DANBURY, Connecticut — A dedicated student crew at Western Connecticut State University is taking full advantage of their technological tools and social media expertise to present WCSU’s 13th annual “Election Connection” news production providing local coverage of Connecticut races as well as weather updates and exploration of important issues.
Since its debut in November 2011, “Election Connection” has provided election night coverage of news and race results featuring an anchor team of students and faculty, supported by student reporters covering key races and voter concerns. This year’s show airs on election evening, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
“Election Connection” will stream over YouTube at WCSU Studio Election Connection, on Facebook and on the WCSU website at www.wcsu.edu/live. A radio simulcast will air on WXCI-91.7 FM. Social media access is available on Twitter @ElectionCT.
Executive producer Dr. JC Barone, WCSU professor of Communication and Media Arts, observed that students participating in the interdisciplinary course that produces “Election Connection” have been staying late after class and working weekends because a commitment to the program drives them.
Under Barone’s supervision, the student production team is led by Producer Melody Barz, of Danbury; Technical Producer/Director Stephen Grant, of Brookfield; and News Director Alivia Stonier, of Southington. Anchors for the show are Leah Graham, of Bethel, and Alexis Ortega Gonzalez, of Danbury. “Election Connection’s” race analyst William Heese, of Danbury, will deliver updates on local, state and national races of import. Other students in leadership roles include Studio Floor Manager Angela Lanphear, of Brookfield, and Jasmine Edmunds, of Rocky Hill, who will deliver live weather reports.
Other students performing various reporting and production roles are Cameron Imrie, of Fairfield; Ben McKiernan, of New Fairfield; Laumega Lamour, of Danbury; Dylan DiSalvo, of Bethel; Edmar Rocha, of Danbury; Kevin Baldivicio, of Danbury; Ryan Gillis, of Carmel, New York; Troy Keegan, of Bethel; Andrew Lewis, of Danbury; Tyler Gamaliy, of Pawling, New York; Messier Vu, of Danbury; Justin Mandel, of Mount Vernon; and Brandon Brown, of Brewster, New York. Technical streaming support is provided by Scott Volpe, WCSU Associate Director of Media Services & Instructional Technology.
Barone has drawn from his extensive professional experience to design the course as a vehicle to train students in media and news production for the demands of today’s job market. “This year’s election is important with many local and state races to report on,” he said. “Word has spread that this is an educational experience that will help students in their careers regardless of what their discipline is.”
WCSU’s “Election Connection” productions have earned recognition from professional organizations in the communications field, including honors in the category of Studio Multi-Camera Production at the national Broadcast Education Association’s Festival of Media Arts, as well as Student Production Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Boston/New England. Additional recognitions include Telly Awards for Live Coverage and a Communicator Award of Distinction from the International Academy of the Visual Arts. “Our goal is consistently to deliver quality programming to the community and Connecticut,” Barone said.
For more information, contact Barone at baronej@wcsu.edu or WCSU Communications and Marketing at pr@wcsu.edu.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.