Macon State Rallies Community Support via Live Broadcasting

Unique Internet production saves money and builds loyalty

Macon, Georgia (June 19, 2007) Macon State College faced the problem of most schools and universities - effectively communicating and raising community awareness on an ever shrinking budget. Not wanting to sacrifice their show’s integrity or quality, but lacking resources to purchase a live truck, university staff and students invested in NewTek TriCaster PRO, a live production truck in a 10-pound, portable box. TriCaster streams the college sports and tailgating show live on the Internet. The show features coaches, players and “in-the-crowd” interviews highlighting parents and athletes.

Macon State College Professor of Information Technology Jim Leonard involves local community businesses and high school students to create, produce and support the show. “This show has really brought together the community on so many different levels,” Leonard says, adding that students produce the entire show. “These students are incredibly driven and talented.”

The show and program has become so popular, Leonard developed a course for live television and Internet sports broadcasting. Chandler Lee, a student broadcaster, says this program is the only one of its kind in the United States. “I believe our broadcasts could go up against any broadcast in the nation,” he explains. “And I know without TriCaster, our broadcasts wouldn’t be as great as they are now.”

Brandon Obenauf, CEO of Macon State College’s Athletic Broadcasting Department, has been producing the college’s sports and events for several years. “It’s a great feeling to be able to offer this type of broadcast to so many different people, especially with the Internet,” he explains. “But what’s even better is all of the support we receive from the community and local businesses - thanks to TriCaster, people are really excited and care about what we’re doing at Macon State College.”

Pricing and Availability
TriCaster PRO is available at the suggested retail price of $6,995 US. For more information, please visit http://www.newtek.com or call NewTek Sales at 1-800-368-5441. International callers dial +1-210-370-8000.  To locate an Authorized NewTek Reseller, please visit http://www.newtek.com/dealers.

About NewTek
With headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, NewTek is a leading provider of full-featured video editing, live production, presentation and visual effects tools including TriCaster™, VT[4]™, SpeedEDIT™, 3D Arsenal™ and LightWave 3D®.

--End--

• LightWave, LightWave 3D and Video Toaster are registered trademarks of NewTek.
• TriCaster, TriCaster PRO, SpeedEDIT, iVGA, TriCaster VM, Television Studio in a Box and 3D Arsenal are trademarks of NewTek, Inc.
• All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.