Stef Hodges HistoryUniquely talented electronic media producer. That’s the best way to describe my relationship with technology—an ongoing love affair that started as early as the TRS-80, with a Radio Shack cassette player humming alongside me. From the moment I first engaged with tech, I was hooked.
I’ve witnessed the digital revolution firsthand—the rise of computers, the shift from party lines to digital wireless, and the transformation of encyclopedias and phone books into AI-driven archives. I didn’t just observe these changes; I adapted, evolved, and thrived alongside them. continued 
After college, I launched my career in broadcasting, beginning with Philadelphia radio. I moved through multiple stations in the market, navigating the relentless pace of the industry. Radio is cutthroat—demanding, exhilarating, and unforgiving. But I was built for it.
Eventually, I made the leap into television and voice-over work. I produced countless commercials and had the honor of serving as a Coordinating Producer for three years of Philadelphia’s iconic Mummers Parade—three grueling, 12-hour live international broadcasts that stand as a highlight of my career. The energy, the pressure, the sheer scale of it—it was electrifying. continued |
From there, I landed at NJN, New Jersey Public Broadcasting, a dream gig—until political battles threatened to defund PBS. So I pivoted once again, taking a producer role in Connecticut. But something was off. I had come from the world of PBS—where storytelling was rich, production timelines were meticulous, and the final product was a work of art. This new role, run by former newsmen, had a vastly different philosophy: "Get the shot, puke it out, bill the client." It wasn’t my world.
We parted ways, and for a moment, I feared my career trajectory had hit a wall. I couldn’t see what was ahead, but as it turned out, production was far from over for me. -continued By a stroke of fate, I transitioned into teaching--computer technology, TV production, and media literacy. What started as a new chapter became a defining journey. Over 27 years, I taught Television Production, Radio, Graphic Design, Animation, and Photography—the latter becoming a personal favorite. I also designed and built five academic TV studios, shaping hands-on learning environments for the next generation of media creators. I’ve overseen more than 6,000 student productions, photographed hundreds of events, DJ’d countless parties, and created hundreds of graphic designs for clients. In 2024, I retired from teaching. But retirement doesn’t mean I’ve stopped creating. The story isn’t over—it’s just another evolution in a lifelong journey of innovation, storytelling, and technology. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. |
