Published: January 29, 2009

When we walked on campus on Jan. 20, it was impossible not to notice that the televisions that have been suspended overheard for several semesters were making noise. Rather than broadcasting Fordham’s silent, maroon-backed announcements, they were tuned into cable news stations, broadcasting coverage of the presidential inauguration.

It was surprising to learn that the televisions can be used for more than just campus announcements. The televisions have been hanging around the campus for some time now, broadcasting a channel that is easily ignored. Flat-screen, wall-mounted televisions do not come cheap. We know that departments are preparing for potential budget cuts, and students are working extra-long hours to make enough money to stay in school. This is not a time when anything should go to waste. The televisions are an investment, funded by our tuition dollars. So why not put that money to work for us?

Some Americans are guilty of ignorance when it current events and world affairs, and Fordham students are no exception. Our schedules are packed with classes, jobs and internships, and it is easy to let days pass without stopping to check out a newspaper. Using the televisions to broadcast an around-the-clock news channel could help all of us stay engaged with our city, our country and our world. Having a constant  of current events overhead could also help fuel discussions, both in classrooms and beyond.

If these televisions were able to bring us all together for an event that was happening 200 miles away, imagine what they could do for events happening right here on campus. Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) has hosted countless events featuring distinguished speakers such as Walter Cronkite and Denzel Washington. Broadcasting these events, either live or after they happen, could ensure that everyone at Fordham benefits from them, even if class or work schedules prevent them from attending the events. The televisions could also broadcast open meetings of United Student Government, so even students who are running from one class to another can get a sense of what their representatives are talking about. Broadcasting these shows and events would give their messages more exposure. Beyond that, these broadcasts could help unify the FCLC community. And who could object to that?