GREENVILLE, Pa.-- The Thiel College Department of Media, Communication and Public Relations is unveiling a new podcast studio at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 13 in the James Pedas Communication Center.
The studio, which has been in planning since the fall semester of 2021, features completely state-of-the-art equipment, according to Instructional Technology Specialist and AV Coordinator Paul Coatsworth.
“The studio has three remote-controlled cameras and a brand-new Roland video switcher that also has an audio board in one self-contained unit,” Coatsworth said. “It also has four top-of-the-line microphones with headphones, connections for laptops, and a one-of-a-kind, custom-made desk, designed and manufactured especially for Thiel College.”
The grand opening for the Podcast Studio will feature sports anchor and reporter Isaac Petkac as the guest speaker. Currently working for Erie News Now in Erie, Pa., Petkac has reported on several significant topics throughout his career and has been the recipient of two Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Awards for Best Statewide Story.
In addition to reporting, Petkac has invested a large portion of his time in podcasting. In college, he hosted three sports podcasts, all of which he created. One of those podcasts, The Critical I, was simulcast on local radio, both on campus and around the city of Toledo. In his time at ENN, Isaac has continued The Critical I, hosting several important guests along the way. On average, each episode is downloaded more than 4,000 times.
About James Pedas
Dr. James “Jim” Pedas ’50 H’89 earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Thiel College and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Accomplishment in 1980. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Thiel and was named trustee emeritus to the Board of Trustees. He has received many awards for his work including Washingtonian of the Year (1973) and the American University’s Award for Contribution to Film Culture (1985). He is a supporter of many philanthropic endeavors, including establishing an Intellectual Property Chair at George Washington Law School. He has served as a director of the National Capital Bank of Washington since 1973.
The Farrell, Pa., native and his brother Ted, also have a long history in the entertainment industry. In the 1950s, he and Ted established Colt 45 Records, a recording company that launched the musical career of Don Covay (who wrote “Chain of Fools” and “Mercy Mercy” among others). The Pedas brothers later partnered to acquire several drive-in movie theatres. Later, with another partner, they bought a film distribution franchise and never looked back. They have been involved in numerous film ventures over the years including owning the Circuit/Showcase theatre circuit; owning a small part of Cinema 5 Ltd.; forming their own distribution company, Circle Releasing Corp., and forming their own production company, Circle Films, which was one of the foremost backers of 1990s American independent cinema. Among their most noted productions are the Coen brothers’ debut and sophomore films, “Blood Simple” (1984) and “Raising Arizona” (1987). They also formed Circle Management Company to oversee their investments in real estate and commercial development and Circle Parking to operate parking facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.
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