Students from Forth Valley College’s innovative student multi-media platform, Connect Forth, recently showcased their talents to senior management.
Forth Valley College Principal Dr Ken Thomson, accompanied by Diane Creed Director of Creative Industries, Hospitality and Tourism and Media Curriculum Manager Fi Milligan Rennie, was given a tour of the Connect Forth operation based at the Stirling Campus broadcast studios on Tuesday 19 March.
He dropped in on the TV team and the social media and website hubs. He also took part in an “as live” radio programme music quiz cleverly named ‘I Dinnae Ken’ by BA Digital Media student Harry Mitchell. Fellow BA students Lauren Elder - Radio Programme Controller and her Deputy Ross Batey, put Principal Thomson at his ease in the studio and asked the questions.
Lauren was also responsible for coming up with the name ‘Kennect Forth’ which became the hashtag #kennectforthfvc for the day on Twitter.
A new development this year also saw the Principal briefed by HND Media and Communication student, Gordon Hall, about the new marketing strategy developed by him and his 2nd year classmates.
Connect Forth offers impressive radio, video, social media and online platforms under a striking newly designed brand. It is integrated with academic study within the media department while also offering extra-curricular opportunities for students across the college.
Complete with a full management, social media and production structure – as would be found in any industry media organisation – Connect Forth offers Media students the opportunity to apply for management and production roles to create the perfect content which can be broadcast to the full Forth Valley College student and staff body.
This year’s student management team has been instrumental in helping the station to take the next step forward and leave a legacy for future students to improve upon even further. They have been fully supported and mentored by the Creative Industries Media Team.
FVC Principal Dr Ken Thomson, said: “It was a pleasure to spend the whole afternoon with the Connect Forth Team and I was once again extremely impressed with the professionalism that was shown by all the students connected with the operation.
“I enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of the students and staff involved in Connect Forth and had a great time taking part in the quiz which bore my name. The whole college should be extremely proud of what has been created and developed by the college’s Creative Industries department and I look forward to watching them develop even further in the months and years to come.”
Gavin Orr, Media and Communications Lecturer and Connect Forth Radio Station Manager, said: “Our students never cease to amaze me. Every year they visualise new ways to expand and develop the growth of the platform. This year’s push on content creation was a huge important step forward and expanding the brand outwith the four walls of the college. Watch this space, we’re going live!”
