NUTV channels different path with new director

By Amy Badry

New University Television, the campus television station and one of the longest running university-based television production societies in Canada, has welcomed a new executive director. Tinu Sinha is stepping down from his position as executive director of NUTV and handing the torch over to Dominique Keller.

“The executive director looks after the day-to-day operations and long-term vision of the organization, making sure the organization is transparent,” said Sinha.

During his time at the station, including two years in his current position, Sinha saw NUTV grow to include closed-circuit televisions showcasing NUTV programs, information and advertising. The station also features online content such as podcasts.

“And we have a lot more members,” boasted Sinha, who plans to leave for Toronto to further his work in film and television.

Incoming executive director Dominique Keller said she looks forward to learning more about what programming students want from NUTV.

“She is a great mentor and filmmaker herself,” Sinha said. “She knows a lot about the industry and can really bring in those connections that members are interested in.”

On top of her seven years in the film industry, Keller coordinated the NUTV documentary school where participants attended workshops and created eight-minute documentaries in 2006.

“I had a great experience then and when I saw the job posting come up I thought, ‘What a great place to work,’ ” said Keller. “I enjoy working with the students and the environment here.”

“I am just excited that Dominique is going to be steering the ship,” said Sinha. “She has a lot of worthwhile experience that members will benefit from.”

Keller, also a U of C alumnus, explained that the film industry allowed her to pursue her personal interest and eventually became a way to make a living.

“I was really interested in travel and learning about different cultures,” said Keller. “I think it was just a natural progression from filming my adventures to thinking I could make a career out of this.”

Keller takes over the reigns of the station as NUTV’s flagship program, Full Frontal, moves into a primetime spot on Shaw cable. The program covers university and community news, entertainment and sports and will air Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. on channel 10.

“I’m happy that current and new members will have their content seen on primetime TV,” said Sinha.

Full Frontal associate producer Martha Affleck is not convinced a primetime spot will increase viewership, adding the show already has a large web-based audience. Affleck said NUTV is more important as a training grounds than content producer.

“NUTV is a professional development kind of place,” explained Affleck. “If you really want to become a reporter, this is a place to go to develop those skills and we would help you along the way.”

“This is an institute that teaches members on broadcast and film production, and it will always be that before anything else,” said Affleck.

Keller said NUTV can expect some exciting changes in the future including more show programming and content on the closed-circuit system.

“We have lots of things going on,” Keller said. “We are getting ready for the open house, so we are looking forward to meeting the new students. Hopefully people come by and check out NUTV.”

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