Pierce County TV, the award-winning channel that provides transparency for nine local governments, has moved its operations to Bates Technical College under a new partnership that expands training opportunities for students.

PCTV is now operating out of offices and shared studio space on the college’s Central Campus, located on South 19th Street in Tacoma. Under the agreement, PCTV staff will work with college faculty to provide training for students with professional-grade video gear in the field and in the studio.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to work together,” said Dr. Stan Flemming, a Pierce County Councilmember and President of the Rainier Communications Commission, a panel of elected officials who oversee the channel’s operations. “Pierce County TV and Bates Technical College are natural partners, and this agreement will enhance the services offered by each.”

“Opportunities to develop skills for successful employment are vital for the success of our programs and students,” said Dr. Ron Langrell, president of Bates Technical College. “This partnership with Pierce County TV makes a significant investment to our Broadcasting/Audio/Visual Technology and Communication program, which prepares students for careers in the video, audio, film, television and multimedia industries.”

PCTV, which previously operated for more than 15 years from Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, operates television channels that air meetings and EMMY-nominated news programming for Pierce County and other local governments, agencies and schools. PCTV is available on channel 22 on the Comcast and Click! systems, and channel 20 on Rainier Connect. Programming is available on demand at www.piercecountytv.org.