The audience may know WTOP-10 as the student television organization that records live sports, as well as morning and nightly news. However, there is more than just the serious broadcasts. A wonderful feature of WTOP-10 is its variety original productions (O.P.s).
O.P.s allow students to have more freedom within the TV station. Producers are not forced to follow a strict rundown like news. O.P.s are an art. A producer earns the most credit when an episode/season turns out successfully.
There are two types of O.P.s., the regular O.P.s and the sports O.P.s. A standout is “The Rundown,” a politcal show. It stands on more of a serious side of O.P.s, the show covers the top stories in the political realm, national news issues and health and science stories. There are a number of anchors that have made a name in WTOP-10.
Past anchors Robert Hackford and Garrett Domblewski left an impact on the show. Justin Penmann and Lauren Toscano have also done a great job as anchors. “The Rundown” is a politics show that is returning for another season. Justin Penmann is the producer for fall 2016.
“The show runs on a team effort, [all] of us have to be on the same page and contribute to finding content on the show,” Penmann said via email. “We worked well as a team last year, it’s an important mindset to keep alive. Another thing to do is have fun. You can’t work well if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing. It’s important to take pride in our work. It’s also important to understand that we all have different opinions when it comes to politics and that our differences make for a more well-balanced, unbiased newscast. It’s important to show all angles of an argument.”
Changes that Penmann and his crew are looking forward to include eliminating opinionated speech. Last year, the show had trouble keeping opinions out, but the anchors will be stressing that more this year.There will also be more packages and B-roll to keep the viewers glued to the TV.
A new segment called “Around the World in 15 Minutes” will feature international students as they describe their different perspectives on American international politics. Other segments are undisclosed.
Two-time Ozzie Award winner for Best Original Production, “The ‘Zine Show” brings guilty pleasure content from magazines to TV. The show covers the latest entertainment news, unique DIY projects, advice and trending topics across social media. Even special guests are on at times.
The show will be heading into its seventh season. However, graduation is fast approaching for talent Arielle Schunk and Kalie Hudson, but no need to be sad. New faces will continue the legacy for a bit longer. Dedicated Toppers Jessica Kisluck and Boni Quatroche will serve as producers and on-air talent to gain the feel for “The ‘Zine Show.” Producers are scouting underclassmen who might be interested in creating some pre-recorded content for the show, as well as street-esque correspondents to diversify content.
“I know I can speak for both myself and my co-host Kalie Hudson, last year was challenging at first,” Schunk said via email. “After our producers, director and main host left we had to learn what it was like to carry a show and produce quality content every other week. Rob Pagan and Hayley Prenatt helped us through busy and stressful weeks with dedication to the show.”
On to sports, “The Playing Field” (TPF) is a half-hour sports debate talk show that discusses the hottest topics in the sports world. It is one of the longest running shows on WTOP-10. “TPF” enters its ninth season with many changes. After four straight years airing on Sundays, the show is moving to Tuesdays at 11 p.m. Ameen Smith left the show due to graduation, but joining Dylan Kuhn and Matt Moran will be new host Dalton Sargent.
After five seasons as an hour-long show, “TPF” will run for 30 minutes.
“We hope condensing the show will allow us to focus more on the top sports stories,” Moran said via email. “We have a lot of fun putting on the show each week and with the different perspectives we all bring as well as the entertainment value we think you’ll enjoy watching ‘The Playing Field.’”
“Inside the Club” is another sports O.P. on WTOP-10. Producer Allif Karim had the idea for the show when he met Penmann during move-in day their freshman year and they connected instantly. After realizing that they shared a passion for soccer, they pitched the show. Former Oswego State students, now full-time producers in the broadcast industry, Jordan Dietterich and Justin Berrios were producers of the show.
The show is made by soccer fans, for soccer fans. The anchors cover games from Major League Soccer to the Premier League and across rest of the world. The show also covers political issues involving the sport, affecting the fans and governing bodies of the game.
“The biggest learning process for me last year was understanding how to step up to the leadership role that Penmann and I were expected to this year,” Karim said. “We had a whole new cast; [with] three people joining the show and crew, including a new director. Learning to ascend and be in charge was the learning process for me. But also learning to trust my team and work with them was the best decision ever. Working with Mary, Brandon, Ryan and Bobby was the best thing that could ever happen to Penmann and I.”
The show is currently looking for a lot more of the creative spin. Three segments were introduced in the past year, the “Versus Panel,” “Hot or Not Panel,” and “Off the Pitch.” More new segments are being pursued as possibilities as well.
“We want to push the boundaries of our ‘look’ with the elements added to the broadcast and our signature green screen segment,” Karim said.
