Orange Television Network announces new fall lineup, debuts new website

Orange Television Network announces new fall lineup, debuts new websiteSeptember 25, 2007SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

The Orange Television Network (OTN) has announced its upcoming fall season — including two new shows, “The Control Room” and “Reel Old Movies,” along with several returning favorites — and unveiled its new website featuring an enhanced program guide and more user-friendly functionality. OTN can be seen on campus on cable channel 2 and on the Web at http://orangetv.syr.edu.

“This is our third year on the air, and each year we have expanded our staff, programming and abilities,” says OTN General Manager Andy Robinson. “We are really excited about our programming and new website, and can’t wait to share the news with SU students, faculty and staff.”

OTN announced its new schedule at a Sept. 24 press event with Robinson, OTN Coordinating Producer Josh Cregg, “Indie Flick Files” producer Michael Eassa, “Improve Your World” producer Melissa Morton, “Reel Old Movies” producer Vin Nucatola and “The Control Room” producer Torie Wells.

OTN’s brand new season will kick off with updated episodes of hit shows like “Woohoo Comedy,” “Indie Flick Files,” “Bandersnatch” featuring Earl Greyound with Illinois, and “Improve Your World.”

In addition, OTN has produced the two new shows “The Control Room” and “Reel Old Movies.” Conceptually similar to last year, “The Control Room” has been reinvented to be more focused on the students, and will be available online only. Each week, show producer Wells talks with students to announce and discuss events, groups and issues that are happening on campus.

A spinoff of the original “Flicks `n’ Picks,” “Reel Old Movies” entails exactly what its title indictates. Once a month, producer and host Nucatola presents classic movies and provides comic relief while he explains interesting facts about each film throughout the presentation.

OTN aired a live broadcast of Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.’s Sept. 19 keynote address for the dedication of Newhouse III and also conducted an interview with Newhouse Dean David Rubin that will air throughout the week of Sept. 24.

Do you ever wonder how a radio station operates and what those hosts actually look like? For the curious minds, OTN documents the happenings of the “Z Morning Zoo” (WJPZ, 89.1 FM) with a live replay of the radio show every Monday?Friday from 6?10 a.m.

OTN has also teamed up with Citrus TV, SU’s completely student-run television station, and will air Citrus TV’s news program every Monday?Friday at 10 p.m. Further partnership efforts are in the works, as OTN and Citrus TV are planning to collaborate to produce and air live replays of SU athletic teams’ and club teams’ events.

This year, OTN will also team up with The Open Student Television Network (OSTN), the only 24-hour global channel devoted exclusively to student-produced programming. OSTN can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.ostn.tv, as well as legacy cable channels at colleges and universities around the country. OTN will contribute its content to the OSTN biweekly newscast and provide student-produced comedy and music shows. SU students, through OTN and OSTN, will get hands-on experience and have their work seen by their peers throughout the country.

The newly designed OTN website adds great functionality to the program schedule and video streaming. New Web Content Administrator Julian Joseph will manage the website to ensure its user friendliness. Students will also be able to learn more about their favorite SU-produced shows through the website’s enhanced program guide.