SCETV and USC Sumter announce plans for new shared-use facility in downtown Sumter
Sumter, SC (06/09/2026) — South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) and the University of South Carolina Sumter (USC Sumter) have entered into an agreement to construct a new shared-use facility in downtown Sumter that will expand educational opportunities, strengthen public media services and support workforce development in the region.
The project will be located at the southeast corner of East Liberty and North Harvin streets on property transferred by the City of Sumter to SCETV for construction. The new facility is designed to serve both institutions by providing space for academic instruction, media production and community engagement.
Under the agreement, USC Sumter will utilize the facility for classrooms, laboratories, offices and conference space to support its cooperative bachelor's degree programs offered through the University of South Carolina system. SCETV will expand its operations with new television and radio studios, control rooms, offices and production spaces, enhancing its ability to deliver local and statewide programming.
SCETV's presence in Sumter is anchored by ETV Sumter, one of the network's four regional studios that plays an important role in producing local content and engaging with the local community. The studio is best known as the longtime home of Making It Grow, SCETV's popular gardening and lifestyle program hosted by Amanda McNulty. Through Making It Grow and other locally produced initiatives, ETV Sumter helps highlight South Carolina's agriculture, culture and community stories while providing educational and engaging content to audiences statewide.
The downtown location is expected to create new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in media and related fields, helping prepare graduates for careers in South Carolina's evolving workforce. The project also reflects a shared commitment by SCETV and USC Sumter to invest in the economic and cultural vitality of the Sumter community.
The agreement outlines a collaborative approach between SCETV and USC Sumter to ensure long-term financial, operational and administrative stewardship of the facility.
Funding for the project has been secured through state appropriations. SCETV has been awarded $22.5 million for construction, while USC Sumter has received $5.5 million to support its portion of the project.
The facility is currently in the early stages of planning and design, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in fall 2027.
QUOTES
"This partnership with USC Sumter represents a meaningful investment in the future of South Carolina, and we are thankful to the South Carolina legislative delegation for their support in this monumental project. By bringing together education and public media in the heart of downtown Sumter, we are creating new opportunities for students, expanding our ability to serve communities and strengthening the connection between learning, storytelling and workforce development across our state." -SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"We are excited to partner with SCETV on this dynamic venture that will help USC Sumter re-imagine what hands-on learning can be for our students and for our community. The new facility will give students unparalleled opportunities with state-of-the-art equipment to help them engage, create and prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving communications, nursing and hospitality industries. My hope is that this building will serve as a hub of innovation and collaboration for many years to come." -USC Sumter Campus Dean Dr. Eric Reisenauer
FAST FACTS
- SCETV and USC Sumter have entered into an agreement to construct a new shared-use facility in downtown Sumter.
- The new facility will be located at the southeast corner of East Liberty and North Harvin streets.
- SCETV will expand operations with new television and radio studios, control rooms, offices and production spaces.
- USC Sumter will utilize the facility for classrooms, laboratories, offices and conference space.
- Funding for the project has been secured through state appropriations.
- Construction of the new facility is tentatively scheduled to begin in fall 2027.
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, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
University of South Carolina Sumter
Alethia Hummel, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, 803-938-3728, alethiah@mailbox.sc.eduShare this Story
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