WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 27, 2016 — Imagine having the chance to interview important people, host your own talk show or cover a major election. Nineteen-year-old Corey Knollinger, a West Liberty University sophomore broadcasting major, does just that.
“I am very excited — especially to cover the upcoming national election. I’m young and it’s so cool that I can cover a major election like this. It’s crazy and I’m so happy,” Knollinger said. As a freshman, Knollinger started out filming football games for WLTV, which broadcasts on Comcast Channel 14 and online via Ustream.
This fall he’s looking forward to more opportunity and hands-on work. WLU’s College of Arts and Communication prides itself on the faculty’s expertise built on 75 combined years of experience.
“Our Media Arts Center and WLTV is the envy of many professional television studios. We provide a hands-on education that is invaluable for our students as they prepare to enter the work force,” said Dr. Matthew Harder, dean of the College of Arts and Communication. The studios include a full high definition production studio truck for travel.
Faculty includes Chris Lee, who has been with the university since 1989, teaching broadcasting. Jeff Pfister also teaches communication courses and is the director of WGLZ, the student radio station that broadcasts at 91.5 on the FM dial.
Theresa Gretchen and Jared Thompson, both WLU graduates, work full-time as the staff members of WLTV, Gretchen serving as the executive director and Thompson as senior producer and engineer.
Knollinger started in the field of broadcasting in high school at John Marshall High School and decided it was his career of choice. He’s good with technology and even built his own computer. He also has invested much of the money he’s earned from part-time jobs so that he can earn some money doing freelance work.
His first big interview at WLU TV was with West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant this past September. Was he jittery about the interview?
“I was a little nervous. I hadn’t done anything on that scale before. As soon as I found out about it, I prepared though and got through it OK. Our subject was voter registration, a really important topic to her naturally, and to me,” he said. Knollinger went on to interview Tennant two more times last year and is pleased that whenever she visits Wheeling, she is willing to stop by for an update. (Here’s the most recent one on Vimeo.)
This summer Knollinger’s been doing freelance work and creating videos for local entertainers, along with working in a major grocery store. He’s looking forward to returning to the classroom however.
“WLU’s program is a great way to learn. It’s cool, because they throw you in and let you learn on job. If you work and get involved you can experience the industry first hand,” he said.
Lectures and classroom work is complemented by shooting, editing, creating video and learning every aspect of media work, from working crew to going live as the anchor.
“Chris Lee does a great job of teaching. Crew is an incredible experience too. But you have to remember that you get what you put into it. If you want the full experience, West Liberty University will definitely deliver. It’s a robust education,” Knollinger said.
Knollinger lives with his family in Bridgeport, Ohio when he’s not on the Hilltop but formerly resided in Columbus, Ohio and Marshall County. His mother Patricia Stegman Knollinger is proud of him and his work.
WLU’s broadcasting program has a long list of successful graduates including local TV anchors Tate Blanchard and Rachael Dierkes, WTRF Channel 7 and Crissy Clutter, WTOV Channel 9.
The Department of Communication provides the general studies communications courses required in all degree programs. In addition, the department offers a major in seven distinct areas: Advertising Communication, Broadcasting, Communication Studies, Journalism, and Public Relations and a minor in Advertising Communication and Public Relations.
For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB or visit westliberty.edu.