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Senior digital media major Melissa Chircop is glad she won’t have to worry about rain this year.

Since her first day of freshman year, Chircop has been working with a team of 15 other students to produce video content for BroncVision, Athletics’ online portal for live and on-demand video. When raindrops started to fall or the wind picked up during outdoor games, camera operators ran for shelter under tents or into cars while pausing their live feed as they waited for the storm to pass. Now, with a new state-of-the-art video production trailer, upgraded equipment and accessibility to new networks, more eyes will be on Rider Athletics with fewer interruptions.

Rider joined a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference initiative to broadcast live events on the ESPN family of networks. Students are not only self-producing content such as video packages and pregame shows for BroncVision, but also for ESPN3 and ESPN+, using the latest industry-standard broadcast equipment. Content will also be accessible on most mobile devices through the ESPN app.

“It’s been two and a half years in the making from the time this idea was conceived to having a fully functional production space,” says Karin Torchia, senior associate director of Athletics for external operations and development. “We could not be more proud that our students are the ones creating the live content for ESPN3 and ESPN+.”

This season, millions will have more access to the Broncs. Every home men’s and women’s basketball game and wrestling match as well as select men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, volleyball, baseball, and softball home games will be streamed on either ESPN3 or ESPN+.

To ensure the broadcasts would be of the highest professional quality, Athletics consulted with a former ESPN producer to hand select all the equipment. The trailer boasts a 24-input video switcher, 32-input digital audio mixer and four 1080i HD-quality broadcast cameras and lenses.

“It was amazing to see all the new equipment fit into the trailer,” says Brook Wilson, a senior computer information systems major and member of the track and field team who’s worked for BroncVision since his sophomore year. “It’s really taking our production to a new level.”

The ability to create professional content for a major sports network is a significant opportunity for students who hope to enter the world of sports media. The initiative is also supportive of the University’s Engaged Learning Program, which requires students to complete at least two high-impact experiences through internships, leadership, service, the arts, research or study abroad.

Overseen by Chris Foster ’13, assistant athletic director for digital and new media, students are operating cameras, creating onscreen graphics, hosting pre- and postgame shows, mixing sound, editing video packages and more.

“Students are getting real-world experience right here on campus,” Foster says. “They are building all the skills needed to do professional, game-day video production and be confident when entering an internship or job in sports video production. Students with no experience can sign up. They can also come from any major, but it’s certainly an attractive option for students majoring in sports media.”

Chircop says the enhanced production experience will not only benefit her now but when she graduates in May.

“Being able to say I’ve produced live content for ESPN3 and ESPN+ means a lot,” she says. “It will make me stand out from other applicants because ESPN is definitely known worldwide.”