Story by Lauren Duffel
At Boise State University, in the heart of the Communication Building, lies a gem of a program that is transforming the lives of aspiring media professionals. University Television Productions, under the dedicated guidance of Director Nathaniel Snyder, offers students an invaluable hands-on learning experience in the world of TV news broadcasting. The program thrives, providing a dynamic environment where students can immerse themselves in the fast paced world of news production.
University Television Productions produces a live show every week that requires each student to take on essential roles, whether it’s reporting, acting, producing, directing or managing technical operations. This immersive approach ensures that graduates leave with practical live studio experience that sets them apart in a competitive job market.
At the center of this community is Snyder and his passion for teaching and commitment to his students. A lifelong resident of Southwest Idaho, he has built an impressive career in media production and education. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a master’s in instructional and performance technology from Boise State.
Currently, he serves as the Director of University Television at Boise State, where he also lectures about TV production in the Department of Communication. With a background spanning commercial real estate, usability and instructional design, and even audio and post production, Snyder brings a wealth of experience to his students.
“Nathan is by far the best teacher I have ever had, not just in college but in my entire academic life,” said University Television Productions student Ella Edwards, a senior majoring in integrated strategic media. “He is always willing to push us to do better but will celebrate our wins with us just as much. He is the reason everyone in this program is so ambitious and connected.”
Edwards’s experience extends beyond the traditional classroom. When she expressed a desire to learn more about audio production but faced financial constraints, Snyder took immediate action.
“When I told Nathan I wanted to learn more about audio production but couldn’t afford to stay another semester, he took time out of his schedule to design an entirely new audio practicum,” Edwards said. “This turned into a four-hour class, twice a week, with myself and six other University Television Productions students getting hands-on music production and recording experience.”
The impact of the University Television Productions program on students like Ella is profound. “I’ve only been in University Television Productions for a year, but it has already completely changed who I am as a student and professional,” she said. “I wish I had found this class sooner and I recommend it to any media student, especially those who are looking for direction in their careers.”
Integrated media and strategic communications student and producer Georgia Clendening, echoes this sentiment: “Nathan has played a huge role in shifting my outlook not just on media, but on life in general. He has challenged me to think critically, take initiative and believe in my own potential.”
Over the past eight semesters, Clendening has gone from uncertainty to becoming a head producer for Live & On Demand. Live & On Demand is a weekly student-produced show where students write their own scripts, develop recurring characters, and produce live segments compiled into full episodes available on Boise State Television’s YouTube channel.
“This role has challenged me beyond belief, pushing me to take on creative and leadership responsibilities that have been the most valuable part of my education,” Clendening said. “I oversee everything from developing show themes and video package ideas to writing scripts, managing talent and handling most technical aspects of production.”
Clendening once failed the University Television Productions introductory class but now she’s a teaching assistant helping new students through the program.
“When I first started at University Television Productions, I was an unmotivated individual without much direction. Looking back, that failure was a turning point,” she said. “Instead of letting it define me, I bounced back, driven by everything I learned from my professor, Nathan Snyder; my classmates; and the program itself. University Television Productions not only gave me the technical skills to succeed in media production but also helped me find a purpose.”
One of the standout features of University Television Productions is the mentorship provided by graduate students like Zeke Hopkins. Balancing his own master’s studies with a commitment to guiding undergraduates, Hopkins plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice. His expertise and dedication have made him an indispensable part of the program, helping students navigate their paths in the media landscape.
Jake Zahm, another dedicated University Television Productions student, has experienced firsthand the impact of Hopkins’ mentorship. Having worked with him on multiple projects, including Dead 8 Film Club, Live & On Demand, and various other productions, Zahm appreciates the supportive and collaborative environment Hopkins fosters.
“Zeke has a way of making students feel heard and valued,” Zahm said. “He’s not just a mentor, he’s someone who works alongside us, ensuring that we gain real, hands-on experience in a way that feels natural and encouraging. Learning from Zeke is different because he creates an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes. He’s approachable, knowledgeable, and makes every project feel like a team effort rather than just an assignment.”
For many students, University Television Productions is more than just a college program; it’s a direct pipeline to a career in media. One standout success story is Carsen Cloud, a graduate in integrated media and strategic communications who is now a producer at Boise news station KTVB.
During his time at Boise State, Cloud was a dedicated student producer for University Television Productions, where he honed his skills in live production broadcasting and newsroom management. His experience in University Television Productions not only gave him the technical expertise needed for a fast paced newsroom but also instilled the confidence to take on high-pressure roles in the industry.
“The hands-on training and mentorship I received prepared me for the real-world demands of television production,” Cloud said. His success serves as a testament to the program’s ability to launch students into professional media careers, proving that the lessons learned in the Communication Building extend far beyond the university’s walls.
University Television Productions stands out not just for its cutting edge equipment and hands-on experience, but for its mentorship and culture of growth. It’s where students discover their passions, build confidence, and turn aspirations into careers.
As graduates like Carsen Cloud have proven, and soon-to-be graduates Georgia Clendening, Ella Edwards and Jake Zahm are preparing to show, the lessons learned here don’t just shape careers; they shape futures.
For students eager to gain real world experience in television production, University Television Productions offers the perfect opportunity to learn, create, and connect.
To support the next generation of media professionals, please consider making a gift to University Television Productions.