The School of Communication hosted a tour of its production facilities for three members from the Seminole Tribe of Florida on April 11.  These visitors work for Seminole Media Productions, which produces the Tribe’s radio, television, and print publications.  Their company publishes the Seminole Tribune newspaper, in existence since 1956, which preserves Tribal history.

During their visit at FSU, the Seminole Tribe of Florida guests were offered suggestions from the School of Communication’s staff on ways to keep up with evolving technology and media trends.  Alongside the School’s Director of Production Support, Robert Levine, and media production employees, they shared different ideas and creative strategies to develop videos for younger tribe members.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is currently working to create a line of interactive media, such as mobile applications, e-books, and cartoons with an emphasis on storytelling.  Their main objective is to encourage tribe members to immerse themselves in traditional language and culture.  Andrew J. Bowers, Seminole Sports Management Event and Sponsorship Coordinator, was particularly interested in learning ways that videos can be used to keep their traditions alive even among future generations.

Throughout the day, the visitors also met with Dean Larry Dennis, WFSU General Manager, Pat Keating, WVFS V89 Faculty Program Director/General Manager, Dr. Mischa Laurents, and the School of Communication Director, Dr. Stephen McDowell.  They provided additional information on how to leverage media technologies.

Bowers felt the “visit was very informative and we left with some new insight in regards to our upcoming projects.  We look forward to working with the FSU School of Communication in the coming months.”