The BTNC, is the first 24 news channel geared toward an African-American audience.
Former Congressmen Kendrick Meek and J.C. Watts were on hand to be a part of the celebration. Watts is a part of the group that is bringing the network to FAMU.
“I think the United States and the world, only gets a sliver of who the community is and what the community is all about. This channel, is a great chance to open the door and show them even more”, said Watts.
Also on hand for the signing were, State Representatives Bobby Powell, Shevrin Jones and Alan Williams, Leon County Commissioner Nick Mattox and Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, who were all instrumental in the process. Representatives for the offices of Congressman Steve Southerland and US Senator Marco Rubio were also present.
Interim FAMU President, Dr. Larry Robinson said that this opportunity was a game changer for FAMU.
Robinson said, “We’ve got the best deal possible and we got it done in a timely manner. This was really a team effort.”
Journalism Dean Ann Wead- Kimbrough, said that students will benefit the most from this partnership.
“It’s a great opportunity for Tallahassee as a whole, with more that $30 million dollars of economic impact to the community but students at FAMU will see the most benefit”, said Kimbrough.
“They will have a chance to work with high quality professional journalists daily and that will help them develop real work skills that they can use for life.”
The channel is expected to launch in 2015 to an audience of nearly 40 million households.
