Anderson University’s original sports show “Raven Watch” has been named a finalist in the Sports Video Group national sports-media contest. The Andersonian product will be contending for recognition in the Outstanding Program Series, student-produced media division.
Raven Watch is a weekly produced ESPN-style show that began as an idea two years ago by 2018 grad Lindsay Stone. Since its inception last year, Raven Watch has covered the biggest sports moments at AU, as well as sharing some personal stories by athletes and coaches.
“I had the idea to start Raven Watch while I was in the shower believe it or not. It took about eight months before we ever produced an episode: writing proposals, ordering gear and getting sponsors,” Stone said. “Between shooting b-roll, writing scripts, running social media and editing the show, every role involved is a critical piece of the show.”
The Raven Watch staff works anywhere from 10-15 hours each week to produce the show. Last semester, Stone was joined by Dee Allen, Chrishaun Beasley, Alec Brown, Isaac Ferguson, Milly Hensley, Ian Lane, Mac Mullins and Dylan Thompson. Brown will be taking over as executive producer and host next year.
“I spent a lot of time learning under Lindsay and working behind the scenes,” Brown said. “Each episode I did a run through off of the teleprompter to gain some on-camera experience. I eventually began conducting interviews out in the field, leading production meetings and doing voice overs.”
Brown has a vision for the show, as it will move into its second year of filming in the fall of 2018.
“I want to see it continue to grow even more and become a staple of Anderson’s culture moving forward. As Raven Watch progresses, we will continue to showcase these stories in as professional of a manner as possible,” Brown said.
The program is already receiving recognition after just one year on the air, and although Stone won’t be on campus to produce the show anymore, her legacy will live on.
“I loved being able to wear so many hats in this position, from anchor to producer to writer. I’m going to miss the people the most,” Stone said. “I’ll miss getting to cover incredible stories about the people that sat next to me in class that no one would know otherwise. It’s an honor to represent the Andersonian and what it stands for in this unique way.”
Past Raven Watch episodes can be viewed on the Andersonian’s website or on the City of Anderson’s cable-television channel. The show is sponsored by the Steve Folgate Agency.
Contest winners will be announced May 30-June 1 in Atlanta, Georgia at the SVG’s “College Summit.” For more information, visit svgcollege.com/2018finalists.