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The way we create and consume media has changed dramatically, and William Paterson University's Communication Department is evolving with it. The University has transformed a former television studio in Hamilton Hall into Studio X, a flexible, modern production space where students can bring their creative ideas to life through professional-quality video podcasts, livestreams, interviews, social media content, and more.
Studio X complements the University's traditional television studio, Studio A, by introducing students to a different approach to media production. While traditional television production typically involves larger crews and more complex workflows, Studio X allows just a few students to take a project from concept to production, editing, and publication across digital platforms. Together, the two studios give students hands-on experience with the diverse production methods shaping today's media industry.
"The media landscape has changed dramatically. Film and television remain important, but more and more media is now created by small teams, independent creators, entrepreneurs, brands, organizations, and digital-first companies," says Professor Chriss Williams, chair of the communication department. "Students need to understand how to create content efficiently, adapt it for different platforms, build audiences, and think entrepreneurially about their work."
Studio X also supports an evolving curriculum in the communication department, with increased emphasis on content creation, entrepreneurship, AI-assisted and mobile storytelling, and audience development. Students studying film, journalism, public relations, and other areas of communication will have opportunities to develop skills ranging from producing content for different digital platforms to understanding how to reach and engage audiences.
"Our goal is to give students experience in both worlds: the professional skills to work within established media organizations and the creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to build something of their own," Williams says.
