This article was written by Drue Hamlet.
The Volunteer Channel (TVC) began in 1998 as a small, student-produced television program. Now, TVC is taking its coverage to an even bigger stage. Beginning November 7, TVC will debut a live 30-minute segment airing every Friday at 12:30 p.m. ET on WVLT’s CW channel.
“Finding a home for TVC on the air has been a goal for the students from the beginning. All of the reports are pitched, shot, written, and edited entirely by students. On news days, the entire production from audio to directing, producing, camera work, and on-air talent is all students,” said Assistant Professor of Practice Brittany Tarwater, who serves as an advisor to TVC and a multimedia journalist for WVLT. “This live, on-air platform now serves as a way to elevate their reporting, serve the community, and put our students in the best possible position to continue their careers as professional journalists.”
Gracyn Thatcher, a journalism and media major, has been active in the organization since 2022, when she began her journey with TVC in the audio booth. The senior worked her way up to serve as the current news director and president of TVC. During the three years she has been at TVC, Thatcher has watched the station flourish due to the support of many mentors within the college and local media community in Knoxville.
“We’ve seen so many people want to get involved. It really speaks to the support of the school and The Media Center. They want us to be successful,” said Thatcher. “WVLT has continued to be a great partner for us. Many of our staff have interned with them over the years, so we have built a strong connection with their team. It’s truly a full circle moment for all of us.”
The partnership with WVLT will provide students with another outlet for professional development and hands-on experience outside of the classroom.
“Nothing can compare to a hands-on experience, and TVC airing on our CW channel takes the great journalism training already underway at UT and gives students that sense of accomplishment that comes after a live on-air broadcast,” said Rex Barber, news director at WVLT. “Good journalism is important, and we at WVLT are thrilled to be supporting the future of this profession in this way.”
Viewers can tune in to https://www.wvlt.tv or watch TVC News live on WVLT’s CW channel on cable. The segments will also be on TVC’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@UTKTheVolunteerChannel.