Tomorrow will mark the launch of UCSB TV, a campus-specific branch of the systemwide UCTV channel that will be broadcast to viewers in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria on Cox Cable channel 72. The new station will feature 24-hour programming showcasing the campus’ contributions to the arts, public service and scholarly research. Currently, UCSB contributes roughly 30 percent of UCTV’s programming, covering diverse topics such as health, business, agriculture and technological and scientific developments.

According to UCSB Chancellor Henry T. Yang, the station’s unveiling will solidify the campus’ position as a local hub of culture and research.

“From the humanities and fine arts to science and technology, our campus — and the UC system as a whole — offers a wealth of educational, informational, and cultural events,” Yang said in a press release. “This new higher education channel will allow the entire Santa Barbara area to be part of our dynamic learning environment.”

UCTV broadcasts nationally to 23 million households and offers an expanse of series on its website, www.uctv.tv, and on YouTube and iTunesU channels.

Film and media studies professor Constance Penley, who is a member of the UCTV Advisory Board, said UCTV’s latest outpost is slated to spark didactic discourse.

“As part of the nation’s largest and preeminent public university system, the channel and website are at the center of new thinking, scientific breakthroughs and fresh ideas,” Penley said in a statement.

Series and documentaries produced by UCSB include “Debating Darwin,” in which professors take a critical look at the famed evolutionist’s theories; “Voices,” in which faculty members and guests share their knowledge on a range of issues; and the Carsey-Wolf Center’s “Law & Order: Changing Television,” a conference examining the popular series’ impact on society.

In a statement released last Thursday, UCTV Managing Director Lynn Burnstan said the channel will allow UCSB to share the full extent of its significant contributions to the local community.

“Each campus is a treasure trove of knowledge, culture and informed discussion, and UCTV provides a platform to share that treasure with the public,” Burnstan said in the press release. “Clearly, the desire to serve the public discourse is great, because I regularly hear from new campus departments, organizations and faculty interested in expanding the reach of their work through UCTV’s television and web outlets.”

According to Penley, an advisory board of faculty, staff and students will be created to oversee the expansion of UCSB’s program offerings.

“Eventually, UCSB will be able to create even more of our own programming that will include a variety of series and specials to air on UCSB TV in primetime,” Penley said.

 

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