For UNM faculty, staff and students, it’s no secret that Web sites are the go-to communication hubs for those wanting and needing instant information. Most of the UNM community can be found in front of a computer, e-mailing, searching the internet or catching up on current events.
Written articles, calendar events, blogs and photo galleries seem to be the common Web site staples, but with popular sites, like YouTube, online video consumption is on the rise.
To keep up with this demand, the UNM Health Sciences Center (UNM HSC) has introduced HSC-TV, an online video program that focuses on the research and healthcare currently happening at the HSC.
“In this age of marketing and communication, interactive media is not a luxury, but a necessity,” said Melissa Romine, marketing and outreach officer at the HSC. “It’s important that our audience feel like they are right there experiencing the story. Having HSC-TV allows us to not only tell our stories, but visually communicate the emotional side of all the very important things that are going on here in the HSC community.”
John Arnold, multimedia development specialist at the HSC, is the eye behind the camera. A former TV news reporter, Arnold has an extensive background in camera operation and editing.
“Online video can be such an effective communications tool for large and complex institutions like the HSC,” said Arnold. “Compelling video and sound can add dimension to stories and Web sites that can’t always be conveyed in a still photo or the printed word.”
Arnold just finished a piece on a UNM Center for Development and Disability autism program called Camp Rising Sun. The camp, set in the East Mountains and the only summer camp in New Mexico for children with autism, not only gave Arnold a scenic backdrop, but also gave him plenty of compelling interviews with campers, counselors and several other support staff.
“When first approached for a HSC-TV feature, I immediately thought it would be a great idea,” said Laura White, founder and director of Camp Rising Sun. “We are new to the UNM Center for Development and Disability and to UNM in general. I thought this would be a great way to introduce our program to those at UNM who have never heard of the camp.”
“That is the goal of HSC-TV, to open windows for the UNM community to certain worlds that they may not be aware are here on campus,” said Romine. “With so much information coming from every direction, the HSC-TV program aims to package interesting stories and important information that are easily accessible. It’s been a nice addition and we hope to keep building upon this program.”
To view the current HSC-TV feature and past features visit: HSC-TV.
Media Contact: Lauren Cruse, (505) 272-3690; e-mail: lcruse@salud.unm.edu