What is Center for Student Media?
The Alternation is also a part of a bigger organization here on the campus of Gulf Coast State College. It is one of two entities in the Center For Student Media. As a student, you will work in either of these organizations. The Alternation is the student radio station in the organization, but there is also a TV station on campus called, Commodore Productions. Let’s talk about what The Alternation and Commodore Productions does at the college.
THE ALTERNATION RADIO
The Alternation radio station is the student-run station at Gulf Coast State College. It is known as WKGC 90.7 HD-3. The student station first started in the hallway of the Digital Media department. You can now find it in Student Union East inside the cafeteria. It is known as the Fishbowl to those around the college because you can look in the glass and see the student DJs while they are on air!
The Alternation radio station is a great place for community. You can learn how to perfect public speaking without people looking at you while you speak. And the world will hear your unique style in music. The student station has a variety of music that you will play during your air shifts as well as play live music for events on campus.
As an Alternation DJ you can pick an available shift based on your schedule and every week you will broadcast from the Fish Bowl. You can have a talk show, music show, or even a podcast. We encourage you to be as creative as you want!
WHAT IS COMMODORE PRODUCTIONS?
Commodore Productions is the TV station here at Gulf Coast State College. You can find it in the big Advanced Technology Building across from the baseball field on campus. It is on the second floor in the Digital Media hallway. As a student in Digital Media, or if you take media classes, you will work in the TV studio for various events, as well as work live events from the remote trailer outside the gym.
There are a variety of events that you will sign up for with Commodore Productions. When games are happening there are many roles you can take and get experience with. Basketball season is always the busiest. This requires students to either work the cameras up on the bleachers or in the trailer. In the trailer, you can work graphics by putting lower thirds or credits on the screen. There is an audio board that needs a person so when there is a commercial break we can bring down the announcers. Additionally, the replay machine allows you to record small clips that can be replayed back on the TV screen. If there is a bad play, the replay machine allows the referees to watch the play again and make the appropriate call.
Some of the other things you can do as a student would include going out with a camera and filming different events to get B-roll for future projects. There are also faculty interviews, SGA spotlights, and Visual and Performing Arts events. These can be broadcasted and recorded from the TV studio.
JOIN THE ALTERNATION TODAY!
Each of these aspects can play a role in your life, even if you do not continue a broadcasting or production career. Furthermore, the skills and techniques learned from taking a radio class or working in TV production can be utilized throughout your time at Gulf Coast State College and into a career. Again, this is the best time to have fun so you can be someone else on the air or start a new TV show on GCTV! Check out this article about The Alternation, www.commodorewaves.com!
If you are interested in joining the Alternation radio station or Commodore Productions, contact Dr. Goines and she will get you signed up. The website, thealternationradio.com also has more information, as well. Read up on the student station, the jocks that are on air right now, and our HD3 player to listen live.
Dr. Erika Goines
Associate Professor
850.769.1551 ext. 5886
egoines@gulfcoast.edu
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dana Erskine
Student Author - Spring 2021
