Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Move over C-Span, here comes “WingSpan.”

A group of UNCW communication studies students recently launched “WingSpan,” a weekly political talk show covering politics as well as campus, local, state and national issues.

Through the project, students learn about relevant issues from the people directly involved and apply their knowledge to examine the media's role in the political process. So far, the show’s topics have touched on the education system in New Hanover County and economic development in Wilmington and its environmental impact.

“Our goal is to provide constructive conversation on important issues in a supportive, positive, and most importantly, non-partisan learning environment,” said Jennifer Brubaker, associate professor of communication studies and executive producer of “WingSpan.”

Students enrolled in Brubaker’s upper-level Media and Politics class are responsible for every aspect of the show, including topics, guests, research, scripts, public relations, social media and production.

The show is sponsored by ETEAL, a program designed to enhance and enrich student learning.

“As with similar applied learning projects, this will provide students with the opportunity to dovetail the theoretical with the practical to produce a tangible artifact,” Brubaker said. “This authentic experience enculturates students in a civic engagement opportunity while also doing a service for the greater community.”

“WingSpan” airs on The Learning Network (TLN) at 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and is also available online. Follow “WingSpan” on Facebook and @UNCWingSpan on Twitter and Instagram.

-- Venita Jenkins