University News Last updated 19 August 2011
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Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt praised the “brilliant” media provision at Birmingham City University during the launch of a national roadshow to promote the Government’s ambitious vision for local TV.
The first Local TV Summit was hosted by the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment at Millennium Point, Eastside, in Birmingham’s city centre. The Faculty delivers a range of media technology courses, including:
- BSc(Hons) Television Technology and Production
- BSs(Hons) Film Production and Technology
- BSc(Hons) Multimedia Technology
- BSc(Hons) Sound Engineering and Production
Mr Hunt addressed a packed audience of experts: “This is the right place to launch this programme of events. The media courses at Birmingham City University are brilliant, as is the University’s commitment to supporting the development of this crucial sector.”
In an earlier live interview on BBC Radio WM the Secretary of State’s opinion about the top quality media provision at the University was fully backed by respected broadcaster Ed Doolan who confirmed they were among the very best in the country.
The Government wants to promote local television services in 65 towns and cities across the UK - and it is hoped Birmingham will be one of the pioneers of grassroots TV.
Big plans for studio facilities
Birmingham City University is well placed to support this media revolution and has just announced plans to create a media hub, potentially featuring the “biggest studio facilities between London and Salford”.
The giant media hub will form part of the University’s £61million City Centre Campus development at Eastside and will include TV, radio and photographic studios that will further underpin the University’s media courses.
These facilities will also benefit the University’s nationally acclaimed School of Media, currently based at the University’s City North Campus, while also providing a new home for the University’s Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD).
Partnerships with leading broadcasters
Joanna Birch, Head of Enterprise Development at Birmingham City University, said: "We are widely recognised locally and nationally for our excellence in education in the media and creative industries, so we are a natural host for the first national summit on local TV.
“Our longstanding partnerships with major broadcasters including BBC and Sky, as well as our extensive networks and contacts with local media production outlets have already been recognised by Skillset, a national skills organisation that ensures learning meets the real needs of the creative and media industries.”
The summit will be attended by potential bidders, media and creative companies, civic leaders, plus representatives from university and colleges.
- To find out more about media courses at the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment call: 0121 331 6777.