ESPN finds news home right here at Mercer

WMUB, Mercer University’s television station, is streaming now on Cox Channel 112, but the content is neither local nor live coverage… yet.

In April, former State Sen. Cecil P. Staton Jr. and neurosurgeon Dr. Joe Sam Robinson donated the studios of WRWR, an independent television station based in Warner Robins.

Now the relocation to Mercer Village is complete, and WRWR has changed its call letters to WMUB—Mercer University Broadcasting.

The station projects that, by the beginning of the semester next fall, it will operate a completely student-driven newscast wherein students will have the opportunity and the know-how to write, shoot and edit their own stories as well as to run cameras and to anchor.

“We’re gearing up right now to put in a broadcast journalism program where students can have behind the scenes and on-air experience,” said Brad Bostwick, director of operations and programming.

He says that there is still a lot of work to be done, including building a curriculum for the program and adding classes, but the physical facility is set up—everything but the newsroom.

A peek into the newsroom shows cameras and carpet where a desk donated by the NBC affiliate of Macon will sit.

“I need to pick that up soon,” Bostwick said.

Bostick worked at WRWR for four years under the same title, so he possesses the expertise, just not the labor. He is the only person currently on staff at WMUB.

“This is going to be an excellent opportunity for students who want to go into the broadcast journalism field because, when they leave here, they are going to have the hands-on experience and the training that’s necessary,” said Bostwick. “They’re going to have an upper hand on the students from other schools.”

WMUB has announced its affiliation with the American Sports Network and MHz Network. The station currently streams MHz WorldView, a 24-hour international news channel broadcast in English.

Although he does not watch it all the time, Bostick thinks that the current programing is cool because it gives worldwide perspectives, everywhere from Russia to Afghanistan to Korea.

This fall, WMUB will air 33 live NCAA football games in the Southern Conference, Conference USA, the Big South Conference and the Colonial Athletic Association. This lineup includes the Oct. 25 road game against UT-Chattanooga.

For a full schedule of games that will air on WMUB, please visit wmub.tv/live-sports.

When asked how he feels about the whole experience, Bostwick replied, saying, “I love it here. It’s exciting, it’s new. It’s getting off the ground. A lof of it we’re still learning too. This is my first time dealing in the world of academia, but it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward it.”

The WMUB facilities also serve as a home base for Mercer’s partnership with ESPN3, which is currently searching for interested and semi-knowledgeable students to help with production of live sports games.