West Liberty University is going live with a new digital platform just in time for its first home football game on Thursday, Sept. 12, as it unveils Topper Station. Kick-off is at 7:10 p.m., and programming begins at 6:45 p.m.
“We have been working on an enhancement of our broadcasting platform for some time, and Topper Station offers an updated digital presence and a dynamic user experience,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Jason Koegler.
“Topper Station incorporates academics, live events and university promotion with a community platform that offers great entertainment, educational programming and a live stream of content,” he said.
Topper Station will coordinate WLU-TV14 programming, the Topper Station website content and the Main Street Bank Video Board stream, located in the ASRC (Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex).
The new logo for the digital platform was designed by WLU senior Kelsey Hayden of Charles Town, West Virginia, and Aaron Silber from Omni Strategic designed the new website, with video hosting by Brightcove.
WLU-TV14 began in a small studio located in the basement of the Elbin Library and has grown to include a multi-million dollar facility equipped with leading technologies. West Liberty University Television (WLU-TV 14) today reaches more than 100,000 cable homes on Comcast Cable Channel 14.
Since first airing in the fall of 2007, “community-oriented” programming served as a platform to promote and grow West Liberty University, according to Koegler. Now Topper Station will take WLU broadcasting to the next level of technology.
“Topper Station is a big deal because it will house everything that we do in one place, and it’s easy to navigate and to search. It makes it easier to share content on social media also,” said Theresa Gretchen, executive director of WLTV.
Analytics will be provided so WLU leaders can respond to trends and statistics.
Gretchen, who instructs students enrolled in broadcasting, said that the new format provides students with hands-on experience in the field of digital media.
Current programming on WLU cable includes community information shows and entertainment programs. Additional programs include taping of WLU events like commencement and concerts.
Sports programming and live coverage of Hilltopper sports including football and basketball games also is in the lineup and is handled by producer Todd Ullom who does play-by-play.
“Topper Station will allow us to do more sports coverage, and we plan on having live wrestling and other D-II sports action in the future. We are looking to add many new features as the year goes on,” said Koegler.
Topper Station is found at topperstation.com.
