Public Service, Outreach
An initiative that was started in 2001, was the development of co-curricular opportunities for the students. The initiatives of Dr. Ponniah, the students and volunteers, the support of ILS (International Learning Systems) and WYGN-LP (Good News Television-channel 12) have resulted in the media ministry of the Communication Department. The intent is to provide good news programming that will reach a non-Seventh-day Adventist audience.
Circle of Faith
Circle of Faith, a 30-minute television program, is a news magazine modeled after 20-20 and 60 Minutes. This program is hosted by two anchor persons (a male and a female) who are taped in the International Learning Systems studio. The program cuts from the studio to on-location reporters. The reporters compile stories integrating leads, transitions, interviews and discussions. Targeting non-Adventists, this program profiles Adventism in action as it connects with various communities around the world with a purpose to provide better quality of life. Circle of Faith is carried by WYGN-LP and the Hope Channel. Zlatina Levterova, a graduate communication student, is the co-producer of Circle of Faith. Communication students serve as reporters, scriptwriters, field camera operators and editors.
A voicemail message received early January, told of a retired Conference worker who lives in Idaho, and how he has been able to reach his neighbors. He had tried for a long time to find a way that would interest them. He called to get the complete program on the Tsunami as he had shown only a part of the program but his neighbors were anxious to see the whole program. Now he records the program on a Sunday and his neighbors willingly join him to watch.
Scriptural Pursuit
Scriptural Pursuit, is a 30-minute weekly television and radio program. This program is a three member panel discussion of Sabbath School lesson themes. Scriptural Pursuit is produced every week in the International Learning Systems studio using three studio cameras and a crew of seven to nine people. Scriptural Pursuit is made possible with the combined efforts of International Learning Systems, Good News Television, AU student volunteers, AU staff volunteers and community volunteers. Scriptural Pursuit targets a non-Adventist audience ages 30 and above.
Produced for radio and television, this program is broadcast over WAUS-FM, WGLL 1570AM, WGLL-TV7, WYGN-LP and the Hope Channel. The Hope Channel is a satellite network with signal accessible from any part of the world. Very soon, LifeTalk radio and Adventist World Radio will be broadcasting Scriptural Pursuit. Jacqueline Spencer, a graduate communication student, is the co-producer of Scriptural Pursuit. Many other communication students assist with the production as camera operators, teleprompter operators, engineers, production assistants and editors. Larry Bothe and Nick Wolfer serve as directors of Scriptural Pursuit.
Messages have been received from Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Romania, India, the Czech Republic and Croatia. Ranko Stefanovic is a guest on Scriptural Pursuit. On a recent trip to Australia and Croatia, he was identified as having been seen on Scriptural pursuit in those countries. He reported that in Croatia the program is downloaded and then English-speaking people translate the program.
Focus on Michiana
Focus on Michiana, a 30-minute television news magazine, features positive news stories of people, places and events from the Michiana area. Focus on Michiana is presented by two anchor persons and cuts from the studio to on-location reporters who cover the stories and or features. Four programs have been shot. This program will serve as Andrews University's outreach to the Michiana community. Currently Anneke Ingram is the co-producer. Communication students Melrose Afa'ese and Pierre Quinn are featured as anchor persons. Many others serve as on-location reporters, camera operators, production assistants and editors. Students from the Advanced Scriptwriting class wrote scripts for five stories. We are currently in communication to have Focus on Michiana to be carried by WNIT (Michiana's local PBS television station) and WYGN (Berrien Spring's local television station).
Old Rugged Cross: Story of a Hymn
A documentary video, "The Old Rugged Cross: Story of A Hymn", is being produced by Dr. Melchizedek Ponniah. This full-length docu-drama features the inspiring story behind Rev. George Bennard's hymn. This production involves several communication students and a few faculty from the Department of Communication, Department of Music and The College of Technology at Andrews University. Zlatina Levterova, a graduate communication student, wrote the script and assists as the co-producer.
Andrews Reaching Out
A promotional video, Andrews Reaching Out, was shown at the St. Louis General Conference session in July 2005. Joelle Damsteegt, a communication major, wrote the script and assisted with the production and post-production. Adam Kotanko, a communication major, assisted with camera work and post-production. Patrice Jones, the chief editor, volunteered many hours. Most of the footage was shot by Dr. Melchizedek Ponniah both in studio and on-location. This 15-minute video features the College of Arts and Science.
The media program is coordinated by Dr. Melchizedek Ponniah with a lot of assistance from Patrice Jones. These ministry initiatives give communication students opportunities for co-curricular education. Through these ministries students also build connections with the campus community, media professionals, and church leaders. Students have commented about their appreciation that the Department has facilitated in giving them the opportunity to use their talents in Christian service. At the same time, appreciation has been expressed via different media, locally, nationally, and internationally about the impact of these programs on sharing good news.