Whoever said the only morning television star is a purple dinosaur has not tuned into channel nine — home of the red and yellow bird — known only as Cy.

STV-9, Iowa State’s very own cable channel, is home to “Wake Up ISU,” a student-produced program aired live every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 a.m.

“Wake Up ISU” is catered to ISU students and concentrates on local events and issues.

“Since this is a university channel, we try to focus on local news and entertainment by reporting on university sports and local bands,” said Ty Coleman, a senior in design and journalism and mass communication and producer of the show.

“Wake Up ISU” features news, sports, weather, entertainment and two special guests.

But STV-9 airs more than just morning shows. Programs concentrating on music, fitness, comedy and finding a dream date are also found on the channel.

A one-hour rhythm and blues and rap video show, “Video +,” airs every evening.

“The program is wacky and entertaining,” said Jamie Davidovich, a senior in journalism and producer of the show. “It’s good because MTV always shows game shows and alternative videos, so students who like R&B and rap can tune in here.”

STV-9 also airs educational television and public service announcements.

“We can’t get enough people to produce during the day — that’s impossible,” Coleman said. In order to fill the broadcast day, the station airs programs such as SCHOLA and a community bulletin.

Since STV-9 is funded by GSB and is student-run, any student is able to produce their own show. But if having a show sounds like an easy project, better think again.

“A lot of people say they want to produce their own show but they just want to be on TV,” Coleman said. “They usually don’t realize how much work is involved.”

Student producers such as Coleman may put in five to six hours just preparing for one live show. Taped shows may take even longer.

If you are just learning how to use the equipment, it may take three to four hours to shoot and edit for only one to two minutes of a video, Coleman said.

However, “the most important and most enjoyable is the programming you can do yourself,” Coleman said.

If one does have the time and an idea, STV-9 is “always looking for new programming,” Coleman said. “If you are willing to organize programs with graphics, scripts, and hosts, you can have a show all of your own.”

The process to get a show aired is quite simple. Reserve studio time and time to become trained with the studio’s equipment and run a test pilot.

The training is “mainly for their own benefit so they know how it’ll work,” Coleman said.

The studio has a lot of equipment available but students may also produce at home with their own cameras.

The test pilot is to make sure that “nothing is obscene,” he said.

Currently, STV-9 is looking for students who are interested in virtually any broadcasting positions including camera operators, graphic artists, on-air talent, writers, photographers, and idea-generators.

“Anyone can be involved in STV-9 whether producing a show or being on the [broadcast] board,” Coleman said.

“Working at STV-9 is great because of the possibilities.”

“Anyone can be a part of STV-9,” Davidovich said. “You don’t have to be a journalism major, you just have to want to be involved.”

For comments, questions or suggestions, contact STV-9 via e-mail, [email protected] or visit the studio located in Exhibit Hall along Bissell Road.

STV-9 is available to all TCI subscribers in Ames, Boone and surrounding areas.