The Echo updates programs, broadens student audience

The Echo, a student-run news production, has been working since 2008 to provide the Loyola community with campus coverage, along with national news and events. In the beginning, shows focused solely upon Loyola news, but as of recently, The Echo has broadened to covering national and local stories as well.

The news team consists of 20 students who are eager to learn more about broadcast journalism in an attempt to prepare them for potential careers in the field.

This year's director/producer, senior Katie Bigley, has been with the program since her sophomore year. "It has been an amazing revolution to see where The Echo began in 2008 to what it is now," she said.

The Echo's unique name came from the show's original producer, who wanted a title that "represented the idea that campus news is mainly spread through word of mouth."

"The Echo represents the source of where the news comes from and that it is ‘echoing' throughout campus," said Bigley.

Bigley produces the program, which is aired weekly and includes coverage stemming from student opinions on the quad to big events happening on campus along with national headlines, provided in an attempt to draw in a wider audience.

In her position, Bigley is responsible for organizing stories and scripts as well as editing the in-studio production. However, she said, "Without the help of the news team and the staff of GreyComm studios, The Echo would not be what it is today."

For the future, Bigley looks forward to shaping The Echo into a more realistic newscast, including segments such as the weather and having more consistent showings.

To get dates and times of when The Echo airs, follow GreyComm on Facebook or visit greycomm.tv.com. Programs are also frequently playing on the campus televisions on Channel 33.

"Truly, I cannot explain how much of an unforgettable experience it has been to be able to direct and produce The Echo and to be working with such a dedicated team," said Bigley.