Students represent Sony at national broadcasters show in Vegas

Two Liberty University students had the opportunity to put their education training into action at the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas this week, working alongside Sony employees.

Senior Courtney Aube and junior Matthew Atkins, both students of Liberty’s School of Communication and Creative Arts, were selected by faculty to fill two invitations from Sony to participate in its NAB Student Experience. This was the first time Liberty was invited. There were 51 students selected from 17 institutions across the country, including the University of Southern California, Baylor University, Penn State, Syracuse University, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Schools are invited to participate based on recommendations from area Sony representatives. Pamela Miller, director of student programming at Liberty, said Liberty’s rep was impressed by the program’s expanding student broadcast/production opportunities — Liberty’s weekly Convocations and many athletic events are partially or fully student-run, and this year Liberty hosted the first-ever American Collegiate Hockey Association national tournament selection show.

Dr. Norman Mintle, dean of the School of Communication and Creative Arts, also attended, along with several students and some faculty members. He said he is grateful for the educational partnership Liberty now has with Sony, one of the leading manufacturers of broadcast equipment in the world.

“What a great opportunity for Liberty students to shine the light of Christ and of the professionalism they’re acquiring during their studies here at the School of Communication and Creative Arts,” he said.

The university has purchased Sony cameras as part of a campuswide HD conversion process.

Aube and Atkins arrived in Las Vegas last weekend for an intense three days of training before hitting the showroom floor with Sony representatives. During the conference they gave demonstrations on new equipment, answered questions, and interacted with professionals in the business.

Aube said every major company imaginable was represented at the show, from McDonald’s to Lifetime Network.

“I have learned more than I ever expected to,” she said. “I made many connections with people who desired to help me start my career out on the right path, and they were constantly willing to give advice about how to be successful. I also learned how to start conversations with people and convey knowledge about Sony products effectively.”

Aube said the trip was a highlight of her college career.

“I hope that more Liberty students get to enjoy the Sony Student Experience in the future because this is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege that opens up unbelievable opportunities.”

Aube co-hosted “Around Liberty In 90 Seconds” last semester and is very active with 90.0 The Light, Liberty’s student-run radio station. Atkins is heavily involved with Liberty’s live productions as a student director.