Broadcast Captioning Major

The broadcast captioning major in the judicial reporting and captioning (JRC) program is the outgrowth of the court reporting field and is a highly developed skill that is used to translate spoken communication into visual communication. A stenotype machine is connected to a state-of-the-art computer with special closed-captioning software that allows the writer to caption the spoken word in various TV/news programs, classrooms, conventions, and conferences. A broadcast captioner can assist millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons by captioning television and news programs. VITAC Corporation, a leading captioning company nationwide, partners with Stark State to provide the software, educational, and technical support. Stark State is a training site for VITAC Corporation for transitional reporters seeking a career change to captioning.

The JRC program offers distance learning opportunities through Web-based education. Virtually anyone who has access to a computer will be able to take the program online, but the student will be required to have a computerized steno machine and specific reporting software before taking distance learning courses.

Stark State also offers a career enhancement certificates in broadcast captioning for working reporters interested in transitioning into broadcast captioning.

The goal is that graduates will demonstrate the use of good grammar, punctuation and editing skills for transcription preparation and production; conduct research and realtime writing dictionary maintenance for broadcast reporting; communicate clearly and concisely; utilize all information reporting technology; exemplify a high standard of ethics as an information reporting professional; and demonstrate employability skills and characteristics as an information reporting professional.