SPC students study up on latest videos at MTVU

Amanda Hurt, staff writer

Students who have eaten in Texan Hall on the SPC campus have had the opportunity to watch MTVU.

South Plains College is one of 720 colleges across the country and the students are part of the 5.5 million viewers who watch MTVU everyday. MTVU is the largest television network just for college students. It airs 24 hours a day, seven days a week in dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses across the United States.

MTV bought a company called CTN (College Television Network) and renamed it MTVU in October 2002. It officially launched to viewers on Jan. 20, 2003.

“MTVU will be all about U, the university, but more importantly, U, the student,” said Stephen Freidman, general manager of MTVU. “Just as college students are experimenting with their lives, we want to be a laboratory for what’s new, whether it be new music or recognizing the talents of the students themselves.”

MTVU not only offers the latest and hottest music videos, but it also offers videos of up –and-coming artists who are on the college level, but might not have national exposure yet. “The Cut” is a segment of the show which gives exposure to those up-and-coming bands and offers free exclusive downloads of “The Cut” artists’ music on mtvU.com.

MTVU is not just about music. It also carries news from CBS. The anchors and reporters are recent college graduates who bring hourly updates, ranging from Supreme Court rulings to outcomes in NCAA tournaments.

The channel also offers countless opportunities for those inspiring DJs, VJs, filmmakers, and comic strip writers among others. Those students interested in becoming involved with these contests can gain access through mtvU.com.

A few of the big contests are “You Want, You Got It,” contest that will allow the winners to pick the prize they want, anything from a year’s tuition to a car with free gas. The “Stand In” contest will bring icons into students’ classrooms to be a teacher for day, including one of music’s most controversial and innovative artists, Marilyn Manson. Other “Stand Ins” set for this semester include Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt and Jesse Jackson. “MTVU Grants” will join up with Youth Venture to give a $1,500 mtvU Grant to a young social activist every single week of the school year.

“There are so many talented students out there, and we want to give them a chance to discover and perfect their talents,” Freidman said.

What is so good about MTVU programming is that it is short-form to fit in with the fast-paced nature of college life. It is very student oriented. The video countdowns and other music programming shows are voted on by those fans who cast their votes on mtvU.com. Students can also receive information on jobs, traveling even dating, by watching the programs.
Any student can gain access to MTVU in their dorm room or lounge rooms by going to mtvU.com.