The Newhouse School of Public Communications has entered into a new partnership with Sony Electronics to give students professional-grade production tools and learning opportunities, according to a news release this week. The agreement equips the university’s broadcast studios with Sony’s latest broadcast and cinema cameras, incorporates the company’s platform for media asset management into the school's systems, and connects students with Sony leaders through workshops and mentorship.
The upgrades will impact multiple tracks, from broadcast journalism and television to film production and visual communications. Much of the initiative is centered on the Dick Clark Studios, which serve as a teaching space and production hub for student-run content and live broadcasts for the ACC sports network. Students will now train using industry-standard workflows while participating in workshops, seminars and other events hosted by Sony leaders. The integration of Sony’s media cloud will give students practice with cloud-based collaboration and professional workflows used in motion picture and broadcast industries. The news release added that the university's collaboration with Sony has the potential to grow beyond the Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Theresa Alesso, president of Sony Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, said in a public statement that access to the latest tools in production fields can help students improve their artistry and proficiency.
“Sony shares in Syracuse’s dedication to elevate and enrich teaching and learning experiences through pioneering solutions that support a practical and hands-on curriculum, and continue to produce the best and brightest communications students who are redefining journalism, broadcast, content creation and visual storytelling,” she said.
This partnership between Syracuse University and Sony isn't the first effort of its kind for either party — earlier this year, the university formed a new regional economic development office to invite companies like Micron Technology to conduct joint research and train students. It also reflects a broader trend of universities collaborating with industry leaders in using technology for media arts. The University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts added Sony imaging equipment to its curriculum in 2022, and New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development recently launched a virtual production center to simulate a high-quality audio production environment from anywhere.
