Radio-Television Services and The Media School at Indiana University will enter into a formal partnership to enhance services to students and the community.
RTVS includes WFIU, WTIU, and a media productions unit that offers professional audio, video, and event production support to clients. Historically, RTVS has operated under the IU Bloomington Office of the Provost; now, that reporting line will move to The Media School. Operation within a media, journalism, or communications school is a common administrative structure for public media stations licensed by universities. WFIU and WTIU’s mission to serve the public through quality radio and TV programming remain unchanged with this reporting line move.
The administrative alignment formalizes a longstanding partnership between the units. Each semester, RTVS provides internships, jobs, and practicum opportunities to 70-80 IU students across its news, content, and events units. RTVS employees frequently teach Media School courses as adjunct instructors.
“The missions of our two units are complementary,” said Media School Dean David Tolchinsky. “We understand and appreciate the importance of serving the community through public broadcasting and are thrilled to partner with the stations. The Media School and WFIU/WTIU both see editorial independence as core principles and we look forward to upholding these together.”
While the spirit of the move is collaborative, some functions will remain separate. The WFIU and WTIU newsroom will maintain its editorial independence, and the stations will continue to serve the public through quality music, arts, educational, information, and news programming. RTVS and The Media School will maintain distinct budgets, and all philanthropic support will remain separate.
The partnership presents opportunities for increased student engagement in news, radio, TV, digital, and athletic content, allowing for an expansion of RTVS programming and outreach efforts across the state, creating experiential opportunities for students, and increasing local media production capacity for campus and community. These opportunities align with priorities outlined in the IU 2030 strategic plan: community engagement, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Other potential opportunities include collaboration between RTVS and Media School faculty and units, such as the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism and the Center for Documentary Research and Practice; shared facilities and equipment, providing more options for all parties; additional teaching support from RTVS staff for Media School courses; and working together on business and production operations — resulting in improved service to WFIU/WTIU listeners and viewers, campus and community clients, and Media School students.
“This gives both organizations the opportunity to amplify our collective impact,” said Eric Bolstridge, director of content for RTVS. “By sharing our talents and resources, we will increase our capacity to create high-quality content in service of the mission of public media — while also providing greater service to the campus and our shared community.”
The change is effective today, with organizational structural details to be determined in the coming months.