EMU Today

YPSILANTI  --  Eastern Michigan University's third season of “EMU Today TV” was launched today and can be viewed on Comcast CN900 and on the University’s YouTube channel. (Watch the new episode here.)

The half-hour program was developed three years ago to feature positive programs, events and initiatives at Eastern, and provides opportunities for viewers to learn more from University deans, faculty, students and administrators about activities at the University.

The first episode of the third season kicks-off with Eastern Michigan University President James Smith with an overview of the University as the new academic year begins; and, an in-depth look at the impact of Digital Divas, a distinctive program that has provided hands on learning in the sciences, technology and engineering to thousands of middle and high school young women from schools across southeast Michigan. The guest for the segment is Bia Hamed, coordinator of student services in the College of Engineering and Technology. 

The student co-host for the program is Alexis Berent, a senior majoring in Electronic Media and Film Studies with a minor in Theatre Arts. Berent, from Canton, Mich., has been acting for 13 years in theatre, film, and commercial work. She plans to use her degree to pursue a career as a director. The other co-host is Mark S. Lee, host of CBS Radio’s Small Talk with Mark S. Lee. Lee is an Eastern Michigan University alumnus, and part time lecturer of Marketing at Eastern. He is an entrepreneur, Crain's Detroit blogger and frequent contributor to various Detroit-area media outlets on business topics.

Jadan Shorts, a junior majoring in Journalism and pursuing a minor in Communications, is a field reporter to provide coverage of events on campus. She is a sports reporter for the University’s student newspaper, the Eastern Echo, and a host of the E-TV production, “The Dish.” Shorts is from Ohio. 

“EMU Today TV allows Eastern students to play an important role in helping share information about the many positive activities and people that make Eastern Michigan University a special place,” said Walter Kraft, vice president for communications. “In this fragmented media environment it is more important than ever for organizations and businesses to develop their own content on their own channels -- and EMU Today TV is an example of that. Importantly, Eastern students get media and production experience they can include on their resumes, helping them to great jobs once they graduate.”

In addition to viewing on the University's YouTube channel, the program airs on the following days/times through the month on Comcast CN900, beginning Thursday, October 10:

• Thursdays @ 8:30 pm 
• Saturdays @ 8:00 am
• Sundays @ 10:30 am
• Mondays @ 2:30 pm
• Tuesdays @ 9:30 am
• Wednesdays @ 4:00 pm

The program is directed by Keith Damron, associate professor of Electronic Media and Film Studies. During his career, Damon has worked as a production engineer and writer for E Entertainment Television, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers Animation. He has worked at Eastern since 2002.

Steve Martin, radio and TV engineer in the School of Communications, Media & Theatre Arts is chief engineer and responsible for set design.

Lewis Hershey, head of the department of marketing and professor of marketing in the University’s College of Business, and Walter Kraft, vice president for communications, are co-producers along with Lee, who originated the program concept.

New episodes of EMU Today will be produced monthly through March 2020 and available on Xfinity On Demand. Xfinity customers can access the program by the following: Using their remote press Xfinity>On Demand>XFINITY Services>Get Local. For non-Xfinity customers, all episodes also will be available on the Eastern Michigan University YouTube channel.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.