TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A ribbon cutting has begun the partnership between Florida A&M University and the Black Television News Channel that will bring close to 100 jobs and $30 million in economic stimulus to Tallahassee.
BTNC is a 24 hour multi-platform news network, and its newest location is inside the "School of Journalism and Graphic Communication".
The studio space will house the opportunity for students to work side by side with professionals, bringing the black television news channel into the homes of up to 33 million people.
FAMU will work to collaborate with other historically black colleges and universities to set up bureau stations.
Former Mayor John Marks says, the new station will be a point of pride not only for the university, but for the city.
"It means a lot to me because I want this city to be a great city. Realize that we could have put this television network in New York, or Washington D.C. or Atlanta, Georgia. They came to me and they selected Tallahassee, Florida, my city," said Marks. "When they came to me with this vision it really hit me hard, and I knew at that time that I would work as hard as I could to make this vision a reality.
According to interim president Larry Robinson, the news operation will be a game changer for the FAMU journalism program.
"To be here at a time when we are talking about an endeavor of this scope and this vision not only does it make me feel good about the decision I made to come, but it makes me feel good about the future of Florida A&M University and the future opportunities that we're going to create for our students," said Robinson.
The network will bring close to 100 jobs to Tallahassee, providing close to $30 million in annual economic stimulus for the 11-year agreement term.
