This just in, Sacred Heart University’s own TV news program, “The Pulse,” has returned once again for a new season of shows for the spring semester.
“The Pulse” is Sacred Heart’s student-run TV news magazine program that correlates with the CM 371 TV News Magazine Production course.
On Thursday, Feb. 25, they taped their first show of the new semester. “The Pulse” covers a variety of topics and even works on stories outside of the Sacred Heart community.
“‘The Pulse’s’ program transcends from popular news programs such as CBS’s ‘60 Minutes’ or NBC’s ‘Nightly News,’ showcasing university and local community feature stories,” according to “The Pulse’s” website.
“The Pulse” and its team have many goals for this semester.
One goal is “for all of the students to continue to do great storytelling and great production in the studio and to continue to develop their editorial and production skills,” according to Prof. Joseph Alicastro, faculty advisor for “The Pulse.”
All of the students on the team are looking forward to “The Pulse” for this semester. They are all ready to get their hands-on experience and are able to contribute to the show in different ways.
“I was on camera one as well as posting on Instagram as I am the Social Media Manager for ‘The Pulse’s’ account. Some of my classmates like to stick with the same position every show. Personally, I like to try everything and dip my toes in everywhere,” said senior Jackie O’Rourke, The Spectrum A&E Editor. “Last semester, I anchored and was the Technical Director. It was fun to be behind the camera; it’s definitely a lot less nerve-wracking.”
Students contribute anywhere from pitching and writing stories, filming behind the camera, working in the studio’s control room, or working in front of the camera as news anchors.
“My position was on audio, so I had to do microphone checks and make sure the anchors’ levels were even,” said senior Cara Gileau.
The first show of 2021 was smooth sailing according to one of the student producers.
“We did get some equipment fixed and got the nod to allow anchors to take off their masks during the show,” said Senior Producer Tomas Koeck.
There have been some changes implemented with the changing up of positions for students in and around the studio.
“One of our students, Rene Viviano, has taken charge of the control room directing responsibilities,” said Alicastro. “Under the supervision of student Jackie O’Rourke, our social media presence has substantially increased.”
Other changes have been implemented due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“The university is allowing the anchors to be unmasked during the show,” said Gileau. “They stay masked during rehearsals and run-throughs, but once we hit the record button, they can take their masks off and are six feet apart.”
“The focus of the first show back is on the return to campus under COVID: spring COVID protocols on campus, SHU nursing students during COVID, safe campus activities under COVID, and the new dorms on Upper Quad,” said Alicastro.
“Also, we introduced a new Alumni Spotlight segment which is really cool,” said O’Rourke. “Personally, I love to see what SHU alumni are doing and I think it is important to stay connected.”
“The Pulse’s” new show, episode #39, was released to the public via YouTube and the show’s website, thepulseshow.com, on Monday, March 1.
“‘The Pulse’ is a really special part of Sacred Heart University. We really are a team and work together to put out this show. It is definitely a collaborative process,” said O’Rourke.
