TrojanVision turns 50 years old

Oct. 1 marked the 50-year anniversary of TrojanVision, Troy University’s television station and digital video production center. As the program, which aims to teach the next generation of journalists, enters its fifth decade, its hands-on executives and directors are reflecting on and celebrating the growth and prosperity they have seen through their own eyes.  

Half a century ago when TrojanVision was first established, it went by the name TSU-TV Nightly News and ran a single half hour student-produced program that went live from videotape using 16mm film. Now, TrojanVision airs three newscasts, five days a week, all produced by students using modern technology. 

TV Production Coordinator Paige Ray joined TrojanVision in 2016 during her sophomore year at Troy and, after going on to work in broadcast journalism, returned to the program. 

“I have an immense sense of pride as we approach the 50th anniversary of TrojanVision,” Ray said. “Although so much has changed since TrojanVision's beginning, the dedication to students and quality content remains the same.” 

Ray said, even before returning to Troy, she always kept an eye on TrojanVision to see what the station was up to. Now that she’s back, she said it's an honor to be able to watch TrojanVision continually grow, improve and find new ways to adapt to the ever-changing media landscape. 

Executive Producer Jeff Herring has been working with TrojanVision for nearly 27 years, more than half the program’s lifespan. After joking it was the caveman days when he joined, complete with stone tablets and dinosaurs, he said the program was still leading the way in journalism.  

“When I got here, I knew we had something special, and that this was something that you didn’t really see on any other campus in the state or in the area,” Herring said. “That’s one of the reasons why I fell in love with it. 

“In that time, I’ve watched the station and the department grow by leaps and bounds through what we teach, the equipment we use and the technology that's evolved in the time that I've been here. In some ways, it’s like watching it go from the Flintstones to the Jetsons.” 

Director of Television Aaron Taylor has been with TrojanVision for more than 25 years, including his time spent as a student in the program. He said currently, TrojanVision is the most technologically advanced it has ever been. 

“If 1999 Aaron could walk into this studio, his mind would be blown at what we have, what we’ve accomplished, the technology we have and the things we that we can do,” Taylor said. “We’ve always done a quality newscast, but now it looks and feels better than it ever has.” 

Herring said it has been amazing to see not just TrojanVision’s growth, but also the students’ growth during and after their time spent with the program.  

“I have seen people who have been very shy and timid when they first got here, and then in their time here, they grew; their personalities bloomed, and they excelled once they got out into the market,” Herring said. “I love seeing them work; I love seeing their social media of what they’re doing, and where they’re going and how they’ve excelled from those shy, timid days as a freshman in the Hall School.” 

To celebrate their 50-year anniversary, TrojanVision will hold what Herring calls a night of feasting and frivolity with Troy’s journalism alumni, faculty and students. The event will include a banquet, several presentations, an award ceremony for notable alumni and opportunities for journalism students to network.  

As for the future of TrojanVision, Taylor says it’s going to continue to tell the Troy story in new, innovative and creative ways and increase opportunities for Troy students to gain the experience they need to become valuable professionals. 

“I’ve been a part of [TrojanVision] for so long, and it’s so ingrained in my soul,” Taylor said. “TrojanVision is a part of me, and I’m excited to be able to celebrate it with other alums. 

“I’m excited to celebrate it with the public. I’m excited for people to continue watching, and I’m excited for the opportunities that it will continue to bring for students in the community.” 

Those interested in learning more about TrojanVision can email trojanvision@troy.edu or visit the TrojanVision studio on the bottom floor of Wallace Hall in room 162.