State-of-the-art multimedia center in Gaylord College houses podcast studio for students & alum

Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication introduced a new creative space, a state-of-the-art podcast studio fit with microphones, soundboards, headphones, and other recording technology, for Gaylord students and alumni on March 28, 2022.

"We purposely made this podcasting studio very visible within the college with an entire glass wall located next to OU Nightly's Newsroom, a high traffic area," said Lee Reynolds, Gaylord's Director of Community and Alumni Relations. "We furnished it with fun and modern furniture to appeal to students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Gaylord College. We are also thrilled President Harroz will be using the studio for his podcasts."

Located on the first floor in Gaylord, the John Bonnar McBreen Multimedia Center was named after 1971 Gaylord alum John Bonnar McBreen, a.k.a, "Mr. Gallup," who passed away at age 68 in 2018. McBreen, who earned his degree in journalism, became a radio legend in Gallup, New Mexico, where he made a career covering news in his local community. In the span of 40 years, McBreen became a well-respected and well-known journalist.

McBreen gave Gaylord College three unrestricted and generous gifts of $100,000. The first gift was used to create scholarships in memory of McBreen, the second was to develop Gaylord News, the reporting project of Gaylord College, and the third and final gift helped create the podcast studio.

"We think John would be happy that this studio will enable his radio legacy to continue vis-à-vis daily podcasts by students studying journalism as he did at his alma mater," said Reynolds.

As podcasting continues to expand and become a mainstream platform for communication, advertising, and entertainment, Gaylord College utilized McBreen’s donation to ensure staff and students are prepared for the ever-changing media world off-campus.

Currently, two Gaylord instructors have podcasting practicums in place to cover how to use the equipment and how to make the most out of the studio.  

The John Bonnar McBreen Multimedia Center will be available for rent in three-hour increments and will be managed by The Cage, an equipment and student resource within Gaylord College.

The studio will be open: 
    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
    Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
    Sunday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.