But the new “TV Middletown” is much more than a local school sports streaming service, said Middletown district officials.
“It will also provide an opportunity to shape the future,” noted school officials in their release about the new program, which will include teaching high school students to explore a career in broadcasting.
“The initiative will allow high school students to explore the world of broadcasting firsthand. Students will have access to state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment and technology, and mentorship opportunities, setting the stage for a pipeline of future media professionals.”
Middletown Schools Superintendent Deborah Houser described the program as a “tremendous opportunity for our students and community.”
Houser said “we are committed to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that connect directly to career fields (and) TV Middletown aligns seamlessly with this vision, allowing students to explore broadcasting as a potential career while building skills like teamwork, communication, and technical expertise.”
It’s been eight years since this city’s local cable TV provider, which offered broadcast of some Middie sports, shut down operations.
That’s too long, according to the Middie alums behind the cameras. The three — Lenny Robinson, Justin Jemison and Alfredo “Tony” Peters — said for them it’s a passion project.
Jemison is an Emmy-winning CBS camera operator, Peters is the owner of Alfredo Wedding Cinema and has built a following for his Middies basketball coverage on YouTube and Robinson — who has called Middie games — has acquired a state-of-the-art production truck to provide professional-level training and coverage.
“My goal is to show the students that anything is possible if you work for it,” Jemison said.
“I hope to be a role model for (students) and let them know it is not about what you are or where you come from, it is about the work you can do and how you perform in your capacity. I am one of the youngest members of the CBS crew and an African-American. I seem to always have people coming up to me asking how I was able to be in the position I am.”
For Peters, it taps into his past as a former Middie basketball player.
“I remember playing basketball for the Middies, and being able to watch the games on (local cable TV) was something very special for not only me, but the whole team,” Peters said.
“To be able to work with the team we have now is so exciting in being able to give back to our community.”
Details on the streaming website will soon be announced, said school officials.
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