Illinois State University’s student-run television station, TV-10, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The journey, which began with the first live newscast on March 4, 1974, is now commemorated through a grand reunion on campus scheduled for April 12-13. Alumni and friends are invited to join the festivities, honoring 50 years of remarkable student achievement and involvement.
TV-10’s legacy extends over five decades, providing hands-on training to generations of students. The practical experience gained in the working newsroom and production environment has been invaluable in preparing students for real-world careers in the media industry.
As part of the celebration, TV-10 has launched a Hatch Campaign, a fundraising initiative aiming to raise $50,000. These funds will pay homage to the past 50 years and support the station’s future by upgrading equipment and maintaining a modern learning environment for future Redbirds.
What makes this initiative stand out is the invitation for alumni to contribute based on their graduation decade, adding a lively competitive element. The decade securing the highest funds will earn an exclusive VIP invitation to visit the TV-10 studios, offering a firsthand experience of the legacy they helped shape.
Interim Production Coordinator, Kelly Lambert, expresses excitement about celebrating this significant milestone.
“It is exciting to celebrate such a big milestone with TV-10. The opportunities that the program has created, and the money raised in this campaign will continue to carry on the TV-10 legacy. We are a program that is unique and one that students, for many years, have had the chance to benefit from. TV-10 is a family that continues to grow, and what we will be able to provide with the financial support from this fundraiser will only expand that tradition,” said Lambert.
Alum Arles Hendershott Love ’79 reflects on TV-10’s leadership in educating future broadcast journalists.
“Since my days at ISU, TV-10 has been a leader in the field of educating future broadcast journalists. As an alum, I firmly believe I need to pay it forward and do what I can to help the program and future students, which is why I am supporting the 50 for 50 campaigns,” said Hendershott Love.
Your support will make a meaningful impact, ensuring TV-10 continues to thrive for future students.
“TV-10 has been an integral part of the School of Communication for decades. Students have gained invaluable practical experience working in a real studio that produces top-notch news programming. Providing financial support to TV-10 means ensuring the same experiences and success for our current and future Redbirds,” said Aimee Miller-Ott, interim director of the School of Communication.
Learn more about the 50th anniversary campaign and how to get involved by visiting Hatch.IllinoisState.edu/pages/TV-10 or by contacting the Office of Annual Giving at (309) 438-4483, AnnualGiving@IllinoisState.edu.
Spread the word with your friends and fellow Redbirds! Share the excitement of TV-10’s 50th anniversary and support the Hatch campaign.
