ABC-affiliated television station and partner of Springfield-based newspaper The Republican, Western Mass News, will reportedly have a standalone studio on the premises of the $960 million MGM Springfield casino and entertainment complex upon its opening in September.
MassLive reports that according to MGM Springfield’s Tuesday announcement when the casino opens this fall the studio will “go live” and broadcast select news daily at its location near the complex’s outdoor plaza. Passersby will reportedly be able to see live broadcasts and interviews via the studio’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
According to officials, when not in use, the studio will host the “Western Mass News experience,” for invited guests.
The studio op Liberty Street in Springfield will remain the headquarters of Western Mass News.
Vice president and general manager for the Meredith Corporation-owned television station, John Hesslein, explained, “The addition of this studio validates the long-term growth of Springfield as a TV market and we’re looking forward to the opportunities it presents for our live, local programming.
“MGM Springfield is a great catalyst for the renaissance happening in the city and Western Mass News is looking forward to playing a role in Springfield’s growth by broadcasting from this new studio location in the heart of downtown,” added Hesslein.
MGM Springfield president Michael Mathis reportedly said that the addition of the Western Mass News live studio “will create a great energy for guests on the plaza.”
Mathis added, “There has never been a more exciting time in Springfield and with so much news to share about what’s happening around the city we’re thrilled Western Mass News chose to make their permanent home at MGM Springfield,” according to MassLive.
Last month, $60,000 in scholarships were approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for training at MGM’s dealer school. Located at 95 State Street in an MGM-owned building, the dealer school is a collaboration between MGM, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and Holyoke Community College.