South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will host the first in-person stop of its “Your Stories, Your SCETV: Local News Outreach Tour and Listening Sessions” on Nov. 20 from 6–7:30 p.m. in the St. James Building at Voorhees University, located at 481 Porter Drive in Denmark.
Serving the Allendale, Barnwell and Bamberg counties, this event will bring together residents, students and community leaders for an evening of discussion, learning and connection focused on how local journalism can better serve the state.
The program will include a community mixer reception from 5-6 p.m. featuring light refreshments and a resource fair highlighting local organizations.
A town hall forum will begin at 6 p.m. and serve as the centerpiece of the evening, featuring a moderated conversation between community members and SCETV journalists. The discussion will focus on topics such as economic opportunity, education and HBCUs, local agriculture, healthcare, broadband and jobs. The forum will also include a segment dedicated to election information and voter awareness.
In addition, Voorhees University students will share insights on their experience participating in a student journalism workshop at SCETV. The workshop, led by SCETV journalists, introduces the students to the fundamentals of interviewing, fact-checking and multimedia storytelling, empowering them to create news packages about issues important to their community.
During the town hall discussion audience members are encouraged to share questions, feedback and ideas for future coverage, helping SCETV understand local news needs.
Through the Local News Outreach Tour and Listening Sessions, the agency aims to amplify community voices, strengthen trust in local journalism and elevate youth perspectives across South Carolina. Each stop in the statewide tour will include student journalism workshops, civic engagement opportunities and community forums designed to help shape future SCETV news coverage.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so registration is encouraged. For details about the tour and future stops, visit SCETV.org/newstour.
WHO: South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
WHAT: Local News Outreach Tour - Allendale, Barnwell and Bamberg Visit
WHEN: Nov. 20 from 6–7:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Voorhees University
St. James Building
481 Porter Dr.
Denmark, SC 29042
QUOTES
“By listening directly to communities like those in Allendale, Barnwell and Bamberg counties, we’re taking meaningful steps toward delivering trusted, impactful and locally relevant content to the people of the Palmetto State. This tour stop gives us the opportunity to listen, learn and ensure that the stories shaping this part of the state are reflected in our coverage.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Voorhees University is honored to partner with South Carolina ETV in providing a platform for open dialogue and authentic storytelling. This initiative aligns with our mission to educate, empower and elevate communities through knowledge and engagement. We are proud to help amplify the voices of the residents and students in Allendale, Barnwell and Bamberg counties as they share their stories and shape the future of our region.” –Voorhees University President Dr. Ronnie Hopkins
“Our goal is to build authentic relationships in regions that often go unheard in statewide media. By engaging face-to-face in places like Allendale, Barnwell and Bamberg counties, we’re reaffirming our commitment to local storytelling that uplifts the voices of every community in South Carolina.” –SCETV Assistant General Manager/Deputy Director Dr. Stephanie Cook
“Connecting directly with residents in Allendale, Barnwell and Bamberg counties allows us to better understand both the challenges and the opportunities that exist here. By hearing from those who live and work in these communities, we can strengthen our reporting and ensure it represents their realities and aspirations.” –SCETV News Director Darryl Huger
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will host the first in-person stop of its “Your Stories, Your SCETV: Local News Outreach Tour and Listening Sessions” on Nov. 20 from 6–7:30 p.m. in the St. James Building at Voorhees University.
- Serving the Allendale, Barnwell and Bamberg counties, this event will bring together residents, students and community leaders for an evening of discussion, learning and connection focused on how local journalism can better serve the state.
- A town hall forum will begin at 6 p.m. and serve as the centerpiece of the evening, featuring a moderated conversation between community members and SCETV journalists. Audience members are encouraged to share questions, feedback and ideas for future coverage, helping SCETV understand local news needs.
- The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so registration is encouraged. For details about the tour and future stops, visit SCETV.org/newstour.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About Voorhees University
Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Media Contacts
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
Tonya Hawley
thawley@consultant.voorhees.edu
(770) 380-0053
