State-of-the-art news laboratory for convergent multimedia to be unveiled

September 20, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A state-of-the-art news laboratory that will allow students to create content for all multimedia platforms will be unveiled Friday at the University of Florida.

The grand opening of the 21st Century News Laboratory is set for 3:30 p.m. in Weimer Hall. John W. Wright, dean of the UF College of Journalism and Communications, will host the event. Sharyl Attkisson of CBS News Washington and UF President Bernie Machen will speak. About 75 media executives, alumni, dignitaries and faculty are expected at the invitation-only event.

Guests will experience a student-led production highlighting the ways digital technology is changing journalism and featuring the advanced digital technology of the news lab. Afterward, tours of the college’s newly renovated multimedia facilities will be available before guests are entertained at a reception in The Champion’s Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The 21st Century News Laboratory is the first of three components of the Center for Media Innovation + Research, known as CMIR. The next phase of construction will be a digital lab for strategic communications. Then the college will create a digital communications think tank and research consortium. The news laboratory includes a 1,200-square-foot production studio, complete with professional lighting, sound studio and a large, multi-display video wall.

Attkisson graduated from the UF College of Journalism and Communications in 1982 with a degree in broadcast journalism. She was named CBS News’ Washington-based investigative correspondent in August 2007.