On the second floor of Rider's Fine Arts Center, a group of freshmen have formed a hangout. The banter is lively, yet the conversation does not center on classwork, social happenings, or other concerns typical for new college students.
     Hunched over state-of-the-art digital editing equipment in Rider University's television studio, the group talks about their individual roles in producing such news segments as the Arab-Israeli peace crisis, Gov. George W. Bush's recent campaign stop at Neshaminy High School, and Rider’s Habitat for Humanity Project. The students' goal this week, and every week, is to deliver the best comprehensive news coverage for the Rider University community.
     Now entering its second month, the campus-based program, News@Rider--which airs Monday through Wednesdays at 5 p.m. is the first-ever for Rider. Airing continuously on Channel 22 throughout those three evenings, the 15- minute program is not course-driven, nor is extracurricular credit given. These seven budding producers, directors, editors, writers and newscasters are volunteers, who prior to setting foot in the studio at the beginning of the semester, had nil or little newsroom experience.
     "They come because they want to," said Shawn Kildea, video technology coordinator and adjunct instructor in the department of communication. After noticing Kildea in action filming summer orientation, a few of the students approached him about learning to operate the camera and other equipment. Others met Kildea while taking a tour of campus as part of their college tour.
     In addition to Kildea, the students--all communication majors--look to communication seniors David Foote, Steven Voorhees, and junior Eugene Oxley, as well as professor of communication Barry Janes, to provide guidance and technical assistance. The news team also works with other students who serve as freelancers.
     "We have free rein of the studio and everything produced is pretty much our idea," said field reporter Stephanie Farina, who covered Gov. Bush's visit to her alma mater, Neshaminy High School. "This was one of the reasons I decided to come to Rider. I wanted to get hands-on experience right away. This will be very good for me as I develop my professional portfolio."
      Although director/producer Jenn Nash and technical director/editor Jim Rosson were exposed to production techniques during their high school days, they are enjoying the in-depth knowledge they have gained in a short period of time. "It was fairly easy to learn how to operate the equipment, but you quickly learn that every mistake is seen," said Rosson, who took a production class at a media arts school. 
     We're working hard at striving toward perfection." Said Nash: "It’s hard work preparing a program between classes and having it ready to air in a week’s time. I greatly admire the professionals who do this on a daily basis."
     So far, the students have spent several hours a week and weekends doing prep work. Like their peers, Alexandra Alazio and Sandra Pasquariello do not mind. "I watch television differently now," said Alazio, who serves as floor manager. "I notice the way things are cut and put together, how a reporter signs off and the ways shots are set up." Adds graphics editor/writer Pasquariello, who prepares the final script each week after stories are e-mailed to her, "This is a great head-start for me as I prepare to enter the TV/production field."
     Professor Janes looks forward to dropping by the studio to see the behind-the-scenes and on-air talent--news anchors Patrick Barrar and Rukiya Henderson, and sports reporter Rebecca Horn--in action. "It’s an atmosphere of controlled chaos and that's good," said Janes. "You can actually feel their energy when you enter the room. I give Shawn Kildea and the upperclassmen student mentors a world of credit for helping these highly motivated freshmen get this show off the ground."
     The campus community is invited to submit ideas for stories and public service announcements. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to join the news team. Due to growing interest, plans are underway to reactivate the Rider University News (RUN) news club.
     "Since our main audience is the Rider University community, we want to appeal to as many people as possible on campus each week" said Farina. "We’re fully capable of doing that."
     For further information, contact Kildea at (609) 895-5458.