PA goes "live" on UStream

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Thanks to the world-wide web, events such as technical training graduations and annual awards ceremonies at Sheppard can now be streamed live to those who can't make it in person to Wichita Falls with the creation of the "Sheppard TV"  video channel on UStream.

The live video stream channel, a product of the 82nd Training Wings public affairs office, was introduced Dec. 21 during a 50-minute broadcast from the Sheppard Airmen's Club highlighting Exodus and the movement of 4,000-plus Airmen home for the holidays.

"This is just another way we hope to reach the public and those who cannot necessarily be here attending certain events," said George Woodward, 82nd TRW Public Affairs director. "Broadcasting a live event, such as an ENJJPT (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training) program graduation for example, puts viewers right in the middle of the events and will allow family and friends from anywhere around the world to be a part of significant milestones in their loved one's military career despite not being there in person."

The first broadcast, which spanned three hours of live continous streaming and a 50-minute broadcast anchored by the 82nd TRW public affairs staff, featured interviews with Exodus event coordinators, as well as 82nd Training Wing commander Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini and Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Johnson. Additionally, numerous Airmen were highlighted and given the opportunity to send messages home to their loved ones.

Although the inaugural broadcast didn't start until 11:30 p.m. CST, the live show was a huge hit with viewers who tuned in despite the late hour.

"We had dozens of comments all over our Facebook page and UStream channel," said Josh Wilson, 82nd TRW public affairs and Sheppard TV technical director. "Even after three hours of live continuous streaming and a 50-minute actual broadcast, we had alot of viewers who wanted us to keep the live feed up...it was a great first night!"

Using mediums such as social media and live video streaming to foster Airmen's morale is part of the public affairs mission.

"A huge part of our job is helping Airmen tell the Air Force story," Woodward said. "Airmen are the Air Force's most valuable resource and we want them to be able to share their successes here at Sheppard with their families and the public as a whole."

Sheppard TV has plans to dive further into social media in 2013, featuring interaction with Sheppard facebook users to help decide content.

"We will be starting a social media campaign around Sheppard TV allowing users to help decide what events we broadcast from live," said Kimberly Parker, social media director for the 82nd TRW public affairs office. "Getting input from our followers is a great way to ensure we are broadcasting relevant events from our follower's perspective."

If you would like to follow the Sheppard TV channel on UStream, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sheppard-tv to sign up for an account.  Being a follower enables push notifications when Sheppard TV begins broadcasting live.

Current plans have the Sheppard TV schedule being available on the events calendar on the Sheppard base website, as well as the weekly base newspaper. You can also watch the Sheppard facebook and twitter pages for more information.

UStream is not the only video channel offered by the Sheppard public affairs office. Viewers can watch archived videos on the base's Youtube channel (search Sheppard Air Force Base) or you can also log on to the base website and go to the video page to see news, features and documentaries.

For more information, email public affairs at 82TRWPA@us.af.mil or call 676-2732.