Thanks to WTVD, ABC 11, N.C. Central University has an enhanced television studio for its mass communication program.

The television station donated a news desk, a column with two background pieces and three light boxes with pictures of the Triangle community.

Students will shoot pictures of NCCU to add to the light boxes.

John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 11, said the station donated the set pieces and lights to NCCU to help the mass communication department.

“Being that we are local broadcasters operating out of the same city as NCCU, we would like to see the success of the students at NCCU and we are committed to helping students achieve that success,” Idler said.

The donation was made when Monica Barnes, ABC 11 community affairs director, contacted Felecia Casey-Hicks, NCCU television studio manager.

Key players at ABC 11 and NCCU, including Chancellor Charlie Nelms, helped coordinate the donation.

“As a former ABC 11 employee and now an NCCU employee, I feel the donation was a family effort,” said Hicks.

“The set pieces will be used in student productions such as interviews and news shows,” she said.

“The enhanced set will lend these productions a more professional look and add to the versatility of the studio, giving students a feel for a real news studio,” Hicks said.

Nikia Hemphill, mass communication junior, said, “The new pieces are going to help give students an opportunity to see how it feels to be on a real news set or studio.”

Hemphill said the experience will prepare students for the field of broadcasting.

Hicks said, “As for future use of the set pieces, we will use our creativity to adapt to the set and use it to our production needs and training.

“Soon I hope to revive the broadcasters’ club,” she said.

“I am looking into the community service program so more students can be involved in using the equipment.”