Boiler Television adds mtvU, ramps up movie schedule, local content
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's on-campus cable television service, Boiler Television, has added mtvU to its lineup this semester on channel 3.mtvU features music from up-and-coming artists, news updates for students and original programming that highlights campus and academic initiatives from around the nation. The college-focused sibling of MTV is distributed exclusively to university cable TV services and via the Web and offers programming distinct from MTV.
"mtvU programming is captivating because it provides music, news and original content tailored to student interests and campus," said Brian Thompson, manager of Boiler Television. "mtvU frequently partners with universities to produce its original programming by focusing on campus events and even bringing guest lecturers such as Bill Gates and Madonna to campus."
mtvU's first on-campus event at Purdue will be to bring its fully loaded tailgate bus to Purdue's Ross Ade Stadium for the Old Oaken Bucket Game against Indiana University on Nov. 18.
Boiler Television also has increased the number of films it shows daily on channel B2 from five to eight. Movies are shown at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Films rated G and PG are shown in the morning with some films rated PG 13 added in the afternoon. R-rated and most films rated PG-13 are shown at 5 p.m. or later.
"This schedule gives our viewers a greater opportunity to watch the programs they want while making sure that younger viewers have age-appropriate programming available when they are most likely to be watching," said Barbara Frazee, executive director of University Residences. "Ultimately, the goal is to provide our customers varied, first-rate and affordable information and entertainment."
Boiler Television's B2 offers 20 movies per month. This month's selections range from the classic "On the Waterfront," to family-friendly "Hoot" and the action-thriller "V for Vendetta." The service offers more than 40 channels including the five networks, PBS and many cable staples such as MTV, ESPN, CNN and Comedy Central.
The Boiler Television-produced show "UR Home" this semester will complete its second installment. Boiler Television is seeking students living in the residence halls to participate in the show similar in premise to TLC's "Trading Spaces" that pits teams of roommates decorating the other team's room on a tight budget and schedule.
"Last semester's pilot production was well-produced and interesting to watch," said Tom Paczolt, director of Residential Life. "It does a good job of highlighting the fun and cooperative lifestyle we promote in the residence halls."
When channel B2 is not airing movies or its own programming, it displays a rotating billboard of slides publicizing campus events or programs backed with music.
"This is a efficient and free way to reach a campus audience," Thompson said. "We employ student graphic designers that put together eye-catching messages."
University organizations can submit information to Boiler Television's electronic bulletin board request page on the BTV Web site.
Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu
Sources: Brian Thompson, (765) 496-6365, bwthompson@purdue.edu
Barbara Frazee, (765) 494-1000, bjfrazee@purdue.edu
Tom Paczolt, (765) 494-1000, tpaczolt@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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