New TAMIU KLRN Studio Dedicated
Laredo and Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) celebrated an innovative collaboration this month with the dedication of the new TAMIU KLRN Studio, a digital learning laboratory on the second floor of Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall.
The Studio enables expanded learning opportunities for the University’s Communication program, an opportunity to work collaboratively with KLRN Public Television of South Texas and a previously unavailable uplink capacity to provide Laredo content to other media outlets on demand.
TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck said the effort is both bold and promising.
“The TAMIU KLRN Studio provides a remarkable opportunity for students to use professional quality equipment in their studies. We can also explore bold, collaborative opportunities with KLRN to create content reflective of Laredo and South Texas.
“Having the uplink capacity is most promising, as it affords us an opportunity to share Laredo’s story with other media. With Laredo’s internationally strategic role as the country’s number two port, its enviable crossroads with both Eagle Ford Shale and the Cuenca de Burgos and dynamic demographic growth of both our community and University, there are a lot of Laredo stories to tell,” Dr. Keck observed.
The uplink was actually demonstrated during the dedication ceremonies as KLRN Board member Eddie Alderete welcomed visitors to the TAMIU KLRN Studio from KLRN studios in San Antonio. Visitors also had a chance to record Station IDs for KLRN.
Arthur Rojas Emerson, KLRN president and CEO, said the event attests to KLRN’s long service and friendship with Laredo.
“Since KLRN was established as and continues to be an educational institution as well as a media broadcaster, it makes sense for us to spearhead the ability to create more broadcast and media professionals in our viewing area. The idea that our engineers put into place a system that allows Laredo to connect with the rest of the nation via uplink only makes this relationship more valuable for all of us. We are thrilled to see this studio finally come to fruition,” Rojas said.
TAMIU Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Tom Mitchell, said the Studio’s addition helps students create original video content, and perhaps explore broadcast career options.
“This is a great addition to our Communication program, with hands-on opportunities not previously available,” he noted, “We envision students creating programming, perhaps documentaries, telling our region’s story and sharing it with others.”
The University offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication.
The new studio was made possible in part with the generosity of community philanthropy including financial gifts from the Matias de Llano Charitable Trust, Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust, Arguindegui Oil and The Prairie Foundation. It provides full studio, field production and multi-camera TV production capability. Editing bays, control room, soundboard, switcher and a sound room are included.
KLRN is the Emmy award‐winning Public Television station for South Central Texas and broadcasts to a 30‐county radius including Webb County. Its mission is to enrich the lives of South Central Texans through the power of communication—providing quality programs and services advancing education, art and culture, and community.
Later in the day KLRN and the University’s Writing Center and hosted a special advanced screening and discussion of the new PBS documentary, “El Poeta.” The new documentary tells the story of renowned Mexican poet Javier Sicilia who ignited mass protests and an ongoing movement for peace after the brutal murder of his 24-year-old son Juan Francisco.
For additional information on the TAMIU KLRN Studio, contact the University’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, click on tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, Suite 268.
To learn more about KLRN, visit www.klrn.org
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu