On March 1, 2017 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm outside of the Plaza, the C-SPAN (Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network) tour bus came to Alcorn State University. Students on the campus got a chance to tour the bus and get information on internships and the present day media.
The C-SPAN bus tour was an idea that was put into construction a few months ago. The bus, which is state of the art, costs $1.2 million dollars, has six touchscreen computers and a media center. The concept was orchestrated by La’Shawna Saint-Preux, who is a Marketing Representative for C-SPAN. According to Saint-Preux, “The purpose of the C-SPAN HBCU (Historically Black College and Universities) tour was to bring attention to HBCUs around the country in honor of Black History Month. The bus has been to all 50 states and has visited many prestigious HBCUs such as Jackson State University, Coppin State University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University and North Carolina Central University.”
C-SPAN’s headquarters are located in Washington, D.C. and the network contains three channels that broadcast the House, Senate and Congress. Surprisingly, C-SPAN does not use government funding because they are a non profit organization. Consumer’s cable bills provide the funding which keeps the network broadcasting. It has a video library with transcripts, a radio station, radio app and a hotline number to call which is (202) 737-3220.
C-SPAN also provides internships to students to offer hands-on experience in public affairs and media while working in the daily operations of a cable network. Internships are offered in the Spring, Fall and Summer. The network provides students with housing and a $1,000 stipend. Most of the interns will get a chance to go to the White House and visit the Senate Building. In order to receive an internship, students must be enrolled in a college or university, be able to receive college credit (3 hours) for the internship and be a Sophomore. C-SPAN not only offers internships but they also partner with programs that provide scholarships for students. You can follow C-Span on the social media sites, Snapchat, Twiiter, Facebook and Instagram.
Larry Sanders, an Instructor of Mass Communications at Alcorn stated, “I applaud C-SPAN and their efforts to tour the country and expose students to such a fascinating opportunity. My hope for the students of Alcorn is that one or more of them receives an internship and take advantage of such a remarkable opportunity.”