It’s time to celebrate! TV-10 just turned 45.
This state-of-the-art news program came to life in March 1974. Through the years, students have built a network within this wonderful program and made an impact on ISU’s campus and the surrounding community. On April 5 and April 6, the station hosted an anniversary celebration to commemorate all that TV-10 has done thus far and to celebrate what is to come.
TV-10 News Director Laura Trendle Polus in front of TV-10 anniversary movie marquee
As TV-10 turns 45, it is important to remember its beginnings. The founders of TV-10 are Jeff Hawkinson and Martin Grindeland. Hawkinson was the first news director and Grindeland was the first production director for the program. Shortly after launching the program the pair moved on.
From 1975 to 1982 Jeff Szmulewicz guided TV-10 as the production director. Under Szmulewicz’s direction, the studio went from black and white production to color in 1978. This was groundbreaking for TV-10 and played a part in its growth. By 1992 the TV-10 studio moved from the Old Union to its current home in Fell Hall. This move accommodated students and faculty because this new place allowed for the newsroom and studio to be in the same building.
The experience TV-10 gives its students is unmatched. TV-10 Production Coordinator Bob Carroll describes the experience that students receive as practical experience mixed with theory. Students can take the lessons they learn in class and apply it to the newscasts they organize.
TV-10 alumni at the Hall of Fame Ceremony
In 2015 TV-10 switched to a high-definition studio. Since then students have taken full advantage of the upgrades. Phillip Goens, a senior mass media student, recently started a new segment called, “Bites of BloNo,” that airs every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. during the Good Afternoon BloNo show. This segment features restaurants that are hidden gems or new to the Bloomington-Normal area. “Bites of BloNo” is even gaining attention from locals. This proves that TV-10 students are still carrying on the strong legacy of the alumni that came before them.
Alumni of TV-10 came out in packs to celebrate the station’s 45th birthday. The station also hosted a dinner and Hall of Fame Ceremony. TV-10’s celebration comes right off the heels of several EMMY nominations. It is evident that TV-10 has and always will break barriers and reach new heights.
