb Walker.” It also was the start of the taping project of the “Start Up Challenge” produced by Chris Padilla in conjunction with the College of Commerce and Finance. This project successfully demonstrated many of the newest digital editing techniques. The station produced a high quality product that helped foster a long running relationship with WVTV and the Start Up Challenge. Along with many of the new and exciting digital project produced, the year was also witness to the gradual transition of club leadership from Ryan Brogan to Chris Padilla. The smooth transition occurred over the second half of the school year and left the club in very capable hands.

During the 04-05 year the station was moved once more from the short-lived Dougherty facility and to Vasey Hall, and then again moved to its current home in the basement of Tolentine. Thanks to the current and past members of WVTV, the station is now on a firm footing and a more certain future, Villanovans should be able to expect plenty of entertainment in the years to come.

Programming

• Sheehan Beach--A high-drama monthly series on WVTV, starring you! Watch as Riley, Cassie, Kat, Floyd and Curtis deal with love, friends, politics, strange roommates and mean girls.
• BABEL--Babel is an action/suspense/drama that tells the story of six college freshmen and the abilities which they posses. There are twists and turns around every corner leading the characters to their ultimate destiny…to save the world.
• Villanova Basketball Highlights
• The Weekly Wildcat--Villanova's newest informative and entertaining show, all about on campus events, clubs, sports and people, interesting off-campus places, and much more!
• Dorm Detectives--(Just like MTV's Room Raiders) WVTV's own dating show that entails students decide who they would like to go on a date with, purely based on the person's dorm room. Better pick up those dirty socks because you could be next!
• Game Time!--A sports talk show that features re-caps of professional and college sporting events of the week, Interviews with Villanova athletes and coaches, and more. Constant humor and weekly predictions make this a fast-paced, witty show.
• The Hunt for Hanson-- Hanson is on campus! But where are they? Follow WVTV's own Christine Barbieri, Christine Mahin, and Mary Bullock as they search for the ultimate interview with the most popular Teen Pop band of our grammar school years.
• Special Olympics Special--Villanova hosts the Special Olympics every year. This year Laura Hobson will take us to the games and get some interviews with the star athletes themselves.
• Campus Events, Lectures, Concerts--Various events, speakers, and musical events are rebroadcast to the campus. If you miss it, check channel 17!

Current Staff Members

• President: Christopher Ayers
• Programming Director: Janette Spreen
• Administrative Director: Colleen Comerford
• Traffic Director: Christine Mahin
• Promotion/Public Relations: Laura Hobson

Past Presidents/Directors of Production

• Christopher Ayers (2005-2007)
• Chris Padilla (2003-2005)
• Ryan G. Brogan (2001-2003)
• Christopher M. Natale (1999-2001)

WVTV Trivia Facts

• The first programming ever played on WVTV was a homecoming football game vignette, coupled with a sitcom produced by Hezekiah Lewis entitled “Campus.”
• The theme song to “Campus” was “Rosa Parks” by OutKast.
• Various TV themes were used as musical interludes between programs due to a limited variety of stock music. Favorites included “Hill Street Blues,” “Magnum, P.I.,” and “Sanford and Son.”
• The most-played piece of WVTV programming was a short film by Nicholas Martorelli entitled “First Date.”
• Popular WVTV host Brian Lamsback was discovered during an orientation shoot.
• TV shooting locations have included the roof of Dougherty Hall, the West Campus Steam Tunnels, the Bell Tower of St. Mary’s, the Mendel Astronomy Lab and Dundale Mansion/Barn.
• The voicemail message on WVTV’s phone line still carries the recorded voice of Chris Natale.
• The Villanova Television logo was created on a Titlemaker 4000 in 20 minutes in 1999 as a temporary solution of the logo problem. It has served as a “bug” and logo in some capacity ever since.
• Most of the early active members of WVTV were not Communications Majors.
• News Director Kristy Lash ensured meetings were scheduled and rooms reserved for more than a year.
• News Anchor and board member Jennifer Sherlock went on to pursue a career in Broadcast Journalism. She served the NBC Affiliate in Atlantic City, NJ and later Fox 43 in York, PA. To date she is the only TV member to do so.
• The first WVTV T-Shirts were partially funded by proceeds from Coca-Cola sales from the office refrigerator on the honor system.

External links

• WVTV Website