Pacific Index

Pacific Index to Debut BoxerTV

   A new era for the Index is on its way— a news show called BoxerTV. It’s currently in development and is looking to launch its first episodes on YouTube in the coming weeks. The show expands the Index into broadcasting, offering news in a different form for students. 

BoxerTV represents a shift into multimedia storytelling for the paper, which has served the university for a century. While publication has been strictly print and digital articles, this launch provides a new platform reflecting bigger changes on how audiences will consume information.    

   “BoxerTV is an extension of the Index, ” said Faculty Advisor Phil Busse. “The reason is, we’re trying to catch up with the 21st century.” Busse said that broadcasting can often reach audiences faster, allowing for better audience engagement.

   Students are in charge of producing, editing, filming, and anchoring the show; both giving hands-on practice in the field, and a good chance for participants to build a professional portfolio and be a part of a creative outlet.

   “There is more student interest in going into that field, so it’s a training opportunity,” said Busse. The show aims to adapt the Index’s already existing coverage into a format more aligned with modern media trends. Segments will include sports updates, art and culture profiles, and overall campus news, in a broadcast structure. According to Busse, the format will feel familiar to consumers who get their news from video platforms. “I think people can expect to get some really fun stories about different sports, and about what’s going on culturally,” Busse said. “I think they can get it in a video format that is more common to how students are consuming the news.” 

   Despite the addition of video, Busse also assures readers that BoxerTV does not signify a departure from the Index’s traditional reporting style. Instead, it intends to build upon it.

“This is an update for the Index, but it’s not a replacement, it’s an extension,” he clarified. “There’s still an audience that wants to read, and they want articles and social media posts. But this is a chance to add a video element to it.”

   For Pacific students, the program offers a golden chance to gain experience in script-writing, show-production, and on-camera delivery. Producing high quality broadcasting requires coordination and time management, while also being able to translate written reports into on-screen reports.

   Streaming the show on YouTube allows audiences beyond the university to stay up to date with things going on. Families and friends of university attendees can now easily get score updates and event updates from their students’ games if they’re unable to watch. It also allows the Index to expand beyond campus and the state of Oregon.