By: Tia Lowe, Campus Reporter (@TiaMLowe)
Spotlight Network, Howard University’s student-run television network, is in the midst of exciting new projects for the upcoming school year. The network provides opportunities for students in various fields of communications such as production, writing, public relations and reporting. This year, Spotlight will be partnering with the Undergraduate Student Association and the Campus Pals to promote campus events.
The network has also begun broadening its coverage by attending events such as the Essence Music Festival and Black Girls Rock, an awards show that celebrates black women and their impact on communities. Both are opportunities that assist in Spotlight’s credibility and growth.
Although Spotlight seeks to broaden its horizons, the network stays ultimately focused on being in touch with the University and its students. Yard Talk, a series on Spotlight, provides a source for prospective students to get a look into Howard. Special edition episodes have touched on Black History Month, the freshmen class and a UGSA collaboration–the All-White Party.
Behind the Bison is another new addition to Spotlight. The new project will highlight students and their involvement around campus.
“Howard students are so talented and we want to share that with our viewers,” said Eva Mayanja, Spotlight programming director.
Mayanja mentioned other projects the network is working on, such as HU Eats, a show that will highlight various restaurants around campus. She also shared that the network will be hosting “Spotlight Week,” to build students’ interest in the network and what is has to offer. She stressed keeping an ear out for this upcoming week as there will be mixers for interested students and appearances by big guest speakers.
Additionally, Spotlight’s general manager Nayo Campbell is excited to cover more topics. “I think the growth of Sports Production is what I look forward to most this year at Spotlight,” said Campbell. Our sports programs are doing really well right now, so it will be fun to cover.” Along with the development of sports coverage, Campbell expressed her passion about the station and her excitement to “create some of the best media at Howard.”
All of Spotlight’s programs are aired on ResNet and can be viewed in dorms throughout campus. Following last week’s interest meeting, students applied to be a part of the team. A new group of reporters, writers and production assistants will be starting with Spotlight soon, but the network is always in need of volunteers. In addition to the network’s airing on ResNet, content can be found at Spotlight’s Youtube Channel, Spotlight Network.
