The School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) will acquire a new television studio after donating its previous studio set to Heritage Academy.
According to Stephen Ruf, an associate professor in the SJC, the previous set was donated to the SJC by television station WRCB about 20 years ago and has not been remodeled since.
In light of the need for renovations, the SJC planned on removing the set and throwing it away. However, SJC Dean Rachel Williams-Smith opted to donate the set to Heritage Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist academy located in Monterey, TN.
Heritage Academy has a small student-led video production through which it presents weekly news reports about its campus.
“Even though it’s old, there is some use that can be given to it,” Ruf said of the studio set. “And it makes us feel good that someone else will still be able to make use of this set.”
According to Ruf, The SJC is currently finalizing the design of the new TV studio setup, which will give students more flexibility for academic and program productions.
In addition to the set, the flooring in the studio will be replaced. The project has been approved by Marty Hamilton, associate vice-president for Financial Administration.
According to Ruf, the previous set left a “big stain and significant discoloration” that was not noticeable until the set was removed. To fully renovate the set, the SJC is fundraising to purchase equipment for the new TV Studio through its annual Giving Day project scheduled forFeb. 15. The department has set a goal of $15,000, which will fund backdrops, props and any other materials needed.
The completion date for the new TV studio is still to be determined.
