Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) and West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) announce the creation of a one-year, paid media fellowship program called the West Virginia Media Diversity Fellowship. The Fellowship enables minority WVSU students to work alongside experienced, award-winning reporters, producers and other media professionals to “tell West Virginia’s story,” including the state’s rich and diverse ethnic history. “The West Virginia Media Diversity Fellowship Program is a perfect opportunity for us to bring back cultural diversity to an already diverse state,” said Dr. Ali Ziyati, Chair of the Department of Communications & Media Studies at WVSU. “It’s also an invaluable opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and cultural backgrounds through various media.” “Telling West Virginia’s diverse story is our mission at West Virginia Public Broadcasting,” said Scott Finn, Executive Director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. “I can’t think of a better partner than West Virginia State University, and we look forward to the stories these Fellows will tell.” Media Studies graduate students Ikram Benaicha and Scotty White are the first to become Fellows of the program and will work closely with WVPB to promote diversity in all aspects of public broadcasting development, including news, radio, television and social media. Upon successful completion of the program, WVSU and WVPB will provide Fellows with professional guidance and assist in job placement. For more information about the program, contact Dr. Ali Ziyati at 304-766-3195 or aziyati@wvstateu.edu. Follow on Facebook and Twitter .

-WVSU-