June 21, 2002 UNT Inhouse publication: NT Daily Sounds begins web broadcasting

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NT Daily Sounds begins web broadcasting NT Daily Sounds on a computer screen

In late April, ntdaily.com launched NT Daily Sounds, an extension of the North Texas Daily web site, broadcasting music from local bands and news reports produced by UNT students.

Though the webcast has only recently gone live, the idea for the project was conceived last summer by John Mark Dempsey, assistant professor of journalism, and Jim Albright, associate professor and chair of the journalism department. Dempsey, who now oversees the project, wanted to give broadcast journalism students a chance to sharpen their skills by writing, producing and anchoring radio-style newscasts.

The webcast's Home Cookin' program is a frequently updated, hourlong show with local music introduced by the Daily's chief music and entertainment writer, Ryan Peterson, campus news reports and public service announcements. At the midpoint of each show, the "Spotlight" segment highlights songs from the week's featured band.

"We're starting small," says Dempsey, "but we're excited about expanding the webcast."

In the coming months, NT Daily Sounds plans to hire a student program director to oversee the production of several daily newscasts.

"We also want to make a more explicit connection with the Daily," Dempsey says. NT Daily columnists will be encouraged to record commentaries for use on the site. Journalism students enrolled in the new radio news production course (Journalism 4325) will also contribute to the webcast.

To listen to NT Daily Sounds on the web, visit ntdaily.com and click on the "NT Daily Sounds" button on the right side of the page.