In the six and a half years MSU's television news magazine, Focal Point, has operated, it has given students a head start at a career in broadcasting.
Now, with the help of its recent first place win for broadcasting in the MTV Student Production Awards, Focal Point has given itself more of a lead.
Kristen Waltman, 2005 graduate and former producer of Focal Point, said winning the award shows the group is more hardworking than many would expect.
"This is what we want to do - the industry we want to enter - so we take it seriously," she said. "It shows in our work. This is people working really hard and are really talented."
Focal Point is a group of 25-30 students who create five new broadcast episodes and one "best of" episode each year.
Topics can include entertainment, health, news, sports and a Spartans profile segment. The program is open to all grade levels but it is required as part of the broadcasting major. However, some staff members volunteer their time.
The staff received first place in a new category this year - Best College News Broadcast - for an episode that aired in spring 2005. Universities from around the nation submitted work from their broadcast department; other categories included entertainment, sports and information/documentary.
Former campus cable manager Doug Owen worked with Focal Point and submitted the tape to mtvU. He said when he submitted tapes, he always looked for specific things that stood out and made them unique.
"We try to get one (in which) the stories are compelling, with audio and video as good as it can be," he said. "It is a quality show and it all comes out on tape."
Although the award, a glass etched trophy and a $500 check, was sponsored by mtvU, Focal Point was chosen and announced by the Association of Higher Education Cable Television Administrators, or AHECTA.
Executive board member for AHECTA, Chrystal Basil, said mtvU's involvement means more than a big name attachment.
"mtvU is specially programmed for college students, and I think they are very forward thinking," she said. "A lot of the talent that will come to them is being fielded and nurtured in the college level, and that is why they are so involved at the college level."
Kimmerly Piper-Aiken, assistant professor in the MSU School of Journalism and executive producer of Focal Point, said the organization is unique for different reasons.
"Our magazine is more than for the campus community - we cover anything for and about MSU, and that is why we are different," she said. "Also, some campus shows that I've seen don't look as professional. We use a virtual, graphic set so it is a high-quality program - it gives us a sharp look."
Previously, the news magazine appeared on campus cable channel 12 but, starting in the fall, the show will air through local public access channel and PBS affiliate, WKAR-TV.
"It will give us much broader coverage," Piper-Aiken said of the move, which will bring in viewers from the Lansing area.
Alongside Waltman as a Focal Point producer, 2005 graduate Mark Kwas said he hopes recognition from the award will help the show in the future.
"This feels good," he said. "Focal Point is growing and hopefully people take advantage of it in the future. I think it will help it grow."
