Florida A&M University's School of Journalism & Graphic Communications is to be the home of Black Television News Channel, a 24-hour multi-platform news network, after getting approval from the school's board of trustees for an 11-year contractual partnership. The network will focus specifically on news related to the African American community, making it the only cable network in the U.S. to do so. Through the partnership, BTNC promises to return up to $500,000 annually to FAMU for the first three years, and then $1 million for the remaining seven years of the contract. The network will also bring economic revenue to the North Florida region as it is estimated to generate 33.6 million annually and create at least 226 new jobs.

Jackson State University estimated a $600,000 loss in revenue from their homecoming football game forfeited by Grambling State University last October, with ticket refunds accounting for more than half of the loss. According to the Clarion Ledger, JSU has been pushing Mississippi State attorney general Jim Hood for the past five months to help with the legal pursuit against Grambling State University, and possibly the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Michael Thomas, JSU’s vice president of finance, said the forfeited game has put the university’s budget out of balance for the first time in years. Due to the University’s letters and the Clarion Ledger’s inquiries, Hood has decided to review the case and had his staff look into whether a contract or agreement exists between the two schools regarding losses from games. JSU interim counsel Matthew Counsel re-sent the contract to Hood. Earlier this year, the SWAC fined Grambling State University $50,000 and required the football team to play JSU in Jackson for the next three seasons.

RELATED: LAST WEEK'S 'YARD REPORT'

Due to a continuing enrollment decline at Norfolk State University, with about 500 less students expected next semester, the governing board approved a tuition increase to help close the budget gap. In-state student tuition will increase $326 with fees totaling to $7,552 annually, while out-of-state student tuition will increase $250 with students paying 29,320 annually. The drop in enrollment will also mean potentially cutting faculty and staff positions via The Virginian-Pilot.

Representatives from about 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities gathered in Silicon Valley for the HBCU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Collaborative Symposium to gain insight how to attract more grant funding and increase research and entrepreneurial activity. The symposium was apart of the 18th Annual National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance Conference. John Michael Lee, vice president of Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and one of the symposium host, stressed the need for HBCUs to not just be a place where African Americans attend, but a place where African Americans are leading in research and innovation. (Via Diverse Education)

Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Donald Reaves has resigned after serving in his position for seven years and will vacate his position at the end of this year. Reaves will continue to work at WSSU, but instead in the classroom as a political science professor. (Via WXII 12)

 

PLUS:

Nikki Giovanni Visits Bowie State University

Why UDC Saved It’s Athletic Program

Jackson State University to Build New $47 Million Dollar Resident Facility

Wil Jones, Flamboyant UDC Basketball Coach, Dies at 75