A local television station is coming to the University near you.

The University of Georgia Research Foundation and Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced the acquisition of WNEG-TV, channel 32, from owner Media General, Inc., according to a University news release.

“It is but a sketch on a canvas that all in the college are invited to paint,” Grady College Dean E. Culpepper Clark said to the college’s faculty and staff in an e-mail Wednesday.

The station serves northeast Georgia from studios in Toccoa, and the license will be transferred at closing on October 15.

The station will produce local programming, featuring University academic, cultural and athletic events, according to the release.

“The acquisition of WNEG is the foundation for development of a Center for Advanced Media, out of which the University plans to distribute its rich content statewide through multiple platforms ranging from satellite to cable to Web,” Clark said in the release.

University President Michael Adams noted in the release that by acquiring WNEG, the University joins a handful of universities nationwide that own commercial licenses.

“This provides a winning combination of strengthening local markets by emphasizing local interests while offering a real-world opportunity for faculty and students to work in research, development and teaching in media,” Adams said. “The revenue produced by this commercial venture will strengthen the operation of the television station while enhancing the research and outreach mission of the University.”

Clark said the first year of ownership would focus on programming and technical transition, during which the station would continue to operate out of its Toccoa studios until transferring to studios at Grady College. The new programming will begin in fall 2009, utilizing professional staff, University students and their faculty instructors.

“The new WNEG will provide students and faculty with new ways to experience and use media,” Clark said. “Indeed, all units that comprise the University will have at their disposal the means to create and distribute programming that informs, entertains and inspires the best.”