Since 2005, YOUR 13 has been televising area high school sports, Eastern Illinois University music department concerts and other community events. Under the direction of WEIU-TV and in cooperation with the EIU Department of Communication Studies, YOUR 13 is able to bring more community-based programming to viewers.

Students enrolled in television production courses in Communication Studies are able to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real television programming, from a high school football game to a symphony concert.

As part of their coursework, each student participates in three productions over the course of the semester.

Students set up the three-camera system, run and tape camera cables, work as camera operators, technical directors and directors. 

A graduate student supervises all of the productions, helping students gain real-world experience. Lori Casey, WEIU-TV Production Manager works with area schools and university departments to create a production schedule for each semester, which runs anywhere from 25 to 30 different events. "We look for productions that would make good local programming and a good learning experience for the students. We also have to take into account things like the students class schedule, so most productions take place in the evening and on the weekends. The students come away with a positive experience from participating in these productions."

Look for the YOUR 13 production crew at different events throughout the school year.