Rogers State University and RSU Public TV officials recently announced they anticipate opening a satellite television studio at its downtown Bartlesville campus within the next two to three years.
The plans, which are contingent on securing funding, were announced during an RSU Public TV membership event at Hillcrest Country Club on March 27. Officials hope to open the RSU Public TV studio on the first floor of the RSU Bartlesville campus downtown within the next two to three years. The plans also call for a full-time producer to create shows focused on telling the stories of the people, places and events of Bartlesville and surrounding communities.
During the recent event, RSU Bartlesville Provost Bill Beierschmitt welcomed the group and discussed the history of RSU’s commitment to Bartlesville. RSU TV General Manager Royal Aills thanked the station’s members, noting that Bartlesville is one of the most supportive communities in the viewing area.
“We’re committed to continuing and expanding our special relationship with our stakeholders here in the Bartlesville area. Our focus on producing award-winning content of interest to northeastern Oklahoma sets us apart, and we’re proud to serve our communities in this way,” Aills said.
He noted the strong support and attendance by members of the RSU Public TV’s community advisory board, including Carroll and Joyce Ritchie, and Michelle Martin, all of Bartlesville; Chuck Price of Nowata; Steve Gragert, Rose Rusnam and RSU Vice President of Administration and Finance Tom Volturo, all of Claremore; and Tad Jones of Grove.
The Bartlesville studio, proposed to be located on the building’s first floor, is estimated to require about $320,000 for equipment and construction, with an annual operation cost of about $120,000 for personnel and equipment maintenance. The station and university are examining a number of funding options for the project, including private underwriting and sponsorships.
RSU Public TV the only full-powered public television station licensed to a public university in Oklahoma. RSU Public TV provides educational, cultural and general interest programming to an audience of 1.3 million viewers in northeastern Oklahoma. RSU Public TV broadcasts via DISH, DirectTV and UHF Channel 35 and is carried on 76 cable systems in the region.
For more information about supporting this initiative, contact Royal Aills at 918-343-7657.