Topics: College of Communication Information and Media, Administrative

August 28, 2007

The David Letterman Communication and Media Building is a leading-edge facility that connects an impressive three-building communications complex, supporting three outstanding departments—communication studies, journalism, and telecommunications. It also houses the Center for Information and Communication Sciences (CICS) and the Center for Media Design (CMD), which has achieved a national reputation for ground-breaking communication research.

Quick facts

  • The new technologically advanced facility is named after David Letterman, the university's most prominent graduate and host of The Late Show with David Letterman on the CBS television network.
  • Over the years, Letterman has provided substantial assistance to the Department of Telecommunications, including an annual scholarship that bears his name.
  • Work began on the $21 million building in 2005, enclosing about 75,000 square feet of classroom, studio, and faculty office space. The building opened in August.
  • Cutting-edge equipment populates the $1 million production complex, which includes two recording studios, two control rooms, two isolation rooms, and five editing suites. The same equipment may be found in most of the top production houses and film studios in Hollywood, New York, and London.
  • At least 10 different telecommunications classes are utilizing the new production facilities.
  • The Letterman building features a clean, filtered, generator-protected, uninterrupted power supply for all critical digital systems.
  • The "Best of Telecommunications"—a sampling of Ball State student films, including Emmy and Student Academy Award winners, and works by Letterman Scholars—will be showcased in the 30-seat screening room, which features a high-definition projection system and surround sound.
  • Visitors will find light filled, healthy instructional areas, research labs, offices, and socialization areas that will be a part of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified facility.
  • The building was designed by the architectural firm MSKTD and Associates Inc., while the general contractor is W.A. Sheets Co., both of Fort Wayne.