About Us

What is ZTV?

ZTV is a co-curricular program within the academic unit of the School of Communication at The University of Akron. Our station is a career-development program where students train in different areas of media, production, television broadcasting, social media, and more. The hands-on experience helps students build their skillset, their knowledge, and their confidence in working in different environments in media, news, and entertainment.

 

Who makes the content for ZTV?

All of our content is produced by students at The University of Akron. While this program is housed in the School of Communication, all students at the university, regardless of their major or field of study, are welcome to apply. ZTV is committed to distribute content that only meets professional standards.

 

Where can I watch ZTV programming?

Our programming airs on channel 45-1 on campus and is distributed through social media on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Has ZTV won any awards?

Yes! ZTV programs have been recognized with a total of 8 College Production Awards or student Emmys, and 34 nominations by the Lower Great Lakes Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

We also received the 2017 Distinguished Program Award by the Ohio Communication Association.

Lastly, many of our members have won Communicator Awards and Telly Awards.

 

What do students learn in ZTV?

Our students acquire a variety of production skills and best practices for content management and distribution, including:

  • Camera usage using DSLRs and ENG cameras

  • Television studio equipment

  • Sound recording

  • Video and photo editing using Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Audition

  • Scripting

  • Lighting

  • Social Media Management

  • Web design

  • Event planning

Most importantly, our students learn the value of professionalism, team work, networking, time management, and other attributes that will pave the way to a successful career.

 

How many credit hours is ZTV?

ZTV is one (1) credit hour per semester. The credit is tuition free, and it only has a technology fee of $165.00 per semester.

 

How do I join ZTV?

All University of Akron students are welcome to apply. If you are interested in joining our program, visit our Join ZTV page. We take applications the first two weeks of each regular semester (Fall and Spring).

 

What is the time commitment to be part of ZTV?

This varies from student to student. Some of our members get highly involved in the production of programming, while others can only dedicate a smaller amount of time. Either way, the program is designed to work around your class schedule and other commitments you may have. It would be expected for the average student to spend about five (5) hours per week in our program.

 

Why should I join ZTV?

There are many benefits to joining. You will learn about media, communication, video production and broadcasting. If you are a non-media major, these skills are incredibly valuable in our society where content distribution, public relations, marketing, and sales are using media messages to reach audiences.

You will also have first-hand experience working in a professional environment where you can begin building a positive reputation, work ethic, and networking.

Our program has helped many alumni to find jobs in the media industry or work in combination with other career paths.

By joining our program, you have little to lose and much to gain, so we invite you to check it out and see for yourself.

 

Are there tours of the station?

Yes! You are welcome to request a tour of our facilities. There are many high school groups, college students, and non-profit groups that requests visits. Send us an e-mail to request a tour or, if you are a student, a shadowing experience.

 

QUESTIONS?

You can e-mail any questions about our program to ZTV’s General Manager, Professor Juan Eduardo Contreras at ztv@uakron.edu.