The Queen to launch digital television centre at Staffordshire University

Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Staffordshire University and open the UK’s newest TV centre.
The Queen will officially unveil a plaque to mark the opening of the newly-built Staffordshire University Television Centre on Friday, March 31. During their visit The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will have the chance to view student work and the opportunity to meet television presenter Eamonn Holmes, an honorary graduate of Staffordshire University.
The programme also includes the screening of a performance by student rock band The Haze, who will be interviewed as part of a live link by national TV journalist Nina Nannar, an Associate Governor of the University.
The Royal visit to the University will be broadcast live to a studio audience made up of leading figures from the media industry and key University stakeholders. A student production crew using microwave technology will manage the broadcast from the new facilities.
Staffordshire University’s Television Centre is a world-class teaching resource that will be one of the very best in the sector, as well as a landmark facility for the region. The £800,000 digital centre is based at the University’s Stafford campus and will include a 100-seat three-camera broadcast studio, gallery control room and audio suite.
“It’s a great honour to host a visit by The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh,” said Professor Christine King, Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University.
“The exciting new facilities that will be showcased on the day will put Staffordshire University, and the region we serve, firmly on the map.
“Staffordshire University has developed a national reputation for excellence in new technology – and to have this recognised in such a prestigious way is something we are all very proud.”
Peter Hughes, who leads the University’s popular BSc Film Technology Degree Awards, added: “Our new television centre places Staffordshire University at the heart of a rapidly growing network of creative industries in the Midlands.
“This ranges from national television broadcasters to fledgling media companies set up by our own talented graduates.
“As the borough of Stafford celebrates its 800th anniversary it is fitting to showcase the work of Staffordshire University which is producing highly skilled graduates for the future development of this region.”
The Royal Party will be visiting Staffordshire University as part of an official visit to historic Stafford borough, which is celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2006. It is also a special year for The Queen, as she will be celebrating her 80th birthday.
(GB)