Tell us about your organization:
“46 Live” is the 46 hour live stream of THON. In our organization, we have hosts and crew members that work together to produce content, create graphics, and manage social media throughout THON weekend. We are supported by the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, and having their support has made it possible for us to continue to grow and make a better webcast.
Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?
46 Live provides a service that people really need. Once you graduate PSU, it’s hard to come back to the BJC for obvious reasons – but that doesn’t mean people still aren’t passionate about THON and want to be a part of it. We get to bring THON literally all across the world. We’re able to show THON to Penn Staters, alumni, Four Diamond families, and anyone who can’t be in State College. Last year, at peak viewership we had 13,000 people watching. If you compare that to the capacity of the BJC (which is 15,000), it’s really incredible. There’s a lot of infrastructure that goes into 46 live because we are not part of THON, we are own separate entity. Although we don’t raise money for THON, we provide a service which allows everyone across the world to view this really special event.
How did you decide to take on your role as Executive Producer of 46 Live?
I became involved in 46 Live my freshman year. I started as a host, then I went to crew, then assistant producer, and then last year I was the host producer. So, when it came time for the previous Executive Producers to choose the current Executive Producer, I was chosen along with my co-executive producer. My co-producer does a lot of the internal tasks while I do more of the external tasks. I, in a sense, act as the face of the organization.
How does your work with 46 Live give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?
I came in my freshman year as a PR major. Before coming to Penn State, I have never touched a video camera in my life. 46 Live gave me hands-on experience that made me realize I even like production. It was the first time I got to do what I want to do for my career – it inspired me to take on internships and really shaped my decision to pursue this long term. Now, I’ve added telecommunications to my major.
Why do you think your organization makes a difference in this world?
I think it gives people who wouldn’t be able to try this kind of stuff the opportunity to try it. Although we are supported by the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communcations, anyone from any major can join. One of our best hosts is a meteorology major, for example. I think 46 Live shows people who have never had this kind of exposure before the impact of a large audience.
Anything to say for students who might want to join this club?
Although we have already filled our producer roles, we are always looking for help with crew, social media, and content. If interested, email fourtysixlive@gmail.com. We would love to have you!
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