The grand opening of the new NDSU Student Media Center was held Aug. 29 in the Memorial Union.

“People could view our new facilities,” Beck said. “They sat behind the anchor desk or felt what it’s like to be a meteorologist in front of a green screen. People saw the really top-notch media center we have."

The new facility houses the Bison Information Network, KNDS Radio and The Spectrum student newspaper. For the first time, all three student-run entities are in one location, which will promote cooperation and collaboration between the organizations.

“By bringing the media organizations together, students can experience that live, convergent nature of today’s media. Students have to think in terms of video, audio and written word together,” Beck said, noting graduating seniors should be ready to move into the workplace after working in this environment. “They’ll have experience in all three channels and have a more holistic perspective on where we are media-wise in the world today. They’ll say, ‘I can do this.’ ”

The center’s location on the second floor of the Memorial Union is also seen as a benefit.

“All three student media organizations are now right in the heart of student life,” Beck said. “People can walk by, look in the windows and watch the broadcasts live or talk to newspaper editors directly, if they like. The Student Media Center will be a more central and essential part of student life.”

The new space is 1,929 square feet and is located adjacent to the existing Spectrum offices.

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