Oxford, AL – Oxford Mayor Alton Craft and the Oxford City Council are set to recognize and support the talented students of Oxford High School’s Jacket Media program for their upcoming work on the Rubato Piano Competition/Alabama Public Television (APT) special. In appreciation of their efforts, the council will consider financial assistance for their participation in the Alabama Skills USA Conference and Competition in Mobile, taking place April 21-23.
The conference, sponsored by the Alabama Department of Education, provides students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and compete against other school productions across the state. Twenty-three students and seven chaperones/administrators will be attending this event, which is a key step in advancing their media production skills.
The OHS Jacket Media team has been at the forefront of covering the Rubato Piano Competition, livestreaming the event since its inception in 2022. With their expertise, the APT special will showcase performances from the competition finals, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the international pianists as they experience Oxford’s unique culture and attractions. APT has also committed to making the special available for PBS stations nationwide, further increasing its reach and visibility.
“This APT special represents the largest potentially national audience Oxford and Calhoun County have ever been presented at virtually no cost,” said Oxford public information officer Brian Graves. “I appreciate Mayor Craft and the members of the city council recognizing how important the impressive talents of our students will be in producing this program by offering this show of support, encouragement, and appreciation for their work in helping to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Alabama Public Television has extended an additional learning opportunity to the OHS Jacket Media students by offering a free masterclass from its professional production team. This hands-on training will help sharpen the students’ technical skills in television production, further preparing them for future careers in media.
APT’s reach spans 1.9 million households across Alabama, with additional audiences in Florida, Tennessee, and the Atlanta metro area through various viewing platforms, including cable, satellite, and streaming services. If other PBS stations choose to air the special, the audience could expand exponentially.
The Rubato documentary will not only highlight world-class piano performances but also include three promotional inserts—one for the City of Oxford, one for the Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC), and one for Visit Calhoun County—providing significant marketing exposure. With a public television documentary valued at an estimated $50,000, this project presents a unique in-kind donation opportunity that can be leveraged for a matching grant recently made available.
Recognizing the educational and promotional significance of the APT project, city officials are considering financial assistance for the Jacket Media students’ participation in the Alabama Skills USA Conference. The council will formally discuss their level of involvement at their next regular meeting on March 26.
By contributing to the students’ trip, the city aims to show appreciation, encouragement, and support for their dedication to the APT special, which not only enhances career tech education but also provides Oxford with an unparalleled public relations opportunity on a national stage.
