The Audio Recording Technology concentration is designed to provide students with the expertise required to operate professional audio recording equipment. Students will study the theory of sound, recording electronics, engineering procedures, audio/video post-production and advanced mixing procedures in a sequence of courses designed to develop the skills required for this field.

In addition, students will get lots of hands-on training by participating in broadcasts of Five Towns College Sound Athletics sporting events, newscasts, theatre productions, and more.For the past several years, FTC Mass Comm students have played an integral role in managing the Five Towns College Stage at the Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue every summer. Not only do they wire and equip the stage with the necessary operating equipment, but they also run the sound consoles and conduct interviews with the artistic talent and musicians who play at the event. FTC Mass Communication students with Audio Recording Technology concentration also assist at the Patchogue Theatre Alive After Five events during the summer. All in all, these students get a practical education in the real world industries in which they develop and expand their education and skillsets.  Read more about the Mass Communication curriculum and courses here.

Broadcasting Concentration

The Broadcasting Concentration is designed to build upon the Mass Communication degree by adding specialized proficiencies that focus on Broadcast Journalism as a career. It is geared towards students interested in being on-air or working behind the scenes in radio, television and live event productions. Professionals in the industry share their knowledge as guest speakers. In addition, students learn more by participating in  field trips to commercial stations and other similar venues.

Furthermore, being a professional broadcaster is not just a job; it is an art form. With the right tools and proper guidance, students learn the ins and outs of the craft. As a result, they discover the significance of thorough research, meticulous reporting, and working as a team to produce quality productions. Undoubtedly, the Mass Communication program teaches these important skills and values. Not only are students prepared for that moment in front of the camera but also for any unforeseen challenges that may arise behind the scenes.

Broadcast Journalism students play an important role in the live transmission of sports, concerts, theatrical presentations and special events at Five Towns College and support the Sound Athletic program’s operations, too.

Importantly, the FTC SOUND STREAM is the Internet web-based streaming service of Five Towns College. Formerly known as WFTU (1570 AM), the radio station at Five Towns College has been upgraded and expanded its reach through a rebranding. It is a professional full-service college radio station operated, programmed and engineered by students and staff featuring music, talk, sports, news, information, and remote broadcasts. In addition, the station uses a Hot AC format for their music selections along with a variety of student programs which features music from rap to rock to hip hop to jazz.

Overall, students in the ​Broadcasting concentration experience opportunities to thrive seven days a week from the “Gene Free Studios” located on the Five Towns College campus where the FTC SOUND STREAM offers hands-on radio broadcast training for students to jump right in. Students not only learn to master new and emerging technologies, but also to present news, music, and commentary. The FTC SOUND STREAM has opportunities for students of all academic programs (not just Mass Communication) interested in broadcasting and the multi-media communication industry. Our daily live broadcasts are recorded so listeners can hear them on Mixcloud.com. The FTC SOUND STREAM provides both fun and real-world experiences that all students can learn from. Find out how you can become involved today!

For curriculum and faculty information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog and the Mass Communication curriculum here.