RTN gears up for annual Telethon

The Rowan Television Network is serving the community again for one of their biggest live productions on the Rowan campus. The 3rd Annual Telethon is a massive shoot that the RTN students will use to try and raise money for the Haiti Relief fund, along with the American Red Cross.

More than 50 percent of RTN’s members will be involved with this production to make sure that it runs smoothly and effectively. Chris Winkler, Rowan’s TV production coordinator and adviser of the club, says that this shoot will be one of the most challenging productions that RTN will attempt.

“This production is going to be the most difficult and complicated production from a technical standpoint,” Winkler said. “There will be many trial and errors before the shoot begins. It will be shot in [Bozorth Hall Studio 1 and 2] separately and then rolled into each other.”

Winkler has worked on previous telethons with RTN, which leaves him amazed at how far they have come.

“The first telethon was April 2008, live from the RTN office for three hours,” Winkler said. “We did not use the studio because of the lack of supervision and not enough time for preparation. It was recorded live to tape and patched into Rowan’s channel 5 at the same time. It supported Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

“The first telethon actually started as a service project for the club, however, the RTN group and staff believed it would be more entertaining to raise money for charity using this method than doing traditional fundraisers such as bake sales.”

Programming during the telethon includes interviews, shout outs and entertainment such as bands and improv groups. Hosts for the telethon include RTN’s own on-air talent, including Kristen Conner, Pat Bean, Evan Hage, and Josh Howard. Notable appearances during the telethon include actor Andrew Clotworthy, as well as Dan Wythoff, the winner of this year’s “Rowan’s Got Talent.”

Freshman RTF major Monique Stout, assistant producer for the production, ensures that all the acts come together smoothly for an enjoyable night. This also includes the pre-recorded shout outs that air throughout the telethon. The shout outs will be recorded on March 3 (1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and March 4 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in the Student Center.

“Students can donate a dollar and can shout out to anyone on camera,” Stout said. “It is a fun and enjoyable way to contribute to this event.”

In addition to making a shout out, students can also donate during the telethon by calling in throughout the show.

“Students can donate via cash, credit card or their Boro Bucks,” Stout said. “Simply call during the telethon at 856-265-ORTN.”

This telethon will be broadcast live on air March 10 from 7 p.m. to midnight and will be projected in the pit for students to enjoy.