The Illinois Center for Broadcasting provides a real-world learning environment

The Ohio and Illinois Centers for Broadcasting operate six campuses. Three are in Ohio (Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland), two are in Illinois (Chicago and Lombard, IL), and one is in Colorado (Lakewood). The school was founded in 1986, and the curriculum covers all aspects of broadcasting through a hands-on program instructed by professionals. The Centers for Broadcasting have educated scores of broadcast professionals on the air and behind the scenes. The centers strive to provide practical experience in a broadcast facility. To do this, the facilities are updated regularly to ensure the equipment is representative of modern broadcast operations.

The Lombard campus occupies 15,000 square feet and has 15 audio studios. Three Internet radio stations broadcast from this facility, which was completed in 2009, although the school has had other campus facilities in Lombard for more than 25 years.

While the Lombard campus filled a need, the school decided it needed a facility in Chicago. In 2010, the Illinois Center for Broadcasting opened its facility on State Street in Chicago.

The main studio looks out onto State Street.

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Location, location

The site chosen on State Street is a highly visible location, and some 65,000 college students live in the area and see the street-front studios every day. The showcase studios not only promote the school, but allow passersby to see the school and the various broadcast programs in action. Two Internet radio stations operate from here: chicagolandsportsradio.com and windycityunderground.com. The sports channel features former football player Jarrett Payton, who is also the son of Walter Payton, and Chicago broadcaster Chet Coppock. The underground station is completely student run.

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