HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Linn-Mar's LMTV explores new sports frontier

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By Gibson Akers, Linn-Mar senior

MARION - Last fall, Linn-Mar's Closed-Circuit Television Station, LMTV, launched a new division, LMTV Live Sports.

This gives Linn-Mar an online network dedicated to covering all Lion sports.

LMTV is the high school's main source of announcements and information for things going on at the high school and around the district. It is made up of 30 to 40 dedicated students and an advisor who is there to help. The students arrive at school at 7:15 a.m. every weekday morning to tape the days show. It is played later in the day and also is put online at www.youtube.com/lmtv.

This year, LMTV decided to open a new chapter in its nine year long book by starting to cover Linn-Mar sporting events.

It took LMTV two years to have this project up and running. It wasn't until this year that they could make their dream a reality.

It started this last fall with the Linn-Mar football team's scrimmage, with just a single camera, usb microphone  and a laptop. Soon after the program expanded, adding a high-tech video switcher, three cameras and professional sportscaster headsets.

None of this would be possible without continued support from the Linn-Mar administration, student council and Booster Club. It soon became Linn-Mar's very own online sports network.

LMTV Live Sports is dedicated to covering all Linn-Mar home sporting events. They have covered this past year's football games, a majority of the basketball games,and even a wrestling meet. This spring they are planning to cover some soccer games and maybe even a track meet. They are, however, limited to the type of games they can cover, because of Iowa High School Athletic Associaton on state events.

To watch LMTV Live Sports all you need to do is go to www.lmtvnews.com/live or type LMTV Live Sports to your favorite search engine. If you are on the go and have a smart phone download the Ustream App and search for LMTV Live Sports. Also to stay more up to date about live sporting events or anything going on at Linn-Mar follow them on Twitter @LMTVNews.

So if you are ever on the road, have relative in another state, don't want to come out in the weather or a part of the opposing team playing at Linn-Mar, LMTV Live Sports will have you covered.