The Penn State News Magazine (PSN) club offers students the chance to put together television specials from a student perspective.

PSN President Delmar Washington (sophomore-communications and finance) has a goal to have a show produced once a week that airs on the HUB-Robeson Center television.

"This year we're taking the club to a new level," Washington said. "It's not going to be a child's video."

The organization will take local and national events and air them from a student's viewpoint.

It is a way to work with peers while getting hands-on experience in the newsroom, members said.

Vice President Dave Racchini (senior-broadcast journalism) said he likes the club because "you're free to be on your own; you don't have to answer to anyone."

It gives students a chance to take what they've learned in their internships and apply that knowledge, he added.

The club has new ideas this year, including a tailgating segment, a feature on the Black Caucus-sponsored freedom rally and a special production on Sept. 11.

Washington said he is looking forward to a new year.

"I get really excited behind the camera, and you can feel the energy under the deadline pressure," he said.

Last year, PSN mimicked the MTV Blind Date show for a special Valentine's Day edition.

"We wanted to do a special on relationships in college," Racchini said.

Ann Kuskowski, lecturer in communications, said students need to make themselves as broad-based as possible. She said they should first learn to write well and then learn the skills in the studio.

Kuskowski said clubs like PSN are a good way to fine tune skills for specialized areas.

"It gives a creative outlet -- not every student gets a chance to work in the studio," Kuskowski said.

PSN has been established for four years. The club has 20 members, but it is looking to expand. It is open to all majors.

"The more members we can get, the more segments we can run," Racchini said.

The club meets at 7:30 every Tuesday night in 21 Mitchell Building. Those interested in the club can visit its Web site (www.clubs.psu.edu/newsmagazine) or attend next week's meeting.