STCC graduate honored for decades of service to the television industry

by Jim Danko

Springfield, MA (01/11/2022) — In 1974, Marc Rhinehart started at Springfield Technical Community College in a new program focusing on television production.

Growing up in Springfield, he never imagined a career in television. He never realized he would end up having a significant impact on so many people working in the industry in Western Massachusetts.

"I got into television by accident. It was my third choice. I didn't get into the first two programs," Rhinehart said with a laugh.

Despite an inauspicious start, Rhinehart discovered a joy in television work while studying at STCC, where he was able to get hands-on experience and form bonds with professors.

"I found out I really liked it. It was fun and interesting," Rhinehart said. "Now, I tell friends, make sure you have three choices."

After earning his degree from STCC in 1976, Rhinehart landed a job with WWLP. He honed his skills behind the camera. In 1986, he accepted a position at WGBY, now New England Public Media (NEPM). He still works at NEPM as a director.

In December 2021, he won the regional Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Boston/New England Chapter.

"Marc has been instrumental in almost every venture and community-based programming we have created for television," said Keith Clark, NEPM's director of local production and production services. "Throughout the years, his cool, calm and collective approach to making TV has had a profound impact on co-workers, interns and guests alike."

In an interview at STCC, Rhinehart described his feelings about being nominated by his peers for the award. He smiled and said he never expected to be singled out for his work.

"It took me totally by surprise," Rhinehart said. "I thought, 'What, me?'"

In the virtual ceremony, Rhinehart's colleagues and peers said the award was well-deserved.

Lynn Page, managing director of media operations at NEMP, said Rhinehart hit the ground running after joining WGBY in 1986. She said he continues to serve the community at a high level.

"He had an immediate impact using skills he had learned from his previous employer," Page said in comments broadcast at the Silver Circle ceremony. "Be it early morning, late nights or weekends, Marc's dedication, commitment and passion for creating great content is deeply appreciated."

Rhinehart applies his talent to a variety of tasks at NEPM. He assists with set installation, the lighting of the set, camera blocking, graphic creation and so much more, Page said.

"Marc has directed just about every single locally produced show by WGBY for 35 years," Page said.

Rhinehart also has served as a mentor to countless television production interns throughout his career.

During the ceremony, Stephen Cary, interim executive director for Focus Springfield, noted he was Rhinehart's first intern. "I learned so much from him and I would never be here today running the city's public access station. He works with our interns doing very complicated live performance shoots, and they learn an incredible amount from him that I couldn't possibly teach."

When looking for interns, Rhinehart often reaches out to Professor John Wakelin in the Digital Media Production Department at STCC.

"Knowing Marc after working with him over 20 years ago at WGBY (now NEPM), I look forward to the knowledge that our students can gain from his professional experience. It is not only his technical skills, but his dedication to the surrounding community he showcases. Both a win-win for our students."

The television coursework Rhinehart completed at STCC in the 1970s has evolved into a cutting-edge digital program that prepares students for a career in modern media.

"STCC has a good hands-on program that prepares students to work at NEPM and other stations in the area," Rhinehart said. "I'm always asking John Wakelin, is there anyone you can send us?"

Rhinehart said students who receive their two-year degree from STCC will be ready to start television careers. The work, he said, is fast, exciting and sometimes stressful but rewarding.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

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