National Broadcasting Society - Bloomsburg University Chapter

The bulletin board for NBS, located in the hallway to studio a.

The 4 story, red brick building faces the northeast side of the Bloomsburg University campus. Nearing the four doors on the low side of the building the damp, crisp air carries the sound of the campus radio station, WBUQ. Walking down the brightly lit hallway to studio a, the feeling of entering an important area comes to mind. Each door has a black scanning pad, that only those in the mass communications major can unlock, but today the door to studio a stands wide open. Welcoming those who decided to join the national broadcasting society. Crossing the threshold from the control room, filled with buzzing computers and recording devices, to studio a the first thing you notice is the lime green paint covering two of the four walls of the rectangular room. Although the choice of paint may be questionable to those not in the world of production, it serves a very important purpose.  

Every Monday, at four o'clock, NBS  members gather in studio a. The student executives of NBS lounge beyond a crescent-shaped news desk located front and center in the brightly illuminated room. Behind them sits a wall of wooden paneling, and the signature maroon and gold Bloomsburg University logo.  The final students meander in, and the meeting comes to order. With vigor, the president gives a few announcements and everyone shuffles off into their groups. Each of the five different groups in NBS creates their own segment for the show.

Bloomsburg NBS logo.

Prior to any filming, certain processes must be completed by anyone interested in being on the show. “People don’t know how independent each person is, or how much a small group can do.” Says Kieran, the co-producer of Hotspot. The group huddles around Kieran and Sarah and begins to spout off ideas for this weeks segment.  Once some worthwhile ideas have been discussed, each individual member who thought of them must create a script.  Producers then review and make any changes they find necessary, to the completed script. As a group, during the weekly NBS meetings, the Hotspot team, set up a recording date. When that day arrives those who will be in front of the camera are sure to dress accordingly. Each person involved in NBS has their own responsibility, and it is up to them to take it on.

NBS members always seem to know what they are doing. Even some of the newest members with very little to no experience, carry themselves with pride. Knowing they are able to create anything they want. New members do not receive very much direction. This lack of direction can ultimately help each member become all the more creative. The national broadcasting society has a lot of different opportunities, and the choice of what to do is up to each individual person.  

The culture of NBS is different than most clubs or organizations on campus. "I think seeing others excel, and meeting passionate people [is one of the biggest rewards of my position]," exclaims Kieran. While you may think that a television show would be something very collaborative, at NBS it doesn't seem so. Each member can choose to participate in any segment, doing any role they feel comfortable with.