Photo by Jessica Maloney,
UNH Human Resources

For many, the idea of working at a television station seems very intriguing. Perhaps it's a result of the mystique that we tend to associate with the entertainment industry, or perhaps it's the appeal of working for an entity with such an extensive and dominant presence in today's daily life. Maybe it's just a desire to learn what goes on behind the scenes that fascinates so many. Regardless of the preconceptions that one may have about how inherently amusing and engaging the work must be, a conversation with Sandy Fryou of NHPTV can give one an immense respect for the level of technical expertise it requires.

Currently in the position of Studio Engineering Operations Crew Chief, Sandy began her employment with NHPTV in 1975. Her main responsibilities include "supervising master control operators, videotape operators and audio technicians." They also include "learning new equipment, training others, and ordering supplies." Much technological advancement has had major impacts on the way the station functions, and as a result, Sandy includes "the ability to learn quickly" as a necessary skill for her position.

For a station that stays on the air twenty-four hours a day, only four of which are automated (2am-6am), the demands on Sandy's department are extensive. Ensuring that programs, breaks, promotional spots and underwriter credits flow smoothly and follow their correct sequencing requires attention to a multitude of details. Coordinating transmitters, recording programs off of satellite receivers and airing them off of videotape, and monitoring audio for the correct synchronization are only some of them. In fact, Sandy states that one aspect of her position that she finds most satisfying is "doing a shift as master control with breaks that look smooth and professional and no discrepancies." The engineering logistics at the television station can appear phenomenally complicated to those who are unfamiliar with them, and the high level of organization they maintain is no small feat. Miles of cables run underneath the floors and in cable trays along the walls of the facility. Accessible by removable panels, every single cable is numbered and the department has done CADD drawings of all of the wiring in the building.

In addition to technological advancement, Sandy has witnessed many changes to NHPTV in the past 28 years, notably the change in facility. For the first twelve years of Sandy's NHPTV life, the station was located in the basement of the MUB. The space was not the most inviting, lacking entirely of windows and, thus, natural light; nor did it allow for easy organization of the equipment. The staff of NHPTV was invited to participate in the creation of the current Mast Road studio. They were asked for input in the design of the new building, and many of the staff contributed financially - making a literal investment in their new workspace. The facility at Mast Road was quite a change from the bowels of the MUB. Abutting college woods, the natural setting affords staff members beautiful views, often of wildlife, something that Sandy appreciates.

Another aspect of university life that Sandy appreciates is the opportunity she is afforded to further her education. At one time, as a young, single mother, Sandy had to withdraw from school for early entry into the roles of parenting and adulthood. When she was given the opportunity to take classes, she took advantage of it; "Working in the UNH system gave me the opportunity and desire to further my education. I finally got my BS in behavioral science at age 50 and I'm still taking classes today. My hope is to continue learning and growing as long as I'm alive."

Sandy is also appreciative of those that she has the opportunity to work with. In response to the question "what do you enjoy most about working at UNH," her reply was "The people! Interesting, intelligent, caring and dedicated individuals who also love to laugh and enjoy their work really make it fun." Many who know Sandy would say that this statement is entirely true of her, as well. A passion for learning, a great sense of humor, and an incredible sense of caring for those she works with all infuse her work with a contagious enthusiasm.