Rider University launches new Student Media Center

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Through the creation of a new Student Media Center at Rider University this spring, three student organizations centered on the production of news, television and radio have been brought together under one umbrella. The new structure was designed to create greater experiential learning opportunities and increased media literacy for students.

The Student Media Center is comprised of the University's student newspaper, The Rider News, student radio station, 107.7 The Bronc, and student television production studio, Rider University Network (R.U.N.).

"Coming from the real world, I'm attuned to the fact that when you're working in media today, you can't be a one-trick pony any more," says John Mozes, the executive director of the new Student Media Center, as well as the general manager of 107.7 The Bronc. "Media is no longer siloed. You need to be proficient with a variety of tools, and the media center is designed to do that. I want students to gain a more diversified portfolio at Rider to make them more marketable and help them land the job they want."

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Through cross-collaboration, students will have more opportunities to create content across platforms, including radio and podcasts, digital and print media, TV and video streaming, social media, live broadcasting, blogging, public relations, and more. Participating students are eligible to earn a new academic certificate to demonstrate their high level of media literacy to potential employers.

"The Student Media Center is both academic and professional in nature," Mozes says. "Students are learning what it's like to work with clients and deadlines. It's real experiential learning, where they are taking what they learn in the classroom and applying it in situations that they will face daily in the media workforce."

Mozes aims to operate the new center like a professional media company, where students can also learn about the value of generating revenue and how to work with advertisers, sponsors and contracts. Each entity will be expected to generate revenue, much like the radio station already does. Under Mozes' leadership, 107.7 The Bronc brings in about $100,000 a year through advertising, fundraising and merchandising to supplement its operating budget provided by the University. Because the media center operates in print, online and on air, it increases opportunities for advertisers to reach more people in different and affordable ways.

"Just like at the radio station, hitting our revenue goals will mean we can do more things, such as buying newer and better equipment and sending students to conferences," he says.

Despite operating under one umbrella, the three student organizations will continue as distinct entities. The Rider News, which has served the Rider community since 1930, will still operate as a weekly newspaper. 107.7 The Bronc, which is regularly recognized as one of the top college radio stations in the nation, will maintain the production of its award-winning radio shows, podcasts and on-campus events. And R.U.N. will still offer professional video production tools, services and programming as it has since 2000.

With the new structure in place, Mozes envisions the Student Media Center as more than just a collection of student clubs; he sees it as a launchpad for brands that create a genuine impact on students and the people they serve through their work.

"We want the media center to go beyond being student clubs to becoming real brands with a strong sense of community," he says.