On Nov 15, 2018, Northwestern State University and KTBS signed an agreement that will give NSU students the opportunity to work directly with professionals at KTBS and even publish work on their platforms.

KTBS is a broadcasting station owned and operated by KTBS, LLC, and is one of the few stations in the country that can still claim local ownership and community identity.

KTBS will keep NSU updated with the newest news technology and show students different methods of gathering news.

“I feel and I know that this partnership is going to change our region because it is going to expose our students to a lot more of hands-on technology and collaboration,” said President Dr. Chris Maggio.

KTBS will also provide many internship opportunities to NSU students. “Students will get a chance to work with professionals that are in the field” Maggio said.

Maggio thanked the faculty for doing a “tremendous” job because they help students through every angle in the journalism field. “But this partnership is going to take it to another level,” Maggio said.

“We are truly excited to be partners with Northwestern State University,” KTBS station manager, George Sirven said.

Sirven explains how the benefits for the partnership are endless. “Not only are you getting a quality education from Northwestern State University but now you are being exposed to what we feel is the richest technology television station in the country,” he said.

“KTBS and the broadcast industry is changing, it’s evolving, and what a great opportunity to take students from NSU and show them what this new workflow is all about, how it all works, and how they truly can best serve whether it be KTBS or other employers after they graduate,” Station Manager George Sirven said.

Sirven talks about the continuous changes and evolvement of the workflow in the broadcast industry. He thinks this is the right time for students to jump aboard. “What a great opportunity to take students from NSU and show them what this new workflow is all about, how it all works and how they truly can best serve whether it be KTBS or other employers after they graduate,” he said.

“Welcome aboard. Welcome to KTBS and welcome to the world of journalism and I look forward to working with you,” News Director Randy Bain said.

Maggio is excited for the partnership. “It’s a great day because this is the future,” he said.

Photo by Mekayla Jenkins.