Who’s watching WHOO?

Sarah Jennings (Drama ’03) complained her whole first year that U.Va. undergraduates hadn’t heard so much as a hoo from their university cable system. Why, she asked, didn’t they have their own TV station? She complained so much that her friends, who had heard enough, suggested she start the TV programming herself.

Jennings and her friend Nick Holden (Drama ’03) held start-up meetings that were attended by, well, their friends. And like any overzealous entrepreneurs, they never would have started this whole whoodedoo if they’d known how much work it would entail.

First came the task of approaching the University with their request. This was a job made easier by the presence of Jim Jokl of Information Technology and Communications at U.Va.; he quickly “gave us a spot” on the University’s cable, Channel 14, Jennings relates. So, WHOO was born.

Next, using camera equipment on loan from Clemons Library’s Robertson Media Center, WHOO began filming. While anchor portions were shot in the art gallery in Newcomb Hall, everything else, including their first spot, a news magazine called “Hoo Knows,” was shot “somewhere on Grounds.”

Style questions are a luxury they can’t think about. “We’re just creating shows, not worrying about stylistic issues yet.” For now, Jennings is a happy Whoovillian. WHOO-TV has received a grant from the Parents Program of the Alumni Association — $10,000 for camera and editing equipment.

WHOO, in fact, is shameless in its request for advice, mentorship and donations of equipment or money. Call Jennings herself at 434-243-2103 or e-mail her at .