Journalism & Television Classes Are Back at MJC

By Jay Freeda, MJC, Instructor

Exciting news emanates from Modesto Junior College as film and television classes have officially resumed and are in full swing. In the spring of 2011, MJC closed all television and journalism classes, but thanks to a redesign by a small group headed by former Dean Michael Sundquist, these classes have been reinstated. Thanks to an endowment, the students will be equipped with the technology they need to learn how to become content creators. The benefactor behind this endowment is a local business owner named Alicia H. Shepheard, who generously donated a million-dollar endowment to bring back Journalism and Television classes at Modesto Junior College. As a gesture of appreciation, MJC renamed their production studio the “Alicia H. Shepheard Production Studio.”
      
The newly established department, FTVE (Film, Television, and Electronic Media), is overseen by instructors Sky Tallone and Janeiro Freeda Sr., in collaboration with the Dean of Arts, Performance and the Humanities, Robert Stevenson and Emily Lawrence, Executive Director of the MJC Foundation. Mrs. Tallone has served as a video production specialist for the Yosemite Community College District for nearly a decade, while Mr. Freeda has been the General Manager of the local public access station (MyTV26) for over ten years. Additionally, Mr. Freeda, an alumnus of Modesto Junior College with a degree in Television, was involved in the television program before its closure, making his role in reinstating the program particularly meaningful. Mrs.Tallone also played a vital role in developing programs that MJC has since reintroduced.
      
MJC is renowned for its grassroots approach to staff recruitment and program development, a tradition that will continue to ensure that Mrs. Shepheard’s endowment directly benefits MJC students. Rather than offering scholarships, the college has opted to provide students with stipends. While scholarships generally cover educational expenses at accredited institutions, stipends can be utilized for a broader range of expenses. For students, this means that upon completing the required classes, they can gain real-world experience by working in the community, with their wages covered by the college. This arrangement is advantageous for students who gain practical experience and local businesses that receive quality video and commercial content. For further information, business owners or event coordinators are encouraged to contact Emily Lawrence, Executive Director of the MJC Foundation.
      
Before the Fall semester begins, we will be involved in recording a Netflix Comedy Special. Please come out and show your support for Modesto’s own local comedian, Ric James. This event will be held at the Double Tree Hotel on August 24th.