IUSTV offers video podcasts of shows

For those students who try to watch IU Student Television, campus Channel 2, but just can’t find the time, IUSTV has found a way to make viewing more convenient.\nIUSTV, which began producing in 2002 and now has about 200 members and 10 TV programs, started releasing video podcasts in early March to increase viewership and extend its broadcasts outside the Bloomington area.\n“It’s all a part of our goal to provide more immediate news and entertainment to our viewers, wherever they may be,” said Andy Tuholski, the IUSTV business operations director. “As the only independent student-run university television station in the country, we’re always looking to push the envelope and try new things.”\nThrough podcasts, students can watch their favorite portions of IUSTV on their computers. After subscribing to a podcast, iTunes or other podcasting computer programs will automatically alert and download a new video that has been released.\n“This will benefit the station greatly. All other big players like CNN offer shows through podcasting and other methods over the Internet,” said Nate Garrett, IUSTV’s information technology director.\nGarrett said between 500 to 2,000 people could subscribe to the podcasts by the fall, although the station has no means of knowing the exact numbers, he said.\nIn addition to podcasts, IUSTV has many other ideas on how to improve the station and increase the number of viewers.\nOver the summer, the station will begin renovations of the sports, news and entertainment sets to give the show a better appearance. Tuholski said he can’t wait to “give our station and our viewers a professional television studio that we can all be proud of.”\nBeginning in the fall, the station has plans to start making the shows available on YouTube and on video iPods.\n“We are trying to get out through as many channels as possible,” Garrett said. “I think once they are able to get videos on iPods this fall, it will greatly increase viewers. This way (viewers) don’t have to sit at their computers all the time.”