News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

January 22, 2002

HARBOR COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS PLANS FOR NEW BROADCASTING FACILITIES

--Harman Secures Education Funds for Local Programs--

Wilmington Accompanied by Los Angeles Harbor College President, Dr. Linda Spink, and members of the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees, US Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) today toured the construction of the college’s new television broadcasting facility. Last month, Harman announced she had secured $800,000 in federal funds to upgrade the Harbor College Television Network Project.

“This network is an important asset for the college and will also serve a vital function in times of crisis,” said Harman. “This station will be able to provide accurate information from local emergency responders during a natural disaster or terrorist attack. Enhanced communication during these moments improves both our local as well as national security.”

Harbor College has the only school-operated television broadcast facility in the L.A. Community College System. The planned upgrade will make it possible for the college to broadcast to 3.5 million people in the L.A. Basin via existing cable TV operators. The network will be used to provide curricula to satellite students as well as report critical safety information to residents in the event of an emergency.

In addition, the television network provides opportunities for college students to gain first-hand experience in broadcasting.

“Distance learning programs such as this one will help integrate our higher education system with the technologies of the 21^st century,” declared Harman. “Students have more options and schools are able to reach more people.”

The federal funds for the Harbor College Television Network Project are included in the 2002 House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.

“Improving the quality of education in Los Angeles County is among my highest priorities, and I will continue to fight for innovative programs in the South Bay to prepare for the challenges of the new century,” Harman said.

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