Message from Michael Niederman, Chairperson

Television matters, now more than ever. It tells us diverse, dynamic, and profound stories about every aspect of our lives. It speaks to us intimately as individuals and unites us beyond our communities. In Columbia College Chicago’s Television Department, we teach students how to tell stories and create memorable television, preparing them for a career in the industry.

Students begin making television in their first semester, within a context that carefully balances a broad foundation of creative, critical, and technical skills. We offer concentrations in four areas, with classes providing the deeper understanding and skills required to succeed in writing, producing, directing, post-production and effects, internet, and mobile media. We challenge students to develop a personal vision while working within the team environment of television. Our students make sketch and situation comedies; single and multi-camera drama; documentaries; talk shows; and cooking, news, and general entertainment programs. We are also looking to the future as we create multi-platform media: television that extends to the Web, mobile devices, and beyond. Our students run their own TV station, and their work is broadcast regularly in Chicago and distributed through iTunes, YouTube, and other online ventures. We teach several television courses at Columbia’s Semester in L.A. program in Hollywood, providing students with invaluable experience and contacts in top television markets. They also gain real-life experience through a variety of local and national internships. The opportunities in the department are as varied and extraordinary as the opportunities in the industry. We analyze and practice every phase of production from the first idea to final airing. We discuss why television matters and how students can bring their passion, commitment, and values to this creative and enduring medium. We critique how the media addresses a wide variety of hot button issues and prepare our students to produce media free of stereotypes, bias, and half-truths.

Our faculty combines the best of academic and professional skills, including working practitioners teaching directing, writing, and production. Our instructors are committed to excellent teaching and give every student a chance to participate and excel. We encourage students to pursue their dreams while working collaboratively, which is how success is born in television.

Students create programs in three studios, utilizing industry standard production and post-production tools. The department addresses cutting edge technologies including high definition, small screen, and multi-casting distribution in the curriculum. In addition, the School of Media Arts has built a state-of-the-art, high definition, multi-camera remote production truck that will be utilized by the department for a wide variety of classes and productions.

Graduates of the Columbia College Chicago Television Department go on to work across the nation in all areas of the industry. You’ll find our alumni making a real difference at broadcast and cable networks, television stations, and internet-based delivery outlets. They are known as team players with highly developed creative skills, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to making a difference in television.

I encourage you to join us.

Michael Niederman
Chairperson, Television Department

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