Andersen Foundation Board
Tentative Project Details
In June 2009, the Frank N. Andersen Foundation board made a commitment to Delta College to help renovate the Q-TV production studio. The area proposed for construction is about 3,600 square feet and should be completed within a year. When upgraded and revitalized, this studio, that serves both student and professional producers, will be the platform for state-of-the-art learning and creation of a wide variety of digital productions. Download floor plans of this area.
Q-TV began as a closed circuit instructional programming facility when the College opened in 1961. But, by October 12, 1964, Delta College launched the first non-commercial educational service for the Tri-Cities area and TV-19 quickly became a success. The facility at that time represented a quality production studio for the 1960s and 1970s, and made very good use of the limited space that was available.
Broadcasting Master Plans
The first drawing is from Delta College’s overall Master Plan document and reflects the entire Broadcasting area. It shows the technical area which was recently completed (indicated by diagonal black lines), along with a number of other areas for future improvement by the College. Funding from the Andersen Foundation will be used to renovate the section shown in green, in the upper right hand corner.
Television Studio Plans
The second drawing shows a more close up view of just the studio area (also highlighted in green), including the walls that would be removed in the proposed production renovation. The project will include the complete removal of asbestos, antiquated lighting and electrical systems, and original interior walls. Work on this project will also include the replacement of the 49-year-old inadequate HVAC system that has been dedicated to this studio area.
Renovations
The renovation will:
- increase the usable studio space
- create a set/prop storage area that is out of view
- install new electrical wiring, lighting grid and fixtures
- add a fire sprinkler system, fluorescent lights and soundproof doors
In addition, new space will be created for a guest “Green Room” area, and add a window from the hallway into the studio, offering a more open view to visitors of Q-TV’s production activities.
The movement of the interior walls will have a major impact on the studio’s infrastructure and wiring. Since the current cameras, audio, intercom, teleprompter and associated cables all run through the existing walls or are located in suspended cable trays, the renovation will require new cable runs, conduit and patch panels. Each new wall will require a mike input/output panel to accommodate a minimum of eight microphones and intercom connections. This will provide us with a total of 32 microphone inputs keeping the studio floor as clear of cabling as possible.
The entire fixed lighting grid and dimmer control system will be replaced along with the fixtures. The replacement of the 20- to 40-year-old lighting equipment, along with the creation of new studio space, will permit improved camera shooting angles and visualization.
With today’s tough economic conditions, this gift marks a substantial pledge, and the College is grateful for their generosity. The Andersen Foundation Board has had a very positive association with Quality Public Broadcasting since its initial $1 million contribution to the Q-TV digital capital campaign back in 2002. They also expressed their pleasure with how Mr. Andersen has been acknowledged and honored by Delta’s Q-TV as a result of the prior gift.